the same thing. I had no idea you were under siege. Please forgive my imposition."
I was genuinely sorry.
"I'm glad you intruded. I have the beginning of a great painting. I hired an already devoted assistant. I will also list the fringe benefits." He reached for me.
"Do you hear water running?" I asked as I moved to the side.
"It's the Jacuzzi. I wondered if you would care to join me for a swim."
He pulled his T-shirt over his head, revealing his chest, molded into layers of contoured muscles. All the air whooshed out of my lungs. He popped the top button on his jeans and unzipped them. He pushed them down to his ankles and stepped out of them.
I fought the urge not to run my hand up his sinewy leg. He stood there in his bulging boxers like a bronzed god.
"You don't play fair," I said.
"All is fair in love and war and bowling." He knelt down and unbuttoned my shirt. "When you entered my studio, you changed my life. I like what I see. You care about people. You talk about my mother like you knew her. You remember her books from your childhood, but as an adult, you can recognize her artistic gifts. No one has discussed my mother's work with me as comprehensively as you did. There are a lot of layers to you, and I would like to peel them away one at a time. Please give me a chance," he said.
For a standard line, it was a damn good one. It worked on my resolve as I followed him to the hall.
Candles surrounded the huge white tub, and the flames danced on the reflection in the water. Foaming waves built and broke along the walls signaling we were going to have a bubble bath.
I bent down to test the water temperature with my hand. The warmth travelled up my arm to the knot in my shoulder. Straightening up, I caught a glimpse of myself in a full-length mirror.
Not a timeless beauty, but desired, pursued, and emboldened.
As I undressed, he came in and shed his shorts. I immediately put my arm over my breasts and a hand in front of my crotch. The only light in the room came from the candles. He stayed mostly in the shadows.
"You can't be shy with me," he said.
"I can't get enough of you, and it's all your fault."
"Thank you. It's good to hear because it's mutual."
He coaxed my arms from their defensive positions and placed them around his shoulders. My whole body responded as I licked his chest. After we sat down in the water, he cradled me on his lap.
I planned to win a few battles before I lost the war.
He placed his hand between my legs and gently rubbed with his finger and thumb.
He found the right spot and quickened the pace as my eyes fluttered shut.
We, who are about to orgasm, salute you.
"Not yet, I think you'll like this too," he said.
With his other hand, he cupped my breast. His finger and thumb rolled my nipple into a swollen berry.
My battleship sunk.
He leaned down and took my other nipple in his mouth. His tongue made slow circles and sucked tentatively, and then his teeth came down for a quick bite. Everything went into overdrive.
My body arched and bucked beyond my control as the water sloshed to the floor.
I needed steroids to keep up with him and a living will just in case I couldn't. I sweated and smiled. What a total calorie burn. I pushed myself up and splashed water on my face.
"I love to watch you," he said.
"Don't stop now. I want a rematch, best two thousand seven hundred and fifty three out of infinity," I said.
He knelt in front of me and kissed me down to my pedicure. My nether regions picked up the pulse of my heart. All the blood in my body pooled in my loins .
"We could continue to play in here, but I'm afraid one of us will drown. Will you come to bed with me?" he asked.
Could I be surgically attached to him somehow? I never wanted to leave this condo .
Whispering sweet nothings between kisses, he helped me out of the tub and set me on a towel. He stepped out, wrapped a towel around his waist, and started drying me off.
"I can do it," I said.
"I know, but I want
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