An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

***Lunch With Ivory (deleted scene)***

STEF POV

She pulls back now as she nods and wipes her eyes quickly before scooting her stool back some studying her canvas. I watch her as she looks back over at me, her face turning slightly pink as she stands to her feet and walks over to lock the door before turning back to me.

"Okay Stef, so this may sound weird, but I had this really cool idea for this new series I started last week which has been on my mind for quite some time, and well, it involves you." She says quickly as I can see the shyness take over, and I stare back at her rather amused. Her subject involved me?"

"Okay, what's the series? Is it connected to the one you showed me last time?"

"Um, oh, yes and no."

"Sweets, you aren't telling me much. Don't be shy, it's just me, babe. I'm all ears. Spill." I say reaching out to take her hand and pull her closer to me again as she bites her lower lip as she looks at me sheepishly in my eyes.

"Well, remember how I sketched you on the beach that first time I took you? I didn't ask, and you caught me?"

"I remember. Very vividly." I run my finger up and down her arm as she looks away and back at me with an expression I know all to well. "But, keep going."

"Well um, I wanted to do your profile for...for this project, but um, well, naked."

I laugh awkwardly now as I continue to stare at her, and she blushes once again. "I'm serious. I would drape something over you, but it would be perfect. I dismissed the idea before because well, we weren't getting along but, umm, after...after everything, I thought I would just ask."

"What do you mean, sweetheart? After everything?" I tilt my head as she tucks my wavy hair behind my ear and I can't help but wrap my arms around her waist again and pull her closer to me.

"After we've...we've connected umm, several times," she whispers as I look deeply into her eyes.

"Yeah, have we connected, baby? In what way?" I can't help but lean in and nip at her ear as she giggles. "Tell me."

"We've made love, Stef. Many times."

"Yeah, we have. Why don't you paint that? Why don't you paint us making love?" I flirt as she turns a deep red, and I can't help but grin widely at her. But I was dead serious, I really was as she shakes her head now, and I feel her fingers play in my hair. She leans in and kisses my lips softly, slowly, and passionately. The room is spinning as we very slowly pull away and she strokes my face with her slender finger. "That too wild for you to paint? Mm?"

"No, that would be easy to paint, but I'd rather start with you first."

"You may start with me anytime, baby, but I hope you get naked with me. So that you know, while your paint is drying we can um, make out."

"Make out? Oh gosh, Stef. The paint dries fast. Unless I use oils."

"Mm, will you show me?

"My paints?" She asks confused as I play with her fingers now and slowly bring them to my mouth kissing each one.

"No, how to paint. I just wanna know even for a second what you experience when you do it. Will you show me?"

"Yes. I can." She whispers as I nod my head and lean in to kiss her soft lips again.

"And um, no need to cover me up. You've seen it all." I wink slowly undressing as I catch her staring hard at me.

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LENA POV

As Stef stands there fully naked I try so hard to focus on painting her, but my insides were burning up like crazy. I was feeling so hot and warm right now that I needed a cold drink. But I settle for a smoke instead as I hand her one as well.