I returned to the gallery and was called into Mark’s office. The power that man oozes from behind his desk is enough to make me forget every other man and my name. He then proceeded to drill me about Ricco and to warn me that artists could use my eagerness for success to manipulate me. He said it was his responsibility to protect me. I told him I didn’t need protection. His reply: My gallery. My employee. My protection. Those words were laced with possessiveness, and the way he’d looked at me . . . I felt more naked than I have felt with my legs spread wide for any other man. The air thickened with awareness between us. And then, in a snap, it was gone as if it had never happened, and maybe it didn’t. Maybe it was my imagination.
Mark proceeded to test me on the material he’d given me to study. I’m pleased that I passed with flying colors despite my crazy work schedule. I’m not as pleased about being tested every afternoon in his office, but that’s his plan. Until I convince him I’m ready, Mark won’t put me on the showroom floor. He was quick to tell me that he plans to push me to my limits.
I left the meeting with the same feeling I’d had the night I’d visited the gallery the first time. This man is going to have a profound impact on my life.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Hot banker dude Josh showed up at my door right after I got home tonight. This is what happens when you are a chicken and don’t return phone calls. He had a bottle of wine and roses for me. I tried to be strong. I told him I wasn’t in a place to date. He said okay, let’s just share the wine.
I should have said no again. But he just looked so scrumptious and smelled so good, and I felt bad about not calling him back. The next thing I knew, I was naked and he was licking me all over and I was panting like a wanton wench who didn’t have any sense in her head. I blame Mark for turning me wet and wanting every time he walks into the room. And I already knew Josh was gifted with his tongue, and boy was he. I was quivering with release in no time.
I tried to repay the orgasm by giving him a blow job, but he didn’t let me. He decided to lick me all over again and gave me yet another orgasm. The man was determined to win me over. Then he fucked me and he did it well. That man hit all the right spots in all the right ways.
I should have been won over. So why was it still not enough? I know he thought it would be; I saw it in his eyes. I told him nothing had changed, and he said okay again, we’d be fuck buddies. If he’d meant it, I might think it wasn’t such a bad idea. A no-commitment kind of thing. I don’t have time for more than a wham-bam-hit-me-with-an-orgasm-or-two kind of relationship.
Only, he didn’t mean it. This gorgeous man with bedroom skills very few men possess, who is sweet and sexy, and successful, must have a long list of woman chasing him, but he wants me. I told him I didn’t think the fuck buddy thing would work out. He told me he’d show up with another bottle of wine and convince me otherwise.
Oh, yes. I made a mistake by fucking him last night. I’ve opened up a big can of trouble.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
I visited Ricco’s home today and took a tour of his private gallery. It was spectacular and he had a Mexican chef prepare an authentic Mexican meal for us that was amazing. I asked him millions of questions about his art and his creative process and he answered them all. And when he asked me about my life, I shocked myself by almost crying when I told him about my mother dying of lung cancer. I don’t know why I told him, and I absolutely don’t know why I almost cried. And now, why can’t I stop thinking of the nightmare I haven’t had in weeks, where my mother pushed me back under the water of the bay?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mark informed me that my first time working with actual customers would be at a gallery event Wednesday afternoon that will carry into early evening. I’m thrilled, but I have to work at the restaurant that night and I can’t get the time off. I tried. So it’s going to be this nightmare of a challenge to do well at the gallery and then rush to the restaurant.
Monday, January 17, 2011