Page 57 of Sweetest Temptation
“You’ll see,” he said with that smirk that always made my stomach flip.
Thirty minutes later, we arrived at a cozy studio tucked in a quieter part of the city. The soft glow from the windows promised something intimate, creative, and just a little daring. As we stepped inside, the scent of paint and turpentine mingled with the faint notes of music playing in the background. Easels were set up around the room, each with canvases and palettes waiting for eager hands.
And there, in the center of the room, was a live model completely nude, standing poised and confident—the very picture of elegance and raw form. I quickly glanced at Samir, whose expression was a mix of amusement and intrigue.
“Nude paint and sip?” I giggled. I had always wanted to attend one of these, but never got the chance to with my schedule.
“Thought we’d try something different tonight. You cool with this?”
“Yes! I always wanted to do one of these. Crazy how you thought of this.”
“See, I’m learning you, baby. We are going to be ‘couple goals,’ for sure.”
I laughed, shaking my head as we followed the hostess inside. “Couple goals? Don’t you think that’s thinking ahead kinda fast?”
“Maybe. Or maybe… I just know what Iwant.” His voice dipped low on the last word, and the way he said it made my stomach flip, so I opted not to respond.
The studio was softly lit, mellow R&B floating through the air. Tables were already set with canvases, brushes, and glasses of wine. The model stood at the center, draped loosely in a silk robe, waiting for the session to start. Samir pulled out my chair for me, and I sat, trying to ignore how my pulse sped up at the small gesture.
“Go ahead and order us some drinks,” he said, leaning close enough for his breath to tickle my ear. “Something that’ll keep that smile on your face.”
I smiled, glancing at him over my shoulder. “You got jokes.”
“Nah, I got plans.” He winked, causing me to cackle.
“Well, I think I’ll skip the alcohol.”
By the time the first hour passed, the paint, wine, and quiet music had me feeling both relaxed and tipsy. I set my brush down for a second and leaned over to glance at Samir’s canvas. My eyes widened, then I burst out laughing.
“Lordy!” I said between laughs, pointing at the painting, “This doesn’t even look like the model! Wait! Is that supposed to be me?”
He glanced at me as I leaned closer to the canvas. My eyes widened when I saw what he painted. The woman in his painting was lying on a bed on her stomach, with her hair sprawled over the pillow. The small cupcake tattoo on her back was identical to mine. My mouth dropped open.
“Samir!” I started laughing so hard that I had to cover my mouth. “You… You actually put me on the canvas like this? Naked?!”
He shrugged. “Artistic liberty. You should feel flattered, love. I mean, who wouldn’t want to paint a masterpiece like you?”
I shook my head, still laughing, but heat crept up my neck. “You are impossible. Absolutely impossible. I can’t believe you.”
“Believe it. I still can’t get that visual out of my head, seeing you sleep in my bed this morning. That shit was beautiful, Nova baby. And maybe later, you can give me a repeat.”
I couldn’t help but smile as if I weren’t a thirty-year-old woman, but a stupid little schoolgirl.
My date with Zanova was dope. I really enjoyed my time with her. After we left the paint-and-sip joint, we swung by her crib so she could pack an overnight bag. She’d agreed to stay the night with me, and I was happy when she didn’t fight me on it.
When the driver pulled up to my place, I noticed a black Honda Accord parked outside my gate. My stomach tightened. I knew exactly who it was, but the question was, how the hell did she know where I stayed?
As the driver pulled up, Paige stepped out of her car. She walked up to the truck and knocked on the window.
Zanova looked at me, eyes wide. “Who is that?”
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my tone casual, although I could feel my jaw tighten. “My ex-wife.”
“So… Your ex-wife justpops upon you from time to time?” Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “She doesn’t. I don’t know how the hell she even knows where I live.”
Zanova’s hands fidgeted in her lap, and I could feel the tension radiating off her. “That’s weird. Something you need to tell me?” she said, glancing at Paige, who was now leaning casually against my truck like she owned the place.
