Authors: Tilly Greene
Caged (11 page)
He reached across the table and took hold of her hands.
Turning them over, he rubbed his thumb over the palms and spoke to her in a
quiet but clear tone. “I’ve been looking for office space here in town. There’s
one on the Shambles, another on Goodramgate and a third, well, there’s another
place I think might work but will take some creative thinking. Anyway, I think
we should check them out during your time here and see if any of them would
suit you.”
“Wait, are you talking about office space for me here in
York?”
“I love you, Gabby. Since our first night at Succulent,
nothing but you has been on my mind. Something has to change because I want to
have more time with you. No, I need you, wherever you are and, oh shit! We must
put our priorities in order and work this relationship of ours to better suit
us. There are too many times I’ve fallen asleep without you at my side. I don’t
want to end another day without you, never again.”
“Oh darling, seriously?”
“Of course I mean it. Don’t you want more time together?”
“Yes! Yes, I do.”
The waitress came out and set the pot of tea, cups and
saucers on the table and left.
“What did you mean about—” Gabby broke off when the young
lady returned with the plates of scones, a double order of clotted cream, and
strawberry jam. She set everything down before turning to speak with them.
“Can I get you anything else?”
“No, thank you, we’re fine.”
“Good, let me know if you need anything.”
“Great, thank you.” The young lady left and they returned to
what they’d been talking about.
“Both of our jobs are important to us and both require us to
be in London, but not all the time. I wonder how you’d feel about living here
in York and when down south we could live in your place and leave mine for work
alone. Or it could be the other way around. Either way, I’m suggesting we split
our time between the two places, rather than between each other.”
Out of nerves and habit, she picked up the teapot and played
mother. She added cream in both of their cups, followed with tea and finally
spooned a bit of sugar into hers. After handing him his cuppa, she used the
same spoon to stir hers and tried to stop her brain from whirling. In a few
minutes she realized what was on her mind and snickered before taking a
soothing sip.
“Baby girl, what is going through your adorable head right
now?”
“Boxes. How many do I need? What should I pack to bring up
here? What do I—”
His laughter brought smiles to the occupants of the tearoom.
They’d make it work. Their love for each other would have it no other way.
Bejeweled Flora and Fauna Over 7000 Years
Member and Press Opening at the Victoria & Albert
Museum, London
“What a beautiful necklace you’re wearing. Is it one of your
designs?” The woman who spoke had walked up and got right to what was on her
mind. She was older and nice but hadn’t introduced herself. The bluntness was
refreshing, although Gabby figured it left her at a disadvantage. She was out
of her element attending the party, but put on a brave face until someone she
knew actually walked through the doors.
“No, ma’am, my partner had the jeweler Elsa Puchella design
and make it for me.”
“It’s a stunning piece on you.”
“Thank you.” Flattering, but she was uncomfortable with the
personal focus of the conversation.
“I’ve enjoyed your work shown here in the exhibition. It’s
simple and elegant, with varied approaches to nature. I don’t suppose you’re
available for private commission work?”
“Certainly, here’s a card with my contact numbers.” While
she pulled a business card from her clutch purse, she rattled on about her
schedule. “I’m in my London studio every three months or there about. I’m
always happy to come down for a consultation.”
“Excellent. I’ll be in touch.”
“I look forward to it.”
Gabby finally released her breath as the woman walked away
and realized she’d forgotten to get her name. Preparing for the exhibition
hadn’t opened her eyes to how nerve-racking attending the member and press
party would be. Of course she was pleased to be a participant, but she firmly
believed her jewelry spoke more clearly of what she wanted to say than she ever
could in person.
“You’re doing beautifully, baby girl.” Max came up and
wrapped a supportive arm around her waist, holding her close enough she could
siphon off some of his confident strength.
“I’m glad you’re here with me, Max.”
“I wouldn’t miss attending for anything.” He dropped a
gentle kiss in the middle of her forehead.
“I love you and because I do, I’m going to let you in on a
secret. I dressed in the bathroom with the door closed to surprise you. I’m
wearing the gold coils on my nipples to keep them standing firm for you.
Besides those, I changed things up with the clit coils. They’re surrounding my
nub with the chains swinging freely between my legs, hence the long skirt.”
Gabby turned so they were facing each other and helped him check out her
breasts, only they were hidden beneath a loose blouse.
“How cruel of me to keep the things you adore hidden from
you.” Because he made her feel naughty, she subtly ran her hands down her
stomach, tightening the fabric as she went. For a few seconds, she treated him
to the sight of her trapped nipples pressing against the fabric.
“Shit, you turn me on and in a place I can’t see them as I
should. Not fair, Gabby. You’re going to have to pay for this deception,” he
told her while he tried to see how much the tips stood out.
“You know me well.”
“Better than you think. I’ve called Shane, told him to
expect us tonight at the club and to see if we can have room three. I think we
both could do with a fabulous fuck session to work off all our excess energy.”
“Oh yes, yes. As usual, you’ve made the perfect choice. It’s
the room with the sw—”
“Excuse me, Gabby. I don’t mean to interrupt, but a few
minutes ago the shop manager passed on some fabulous news and I must share it
with you.”
“No problem, Cindy. Have you met my partner, Max Stephenson?
Max, this is Cindy Hu, one of the exhibition’s organizers.”
“As well as someone who is a personal fan of Gabby’s work,”
Cindy smiled as the woman held out her wrist, flashing a recent purchase from Gabby’s
Rosebud collection. The coral stone worked well as a bracelet, with three rose
stems and golden links holding them together. When the other woman had told her
of the purchase, she’d made a point to send her a signed drawing of the piece
for her to keep with the box. It was her way of thinking about how her work
would be viewed in the future. Something jewelry collectors would be pleased to
have in their collections.
“I am also. By the way, the bracelet looks lovely on you.”
Her man was hiding his wickedness well. He was getting her
lustful side revving and ready to play. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to
happen for a few hours. She’d get him back for the teasing later.
“Thank you.” Cindy blushed and she completely understood
what was happening to the woman. He was the kind of man who made a woman feel
giddy with a look and a few well-placed compliments.
After taking a sip of champagne to calm her nerves, the
curator continued with the energy she’d expressed from the start. “The store
manager reported various keychains and earrings you designed for the show have
sold out. The bracelets are following close behind.”
“Sorry? Sold out? How is it possible?” She was stunned. The
show wouldn’t open for another two weeks; how could they have sold all the
stock?
“Don’t worry. I’ve already handled things. Months ago I
worked out a schedule for weekly turning into bi-monthly and eventually monthly
deliveries from the company you approved to make your items. We’ll reevaluate
how we’ve reorganized the supply chain on a monthly basis and change as
needed.”
“Oh my, I’m stunned.” Sold out? She hadn’t expected to sell
out but was happy it had.
“Well, I’m not. Your work covers a variety of price points
and will appeal to the majority of attendees.”
“I’m flattered, Cindy.” The two women had become friends and
she was able to share her insecurity knowing she’d get positive feedback in
return. “Help, I’m lost in what to do with myself tonight.”
“Stand here and let the museum members and press shower you
with their appreciation and joy for your skill at designing.” Cindy patted her
hand as she prepared to dash back off, but not before delivering one final
remark. “And if you have difficulty taking the good news, I think your partner
will help you find a way to accept it.”
After a quick, shared hug, she watched the woman walk away.
She couldn’t come to grips with what she’d been told.
“Don’t worry, I’ll spank your delicious ass, then fuck you
until your success sinks in.”
“Promise?”
“Absolutely, baby girl. Looking forward to each swat I land
on your delightful backside.”
“You’re a wicked man, Max. Wicked and all mine,” she
whispered and glowed under his focused attention. They loved each other,
everything else be damned.
Tilly Greene was born into the easy folds of a sleepy beach
town and embraces the laidback mindset she grew up with. Life took a turn one
day while sitting in the back of the school bus with her friends—she was
introduced to the joys of romance novels and has never looked back. Every day
she looks forward to writing about women who are independent and confident, the
men who love them, and their twisting paths to each other. Tilly writes erotic
romance in a variety of genres and enjoys hearing from readers.
Tilly welcomes comments from readers. You can find her
website and email addresses on her
author
bio page
at
www.ellorascave.com
.
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Tilly
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Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Caged
ISBN 9781419991172
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Caged Copyright © 2014 Tilly Greene
Cover design by Fiona Jayde Media
Cover photography by © mediaphotos
Electronic book publication October 2014
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