Free The Art of Love [Hedon Falls 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Michelle Graham Page B

lucky to have a great family. My parents were a little older when I was born and I was an only child, so I guess I was a bit spoiled. They tried hard to make sure I had everything I needed.” She stopped when she felt tears prick at the back of her eyes.
    David stroked her cheek. “They passed away recently, didn’t they?”
    “It’s been two years,” Melanie replied faintly. “There was a car accident. I’ve dealt with it, but sometimes it still makes me sad.”
    “That’s normal. You must have good memories of them.”
    Melanie nodded. “Of course. They always encouraged me to follow my dreams and they supported me. Some parents wouldn’t want their kids taking art at university, but mine didn’t care. As long as I was doing something that made me happy.”
    “Art makes me happy, too,” he said with a smile.
    “When did you decide to become an artist?” she asked.
    “When I was in grade ten,” David said. “I took an art class, because I had to have an arts credit, and because I’d always loved to draw and create stuff. My art teacher was an amazing man. He was a huge influence and encouraged me to pursue my art all through high school. I liked painting and drawing well enough, but I loved creating sculptures.”
    “You are very good with your hands,” she said. They both laughed.
    “Maybe if we get out of here, I can give you a demonstration,” he whispered against her ear, his soft breath sending a tingle through her body.
    They left quickly and when they got back to Melanie’s house, they made love.
    “I really like being here with you,” he said as he traced circles on her upper arms as they lay together afterward.
    She turned to look up at him. “I like having you here, too.”
    “Can I stay the night again?” he asked. He slid his hand down to cup her breast and lightly stroked the nipple.
    She shivered again. “You’re very persuasive,” she said.
    “I try,” he responded. “Is that a yes?”
    She nodded. “But you can keep doing that.” She arched her back a bit so her breast pressed more firmly against his hand. He laughed lightly and kissed her forehead.
    “What do you want to do tomorrow night?” he asked.
    “I have plans,” she said with a twinge of guilt. She was supposed to see Garrett again.
    “What are you doing?” he asked her.
    Melanie hesitated. She knew he would be disappointed that she was seeing someone else. But it wouldn’t be fair to let their relationship continue without telling David about the others. How do I do this? She decided that honesty was probably the best approach. “I have a date.”
    David’s hands stilled. “A date?” he asked. “With who?”
    “Garrett,” she said softly.
    “As in Garrett Anderson? The artist you went to see yesterday?”
    Melanie closed her eyes and nodded. She could hear the hurt in David’s voice.
    “Did you end up fucking him on his studio floor, too?” David asked angrily. When Melanie hesitated again, he burst out, “You did, didn’t you! Why the hell would you let that bastard fuck you? What about me?”
    David had pulled away now, and Melanie had to fight to keep the tears at bay. She hadn’t meant to hurt David, but it looked pretty bad when she thought about it from his point of view.
    “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just got…carried away.”
    “Why?” he asked again. “You were seeing me. You can’t go fucking other guys when you’re already in a relationship!”
    “Relationship?” Melanie said incredulously. Anger was beginning to build within her. “I fucked you, we had one date, and you stayed the night. That doesn’t make a relationship!”
    David got out of the bed and began yanking on his clothes. “It does make a relationship. Or at least for me it does.”
    “Well maybe you should have made that more clear!” Melanie yelled back. She sat up in the bed, the sheet pulled up to cover her. “You never said we had to be exclusive.”
    “You