I groan and run my hands through my hair, my body tingling as memories flood back."No, he isn't lacking.To be honest, it was fucking amazing."
"Ooh..."Her face breaks into an enormous grin.
"What does that,Ooh, mean?"
"It means that I figured out what's going on with you."
"Okay, enlighten me, wise friend," I say, sarcasm dripping from every word.
"Sex with Cole twisted your feelings into a chaotic mess, and now you have a hard time dealing with them.That's why you've been avoiding his calls these last few days and sleeping here."
I clear my throat."Maybe."
Standing, I walk through the room, my eyes traveling over the many paintings until one catches my full attention.The artwork shows a woman and man's face inches apart.The intensity between them blasts off the canvas - raw feelings lingering in the space between their almost-touching lips.Bella used black, grey, and white, but the woman's bright red lips draw the eye like a beacon.
"God, this one is outstanding."
"Yeah, it turned out how I wanted.But then again, I had my inspiration source for that one."
I can't tear my eyes away from the painting."What's it called?"
"Irresistible Attraction," she says.
"That's the perfect name for it.If you need a place to hang it, I'm happy to promote it in my house."I send her a genuine smile over my shoulder.
Bella walks over, bumping her shoulder against mine."Maybe, one day.But let's go back to why you're here.Cole.Want my opinion?"
"Yeah," I mumble, still mesmerized by the art.
"Since you already signed the contract, and the sex is out of this world.Enjoy it."
I twist my head, raising a brow."So, you don't think I'm a horny fool for signing that stupid contract?"
Bella chuckles."Horny?Yes.But a fool, absolutely not.I'm rather curiously wondering if Mr.Walker has other motives for drawing up that contract."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing," she murmurs, but her eyes meet mine with a knowing grin."You just enjoy six months of deliciously passionate sex.You deserve it."She wraps her arms around me in a tight hug.
I hug back."Thanks, Bells."
"Anytime, hun."
"So what about we eat ice cream, and when we're done, I'm going home so you can go back to finishing another masterpiece?"
Bella snorts."A pain in the butt piece is a better description."
I chuckle."Thanks for letting me stay without demanding answers."
"Anytime.Now please tell me you bought my favorite Ben and Jerry's flavor, Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz."
After grabbing two spoons from the compact kitchen, we devour our icy treat, talking about everything and nothing, the way only best friends can.
Nine at night.
My feet ache in my Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps as I stumble toward the elevator.The triple strap silhouette and polished pyramid studs usually make me feel powerful, but right now, I just want to kick them off.
"Alisha!"Daniel's voice startles me.He rushes over, a package in his hands."This has been here a few days."
