"You needed more sleep. I didn't want to bother you."
"I do feel a lot better this morning than last night. I was exhausted even lying on the couch all evening."
"How's your cold? Are you almost back to normal?"
He shrugged. "It's better. I don't think I have a secondary infection. Luckily, we have nothing to do except enjoy each other's company."
I smiled and slipped my arms around his waist, resting my head against his chest.
"Luckily."
Despite his cold, Drake found things to do to keep himself busy for the next two days and so I did as well, spending time at the studio, working on the second canvas. You couldn't identify Drake unless you knew him. I was cautious enough about Drake's reputation that I didn't even want my painting to be recognizable. I knew it was him though, from the shape of his chest, the squareness of his jaw that was visible just under the shadow of his arm, the black hair, and the way his hair trailed down from his navel to his groin, hidden under the sheet.
On the third day, Drake was up early as usual. He'd showered and was standing at this closet with only his boxer briefs, socks and unbuttoned shirt, humming to himself as he selected a tie to wear. I was still in bed under the covers, enjoying watching him do such a mundane thing as dress.
"What's going on in that mind of yours, Ms. Bennet?"
I smiled to myself. "Just admiring the view."
"Oh, you were, were you? See something you like?"
"Something I like very much."
He selected a tie and then turned to face the bed, smiling as he threaded it around his neck and began tying it. "You can have it later this afternoon, if you want. I've deprived you for the past few days. I don't want you unsatisfied."
"I've been very busy the past few days working on a project," I said.
"How's your painting going? Can I see it?"
I shook my head. "Not until it's finished, but it's a gift for you."
He smiled. "I'm glad you're painting again. I was worried that you'd be really bored with nothing to do, now that you've withdrawn from courses and took a leave from the paper."
"I'm glad to be painting again."
Then I thought about Kurt and I knew I had to tell Drake.
"There's something we have to talk about, Drake."
He smiled and bent down to kiss me. "Sure," he said. "I'm a bit rushed, but later, when I get home."
He kissed me again, smiling softly. Nothing in his behavior suggested he had anger bottled up inside of him. Nothing in our sexual experiences suggested that he had a sadistic streak. Dawn and Sunita's warnings rang hollow.
While Drake finished dressing, I ran to the bathroom to brush my teeth quickly so my breath would be fresh. I snuck back under the covers and waited for him to come and say goodbye. He finished dressing then came over to me, sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning over me.
"You look so delicious Ms. Bennet," he said, his eyes twinkling like the old Drake, "I think I'm crazy to leave you here all warm and snuggly under the covers."
"You have things to do. I'm glad you're feeling so much better. Can you join us for lunch at my parent's today?"
He nodded and ran his fingers down my cheek. "Should I pick you up or will you get a ride over to you father's?"
"I think I'll walk. I've been locked inside the studio for a couple of days. I need the exercise. I'll meet you there at 12:30?"
"Sounds like a plan." He kissed me again and smiled. "Then, after lunch, I want dessert. In other words, I want you," he said and slipped his hand down under the covers to my breast. "I have to make up for lost time. I hope you're ready for me, because I'll be more than ready for you."
A thrill went through me at that and I smiled. "I'll have a hard time eating my lunch when you talk that way."
"Good. I'm feeling very deprived. I'm sure you feel that way as well."