No glares. No suspicion.
Just… acceptance. Acceptance of the life choices I've made.
Edward inclines his head. “Good to meet you, sir.”
Dad nods. “She’s stubborn, but she’s got an eye. You take care of her now, won't you?”
“Always,” Edward says, so simply it melts my knees.
Mom’s tearing up again. “We’ll leave you two to mingle.” She squeezes me once more before slipping back into the crowd.
I exhale shakily. “Did that really just happen?”
Edward smirks. “Told you I clean up okay.”
The evening blurs after that. Sales are logged, hands are shaken, and compliments blushed at.
By the end of it, three of my canvases are gone, paid for with actual money, and the jar on the refreshment table is stuffed with donations for 'future exhibitions.'
I flop against Edward’s chest as the last guests shuffle out. “Well. That wasn’t a complete disaster.”
He loops an arm around my waist and presses his lips to my hair. “It was perfect. You were perfect.”
I tilt my head up. “Careful, mountain man. That sounded dangerously close to a compliment. That therapist is working wonders with you, you know that, right?
His eyes darken. He still doesn't like to talk about it, but he's making progress. And for me? That's all that matters.
“You have no idea how proud I am of you, sunshine. And I can’t wait to drag you back up the mountain and show you exactly how proud.”
My whole body tightens as desire sparks like lightning under my skin. But instead of waiting, I slide my arms around his neck, tugging him down until my lips brush his.
“Why wait?” I whisper. “We’ve got four walls, a lock on the door, and at least one sturdy table that you helped build.”
His breath hitches. “Penny…”
“Yes, Edward?” I grin wickedly. “You planning to lecture me on gallery etiquette? Or are you going to fuck me like you promised?”
His answer is a growl. He lifts me onto the table, sending custom branded sketchpads scattering. My legs wrap around his hips, holding his erection so close it rubs against my clit.
The kiss is deep, his tongue tangling with mine as his hands grip my ass, pulling me forward.
“Christ,” he rasps against my mouth. “You drive me insane.”
I tug his shirt open, buttons flying, scraping my nails over the hard planes of his chest. “Good. That’s the idea.”
He cups my breast through my dress, thumb flicking my nipple until I moan loud enough to echo off the gallery walls.
“Keep it down,” he teases, biting my lip. “Your parents might still be in the parking lot.”
“Then make it worth the scandal.”
His laugh is a dark rumble before he shoves my skirt up, dragging my panties aside with a rough tug. The cool air kisses my wet heat before his fingers do.
“Fuck, you’re soaked already.” His voice is reverent, wrecked. “All for me?”
“All for you,” I gasp, rocking against his hand.
He doesn’t waste time. Thick fingers slide inside, curling perfectly while his thumb circles my clit. My head falls back, the ceiling lights blurring as pleasure builds fast.
