AdiraThe wedding weekend went off without a hitch. I actually had a really good time and I couldn't wait to get home and get everything edited for them. This had to be hands down the best wedding I'd ever been to and I'd told them as much. I had gotten so many good shots for them, wonderful pictures of their guests as well. I told them that I'd have everything for them ready when they returned from their honey moon, but had already given 10 of the best I could quickly touch up for them to release for publicity. It was actually a pretty smart idea - selling their own wedding photos to the media. It would help them recoop some of the cost of their wedding. I had flown back in on Sunday afternoon and instead of heading to my gallery apartment I decided to spend some time at home. The weather was finally warm enough to spend some time in the pool and that's exactly what I wanted to do for just a little bit. Before I jumped in the pool I sent Sebastian a message letting him know
AdiraIt was mid morning before my phone beeped again. I had already arrived at the gallery and was corrently editing pictures with Adrian by my side chatting about the wedding. I picked it up and saw that it was Sebastian. I had completely forgotten that he hadn't messaged me back yesterday. I had mixed feelings about that - both towards myself and him. Usually he was the one messaging first and last. I would sometimes leave him on read when I was in the middle of a shoot and then remember later. 'Hey sweetheart. I'm sorry I had a family thing and didn't have my phone on me. I'm glad you're back and I hope you had a good time there. I'd love to see you for dinner tonight?'I sat there for a few minutes as my brain processed everything. I'd agreed to dinner with Valentine without even giving Sebastian much of a chance to answer. I mean we were just going as friends but things with him were kind of messy because I had some unresolved feelings for Valentine. But at the same
ValentineI watched as she stepped out of the cab and she was just as beautiful as I remembered. I secretly enjoyed that she did not give in to me entirely, that she kept her own mind. I met her there and took her arm conversing as we walked in. This resturant was actually owned by me, though I was the silent partner. I had only provided the financial backing for the business and the decor which allowed Vicente to do his thing with the menu. Because of this I had a permanent table here, one that I could use like tonight or that I could loan out to friends if the occasion called for it. The server greeted me instantly when we walked up and showed us straight to the table. I could feel Petra's questioning glance, but I wasn't ready to show all my cards. The resturant was busy tonight and I felt hundreds of eyes on us as we moved through the crowd. I was not surprised as looking down at Petra we did make a striking couple. I loved her elegant look, classy. At least until I r
AdiraI blame it on the wine. There's no other explaination for me willingly allowing this man's tongue to invade my mouth and fight for possession with my own. After a few minutes I pulled away to catch my breath, glad that he was still holding on to me. Chances were I would have fallen over if not supported by his strong arms. I stared up at him breathlessly, and he returned that with a look that spoke of secrets whispered in the dark. The lust in his eyes had shivers running up my spine. This was not why we came out to dinner. it was supposed to be a friendly thing - just getting to know each other and moving past prejudices. I certainly felt like I knew him better though, and he definately knew part of me better. I blinked rapidly before looking away and gently pushing myself out from his arms. Valentine was a no go. Not only was I seeing Sebastian - oh god poor Sebastian- but I knew Valentine was a playboy and he was Gio's son. I would never want to jepardize mine o
SebastianIt was 5 minutes til 8 and I was headed down to the lobby to wait for Adira. I had missed my little sunshine this weekend and had been disappointed when she'd turned down dinner. What I had told her wasn't a lie. I did have a family thing. I'd gone to see my brother after his divorce and we ended up drunk at a bar in Austin. I woke up in a strange girl's bed the next morning, my phone dead in my pants that were on the floor with the rest of my clothes. I had a killer hang over and high tailed it out of there and back to my brother's just in time to grab my stuff and make it to the airport in time to make my flight, which luckily had been delayed. I'd seen Adira's message when I was waiting to board and was secretly glad she said no to dinner last night as it gave me time to figure shit out. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been black out drunk. She didn't seem suspicious and I hoped to keep it that way. What I did was a mistake and when I'd gotten home I'd call
AdiraI drove to back to the gallery a little lost in my mind. Something was off with Sebastian. Maybe something really did happen with his family. I definately shouldn't be the one to judge seeing as how I had just been on a date with Valentine.My brain couldn't help but compare the two. Valentine was the dark to the light that was Sebastian. He demanded and commanded where as Sebastian asked and waited for my lead. Even their kisses were so vastly different. Valentine possessed and demanded dominance in a way that left me almost boneless. Sebastian's was sweet and inviting, encouraging mutual exploration that left me wanting to know more. I don't know what these men were doing to me and I was more confused now than ever before. This is a time when I missed the fact that I didn't really have any girl friends to ask questions of. Or maybe I didn't need them. I pulled into my usual spot and walked into the gallery seeking out Adrian. I needed to know how things went afte
AdiraWith that settled, I returned to my office to continue working on the wedding pictures. I had put the folder of contracts aside to look at later and set my phone on top of it. I hadn't realized I'd gotten a message earlier and when I opened it I saw that Valentine had messaged me earlier.'Good morning bella. I hope you slept well and are feeling refreshed this morning.'I sent him a message back. 'I'm sorry I didn't see your message sooner. Good morning to you too and I am feeling well this morning. How are you?'Not even a full minute later my phone rang. It was Valentine.I aswered. "Wow. I feel special getting a call from the Valentine Rossi."He chuckled and said "You are special bella. It is good to hear your voice again."Now I laughed at his cheesiness. "You heard my voice just yesterday," I replied. "Many hours have passed since then. What are you up to today ?" he asked."I am actually going over some potential contracts I received from the showcase. What
AdiraI had to admit the things that Adrian helped pick out were pretty awesome. I didn't feel too exposed, but I looked - dare I say- cute. I now had several new dresses, some cute jeggings and dressy capris as well as several cute tops to pair with them. I also ended up with 8 new pairs of shoes because I couldn't decide. Adrian even offered to sort through my closet to separate 'Adira' clothes with 'Petra' clothes so I would have an easier time figuring out what to wear. Luckily the main bedroom had a his and hers closet so I was able to keep them separate.I'd chosen a cute halter dress for my lunch with Valentine along with a pair of nude peep toes wedges. I wore my hair down and curled like Petra usually did and made sure my make up was well done. I took my truck and parked in my usual spot knowing that he wouldn't look for it there, and then walked around to the front instead of through the entrance in the parking lot that I usually did. The receptionist at the front di