Chapter 12
Elise - Goals
I’m reviewing the Ottawa fellowship interview preparation materials, making sure my portfolio properly showcases all of the things they’re looking for, when I notice something I don’t recall seeing before. A six-month residency requirement.
My heart sinks. How did I miss this? Obviously, I want to do everything I can to further my career and it makes sense that I should be physically present for the entire time, but I’ve got so much going on here right now.
I’ve finally made it onto the radar of Florida’s arts scene.
Plus, I’d be lying to myself if I said that I could go without seeing Jax for six months.
I need to talk this through with someone, and for this, it’s not him.
“Shay! Did you know there’s a six-month residency requirement for the Ottawa fellowship?”
“Hello to you, too. And so what? You need to go where the opportunity takes you. Ottawa is the epicenter of the winter arts scene. Why wouldn’t you want to live there?”
When I don’t have a ready answer for her, she continues. “If this has anything to do with Jax…”
“It doesn’t,” I lie. She can’t see me so she doesn’t know I literally crossed my fingers behind my back as if that will negate the untruth.
“Elise. I’m your best friend and your business advisor.
I wouldn’t be doing my job in either role if I allowed you to make important decisions with your heart rather than your head.
Look where that got you before. You need to focus first and foremost on your career.
I like Jax, but a new relationship or whatever you want to call it, can fizzle out quickly.
Artistic success can be fleeting. You have to grab opportunities when they come or you could be left behind.
I know this is hard to hear, but it’s time for some tough love. Get your priorities straight, girl.”
I know she’s right, but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. I’m so torn. Maybe I won’t even get the fellowship. But if I do…
And that’s when I come to a decision. I’m not going to waste a moment.
It’s time to take my own advice. The trip to the rock wall with Jax was meant to show him that sometimes we need to let go of trying to control every situation and see where things take us.
So that’s what I’m going to do. Make the most of the time I have with Jax now, and figure out the rest later. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
When Jax arrives at the cottage for dinner, I’ve got something else waiting for him.
I’ve lowered the Bahama shutters on my windows just enough to darken the inside of the cottage, but still allow the breeze to float through.
Lit candles are flickering softly throughout the living area and in my bedroom, creating erotic shadows on the walls and a soft glow inside the house.
The sounds of the waves crashing on the beach and the rhythmic call of the seagulls provide nature’s own background music.
I’ve got several bowls filled with cold water and ice cubes ready for our enjoyment, and I’m wearing a simple halter dress with nothing underneath.
When I hear Jax step onto the front porch, I grab an ice cube and stand inside the door waiting for him.
He walks in, and once his eyes adjust to the darkness, he focuses on me, smiling as I approach.
I stop an arms-length away from him and we lock eyes.
I then produce the ice cube, running my tongue back and forth over it, giving him a little demonstration of what’s to come.
I can see his body’s reaction and hear the thump-thump of his heart as I close in, placing what’s left of the cube between my lips and rising up on my tippy-toes to kiss him, transferring the cold object to his mouth as our tongues meet in a mixture of fire and ice.
The stark contrast of cold ice and warm mouths sends shivers down my spine and a tingling all over as Jax pulls me close and picks me up in his arms.
I wrap my legs around him, the soft material of his shirt caressing my core, dampening it instantly.
Without breaking the kiss, Jax walks us forward, then turns to settle us on the sofa with me facing him on his lap.
The ice cube long gone, he breaks the kiss, but the hunger in his eyes tells me he wants more.
He clears his throat to speak. “Princess, that is the sexiest hello I’ve ever received.”
I grin. “Would you like to leave and come back in for another greeting?”
“Hell, no. I’m not letting you out of my sight, even for a second.”
“Good. Because I’m in a playful mood tonight, and we’ve got plenty of ice and plenty of time.”
“Are you sure? Because I’m used to spending long hours playing on ice.”
I take him by the hand and lead him into my bedroom, pushing him down gently to sit on my bed.
I then face him, slowly lowering my dress.
He looks like a man dying of thirst and I’m about to quench it.
I step out of the dress and reach over to the large bowl I placed by the bed.
Taking out a wet ice cube, I slowly slide it across my chest, letting droplets of water drizzle down my breasts.
He swallows audibly and I can’t help but notice the bulge in his pants.
My nipples harden in anticipation as he gently takes the cube from me and runs it lightly over my lips, then my nipples, and ever so slowly down my belly, stopping just short of my core. His eyes bore into mine, and I silently will him to take control, my body tingling in anticipation.
“Lie down on your stomach,” he commands.
He gathers my hair in his hand and gives it a gentle tug before exposing the back of my neck.
Then he takes the cube and swirls it around the area near my nape and slides it down my spine and lower back.
By now the ice is almost completely melted.
When he takes his tongue and proceeds to lick the trail of water left by the cube, my body thrums in anticipation and a low moan escapes my lips.
The contrast of the coolness of the water and the warmth of his tongue creates a rush of sensations that has my senses reeling and my body begging for relief.
I turn back over and open myself to him.
“Oh, Princess, I’m not done yet.” He gets another cube and shakes it gently over me, each drop pinging me like a slight electric charge, creating a restless energy that amps up with each droplet.
I watch, mesmerized, as he places the cube in his mouth and kisses my center, then proceeds to pleasure me with his tongue.
When the ice is completely melted, I’m drenched from melted ice water and the wetness resulting from Jax’s exploration. When I beg for relief, the deep rumble of Jax’s chuckle sends gentle ripples through me, stimulating me even more, to the point that I have to have him now.
“Jax! I can’t wait any longer. I need to come. Please!”
“I will never deny you, Princess,” he growls as he places his hands on my breasts to tease my nipples while he continues to feast on my juices. When he takes one hand from my breast and slides a finger inside me, I nearly explode in pleasure.
As I gradually fall back to earth, Jax cradles me in his arms and kisses me softly, returning to me the sweet nectar of my own femininity infused with melted ice.