23. Chapter 23

Waking up with Alec is the best way to start my day. He's spent three nights here this week, and I could get used to it. It's dangerous to get used to it, but I'm living in the moment. And at this moment, I have morning wood pressed up against Alec's bare ass.

"Hmm, good morning." Alec presses into my erection.

"It would be a better morning if we had more time," I complain. "The meeting with the lawyer is in an hour. Shower with me to save time." We shouldn't be late for the appointment with a lawyer to review Alec's inheritance and possible uses for the land.

He's nervous, excited, and can't stop babbling with the possibilities. When he asked me to attend the meeting with him, it was too easy to say yes, as if we were partners deciding together.

I ignore the alarm bells screaming danger in my head.

"Stupid lawyers." Alec groans as I kiss the spot behind his ear that drives him crazy.

"Totally stupid," I agree and throw the covers back.

The cold air hits us and we hurry into the shower. I keep the heat low at night because I run hot and Alec is a snuggler. He pretends I'm the one who likes to wrap him up, but if I move away, he follows. It's adorable.

I use conditioner to jack us together. It's fast and not the orgasm either of us craves, but it will get us through the day. I cannot believe I survived a year of celibacy. My body will go into serious withdrawal when I don't have Alec.

The thought is a gut punch, and I have to kiss him aggressively to banish the ache.

The meeting with the lawyer goes exceptionally well. The lawyer tells Alec he is under no obligation to respond to his parents" request to sign over the land to his sister. He shreds the paperwork from Alec's father in front of us. Then he confirms the property is commercially zoned and can be used for a youth center and/or a shelter. He says he'll file the necessary permits and setup a meeting with The Alliance Center.

"Big day," I say, standing on the sidewalk, holding Alec's hand. "Big things for you and TAC." I use Alec's nickname for The Alliance Center.

Alec blows out a breath and rakes his hair out of his eyes. "Thanks for coming with me. I appreciate the moral support."

"I'm excited to be a part of this. It will make a difference in people's lives. Thank you for sharing it with me." My statement belongs in a sappy movie, but it's the truth.

Alec chuckles and lifts his chin to kiss me.

"Get a room," someone yells. New Yorkers are not shy about voicing their opinions to strangers. It's jarring, but I'm getting used to it. The first time someone yelled at us, I thought it was homophobic but heterosexuals get the same treatment. New York––where insults and unsolicited opinions are for everyone.

I step back so I don't make him late.

"I'll text you after work." Alec leans in for one more quick kiss, and then he's trudging down the stairs to the subway.

I plan to sculpt for the rest of the day. This week I've made more pieces than in the last ten years. I've finally gotten out of my head and over my perfectionism.

I check my phone and see a surprising text from Madyson asking me to meet her in the gallery office.

When I arrive, Madyson is on the phone, waving me into the office. "You're right. We both could use the distraction. It's perfect…yeah…I love you." She hangs up with a sad smile.

"Everything okay?" I ask, despite my better judgment to stay out of her business. She has dark circles under her eyes and is a little pale.

Madyson flicks her hand to dismiss my question. "Everything is fantastic! I sold all your jewelry for twice as much as your suggested price." She laughs as she says "suggested price," since I left the jewelry with completed invoices, including the price. "Most of the recent calls to The Artistic Edge have been inquiries for your work. I sold another two sculptures." She pins me with her gaze and takes a deep breath. "You should have a show of your own."

"When would you want to schedule it, and how many pieces?" The image of the art on display for the auction runs through my mind. Even with my creative burst, I couldn't fill the gallery.

Madyson flips through her calendar, muttering to herself. She's looking for dates and planning time for marketing and logistics. "How's December 23rd? We can capitalize on last-minute Christmas shoppers who are in the habit of spending money. That should give you enough time to finish a couple more sculptures and some jewelry. I've done shows with as few as five pieces, so there's no pressure to create more." Her hand hovers with a pen over the calendar.

As I agree, my first thought is to have Alec act as the host of the show. He could do the talking and charm everyone. But Alec won't always be there for me. My stomach drops to the floor in revolt. I'm sweating so I wind my hair around itself and secure it with a pencil from Madyson's desk.

Her shoulders drop, and she adds my show to her calendar. She leans forward with her hand out. "You can do this. I know you can."

I take her hand and she squeezes mine. This show could determine my future.

"Oh, also, we're doing karaoke tonight at Pink Titanium." Madyson's mouth pinches in a straight line. "Attendance is mandatory. Everyone will be there."

A mandatory karaoke event sounds strange. "Who is everyone?"

"You know, the crew," Madyson says vaguely.

"Is this a joke? Is karaoke slang for something?" I glance around, looking for hidden cameras. In Sweden there are lots of shows depicting Americans pranking each other.

Madyson laughs. "That's the sense of humor you need to bring to your show." She points a finger at me. "Some artists from here will be there, and Alec and the guys from Unframed Art."

"Alec said he'd be there?" I'm surprised he didn't mention it earlier. We didn"t specifically make plans to see each other later, but we implied it.

Madyson's mouth pinches again, and she gives a curt nod. "You should invite Lars." She lets out a nervous laugh as I stare at her in confusion. "So you have a friend there."

Alec hasn't told Madyson we are sleeping together. Either because he's upset with her or what we're doing isn't important enough to mention.

Insecurity isn't something I'm used to.

I text Alec as soon as I leave Madyson's office.

Me: karaoke???

Alec: k

Me: Pink Titanium?

Alec: sure

Me: see you there

Alec: can't wait

That conversation did not make tonight any clearer, but it should be fun. I can't expect to keep Alec to myself or assume he wants to have sex every night.

F?r fan I helvete! I've never been insecure, possessive, or jealous over a lover. I shut down the part of my brain telling me I've never been with anyone as charming Alec.