Page 40 of Painting Her Fate

Her sass is back in full force once again and my body has taken noticed. I’ve been in a damn near perpetual state of arousal all day because of this woman. Her light floral scent of lavender, her seductive laugh, her aptitude to defend herself, the way she owns her femininity and sexual prowess, and most of all, that sass.Mercy, please.

We make our way to her condo unit, and I’m surprised to find that Lili lives on the same floor as my sister. We make our way to her door and she’s quick to unlock it.

“Do not worry about taking off your shoes. Toilet is down the corridor if you need it, first door on the right. I’m only needing to change, give me like, six minutes.” She heads into the bedroom at the end of the hallway, leaving me to my vices. Six minutes. Should I time her?

I look around at the open space; the wall of windows adds a pristine view of the waterfront below, and while there is a long set of bookshelves that is damn near full to bursting, there is little here to really tell me about this girl. The television is massive, it’s a bachelor’s ultimate dream size for sports viewing. I want to ask her if I can come over and watch a game or two on this beauty. I’ll sweet-talk her into it, just you wait. The couch is a navy-blue sectional that is big enough to be a bed, and looks comfortable as all get up, then I spot a guitar sitting in the corner of the living space. Beyond that there is an art easel by the balcony doors, a six-piece dining area in the middle, and the kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom to my right. It’s a simple place but I see why she likes it.

In my next house I’d really like a pool, or a pond, and I’d also want to be closer to the crick to fish. The esthetics inside a house do not matter to me. Alright, maybe a decent sized garage to tinker in, and a soaking tub. Hey, don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it. My current home has too many rooms and too many damned memories of my time with the ex. Maybe that is why I’m at the bar so often rather than my own home. Every time I walk through that door, I expect to find my ex-fiancée on the couch with a glass of white wine, and her favorite housewives show on the television.

Rebecca’s not coming back, and you’re the sorry sap who hates being alone.

I say, good riddance.

With six minutes almost up, I begin to wander around. Near the balcony entrance is an art easel, supplies, canvases, and a few pieces of artwork already completed. I walk to the easel and find a medium sized painting of damn close to the exact view looking out, minus the boat that is in the picture. All the tiny details are astounding.

Holy shit this girl is gifted with paint.

“It’s something I do to pass the time.” Her voice is quiet as she speaks.

I turn around to look at her and my breath catches. She is striking with her hair up in a ponytail again, exposing her long neck. How I’d love to trail my mouth along all that bare flesh. The waves in her hair add an edgy look to match with her dark eyeliner and worn Black Sabbath t-shirt. Her bandaged arm is the only thing that offsets the look. The same dark blue jeans hug her curves and accentuate her thighs, thighs I’d like to wrap around my waist as I pin her up against the wall and have my way with her.

I clear the lump in my throat and try to dispel the erotic escapades floating through my mind.Down boy,Imentallyberate myself and come up with something to say.

“You’re really good.” I stammer, that body of hers is so damn distracting.

Both arms come up to tighten her hair tie and her shirt lifts just enough for me to get a peek of her midriff.Was that a hint of a tattoo I saw just now?

“Thank you. Ready to go?” She asks, and I sense she’d prefer the topic not be on her, she’s deflected like this more than once today, “Ford sounded a bit busy, and I’m thrilled. Let’s go.” then toes on her black converse sneakers.

I shake my head to reorganize my thoughts, then I follow her to the door. Knowing how my sister Emma makes friends with anyone, I’ll have her spilling what she knows about her neighbor in no time at all.

Minutes later we pull up to the bar and find a space in the back. As we make our way to the kitchen door, I tell her one last time that she shouldn’t feel the need to bartend for me. I’m about to add more to my rant but she speaks first, enjoyment lighting her body language.

“This is fun for me, Alexander. Nothing is going to break me from my happy mood, so stop with the asking.”

“You win,” I hold my hands up in submission, “this should be a fun night indeed,mistress.” I’m quick to add in a wink before swinging the door wide and gesturing for her to enter.

“Awe, look who finally made it to the shitshow. It just started picking up out there.” Ford says as he shakes around the metal bowl of chicken wings covered in sauce. He catches sight of our guest then a huge grin lights his face.

“Well, hey there pretty lady. Nice to see ya again.” He dishes the wings onto a plate and a server is quick to carry them off.

“Lili here heard that we were short a bartender tonight and would like to help out.” I turn to her, that excited energy she displays is infectious.

“I hope you know a thing or two about those bottles out there. Our customers tend to like the gross girly sweet shit. No offense.” Ford spouts off, but he has a point. Lili laughs.

“None taken. I prefer a good whiskey over that girly shite any day.” She winks at him then clasps her hands behind her back and rocks on her heels. I can tell she is comfortable to be around Ford, most women that meet him tend to think of him as a blunt asshole at first, can’t deny that notion. Then he’ll slather that sweet southern charm of his and, just like that, the women flock to his side, the proud cocky bastard.

“I’m going to show Lili around and make quick introductions. I’ll be in to help in a few.” I lead her through the doors to the server station where Maddie, my awesome and dependable head waitress is tapping on the screen as she places an order for a table.

They hit it off great, offering one another help if they should need it. We pass the stage, dining tables, televisions, and restrooms, then finally to the pool table and bar where Trent looks busy as shit. No matter how busy he is, there is never an ounce of him showing being flustered. This kid owns his place behind my bar; I wish I had more like him.

Don’t let him fool you though, Ford’s been in his head on how best to use his features to flirt with the ladies- and the men.

“Trent, this is Lili. Can you show her the ropes for me? Ford is about to have a breakdown back and could use my help.” He gives a chin lift and bright smile then I turn and meet Lili’s exuberant stare, “Trent knows this bar like the back of his hand. I’ll be right through there if you need anything,” I squeeze her hand and watch her smile broaden, “You sure you’re good?”

“Yes!” She laughs, “now go!” She nods while waving me off. I hear her asking questions as she begins effortlessly gearing up her station. I give

Trent my, ‘come get me if you need me’ look, and he sends me a two-finger salute.Guess we will find out if she can stand the heat.

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