She knew well enough I could, but I didn’t like Zep making insinuations about my wealth.
“Let’s grab something to eat. We can still go out if you want.” I had some good news to tell her, but now all I cared about was getting her fed and comfortable.
“Could you call out for something? I’d like to stay in.” I pulled her close. “Anything you want. I’ll call to the kitchen and have then bring us something.” I turned to Zep who was gathering his keys and wallet. “Are you going to be around?”
“No, I’m off to the docks. I’ll call you later. You two have fun. Ella, it was good to see you again.” Zep gave her a nod and turned to head for the door.
“Good to see you too,” Ella called after him just in time for him to give her a wink and pull the door to.
I sat on the couch with my phone. When she joined me, I pulled her into my lap and kissed her cheek. “Is there anything particular you want. My personal menus have some pretty basic food: chicken alfredo, burger and fries, French bread pizzas. You name it. I can have it here within the hour.”
“Impressive.” Her smile warmed me all over, and she nestled her face against my neck and kissed me there as I dialed up the kitchen and placed our order.
As promised, our food arrived, and we sat out on the patio looking at the pool until we finished.
In the quiet after dinner, while staring out at the butterflies who were fluttering over the hibiscus, I took her hand. “I have a little surprise for you.”
“Yeah? I hope it’s good. It’s going to be hard to top the bread.” She’d eaten nearly the whole loaf alone, and I had to admit that it was one of my favorites too.
“Oh yeah. I think you’ll think so, and I’ll be sure and pass along your compliments to the chef.” We share a little laugh, and I stroked her hand. “I talked to Delaney Graham last night, and he’s willing to let you come down to his studio and spend some time if you want. He said he could show you a trick or two and maybe if he likes your work, he can get you in with some buyers.” Her eyes lit, and she bounced in her seat.
“Really! That’s amazing! Thank you!”
I had expected a much different reaction. “He didn’t seem to understand why you haven’t been in touch already.”
Her face lit with confusion. “Why would I? According to Nola none of my mother’s contacts had room for me, and the buyers lacked interest.”
Of course, she had. Nola Blue was up to something. And I was going to find out what. “Are you excited?”
She leaned in close and kissed me, flattening her palm against my cheek. “Yes, thank you.”
“No need to thank me.” I patted her hand and kissed her, pulling her closer until she moved from her chair to my lap.
“If you don’t want to hear it, then perhaps you won’t mind if I show you show much I appreciate you thinking of me.” Her hand slipped down between us, stroking my length which was already stiff in my pants. “Are you okay with that?”
“Mm, more than okay.” I lifted her up so fast she let out a little squeal, and then she burst out giggling as I put her over my shoulder and carried her into my house.
Chapter 23
Ella
All of the blood had rushed to my head, and I couldn’t stop giggling as Aiden carried me into the house. He stopped next to the bed, and I could see us in the reflection from the mirror of his dresser. His hand raised and I felt a sharp smack of his hand against my ass. I’d wore jeans, and there was nothing quite like getting a spanking through denim to warm one’s backside.
“Ah!” I found myself on my back before I could kick or scream, but doing so would only be playing. I didn’t mind the spanking or being tossed down on the bed, and I especially didn’t mind when he wasted no time slipping off my shoes and tossing them to the floor.
His eyes stayed focused on mine, burning with intensity as he worked the buttons on my jeans and slipped them down over my hips, down to my knees and finally puddling around my bare feet. I kicked them off as he went for the hem of my shirt, which was a surprise. I’d expected him to slip my panties down, but his hands pushed my silky blouse up over my head, and I leaned up enough to accommodate.