The Sackler Trap

Ultimatum

Adam walked me home, holding my hand and occasionally leaning over me to kiss the top of my head or ducking his big frame to kiss the side of my neck. But we didn't say much. At least, I didn't.

There seemed to be a big rock sitting heavily in my chest and I don't know why. Questions I wanted to ask and then alternatively didn't want to know the answers to were swirling in my brain and that damned rock was growing heavier by the minute.

I chided myself: You knew all this about him. You were warned in a dozen different ways, by Agnes, by Eve, hell even by your own red flag the day you met him. How can you be so shocked? Why did you let it build up knowing it would only be more painful once reality hit you?

"You're awfully quiet."

My head snapped up to look at him. "Hmmm?" I asked.

He was studying me keenly. "You don't have much to say. Still reeling from your first topless scene?"

That teasing grin. I swallowed and smiled with some difficulty, then looked down at my feet. "No," I replied quietly.

His hand tightened around mine. "Then what?" he persisted.

I shook my head not looking at him. "I'm just tired, I guess." I laughed. "Four episodes. I never knew it took so much work." That reminded me that I was almost done on the set of The Chemist...unless they chose to renew my contract. Suddenly my mouth was dry.

Adam gave my hand a squeeze. "Hey, listen," he said enthusiastically. "Come back with me to my place."

I faltered. "Y-your place?" I asked faintly.

"Sure. I have a sofa," he said in an enticing voice.

I made an indignant noise. "I have a sofa."

"No, you have a futon, Julie."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm still working on it," I insisted.

"Come home with me," he repeated. "Come on. You look as though you're afraid I'll eat you up." He grinned wickedly and leaned down to plant an open-mouthed kiss on my neck and gently scrape my sensitive flesh with his teeth. "Maybe I will," he growled.

Despite the devastating effect his actions had on me, I gently pushed him away. "I don't know...it's late, Adam, and...'

"Tomorrow's Saturday and Sharon's gone to see her grandkids in Schenectady. We have the whole day."

His eyes were pleading and soft and something in them that I knew was meant only for me seemed to reach out and grab at my heart. I sighed and began to nod

"Oh...alright, Adam."

Adam's loft apartment in Dumbo was a walk-up like mine but considerably larger and definitely in a much more hip neighborhood. We ascended the stairs and he unlocked the door, opened it and indicated I should precede him. Still feeling a little put out, I nevertheless gasped with appreciation at the view. One entire wall was actually a window that faced the Brooklyn Bridge and the twinkling lights of Manhattan across the water.

I went to stand by the window and look out, crossing my arms, my brain a mass of tangled thoughts. Adam was soon behind me, encircling me in his arms and planting eager kisses along my neck. I felt the familiar rush of arousal flood my body and for a moment my eyes closed, and I leaned my head back against him.

"Julie," he murmured into my hair. "You're a bundle of nerves tonight."

It wasn't a question, so I didn't say anything, just drew in a deep breath and let it go in a sigh.