27 Believe in Me...

HUNTER

She looked absolutely fucking stunning. Fuck when she came inside the car I wanted her there and fuck her endlessly but I stopped her face showed a trace of sadness as if something had just happened she was this sad when her ex threw her out thinking of her ex I want to kill him soon the ride stopped and I walked out of the car to fetch her.

Lily took my hand as I helped her out of the car. She wasn't used to wearing heels, that much I could tell, but the red dress she had on looked like she was born to flaunt it. It dipped down low between her full, rounded breasts. Hugged every curve of her incredible body. But my favorite past was the slit up the side — and getting a glimpse of those amazing legs — every time she took a full step.

"Thanks," she beamed, and I grinned back. She'd spent time on her hair and makeup too; so much that she looked utterly flawless. Not that she didn't look great without all that, but I was used to seeing her in torn jeans or a paint-splattered sweatshirt — the stuff she wore when working around the house.

I had never really seen her like this.

Dinner had been excellent, filled with talking and flirting and fun. We had the quiet corner of a cozy restaurant, and had made it back on campus just as the exhibit was in full swing.

"Do we have to check in or anything?" she asked, wobbling a little on the way to the door. The Dowling Mansion was one of the oldest and most historic structures on the University grounds. In heels, the cobbled walkway was treacherous.

"Not that I know of."

It was my first art exhibit. I really had no idea what to expect. If one of the other art teachers hadn't talked me into putting something up, I wouldn't even be here in the first place. Somehow though, having Lily with me took away the nervousness.

I looked back at my date in her tight red dress. She really was gorgeous. It made me feel lucky.

And tonight? She's all yours,the little voice in my head reminded me.

I could hardly wait.

"Ever been here before?" I asked.

"Not at night," Lily replied, looking up at the entrance. "Wow, just look at it, it's beautiful!"

Covered in ivy and sprawling with outdoor gardens, the front of the old mansion held a special beauty right now, especially beneath the cold moonlight. We reached the door with Lily practically leaning on my shoulder.

"You could've worn flats you know," I teased.

"With this dress? Screw that."

Once inside, the mansion was warm and well lit. Someone smiled at us and took Lily's coat. Someone else handed us two flutes of champagne with a tiny sliver of strawberry bubbling up from the bottom.

"This is wonderful," Lily said, pressing herself against me. yes her perfect pecks were looking for attention eagerly "Thanks for bringing me." she showed a bright smile.

"Uhh… you might not be thanking me once you see my work," I chuckled.

"Yeah right." she pouted.

"No, I'm serious," I told her. "In fact, let's hang out here and get another two glasses of champagne before—"

"Come on," she said, pulling me playfully into the next room. "You're not getting out this that easy."

The art exhibit was actually pretty amazing. Several local artists had work on display, some of them even semi-famous. Important-looking people milled around in important-looking suits, talking and laughing and forming their own little cliques.

Room by room we went, taking our time, looking at paintings and photographs and even a few sculptures. Some were even for sale. The prices were outrageous, though.

"So where's your stuff?" Lily asked.

"Student exhibits are in the back half of the house."

We continued down a paneled hall, through some sort of beautiful Conservatory. Another tray of champagne was there, resting atop a grand piano. Lily swapped out her empty glass for a full one, then reached out to take mine.

"You're not going to eat your strawberry?"

"Nah."

She tilted my glass back and let the strawberry drop into her open mouth. Looking back at me, lips slightly parted, she showed it to me on the flat of her tongue.

"Sure you don't want it?" she winked playfully.

I grabbed at her, and she laughingly retreated into the next room. There were less people in the back area, but more paintings. We passed a few other people I recognized as students. When suddenly—

"Hunter, hi!"

I whirled, and my stomach dropped into my feet. Deanna was standing there in a sparkling blue dress, her long black hair fanned out over both shoulders. Her eyes were bright and hopeful. Just like always.

Shit.

"I thought that was you," she laughed. "From the back it was difficult to tell. I'm not used to seeing you so dressed up and—" She stopped mid-sentence as her gaze shifted to Lily. "Oh. It's you."

"Yeah," Lily said sharply. "It's me."

My girlfriend looped her arm possessively through mine. Danna looked crestfallen.

"So uh…"

"Yeah," I said awkwardly. "Sorry."

Danna's shoulders slumped, but then she abruptly stood up straight. Something in her expression told me it was alright.

"Well good luck," she said, almost cheerfully. "Oh, and your pieces are down there," she pointed. "Next room, on the left."

"Thanks," I told her.

Lily sized her up as we walked by. "Thanks Danna," she added as well. "And goodnight."

I breathed as sigh of relief as we reached the next room. There was hardly anyone in here as well.

"Awkward?" I asked hesitantly.

"No," said Lily . "I mean, of course we'd run into one of your ex girlfriends," she laughed. "Or ex… whatever she is."

I didn't know what to say, really. So I didn't say anything.

"Look, I knew you were sort of a ladies man when we decided to try this," Lily said. She turned toward me, pulling at the collar of my pristine white button-down shirt. "I mean, look at you. My man is so hot. Women are always gonna want him," she smirked and shrugged. "What's a girl supposed to do?"

I slid my arms around her and pulled her to me hugging her tightly feeling her aroused peck over the fabric. "You don't have to do anything," I said. "Because I don't want those other girls. Not anymore."

"Oh?" Lily teased. She risked a quick glance over her shoulder. "Danna's extremely pretty. And that other girl with the heart-shaped as—"

I kissed her, shutting her up. Lily's mouth moved against mine, tasting like champagne and strawberries and all good things. If anyone else was watching, I didn't care. All I wanted to do was feel her lips against mine.

"I don't want any of those other girls," I reiterated, when the kiss was finally broken. "If I did, I would still have them."

She looked at me, and her eyes held nothing but adoration. She wanted to believe me. I wanted to make her believe in me.

"Lily " I said, tilting her chin upward. "The only girl I want is you."

Her eyes half-closed. She went to kiss me again, but instead I reached out and placed my hands on either side of her face.

"Here," I said, turning her head gently to one side. "Open your eyes."

She did.

And then she saw.