The Vow (North Woods University 4)
18
Lily
I can’t believe it. I just can’t wrap my mind around this. It’s amazing. I’m standing in the center of the gallery looking at the many paintings displayed all around the walls… but these aren’t just any paintings, they’re mine. My paintings are on the walls, being sold, and displayed to everyone.
“Everything looks great,” Sebastian whispers into my ear, his arms wrapping possessively around my waist.
“Stop,” I order attempting to push him away even though I really want to do the same to him, “People are going to be here soon. Other students, and you know, your staff.”
The gallery is still empty, but hopefully, it will be bustling with people when the doors open. Even if it isn’t, I’ll mark this day down as a success.
“Okay,” he pulls away with a frown. “I’ll save it all for later.” Even though we’ve been having sex every night, I feel like we haven’t touched in months. It’s how I always feel about him now. It’s like I can’t get enough like I’m always starving for more.
The sound of high heels clicking against the gallery’s pristine hardwood floor meets my ears, and when I look away from the wall, I see Margret, the gallery’s manager walking out of the back room. Actually, not walking, more like runway strutting.
“Lily, darling! Everything looks wonderful,” she exclaims, waving her hands dramatically through the air. That is how I would describe her entire personality and personal style, dramatic. From her hair to her shoes, she reminds me of a peacock, always having her beautiful feather train on full display.
“Thank you, Margret, it means so much to be here and have my paintings displayed in your gallery,” I tell her wholeheartedly. She has no idea how much this… her support really means to me. Some commotion in the back room draws our attention, and for the slightest moment, I worry that something might be wrong.
“That must be the catering service,” she chimes and walks back, swinging her hips like she is walking down the catwalk. “Corbin, please watch the paintings,” she calls walking a little faster. I turn and meet Sebastian’s eyes, both of our lips turning up into massive grins.
“Is it bad that I want to take you back into one of the studio rooms and have my way with you?” His words cause a rush of heat to pulse through me.
“Sebastian,” I warn knowing if he touches me, I’ll end up giving in to him. I’m drunk on him. High off his love, and his touch all but short circuits my brain. I haven’t dropped out of classes yet, but if I have my way, I will soon. I’m tired of school, I want to concentrate on my art, and I’m tired of sneaking around.
“Yes, I know. I’ll behave myself, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to be thinking about stripping you down when I get home.”
Shaking my head, I ignore the heat that flames my cheeks and walk over to a different set of paintings to put some space between us. I can practically see Sebastian grinning out of the corner of my eye. That bastard. He knows what he does to me.
It doesn’t take long before people start to file in, Jules, Remington, and Lex are the first people to walk through the door, they all showed up to show their support, and the gesture isn’t lost on me. Especially knowing that my grandparents are not going to come. Trying to force the thought away, I turn my attention back to Jules.
“Congratulations, Lily,” Jules beams with excitement as she wraps her arms around me, “All these paintings are gorgeous.”
“Thank you.” I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to all this praise.
“It’ll be nice to have an artist in the family,” Remington says next, also giving me a hug. I don’t respond because what the hell do I say to that? I’m not really part of their family, but they have been treating me as such since I came back to North Woods. Still, Sebastian and I aren’t going to get married anytime soon. That is unless Rem knows something I don’t.
Jules elbows him in the side and rolls her eyes, “Don’t worry, he’s just making plans inside his head for his brother.”
“Take a look around and let me know if you see anything you like. I may know the artist and could possibly get you a discount,” I wink as I’m walking away. Jules gives me a tiny wave, and I meander around the room, conversing with the other guests. I do my best not to get jealous when a group of female professors walk in and greet Sebastian.
All I want to do is scream he’s mine when I recognize one of the women, it’s the woman I’ve seen him with twice now. The last time I saw her was the night in his office, and even though that night ended well, the sting of jealousy remains.