Katherine
I love the sound of my keyboard as I strike the keys. Letters form words, words form sentences and before I know it I have added another chapter to my novel.
Today I’m on fire. The words cascade onto the page.
Occasionally I glance at the dozen red roses perched on the desk to my left. The little card that came with them is now occupying a prime position on the shelf just above my workspace. Only the most precious items make it there.
The words are etched into my mind. I’m probably reading too much into them, but Robin had said I should jump off the cliff.
The alarm on my clock signals I have been writing for an hour and it’s time to take a break.
I lean back in my chair and stretch languidly, like a cat. Time for a caffeine and sugar hit. If I’m to add another two thousand words before the end of the day, I better keep writing.
As I walk into the little kitchen of my apartment, I recall the phone call with my agent a day ago. The publisher was itching for a draft. I had promised to deliver soon.
Just as I turn on my espresso machine my phone blasts out the tune of ‘You’re so hot.’
“Hello sexy,” I purr into the phone.
Laughter.
“Hey gorgeous.”
His deep melodic voice sets of a longing in every part of my body. I’m definitely floating after having jumped off that cliff.
“What’s up?” I had not heard from him all day.
“Just wondering if my angel wants to come over for dinner.”
I instantly feel a lusty desire overcome me. Maybe we could start with dessert and skip dinner as soon as I get there.
I barley recognize myself in these thoughts and I suppress a giggle.
“Where are we going?” I want to know if I need to dress up or if I can just slip on my sandals and head out straight away.
“I’m cooking.” Blake says and suddenly I can’t wait to be with him.
It’s insane how this man has invaded every part of my life and taken over. In his presence I feel complete.
It takes me less than five minutes to check my appearance and I’m out of the door.
When Blake opens the door, I smile. He grabs me, pins me to the wall and kisses me. The kiss is demanding, forceful and mind-blowing. My thoughts turn to a molten mass of uselessness.
When he releases me, I breathe hard and want more. Already I’m wet between the legs.
I follow Blake to the kitchen.
He hands me a glass of red.
“Trying to get me drunk so you can have your way with me.” I quip and take a sip.
Blake throws his head back with laughter.
Without warning he’s in front of me, hands on my breast and ass.
“I know you’re putty in my hands.”
My nerve endings tingle in anticipation. I smile. But evil thoughts try and force their way into my happy state.
I can almost hear Dale’s taunts. Everyone knows you will be discarded.
“Hungry?”
“Sorry?” I didn’t hear the question.
Concern registers on Blake’s face.
“You okay?”
I nod and force myself to smile. Stop those negative thoughts, I tell myself.
“Are you hungry?”
The low rumble of my stomach is an answer of sorts.
“I haven’t eaten since breakfast,” I confess.
“Excellent.”
He leads me out onto the balcony where he has set a table for two with flowers and two tall white candles. I feel as if I’ve walked into a four-chef-hat restaurant.
There are pale pink plates, proper silver cutlery and starched white serviettes folded into swans.
“Take a seat.” He pulls out a chair. “I’ll be back with our meal.” I feel him kiss the top of my head before he turns.
I watch him walk back to the kitchen. How many of his other models have sat here like this?
Stop those thoughts, Kat.
Briefly I close my eyes. Think about all the positive signs. He did agree not to use the painting. He’s cooking dinner.
Yes, but we all know he discards his models like other men discard their underwear. Dale’s voice again.
“Voila.”
I didn’t hear Blake come back.
In front of me waft the delicious smell of dinner.
I cut a piece of steak and am instantly transported to another time. My grandmother had made the best steaks I ever tasted.
“Not too rare?”
I can hear the concern in his voice.
“It’s perfect.”
And it is. The meat is still a little pink but ever so tender.
There is only one way I know how to push my doubts to one side.
“I know you can cook from the first time you invited me over for dinner, but I didn’t know you are this good.”
Blake winks at me.
“I still have many talents you are yet to discover, babe.”
The lump in my throat grows a little.
“Really,” I try to sound light-hearted. I must not let Dale’s comments get to me. I must enjoy this time with Blake.
“You’ll find out. All in good time.”
I relax a little.
I notice the way he is suddenly looking at me as I take a sip of my wine.
“Do I have food on my face?”
He shakes his head.
“I can’t help but you stare at you. You are just so perfect.” He shakes his head. “The way you pick up your glass and wrinkle your nose ever so slightly as you take a sip is so unique about you. There are so many little quirks you have…I wish I could capture them all.” He sighs and smiles at me.
My heart is beating a little faster. Does he mean what he is saying? Does he see more in me than simply someone to have sex with?
I know I do. I know Blake completes me. But can I trust him? I trusted Dale and look where that took me.
“Did I say something?” Blake leans toward me.
I smile. Jump and float.
“I’m fine, more than fine. I’m happy.”
My lips part as they meet his. Instantly, fireworks rip through me. His tongue finds mine and I know what’s for dessert.