Free I Love My Man (Nicole's Erotic Romance) by Sabrina Lacey

Mark.”
    Mark waves. “It’s really nice to meet you,
too, Randy. Thanks for looking out for my girl.” I give him a light smack on
the chest and he laughs.
    “You’re really enjoying calling me that.”
    “You bet your sweet ass I am.”
    I laugh and tap the top of the cab as Randy
dips back inside, humming. “Bye Randy!” He honks the horn. As he drives off, we
walk into the doors like a chapter is beginning. Jack strides over like he owns
the place. ;) I introduce the two men and they shake hands and talk about San
Francisco for a minute or two.
    “You look lovely,” Jack says. “Ready to take
a look at what you’ve done?”
    “Ready as I’ll ever be,” I sigh. Mark stays
behind as we walk around, giving us space to talk business. He stops to stare
at each painting and looks perfectly at ease in the space.
    Jack had asked me to come early to make sure
I was happy with everything before the people arrived. As if I could be
unhappy! “They look so great, Jack. There’s a lot more than I remember,” I
stand back to see the layout better. He has the paintings staggered with some
on top of each other, three high on the two largest walls, and others showcased
by themselves. It’s not overly controlled or conservative, which is perfect. The
first piece I did after the breakthrough, sits on a wall of its own, on a
partition constructed in the center of the room. I throw a knowing look to Mark
who catches what I’m thinking, and winks back at me.
    Jacks attitude tonight is gentle. “What do
you think?”
    I throw up an eyebrow. “What’s with the
softer side of Jack?”
    He looks surprised but recovers quickly. “I
was being nice because I thought you’d be nervous.”
    “Well, quit it. You’re creeping me out.”
    He lets out a hearty laugh. “I couldn’t have
kept it up for long anyway.”
    “We’re going to go get a drink until people
arrive. Want to join us?”
    He narrows his eyes and motions to the bar
that’s set up by the back partition wall, the one that blocks the alley
entrance. “Something wrong with our sponsor?” A handsome bartender waits
patiently, looking at me. On the table behind him are bottles of Chopin Vodka
next to white and red wine bottles bearing labels too far away to read.
    I sneak a peek to Mark who’s staring at a
painting near the door. “Sorry, but I want whiskey.”
    “Go go go. Be a fashionably late cliché
– see if I care. I’ll stay here and play host.” He rolls his eyes,
pretending to be very put out.
    “Poor Jack. Poor, poor Jack.” I call to
Mark, “Mark! Let’s get drunk!”
    Mark grins and goes to open the front door.
“Want to call your friends?”
    “I love that idea!” to Jack I call back,
“See you in a bit, you big baby.”
    Jack calls out, dryly, “I love you, too, Ms.
Henry. Now go. I don’t want to look at your smug face anymore.”
    I pause, halfway out the door. “Jack, have
you been looking at a mirror again?”
    He holds up a fist and fake-growls at me,
turning on his heel to say to the bartender in a loud voice, “What are you
waiting for? Pour me a drink!”
    At The Dove
Parlour Lounge

 
 
 
      I
wave at Jessica and Chris as they walk in. Mark and I each have a glass of
whiskey in front of us, only mine is empty already.
    Jessica exclaims as she strolls up, “I love
this place! Why have I never been here?” waving one of her hands around the
room, her other hand held by Chris. They’re both dressed to the nines as well,
and her heels click-click-click on the dark hardwood floor. The walls she’s
motioning to are covered in a deep red wallpaper, patterned and almost fabric.
The wall sconces throw a golden glow on the sleek leather loveseats and chairs.
Mark stands and shakes Chris’s hand, the air between them so much lighter this
time. Jess sits across from me as Chris asks what we all want to drink.
    I look at Mark, batting my eyelashes. “Can I
have another Jameson now?”
    Jessica’s jaw drops. “You’re