Positive/Negativity (26 page)

He began his quest with diligence to persuade me into believing that I was the most coveted woman in the world. His time was devoted to cherishing every inch of me with love, and he gave sensual, erotic care and attention to prove that fact. He titillated, seduced and convinced me that there was no other in existence who could arouse my body to the responses he incited. He relentlessly drove us both higher and higher, until our senses threatened to liquidate coherent thought. When, at last, he took me over the intoxicating edge, he proved to me that only
he
would be the one who would ever command my body to respond in such sweet surrender. Then, and only then, did he allow me to see how vulnerable he was to the power that loving me had over him, and the pleasure he derived from taking my body so intimately. As Declan’s body violently shuddered with release, he cupped my head with both of his hands, forcing me to look deeply into his eyes, to sear this moment into our minds, when he claimed me, raggedly uttering,
“Aria…”

My heart had found its home… in him…in love.

Aria lay in my arms, and it felt as if she was always meant to be there. Whatever discrepancies we had regarding business, we’d sort them out; I was confident of that. Our argument was over, but there was much left to discuss. For now, a transformation beyond my comprehension had taken place.
TTTT

I looked down at her to watch her sleep.
My
angel.
My
beautiful girl.
My
Aria
. My chest hurt with the degree to which I now was certain that I loved her.
How did I exist before I knew her?

She moved and stretched as her eyes fluttered open.

“Hi, bear,” she said sleepily.

I pulled her a little closer as she looked up at me.

“Hi, beautiful,” I replied because she was. “I want to take you away for a few days,” I said as I ran my hand down her arm. “Do you think that you could manage that with your schedule?”

She looked up at me surprised.

“Where would we go? I want you to see the building before we decide to take a vacation.”

“No, not a vacation,” I said. “Just a long weekend. I think it’s time you finally meet Carter and Lacey in person, and a weekend at the lake would be nice.”

I could see the apprehension in her face.

“…and the building?” she quizzed.

“We can go to the building tomorrow. I passed by it when I came into town today. You were right; it’s the perfect location.”

With my admission, I wanted to assure her that her efforts were appreciated, and that they were a priority to me.

Her look was one mixed with pure delight and an “I told you so” expression.

“Looks like
that
can get you in trouble,” I teased.

“Confessions like
that
will get
you
into trouble.” She laughed. “Have I ever told you that I love the look on your face when you tell me that I was right about something?”

I had to laugh with her. She wasn’t going to let this confession die; then I thought of the perfect solution to this dilemma, and I sprang into action.

“Declan, stop! Stop tickling me!” she cried, but I refused to relent.

“Only if you promise to be professional about this, and stop the games,” I warned.

“I…wasn’t…the one…who wasn’t…playing…fair.
Stop!
” She giggled until she had no more breath.

I pulled her across my lap where she sat cradled in my arms.

“Aria Cole, I promise to act like a grown-up if you will,” I said, raising my fingers in the air to give her the Boy Scout’s promise sign.

“Okay. As long as you promise to behave like a boy scout.” She grinned deviously at me.

“
Whoa, whoa, whoa
. Who said anything about behaving with
you
?” I patronizingly said. “That’s only with business, beautiful. With you, I’ll never behave.” I went about tickling and teasing her until well into the next morning.

…and the morning came for Declan and Aria, and he proved to her how “good” he could be when he misbehaved…

T
Lay Low – Blake Shelton

TT
Gotta Keep Dreamin’ – Michael Bolton (Rose’s Song)

Patiently, Paige and I stood waiting as we exchanged apprehensive glances. Declan was viewing the inside of the building I had purchased. As he examined the structure, his demeanor remained professional, and the playful lover of last night was gone. This was the persona of the business Declan. I straightened my posture as he approached me.

“May I see your concept for the layout, Aria?” Declan asked.

I unrolled the papers that I had filled with rough sketches. Looking down at the depictions, he began to review them quite intensely, and as he did, my stomach became quite unsettled in anticipation of his response.

“Aria, are you proposing that this side of the building be used for a two level studio or a one level studio that’s divided?”

He was most definitely the ultimate professional, and this was a side of him with which I was unfamiliar. His intensity in business gave him an air of respect.

“I’m suggesting a one level studio divided into two parts with a partition. In this manner, you could pull the partition back should you desire, or have need for, a large photo session. Pull the partition closed and you have two smaller studios. One large window would be shared by both spaces with motorized coverage, allowing the amount of natural light desired. To accommodate the proposed partition, this could be attained by two separate motorized pieces.”

I further explained by pulling vendor information on partitions and motorized window coverings. He paused for a moment, taking in all of the information I’d laid out before him. He then addressed me with regard to the office space.

“I see that you’ve added a second floor. The dimensions of the rooms that you’ve configured are marked, but could you please go into further detail for me?”

“Yes, certainly,” I replied. “The second floor would be used for offices and needed rooms. At the front of the building, where the view of the bay can best be seen, would be your office as well as a conference room for meeting with potential clients. The remainder of the offices would be along the walls of the building. This would create perimeter office space. Each of these offices would have windows to the outside, and there would also be space interiorly. This could be used for wardrobe rooms, make-up and hair studios, and restrooms. There would also be more than enough space for a nicely-sized room on the first floor where food could be placed for lunch and dinner needs or employee lunches.”

Declan examined my layout with a stern eye. He was beginning to unnerve me with his unnerving scrutiny, so I continued to explain the remainder of the vision I had for his space.

“Of course, at the opposite end of the building, as you can see here at the space which I have designated to face the highway, will be the client lobby. I have marked these dimensions to accommodate a substantial reception desk, a large marquee wall for your business name, as well as ample seating for prospective visitors and clients. The double doors would access the entrance from your parking lot, which will be directly off of the highway.”

I had then concluded my presentation and placed my hand on the drawings. It was beyond my control, but I refused to allow my trembling to be seen. I tipped my chin in Declan’s direction, awaiting his comments. I had never before felt such angst with a client, but I had assured myself that, should my proposal not meet with his vision, I had alternate plans for this building. I also realized that his approval meant a great deal to me.

Determined to leave our personal relationship at the door this morning, and conduct business only, I wanted to maintain the professional demeanor with which we both came into this meeting. Paige had been a silent spectator throughout its entirety, and I believed she could feel the emotion in the air.

We locked stares as Paige attempted to break the tension in the atmosphere.

“Well, Declan. What do you think of Aria’s plan for your space?” she said in a most proper and business-like manner.

He placed his hand over mine while looking at me, and his features softened. He broke into the most simultaneously satisfied and ruthless grin that I’d ever seen. He was a shark!

“I think my beautiful girl is both a visionary and genius, and I’m the most fortunate man in the world to have her as my partner.”

I melted
. So much for only conducting business.
“Do you really like it?” I asked as I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

“Liking it is an understatement, Aria,” he praised. “It’s far beyond what I had ever envisioned for myself. Your parents were right; you do have vision, and I’m ashamed that I underestimated your abilities. You’re much more talented than I expected.”

Declan took the hand he had covered, pulled me into him, and kissed me.

“Please forgive me?
”
he said in his deep, sexy voice.

“That depends. Does this mean I get the job?” I laughed at him.

“Not only do you get the job”—he said, turning serious—“I’m serious about wanting you to be my partner. You may choose to be a silent partner in the business end of the modeling, but I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as a partner in a new venture.”

He had me flabbergasted. “I’m flattered, Declan. Truly, I am. I’m happy to get the renovation contract; then we can work out the details of that end of the agreement. Once it’s complete and exactly the way you want it, I think I’ll want you to buy me out so that you can have
your own
business. I like having my renovation business, so I’m not looking to go into another.” I placed my hands on the lapels of his suit and looked up into his eyes. “I do, however, have a few ideas of how you can apologize for doubting my abilities…” I said suggestively while teasing his palm with my fingers.

Paige rolled her eyes at us both and loudly sighed.

“I can do that, but only if you go to the lake with me for the weekend. I want to visit Carter and Lacey, and we need to get away. We can start the renovation when we get back. Agree?”
T