Free Forever Black by Sandi Lynn Page B

word.
    “You
look so surprised Ellery. Photography is a hobby of mine.”
    “Well,
how would I know that Connor since you refuse to tell me anything about you?”
    I
stood there and studied the photographs. I smiled because at that moment I
realized we had something in common; we were both artists. I painted pictures
and he took them.
    “Your
home is beautiful, did you decorate it?”
    “No,
my sister did.”
    I
looked at him confused, “You have a sister?”
    “Yes
and she is an interior designer, she did this place and my office building.”
    I
nodded my head up and down, “I get the impression talent runs in the family.”
    He
laughed as he walked over to his bar, “Drink?” he asked.
    “Shot
of Jack please.”
    “Are
you sure?” His eyes widened.
    “Why,
does that surprise you?”
    He
reached for a shot glass, “It doesn’t, well, maybe it does; I just don’t know
any women who do shots of Jack Daniels straight.”
    He
handed me the shot glass as I held it up, “You do now.” I threw it back as it
burned all the way down, but it felt good.
    “I
thought you didn’t do sleepovers Mr. Black?”
    He
looked at me and grinned, “I don’t Miss Lane. I never have, but tonight I made
an exception for a friend.” He emphasized the word friend. “Because I felt she
shouldn’t be alone.” He poured another shot and held up the glass.
    “One
more shot?” he asked.
    “Are
you trying to get me drunk?”
    He
looked at me in that sexy way that made my body ache. “Should I be?”
    I
threw back the shot and sat down on the couch. Connor walked over with his
glass of scotch and sat next to me, “Are you ok?” he asked.
    I
looked up at him and sighed, “I’m fine, I was just thinking of how I’ll be able
to visit my mom and dad’s grave when I’m back in Michigan.”
    I
looked at him, blue eyes staring into green and seriously spoke, “When I die, I
don’t want a funeral. I don’t want people staring at my dead body and crying
over me. I want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered around Paris.”
    Connor
stared at me and gave me an irritated look. “Stop talking like that; you have
many years to decide what you want.”
    “Connor,
I’m serious, I want people to drink and celebrate me. I want them to remember
the good times, not mourn in the death of me.”
    “Ok,
you need to stop because you are talking as if you’re going to die tomorrow.”
    “You
never know what each day will bring, that is why I say nothing lasts forever.”
    “Ok,
I think Mr. Daniels has gotten to you, let’s get some sleep, I have to work in
the morning.”
    We
walked upstairs and he showed me to my room. “Good night Elle, sleep well,” he
said as he walked out and towards his bedroom.
    “Good
night Connor.”
    I
changed into my nightshirt and climbed into the comfy king size bed that
occupied the room. I took in the luxurious feel of the satin sheets as I looked
around at the classically decorated room. The taupe walls with carved moldings
were astounding. There was a beige dresser with a large round mirror that sat
above it and matching night stands on each side of the bed. The large window
had built-in bookcases on each side with a window seat that was covered with
the same material as the bed comforter. I could curl up here and stay forever
residing in its beauty and comfort.
    It
was too late to call Peyton, so I decided to text her and let her know what was
going on.
    “I
got some terrible news today. My cousin called me earlier; my aunt and uncle
died in a car accident. I’ll be going back to Michigan in a couple of days for
the funeral. I wanted you to know so you didn’t worry.”
    “OMG,
I’m so sorry, do you want me to come over? You shouldn’t be alone.”
    I’m
fine, and I’m staying at Connors tonight; he was with me when I got the call.” 
    “Seriously
Elle? What the hell is going on between the two of you? Did you sleep with
him?”
    “NO!
We’re just friends, and I’m staying in the