Free The Sweet Edge by Risa Peris Page A

deeper.
    “Stella,” he whispered. He pulled out of her mouth and kissed her deeply, licking her lips and battling with her tongue. “I love you.”
    Stella’s eyes shot open. “What?”
    Campbell pulled back. He looked surprised. “I...I...”
    “You don’t know me.”
    He gripped the back of her head. “I kind of do. You’re sweet, gentle, sexy, cute, down to earth. I’m sorry. The words just came out. It’s too soon. I know. I know. But when we’re together...”
    Campbell bent down and kissed Stella. She was stiff. He continued kissing her face until she softened. “I won’t say it again. Not for several weeks, anyhow.”
    “You can say it. Say it.”
    Campbell, in a long breath, uttered, “I love you.”
    “I don’t love you yet, Campbell.”
    “I know.”
    “Can we settle on lust for now?”
    “We can do that.”
    Stella took off her pants and stood before Campbell. “I want you.”
    He pulled her close and let his hands roam over her body until she was moaning. She pushed him down onto the couch. His penis was stiff and his face was full of longing. Stella straddled him and with a brazenness quite unlike her, she proceeded to ride him until his moaning and breath became rapid and his body shuddered with release. She felt powerful.

Chapter 11
    Stella put her keys in the crystal bowl by the door.
    “Hello?” She untied her scarf and draped it over the hook near the mirror.
    “In my office.”
    Stella walked into the living room. There was mail on the table, but she was uninterested. She went down the short hall to the office. Campbell was sitting behind a bank of computer screens, tapping away. He looked up expectantly.
    “Well?”
    “Well.”
    “Come on, baby. What happened?”
    “Well, you are looking at the new art columnist for Manhattan Confidential.”
    “Yes! That’s wonderful.” Campbell hurried across the small office and embraced her. “That’s so amazing.”
    “Oh, and guess who’s number 89 on Kindle?”
    “Hmmm. Could it be my love, the center of my life?”
    “Oh, I like the sound of that.” Stella giggled.
    “I bet you do.”
    Stella kissed him and thought back over the past year. After three weeks of dating, Campbell had suggested they move in together.
    “To save on expenses,” he said.
    “Is that the only reason?”
    “No, I want to ravish you. Always.’
    Campbell had sold his Park Avenue condo and they had purchased a smaller condo in Brooklyn. He had also started his own trading platform and fund that he operated out of the condo. Stella had continued working at the restaurant and spent the rest of her time finishing The Sweet Edge and applying for writing and editor positions. It wasn’t all work though , she thought.  They tumbled about the apartment every chance they had. Campbell constantly told Stella how much he desired her and loved her. But she held back. She never said she loved him, though there was no other man, she was certain, that could fulfill all her needs like he could. A part of her was still hurt about the first time they made love, when he had said she was no model. She knew it was crazy to still be so hurt by a single and mistaken comment. She knew the road block to complete fulfillment was in her and not Campbell. He had proven his admiration and love time and again.
    Stella looked at Campbell. A few gray hairs had sprouted in his hair over the past year. Stella found it knee knockingly attractive. She had a fierce desire to make love to him every time she focused for too long on those surprisingly seductive hairs.
    “What?” Campbell was gripping her face with both his hands.
    “I...” Stella hesitated. Come on Stella , she mumbled to herself. “I love you.”
    “Really?” Campbell looked serious. “Really?”
    “I love you.”
    “Why now?”
    “I always have. I...I guess I didn’t feel good about myself. Not worthy. But my life is moving forward. It’s a life I’m proud of. The problem wasn’t you, Campbell. The