Page 39 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Yeah, I do. I’ve been painting since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush in my hand.”

“I’d love to see some of your artwork.” I smiled.

“I can show you when we get back to my house.”

We finished our ice cream and drove back to her house. Stepping through the front door, I looked around at the meticulous, beautifully decorated space.

“Wow. This is nice.”

“Thanks. Ava, who is Grayson’s wife, helped me decorate it. She’s an interior decorator.”

I stood in front of the fireplace and looked up at the painting that hung above it. It was of a woman in a white flowy dress standing at the shoreline as the waves touched her feet.

“Is this you?” I pointed.

“Yeah.”

“Seriously?” I glanced at her. “You painted this?”

“Yes.” She laughed.

“Damn, Ella. It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you. Follow me, and I’ll show you my art room.”

I followed her up the stairs and down the hall. To the left was a room with easels, canvases, paints, and other artwork leaning against the wall.

“You painted these?” I stared at the beautiful artwork.

“I did.” She grinned. “Painting is my stress reliever. It relaxes me and takes me into another dimension.”

“They’re beautiful.” I turned and placed my hand on her cheek. “Just like you are.”

A bashful smile crossed her lips, and all I wanted to do was kiss her. Her eyes stared into mine. Leaning in, I softly brushed my lips against hers. They were soft, and my cock was quickly rising to the occasion.

“I’m sorry about that,” I said.

“Don’t be.” She smiled. “I enjoyed it.”

“Me too. I should go. It’s late.” I swept my finger across her forehead.

“Okay.” She took hold of my hand and led me down the stairs. “I had a really nice time tonight.”

“So did I,” I said, cupping her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kissed her lips one last time.

“See you tomorrow.” A smile crossed her face.

Opening the door, I walked out and climbed into my car. Driving home, all I thought about was her. Something sparked inside me from the moment I saw her back in New York. I always slept with women on the first date, but with her, I couldn’t. She was different and special. I knew she’d become a complication in my life, and I needed to tread carefully.

CHAPTER 12

Ella

My heart rapidly beat as I shut the door and leaned against it. I could still feel his lips against mine as his soft, tender kiss riveted me. Placing my hand on my fluttering belly, I tried to calm it. Taking a deep breath, I walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of wine before heading to bed. The sliding door opened, and Willow and Nicholas walked in.

“We saw him leave.” Nicholas smiled.

“He’s really hot.” Willow grinned, taking the glass from my hand and sipping from it.

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