“I’m really honored by this, ya know,” I grab my gun and find a nice place on her leg where I can add the two letters without detracting from the design. “There,” I announce when I’m finished. “Now, my hugs and kisses are on your body for the rest of your life,” I tease.
“That’s what I wanted.”
I get up and put my tools away, afraid if I don’t put some distance between us that I’m going to ravish her right here. “You better be careful what you wish for,” I say, glancing over my shoulder at her. “You just might get it.”
After sharing a sizzling kiss good-bye with Ivy in the parking lot again, my blood is racing through my veins. I know I won’t be able to sleep, so I take out my violin and play a few of the new songs I’ve been working on. The resonation of the strings calms me, always has. Even though I bought a brand new violin a few years ago with a little bit of my inheritance, I still play my first violin—the one I found in my great-grandparents’ attic when I was seven years old and taught myself to play. It’s ancient, and I have no idea who it originally belonged to, but it’s one of the best—a Strad. Two years ago, I shipped it to London to have a renowned violin maker repair it for me, who begged me to sell it to him and offered me an insane amount of money. I refused. This violin is too much a part of me to let go, no matter how much it’s worth. I don’t need money, but I do need the things that calm me and bring me peace.
And now, Ivy excites me but also brings me a new sense of peace I’ve never felt before, not even from my music or art. Fighting the urge to carry her up here to my apartment all night was exhausting but worth it. Tomorrow night, she’ll be here, and I can’t wait to see her in my personal space, surrounded by the things I love.
Later, after I put my violin back in its case, I send Ivy a text.
Me: Is it tomorrow yet?
By the time she replies eight minutes later, I’m already in my bed.
Ivy: Technically, yes, it’s after midnight yesterday, so it’s today, which is tomorrow.
Me: Holy fuck, that hurt my brain.
Ivy: LOL
Me: What are you doing?
Ivy: I’m in bed.
Me: Me too. Were you thinking about me?
Ivy: What do you think?
Me: I think yes. ;)
Ivy: Then I guess I was :)
Me: Don’t stop.
Ivy: How could I? You’re irresistible, remember?
Me: Did I tell you how beautiful you looked today?