Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jesse
Sebastian and I fell into a new routine that worked like magic.
Despite the dark cloud of Janine’s disapproval, I did my best to make him happy.
After all, a relationship was between two people.
Three was a crowd—unless we counted Robin, who was both a delight and a pest. Sometimes we’d find the apartment littered with toilet paper, and Robin sleeping angelically in an impossibly twisted position, exhausted after redecorating.
Other times, we had small victories, like when he learned to stop chewing the plants or sharpening his claws on the sofa. Educating a kitten was a slow process.
The work on Ben’s house moved along quicker than I’d anticipated, probably because I loved creating the art.
I rarely put in less than ten-hour days.
Afterward, I drove home, zombie-like, and Sebastian would revive me with great meals, hot showers, tender massages, and incredible sex.
I’d started preparing breakfast some mornings.
It was hard not to get discouraged after my burned caramel-apple sauce and cinnamon toast triggered the smoke alarm, but Sebastian was a patient teacher.
One day, he insisted on seeing what I’d done at Ben’s house.
Since Ben was still out of town, I decided it couldn’t hurt.
Sebastian’s reaction boosted my ego like nothing else.
By the time I finished the tour, he was already planning to have me redecorate his apartment, jotting down ideas for wall paintings and colors.
“Go away.” I laughed. “I’ll need a month to recover after finishing all this. Don’t talk to me about future projects now.”
“You’ll need to look at things in perspective when you’re a full-time artist.” He winked.
“I’m not sure if that will ever happen. It’s been a good couple of months, but that doesn’t mean I’ll make a living just from my art.”
“Oh, I think you will. Remember that article in ARTnews?” He referred to one of the most prestigious art magazines in the country. “They wrote a glowing piece about your exhibit.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I recalled the article. I’d saved screenshots on my phone that I looked at every day.
“I did receive quite a few emails after that article. I’m actually negotiating a few contracts right now. An interior design company asked me to consider a consulting position, based on commission.”
Sebastian was gazing at the complex mural on the bedroom wall, portraying a foggy night and a yellow boat on a lake.
He turned around. “That’s wonderful. What did you tell them?”
I grinned. “I told them to send me an offer. Between that, the hardware store, and the freelance work, the money could add up to a decent amount.”
“I thought you were going to hire someone to manage the store permanently.”
“That’s the plan. I’ll have to organize interviews soon. Lucy starts college in the fall, and she won’t be able to work full-time anymore. I’ll hate losing her.” I shook my head. “She’s amazing. Sales seem to have doubled since I hired her.”
Sebastian wrapped his arms around my waist. “I’m sure you’ll find someone just as good. If you like, I can help with the interviews.”
I smiled, remembering some of the nuts I’d talked to last time. “That could be interesting. Now, go to work. I need to finish this by tonight. By the middle of next week, I should be done with everything.”
He kissed me softly, brushing my hair from my forehead. “I’m so proud of you, Jess. You turned this house into an art gallery. I’ve never seen such cool stuff in my life.”
I lowered my eyes with a lopsided smile. I’d always been awkward at receiving compliments. Sebastian’s words meant more than anything to me.
“Thanks. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Don’t work too late. You promised we’d catch a movie,” he reminded me.
“And you promised me homemade pizza.”
“It shall be done. I’ll hit the gym after work, then put on my apron when I get home.”
He gave me a noisy kiss and rushed out. Despite my protests, he’d followed me here on his motorcycle so he’d have transportation.
I didn’t like him riding that damn thing, but I tried not to act like a nagging wife.
He knew my concerns, and this was the first time he’d ridden the bike since we’d reconciled.
I was going to have a serious talk with him and convince him to sell it.
If necessary, I’d act all girly and take out my lady weapons.
Yes, I would sink that low for the sake of his life and my peace of mind.
After Sebastian left, I put on my work gear and carried my supplies upstairs to the master bedroom.
Most of the house had been decorated according to the sketches I’d discussed with Ben.
When he returned, I’d see if he wanted anything else.
Today, I planned to finish the mural—that eerie, foggy night on a cold lake.
I’d chosen blue and yellow as the main colors, with many shades of gray for the fog.
I wanted to add a dramatic sky above, full of contrast, yet not menacing. That was going to be a challenge.
I set up my ladder, prepared my spray cans, started my playlist, and got to work. I realized too late I’d forgotten to turn up the AC, but I was too focused to pause. Besides, I was cool enough in my cutoff jeans and sports shoes without socks.
A couple of hours later, I’d sweated through my faded blue T-shirt, my hair felt like I’d taken a shower, and I was convinced my arms would fall out of their sockets. My fingers ached and trembled from the constant controlled pressure on the sprayers.
I was thinking about taking a break, when I heard a man clearing his throat behind me.
Too tired to jump in fear, I turned slowly, careful not to fall off the ladder.
Ben stood in the doorway, a wide smile on his face and a bottle of champagne in his hand.
He was tanned, his hair blonder than usual—sun or salon, I couldn’t tell.
He looked fresh as a summer day in beige slacks and a white shirt.
“Well now, that’s a view to come home to.” He gave me a blinding smile, his eyes moving over me unnervingly slowly, making me aware of every inch of my sweaty body.
“Ben, I didn’t know you were coming today.” I raked my fingers through my hair and climbed down the ladder.
His gaze lingered over my breasts. It was suicide to wear a bra in this heat, doing this kind of work, so I’d gone without, not knowing Ben would show up unannounced.
I bent and grabbed my towel, wiped off my face and hair, then casually hung it around my neck, grateful it was large enough to cover my chest.
“I was supposed to be there until next week,” Ben explained, “but I was tired and eager to come home.” He took in the nearly finished mural.
“This is splendid! I could watch this for hours. Now I’m sorry I didn’t ask you to paint the ceiling.
This will challenge my imagination to find different ways to enjoy the view when I’m in bed. ” He winked.
I gave him a half smile. The discussion was making me slightly uncomfortable. I did not want to imagine Ben in bed. Despite his athletic figure, I didn’t find him attractive.
I opened my water bottle and drank deeply. Before I could cap it, Ben reached out and took it from my hand. He wiggled the champagne bottle instead.
“Don’t fill up on water, save some room for this,” he said in a singsong voice.
“I don’t drink on the job, remember? Unless we’re celebrating something.”
He glanced around. “It looks to me like you’re pretty much done, which calls for a celebration. Am I right?”
I swiped the towel over my forehead. We really needed to turn up the AC. It was sweltering.
“I’m pretty much done,” I admitted. “Have you seen the rest of the house?”
“Only the downstairs. Your singing guided me up here and into the bedroom.” His tone was unmistakably flirty.
I hoped he wouldn’t take my burning cheeks as encouragement. I was mortified at the thought of anyone hearing my crappy singing.
“Let me give you the grand tour then.” I guided him out.
We walked from room to room, starting with the upper floor. I pointed out my work, explaining the themes I’d chosen and why. Ben looked truly pleased, a permanent smile plastered on his face.
“I’m done with most of the walls.” I descended the stairs, with Ben behind me, still holding the champagne.
“I’ve also sketched out some paintings and ideas for clay work, but those will take another couple of weeks.
” I stopped at the bottom. “For instance, I was thinking of creating a vase for a coffee table. About twenty inches tall, portraying a bust of Aphrodite. The top of her head would be open, containing an arrangement of immortal flowers—those cryogenic flowers that last for dozens of years.”
He was awestruck. “That is a spectacular idea. You’re simply brilliant, a genius, I swear.”
Pleased, I shrugged and walked into the kitchen. “Thank you. It’s just practice.”
“It’s more than that.” Ben set the champagne on the counter and turned to face me. “It’s talent. It’s instinct. It would have never crossed my mind.”
I smiled. “It didn’t have to. That’s why you have me.”
“Well... I was hoping I would have you for a lot more than that.”
My smile vanished as he leaned forward with a seductive expression. Before I knew it, his lips were getting dangerously close to mine.
Guided by instinct, I planted my hands against his chest and shoved hard. He staggered back and stumbled over a large paint can, falling on his ass.
“What the—” He stared up at me, bewildered and embarrassed.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I shouted, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, though his lips hadn’t actually touched mine.
His blue eyes turned from glassy to ice cold as he got to his feet and straightened his clothes.
“Isn’t that what you wanted me to do?”
“Hell, no! Whatever gave you that idea?”
“How about you flaunting your tits and bare legs around my house?” He gestured at my body. “What are you asking for, if not this?”