Flawed Perfection (An Eve Sumptor Novel) Read online

  “What are you thinking about?”

  Lainey cleared her throat, thinking quick about how to answer.

  “Um. How long do you think it will take to get back to the gallery?”

  Eve eyed Lainey. That was certainly not what she was thinking, but since they weren’t alone, Eve wouldn’t push it.

  “I don’t know. I’ll get in touch with Charlie later. Then, I’ll call James and see what he has to say.”

  “It’s killing you, not being there isn’t it?”

  “It’s killing me to stand by and do nothing. But, I have more to lose now.”

  “How long will you stay away?”

  Eve thought about Adam. He, of course, would want her to stay away until some kind of progress is made. But, she didn’t know if she could do that. The gallery was her baby. She wouldn’t let it be taken away from her again.

  “I’ll talk it over with Adam.” Lainey’s look of surprise made Eve smile. “I’m working on it, Lainey.”

  Eve sat in bed, leaning forward to rub lotion on her legs. She turned her head just in time to see Adam walk out of the bathroom dressed in black pajama pants that rode low on his hips. He was shirtless, and Eve couldn’t keep her eyes from trailing down his six-pack, down to that perfect V dipping into the bottoms. She breathed in through her nose, and could smell the crisp scent of him. Setting her lotion on the bedside table, she crooked her finger at him.

  Adam grinned. His grin broadened when Eve changed positions, laying propped up on her elbows, with her legs towards him, spread. She was wearing one of his white t-shirts and white panties. He didn’t think she could be any sexier. Well, maybe if she were completely naked, which he had every intention of making happen. Soon.

  He climbed the platform to her, bending to kiss her from her thigh to her belly button. Adam pushed the shirt up over her breasts, taking a nipple between his teeth.

  Eve moaned in response, threading her fingers through his hair to hold him there.

  “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, nuzzling his cheek to her breast. He moved up, feathering kisses on her neck, tugging her earlobe into his mouth. “I love you.”

  The words were just a breath in her ear, but they burned a trail straight to her heart. “I love you, baby.” She turned her head to meet his lips in tender kiss. Their tongues touched, and Eve felt herself melt into him. He was being gentle with her. In the back of her mind, she wondered if it was because of what happened the night before. But, when he lifted her arms above her head, pushing her shirt up until she was free of it, she forgot everything else.

  He got up on his knees, hooking two fingers into her panties, he slid them down over her hips. She raised her legs in front of him, to assist him. After throwing them to the floor, he traced his hands from the inside of her ankles, down, spreading her legs as he went.

  She used her toes to grab onto Adam’s pajama bottoms, and tugged at them. “Take them off, baby.”

  “Soon.”

  He dipped his head to taste her, but she stopped him by grasping his face in her hands. Her eyes fixed on his.

  “I want you inside me, Adam. I need to feel you.”

  He saw the raw need burning in her gaze, and wanted nothing more than to give her everything. In a quick motion, the bottoms were discarded, and he moved between her legs. Adam put a hand between them, touching her.

  “You’re so wet, beautiful. So ready for me.”

  “I’m always ready for you, Adam.” Eve wrapped her hand around his thick cock and guided it to her opening. Even though Adam was large, and it always took Eve a moment to accommodate his size, she felt their bodies were made for each other. That feeling became stronger when he slipped inside her, filling her completely.

  Even as she gasped at the invasion, her hands grabbed his ass, and pulled him deeper.

  “All the way, amant. More.”

  He obliged, shifting his hips until he was buried inside her to the root. He supported his weight on his left elbow, taking Eve’s leg with his right and wrapping it around him. Adam looked into Eve’s eyes, and began to move slowly.

  “You feel incredible, Eve.”

  She tightened around him in response. Their eyes never left each other as she matched his rhythm, her breath hitching with pure, unadulterated love. Eve heard Adam’s breath quicken, and she moved her hips faster, feeling the pressure build in herself. She was close and wanted Adam to go over with her.

  “Adam!”

  Adam rolled his hips, making her cry out in pure ecstasy. She didn’t know how much longer she could hold on, but she knew he was close. Eve felt his body tighten, each muscle tense with the need to release. It made her so hot, she was on the edge of the spectacular orgasm when she heard him.

  “Tell me, beautiful!”

  Eve knew exactly what he wanted to hear and she gave it to him without hesitation.

  “I’m coming, Adam! Oh, God, I’m coming, baby!”

  His answering growl was more than enough to push her over into unimaginable pleasure, and he emptied inside her with his own explosive orgasm.

  Their still ragged breath mingled together as they kissed each other with a mix of satisfaction, and an insatiable need for one another that seemed to never go away.

  Eve smiled against his lips when he moved inside her. She loved when he did that. It meant he wanted to stay inside her for as long as she would allow him to. Seriously, if she could get away with it, she would allow him to be there always.

  Eve took his face in her hands, caressing his cheeks with her thumbs.

  “Let’s go away.” She hadn’t meant to say those words, but there they were. And, there was no taking them back now.

  Adam’s body stilled, and he searched her face.

  “Where do you want to go?” He had the Griffen account, and was in the process of figuring out how to make the transition to his own firm. But, Eve rarely asked for anything from him, and he was determined to give her whatever she needed.

  Eve’s lips curved into a half smile. “I have no idea. I didn’t even know I was going to say that.”

  Adam rolled off Eve, bringing her to him to rest on his chest. “Is this something you need, beautiful?”

  She pressed her cheek to his chest, and sighed. “I think it’s something both of us need.” Eve raised her head to look at him again. “I should have told you what happened immediately. I’m sorry I didn’t.”

  “I understand.” Adam pushed a strand of hair out of Eve’s face, and tucked it behind her ear. “You still think I’m going to blow up one day?”

  “No.” She grinned, and winked at him. “But, I’d like to make sure that it doesn’t happen by doing everything I can to let you know how sorry I am.”

  “Tonight was definitely a great start at that.”

  Eve had surprised him with a beautiful dinner that consisted of petit filet mignon and a broiled lobster tail paired with grilled asparagus with Hollandaise and Truffle-Reggiano fries. When she added an amazing merlot imported from Italy, it was heaven. After dinner, they played with Bella, bathed her together and watched TV until it was Bella’s bedtime. All of that, topped off by making love to the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen? How could he possibly hold on to any anger towards her.

  “I could do more.”

  “Oh, I know.” Adam’s smirk made Eve laugh. He took a deep breath, then blew it out in frustration. “But, I just don’t think I can get away right now, beautiful.”

  “I know you’re busy, baby. But, what if it were just a couple of days?” Eve sat up abruptly. “I know where I want to go.”

  “Tell me.” Adam bent an arm behind his head to prop it up.

  “Los Angeles.”

  Adam chuckled. “Really? You could pick anywhere to go, and you choose LA?”

  “Yes!” Eve bounced to her knees, causing her tits to bounce and catch Adam’s attention. Eve snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Hey. Eyes on me, pal.”

  “They are on you. Believe me.”

/>   Eve shook her head with a laugh. With a finger to his chin, she pressed up until he looked at her face.

  “Pay attention.”

  “I was.”

  His boyish grin became a full on smile when she raised a brow at him.

  “I’m listening! I swear. But, you gotta know, beautiful, that it’s extremely hard to concentrate when you’re naked in front of me.” The gleam in his eye was wicked. “Extremely hard.”

  Eve glanced down at his impressive hard on, and her mouth began to water.

  “Hmm. Well, I will get right on that. After, you listen to me.”

  “All ears.” Adam grinned and wiggled his eyebrows at Eve.

  “You’re impossible.” She straddled his torso, planting her hands on either side of his head. “I want to open a gallery in LA. And, I want you to design it.”

  Adam’s eyes—which were fixated on her breasts again—snapped up. “What?”

  “Got your attention now, don’t I? I want to be one of the first clients of your new firm. Sumptor Gallery, LA. I’ve always wanted to open a gallery there, but haven’t gotten around to it. I think now is the perfect time.”

  “When someone is vandalizing this one?”

  A shadow crossed Eve’s face making Adam curse.

  “I’m sorry …”

  Eve pressed a finger to Adam’s lips. “Hush. And, yes. You would prefer that I stay away from the gallery for now, and I respect that. This would give me something to focus on without going insane.”

  “You’re serious about this?”

  “Yes. I can scope out some places online tomorrow, make some appointments, and Saturday, after Bella’s party, we can fly out there and take a look.” She leaned down and brushed her lips against Adam’s. “If you need to be back before Monday, we can make that work.”

  “Okay, baby. If this is something you want, we’ll do it. But, you can’t hire me. I’m your husband. I do things for you.”

  “Unh uh, nope.” Eve shook her head. “I hire your firm.”

  “I don’t even have a firm yet, beautiful.”

  “But, you will soon. And, Sumptor, Inc. will hire you to design the gallery.”

  He saw the determined set of her jaw, and knew there was no arguing with her. “Whatever you want, beautiful.” Adam shifted his hips to remind her there was another pressing topic that needed to be addressed.

  Eve got the hint, and as promised, got right on that.

  “What are you looking at?” Lainey bent over Eve’s shoulder, and peered at the computer screen. She saw Eve was on a real estate site, and frowned. “Are you moving?”

  Eve shifted until she was face to face with Lainey.

  “And, leave you? Of course not.” She smiled at the slight flush that crept up Lainey’s neck. “I’m looking for space for a new gallery.”

  “I don’t understand. You want to move the gallery?”

  “No. I’m going to open a new one. In Los Angeles.”

  “Oh! I think that’s wonderful!”

  “Yeah?”

  Lainey grinned at Eve. She enjoyed the fact that Eve still thought Lainey’s opinions were important.

  “I’ve actually wondered why it’s taken you so long to open one there.”

  Eve turned back to the computer, and clicked on a property that interested her. “I had planned on it, but then the fire happened. I put all of my focus on reopening here.”

  “Do you think this is the best time to open a new gallery with everything going on?”

  Eve shrugged. “Like I told Adam, it’ll give me something to keep me occupied. Charlie hasn’t found any leads, yet, as to who killed Branson. Even James is hitting a roadblock. If I don’t get my mind on something else, I’m going to get in trouble with Adam.”

  “You really are trying hard for him,” Lainey laughed. “I think that’s sweet.”

  “You think everything is sweet,” Eve mumbled teasingly.

  “Eve, you have changed so much these past couple of years. Letting Adam be there for you, and being a mother has been really good for you.” Lainey laid a hand on Eve’s shoulder. “It makes me happy to see that.”

  Eve patted Lainey’s hand. “Sit down with me. I want to get your feedback on some of these places.”

  Lainey pulled a chair close to Eve. Yes, she may have breathed in Eve’s scent as she sat down, but Lainey refused to believe that wasn’t normal.

  Eve hid her knowing smile. Lainey was back to being an open book, and Eve enjoyed it. Flirting wasn’t bad, as long as you didn’t act on it. Right?

  “Oh, that one is nice.” Lainey pointed out a property that Eve had been particularly drawn to as well. “Is it set up to be a gallery?”

  “No. I think it actually used to be a restaurant. But, Adam will be doing the redesign.” Eve Googled the area, and came across some reviews of surrounding businesses. “Seems like a good area. A florist, a diner and even a wine bar are in the same little strip. Sounds good, right?”

  “Sure. The patrons will have options for a great night out, with great art to finish the date. What could be better?”

  “You certainly have a positive outlook on this.”

  “Hey, as long as you’re not moving to LA, I’m all for a new gallery. Sharing art with the world is a great thing.” Lainey picked up her cooling coffee, and sat back. “When are you going to see the properties?”

  “After Bella’s party.”

  “That soon?”

  “I figured it would be good for Adam and me.”

  Lainey made a small sound into her coffee cup that she didn’t think Eve heard.

  “Problem?”

  “Hmm? No.” Lainey sighed. “I’m seriously trying to get over this damn jealousy thing, Eve. I feel so bipolar sometimes. One minute, I’m wanting nothing but happiness for you and Adam. The next, I’m wishing it was back to the way it was when we were together. It’s not fair to you, or to Jack. Maybe being away from you for a little bit will help.”

  Eve couldn’t help being hurt by that, but she understood. “We’re only going to be gone for a day, Lainey. Don’t get too excited.”

  “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded, Eve.”

  “Yes, you did. But, it’s okay. I get it.” Eve printed the info on the screen and stood up. “Come on. We have a party to get ready for.”

  He was taking a chance, being so close. He just didn’t care. The bitch was getting ready to give that little girl of hers a party. He watched the little girl running around with her nanny, laughing. So happy. He wondered what Eve would do if she lost her. He would see. The police are running around in circles, trying to find clues, but he’s not a moron, like Eve’s father was. He knew who to hire, and how to keep himself out of it. He turned his attention back to Eve, who was smiling at her little girl, and putting up decorations. It surprised him that the vandalism at the gallery didn’t upset Eve as much as he had anticipated. Perhaps it was time for the next step.

  “Happy birthday, my sweet little girl.” Eve picked Bella up out of her crib, and kissed her on both cheeks. She hugged her close, closing her eyes. “You are my soul, baby girl.”

  Eve thought of the locket her mother left her, with the engraving “Two bodies, One soul”. She would pass that locket down to Bella one day, and the thought brought tears to her eyes.

  Adam stood at the door, silently watching them together. The love he felt radiating from Eve, the love he felt for both of them, left him breathless. Unable to stay away any longer, he went to them, wrapping his arms around them.

  “My two favorite girls,” he said softly, burrowing his face into Eve’s neck. “Is our little princess ready for her big day?”

  Eve smiled. “She will be, daddy. We’re just going to freshen up, then we’ll put on something pretty, and she’ll be ready to welcome everyone.”

  “She’ll be the prettiest little girl there.” Adam kissed Bella on the cheek, then turned to Eve. “And, her momma will be the most beautiful woman.” He leaned in and brushed his lip
s over Eve’s.

  Eve and Adam’s backyard was filled with people celebrating Bella’s birthday. The birthday girl was dressed like her momma, both wearing white shorts, with a white tank. Eve knew it probably wasn’t the best choice for Bella, with the cake, the ponies, and all the playing around, but she couldn’t help it. Her little girl just looked so cute! Add the tiny tiara, and Eve wanted nothing more than to keep snapping photos.

  There was good food, good music and, believe it or not, good conversation. If she didn’t see it herself, Eve would not have believed it was possible that such a diverse group would be so accepting of each other.

  The kids were kept occupied by riding ponies, having a grand time. Lainey had been hijacked by Trudy, talking about having their boys spend more time together. Adam huddled with James, Charlie and Billy—when he wasn’t with Eve—but assured her they weren’t talking over Eve’s case. She didn’t want what was happening to affect today.

  Everyone else just seemed to mingle, or watch the kids. What mattered the most to Eve was that everyone was laughing and having fun. With the sun shining, and the beautiful weather, it was turning out to be the perfect day.

  “Eve?”

  Lexie’s hesitant voice cut through Eve’s pleasant thoughts.

  “Yes?”

  “Um, I’m sure you didn’t mean to keep your studio unlocked, but Hunter …”

  Eve frowned. “Lexie, I don’t leave my studio unlocked.” With the art and photos that she had in the studio, Eve knew better than to leave the door open for curious little ones to be able to explore.

  “Oh. Then I’m not sure how Hunter got these.” Lexie blushed, and handed her provocative photos Eve had taken of herself and Adam. She had been trying her hand at self-portraits, and succeeded quite well. Seeing them in Lexie’s hand was definitely not what Eve had planned for those photos.

  “Oh my god.” Eve snatched the photos from Lexie. “Keep an eye on Bella, please.”

  Eve walked briskly towards her studio. She didn’t want to draw any unwanted attention, so she kept a smile on her face, greeting her guests cheerfully as she walked by. There was no way she left the studio unlocked. It was just so unlike her to do something like that. If she had, the only explanation she could come up with as to why, was the stress of the past few days must’ve affected her more than she thought.