Shuttered Affections (Cornerstone #1) (9 page)

“This is a very vulnerable part of me, of who I am.”

“Is that the mirror you were talking about? The one you
wished you could afford?” he asked in astonishment.

With awkwardness evident across my face, I slowly nodded. Needing
to act more confident than I felt, I answered, “Yes. It’s much bigger in real
life than it looks in the photo. I wish I had something near it for comparison.
Isn’t it lovely?”

He squatted down, his arm still around the back of my chair.
After a few long moments, he finally began to answer.

“Angels,” was all but a whisper.

I just nodded and bit my lip. We both stared at the photo
for a long moment.

“Do you like it because of the angels, Julia?” he asked and
finally looked at me.

I hesitated and blushed. He just stared at me with an
expectant look on his face, waiting for me to answer.

“Actually, you’re going to think I’m such a child for this,
but…” I trailed off, not sure how to explain my weird compulsion. “I love angels.
I always have. Well, recently anyway. I actually collect cherubs and fairies. So,
when I saw the mirror, it struck me as a perfect addition to my collection.”

He just looked at me with shock on his face before he
finally said, “And you’re my angel. How perfect.”

He gently placed his forehead against my cheek, and then
nuzzled his nose into my neck. I felt him inhale once before pulling away and
standing.

“It’s a beautiful piece, Julia. And you’re right, it’s ideal
for you.”

He gently, reverently, touched my cheek and walked away. I
felt my heart leave with him. The fact that I was falling for him when I barely
knew him was nerve-wracking.

I copied all my digital files over to my flash drive and
began to pack up. I briefly thought of inviting him to lunch with me, but then
remembered he had classes steadily until three.

As I carried my stuff to leave, I walked over to his private
office and said goodbye.

He stood, brought his hand behind my neck, and pulled me
close. His cheek brushed up against mine and he whispered into my ear, “I’ll
call you.”

A gentle peck caused a wave of sparks to warm my cheek.

I smiled, took a deep breath, and walked out.

Art History was boring and my lack of sleep was catching up
to me. I struggled to stay awake through the fifty minutes of projector slides
in the darkened room.

Just as I settled in the courtyard with my lunch, my phone
buzzed. I frowned when I saw it wasn’t Aiden’s number.

I hadn’t programmed his number into my phone yet because I
wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea to have it saved. I could just memorize
it, or save it under a pseudo name.

I brought my thoughts back to the text message from Vic.

Hey beautiful. Touching base bout 2nite. I am really
looking fwd to seeing u. Txt me ur addy and I’ll pick u up at 7. Later.

I had completely forgotten about my date with Vic. I
immediately messaged him back with a smile on my face.

Sounds like fun. Can’t wait. I
have something to do before though. Can I meet you there?

Pressing send, I felt bad about lying to him. But, I wanted
the power to leave if I needed to. I didn’t want to be stuck there if he ended
up being a total jerk.

Then my thoughts went back to Aiden. Would he be upset that
I was going out on a date? Honestly, it wasn’t like we were together. Yes, we had
a very intense attraction, but we didn’t need to answer to each other, right?

Sighing, I decided I should casually let him know so I could
assure him Vic meant nothing. Whether it was right or wrong for me to feel
possessive, I would have hated life if I knew he was going on a date with
another girl.

Calc was almost unbearable. I wanted so badly to leave. Ceramics
was the only thing that kept me glued to my seat.

The potter’s wheel was calling my name. I couldn’t help but
answer it. There was something so therapeutic about throwing. I set up all my
tools, put on my big red apron, and slapped some porcelain onto the wheel.

Using brute force, I centered the white clump of wetness
easily. I stealthily plunged my fingers into the center and gently pulled,
making the hole wider with every swift turn of the wheel.

The porcelain glided like butter through my fingers as I
began to pull up on the sides. I didn’t have a plan for what I was making. I
just let the wet silk beneath my fingers make the decisions for me.

As I brought the sides up into a tall cylinder, I began
bringing it inward. It was quickly becoming a nicely formed bottle shape. Grabbing
my throwing stick, I compressed the sides, bulging them outward a bit while
still keeping the neck narrow. My thumbs easily brought the top section in
further, creating a beautifully long neck.

There was something so sensual about this shape. Well, I
honestly thought anything about throwing was erotic, yet peaceful. But, it
could be because of that movie,
Ghost
.
Anyone who has seen that movie should now think of throwing as a very sensual
and sexual act, for sure.

Just as I brought my wheel to a stop, I looked up and
noticed class was over. I was alone. I was so absorbed in what I was doing that
I didn’t even realize everyone had left.

Just as I wiped my brow with the back of my hand, likely
getting porcelain all in my hair, the classroom door slowly creaked open and
gray eyes appeared through the crack.

I smiled and motioned for him to come in.

As usual, he made my heart pound and my palms sweat. Bringing
a chair up next to me, he asked, “Is anyone else around?”

I shook my head no, unsure of why I suddenly felt so bashful
again. This man tied me in knots.

“You look so adorable when you have clay all over you,” he
said with a smile, before glancing down at my project. “Did you just make
that?”

He sounded so surprised.

I nodded, still blushing. I don’t know what came over me,
but I was suddenly very bashful that he was seeing some of my pottery. What if
he didn’t like it?

“Are you upset I am here, Angel? I can leave if you would
like me to,” he offered.

I had to force myself to talk, “No, please. Stay.” I cleared
my throat. “I’d like you to stay,” I added with a smile.

“Then I would like to stay,” he said, returning a smile back
at me.

He watched me as I picked up the plastic bat that held my
new bottle. Since it was only three thirty, I had about an hour and a half
before the next class came in.

I slowly grabbed another empty bat and placed it on my
wheel. I kneaded some more porcelain and thrust it hard, getting it as close to
the center as possible.

I sat and began my assault on the lump of clay while he just
watched me.

I felt his eyes lingering on my face, my hands, every part
of me. Then, he finally spoke as I began bringing the sides up on this second
form.

“You’re absolutely amazing,” he breathed.

I didn’t look up. I just smiled.

“You being here, seeing my work, it makes me nervous,” I
admitted, still focusing on my throwing and never looking up.

“Oh, really? Why does it make you nervous? I saw you work on
your photography today. I saw you work at the club. So, why does it make you
nervous here?”

“I… I guess because this is where I have to try my hardest. I
enjoy it, but it’s also a challenge for me. I feel like any negative reaction
from someone whose opinion means so much would just make me crumble,” I
admitted. “I guess this is a very vulnerable part of me, of who I am.”

“I’m flattered my opinion means that much to you, Angel. But,
I’m sure you’re well aware of just how special you are. I’m amazed at your
talents and how confidently you carry yourself,” he expressed with awe in his
voice.

I finally let my touch glide off the top of my new piece and
looked him in the eye. He carefully leaned in and gently pressed a light kiss
to my forehead.

“So, what are you doing tonight, Angel?”

“Actually, I have plans to go bowling,” I said as I focused
back on what was now forming into a nice vase.

“Bowling, huh? With who?” he asked with no accusation in his
voice.

“You remember that guy who interrupted us out by my car on
Monday?” He narrowed his eyes and nodded, so I continued. “He asked me then.”

“I see. So, is it, like, a date?”

“I don’t think so. He may want it to be, but I am not
interested. He originally wanted to go to a movie, but I declined and suggested
bowling instead. I was hoping to get some of my friends to come along so it
could be a group thing, but everyone is busy tonight.” My explanation came out
as defensive, but I was glad because he seemed to visibly relax a bit.

“Okay, well, I have to get going. I hope you have fun
tonight,” he said in a clipped tone.

It pained me to think he was upset because I was going out
with another guy. I didn’t want him to be upset and I planned to be upright and
open about that fact.

“Aiden?” I asked as I looked up at his retreating form.

“Yes, Julia?”

“You’re not mad at me, are you?”

“Of course not. I cannot control who you have plans with. I
also cannot hide my distaste in knowing some other guy will have the good
graces of your company tonight, but I am not mad. Just disappointed. But I have
no right to stop you. We already established we should keep our distance,” he
explained. He stood there for a moment, pondering something, then continued,
“You’ll call me if you need anything, right?”

“Of course. I will probably call or text you even if I don’t
need anything,” I said with a smile.

“Good. That makes me happy. Goodbye, Angel.”

“Bye.”

“My sensible self kept screaming to stop playing with
fire.”

Just as I was about to leave my apartment and head over to
the Union, Sid’s number showed up on my caller ID.

“Hey, Sid. What’s up?”

“Julia, a weird note was left on my car. I noticed it as I
was leaving the apartment earlier today and thought you might know what it was
about,” she explained.

Oh shit. Is he trying
to get to me through Sid now? I hope he never found out it was her that helped
me leave him.

“What did it say?” I asked.

“It says,
‘You won’t
interfere again. You can’t take her from me this time.’
Julia, I’m worried.
Is this who I think it is?” she asked, with concern etched in every syllable.

“God, I hope not, Sid. Damn it.” I stayed quiet for a long
moment. “Sid, I’m actually running late right now. But, this is one of the many
things I’ve needed to talk to you about. For now, please try to stay safe? Let
Pete or Dex walk you to your car?”

“What about you, Jules? You need to be safe too,” she
chided.

“I am… I will. I’m going out with a guy and I’ll make sure
he escorts me everywhere. Okay?” I lied. “We’ll talk tomorrow, for sure. I have
so much to tell you. I know you’re happy with Sean, but I need you home
tomorrow, okay? I need to catch you up.”

“Of course, Jules. I’ll be home,” she promised.

“Love you, Sid.”

“Love you, too, Jules. Text or call if you need me.”

Tears began to well up in my eyes as I hung up with my
friend. He wasn’t going away. And if he did anything to hurt my friend, it
would kill me.

I pushed my tears aside. I knew I kept saying I’d deal with it
later, but it was easier for me to cope if I felt like I could just go one more
night without having to worry about it all.

My night with Vic was just okay. He tried valiantly to put
the moves on me and I turned him down. I explained kindly that I was interested
in someone else. He wasn’t happy and told me he would rather not see me at all
if it meant he couldn’t be with me.

I sighed as he walked out of the bowling alley in the middle
of our game. I’m so glad I decided to drive myself. Otherwise, I would have
been stranded.

As I began dragging myself up to my apartment, I prayed
there would be no contact from
him
. I
couldn’t deal with it right now.

Thankfully, there were no notes on my car, no notes shoved
in the doorjamb, nothing. I breathed out a puff of relieved air and sulked to
my room, pulling my phone out on the way.

First I sent a text to Sid.

I’m home and safe. Please let me know that you make it to
Sean’s okay, or if you come home, wake me and let me know you’re alive.

Immediately after sending, I started a text to Aiden.

He isn’t happy with me. I should have never accepted his
invitation. I’m glad I was smart enough to drive myself there.

Maybe I shouldn’t be sharing this kind of stuff with him. But
then again, I wanted him to know I didn’t enjoy my date.

Aiden responded back almost immediately.

I’m glad you drove yourself
too. Are you okay? Do you need company?

I smiled at his thoughtfulness, but having him here right
now would just make me uncomfortable.

No, thank you. Actually, I would love your company, but I’m
so exhausted. I’m thinking about just calling it a night since I only managed
5-6 hours of sleep over the past two nights.

He was probably the fastest texter I’d ever known because,
within moments, I had a response.

No problem, Angel. Call me if
you need to. I’ll be up for a while longer.

I replied.

Thank you, Aiden. Goodnight.

And again, his response was immediate.

Goodnight, Angel mine.

I felt great the next morning. Sleep definitely did me some
good. Luckily, the nightmares only woke me up twice, which was a marked
improvement.

I wanted to dress in something sensible, knowing I needed to
work in the ceramics studio again today but also wanting to impress…

“For real, Julia? Do you really need to impress your
professor?” I chided myself, rolling my eyes at my stupid actions. However, the
fact was I
wanted
to impress him even
though my sensible self kept screaming to stop playing with fire.

I decided on jean capris and a halter tank top with a
hoodie. The tank top was a little fancier than my usual attire. Lace adorned
the neckline, which really wasn’t around my neck at all, but more around my
boobs. Stuffing my C-cups into this tank was a bit of a challenge, but I felt
comfortable and confident.

Parking was a little easier this morning because classes
weren’t as thick on Thursdays and I wasn’t pressed for time. I arrived a bit
earlier than I said I would, and ended up parking right before eight thirty.

“Now why couldn’t I get this good of a parking spot Monday?”
I asked myself, knowing full well it was a stupid, rhetorical question.

I casually made my way to building P and felt a new sense of
confidence as I entered the classroom. The comforting sounds of trickling water
and the smell of processing chemicals made me sigh with contentment.

Noticing there was no one around, I immediately set my
things down on the lab table and began rummaging to find the new roll of film I
needed to develop.

Making my way through the darkened hallway, I headed toward
the very back room, which was about the size of a closet and locked on the
inside so that I could place my film safely into the developing tank without
any contaminating light.

The process was a tad tricky because I needed to remove the
film from its canister in pitch-blackness and carefully wind it around a reel,
all using my sense of touch. I loved every minute of it.

Just as I grabbed for the handle on the door, a strong hand
reached out and caught my wrist.

“Good Morning, Angel.” I could just barely see his flash of
teeth through the dim, red light in the hallway.

“Morning, Charlie!” I joked with an excited tone, attempting
to mimic the beautiful Charlie’s Angels trio.

Aiden threw his head back and let out a throaty laugh, all
the while keeping his hand on mine. His touch bathed me in a warm, heady glow.

“Well, you’re in a good mood this morning. Any particular
reason why?” He had that sexy-ass grin on his face again and even in the dim
light, I saw a playful desire in his eyes.

Yes, you are the
reason,
I thought to myself. I couldn’t really say that out loud though… or
could I? Suddenly, my mouth made the decision for me.

“You are definitely the reason why I’m in such a good mood,
Aiden. But, I also love coming in here during open lab time. The sound of the
trickling water soothes every muscle in my body. It’s heaven in the form of a darkroom
and I can’t help but smile whenever I am able to spend time here.” My words
just flew out of my mouth with such passion, I completely forgot he was still
holding my hand.

“It’s definitely heaven all right,” he said, not taking his
eyes off me. His words made me suck in a ragged breath. Well, it wasn’t his
words so much as his tone. The tone that clearly said he had other things on
his mind. “So, you’re going to develop your film first? Mind if I join you?”

I didn’t know how to respond. I wanted to scream,
YES! Please join me in this pitch-dark
closet so I can feel you… smell you… hear you breathe.
But, was it safe to
be that alone with such an enigmatic and utterly intoxicating man? Again, I let
my mouth do all the thinking.

“Please,” I whispered.

Before I could react further, he pulled the door open and
led me in with the hand he was still holding.

My heart pounded and my stomach dropped as I heard the click
of the lock on the door. I turned on the light, set all of my items up in a
strategic manner, and told him I was ready. He shut the light off, plummeting
us in complete darkness.