A Summer to Remember(2)
My hair, naturally mousy brown and quite plain, was dyed honey-blonde with subtle highlights which made it look completely natural since I also made sure my professionally done eyebrows matched. Unfortunately, “the curtains didn’t match the rug” which is why I had my pubic hair waxed, Brazilian-style. It was also great because I didn’t have to worry about what I looked like in a bikini.
My brother possessed the most gorgeous blue-green eyes, a gift from our mother, but I had inherited our father’s blue-gray eyes and they were one of my best features along with my pert nose and slightly full lips. I was tiny, barely 5’3” but I compensated by wearing lots of high heels courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo et al.
My wardrobe was also classic New York: lots of silk blouses and knit skirts, beautiful dresses in all kinds of fabric and every kind of shoe—from the strappy sandal to the knee-length boot—decorated my closet. Although both Jude and I had been born and raised in Connecticut, our father worked in New York City and our mother went to more charity events there than my brother and I could count on all our fingers and toes. Some people might have found it strange but to Jude and I, buying a loft together seemed like a great idea.
It was a spacious and beautiful penthouse in the Tribeca area and we both loved it. He had his side and I had mine; the only time we met up was in the kitchen. Jude stayed out of my love life and I stayed out of his. The situation was absolutely perfect and fit our lifestyles because we both worked such sporadic and long hours, we barely saw much of one another.
“So, that means you’re staying at our pad?” I questioned with more than just a little interest.
I hadn’t gotten laid in what felt like months and I could definitely use the company.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. I only brought a duffel bag because all my other stuff has already been moved to Boston where the film takes place.”
“Interesting,” I said though I left it at that as Jude rushed back to us.
“Listen, I have to go. There is a mini crisis at CDG but rest assure, Brandon, my sister will take great care of you,” my brother announced before he speed-walked out of the gallery like his ass was on fire.
“In more ways than one,” I murmured to myself more than to Brandon.
Three hours later, Brandon and I lay beside one another in my California King bed. It had been a great workout and fabulous sex but something was missing and I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly.
The attraction between the two of us existed but there wasn’t anything else. No love, warmth or genuine affection and I think that was more of a problem for him than it was with me but I could feel his immediate emotional distance.
He sat up and moved toward the edge of the bed as he swung his legs to the floor. “I’m sorry. This was a mistake. I mean…you’re a terrific woman and you have a hell of a gallery but you and I…” he trailed off.
“There is no you and me, Brandon.” I sat up, unashamed of my body which was in perfect shape thanks to my workouts five times a week and my strict diet which mostly consisted of vegetables and seafood though I ate what ever I wanted when I was on vacation. “Listen, it was just sex and you don’t have to feel bad or make up excuses. I don’t expect you to call me and proclaim how much you miss me once you leave for Boston. I feel wonderful…it’s been a long time since I have had sex so satisfying.”
He turned toward me and his cobalt blue eyes shined hard like diamonds. “You mean…you don’t expect a commitment of some sort?”
“For what? We had a one night stand for God’s sake and I barely know you. Why would I expect a commitment?”
“We barebacked and…we enjoyed each other in every way there is to receive satisfaction from one another.”
I pulled my hair back away from my face and sighed softly. I hated having to play the “guy” all the time. “Listen, we just had mind blowing sex. I understand you are going through some issues…everyone knows about your breakup with Camilla Castillo but I’m not looking for a relationship, Brandon. I’ve had my heart broken once and it isn’t going to happen again.”
I crawled toward him and slipped my arms around his neck as my bare breasts caressed his naked back. “I am not the one for you. I don’t do happy endings and false proclamations of love. I am a single woman living her life. Hell, I am only twenty-four and I am not looking to marry anyone at the moment. I am just enjoying my life and I don’t kiss and tell. What happened between us will stay between us and no one has to know, Jude included.”