Chapter 12. The Chit Chat
I was reading a book, on my favorite nook in my dad’s study. I used to sit hours here when I was little, waiting on him while he was working.
Brenton left last night, said he was going to pick me up for breakfast this morning. Then we would go to his studio afterward. I sighed, as I had to go and get ready in a couple of minutes looking at the clock.
I stepped out of my shower and decided to wear an ethnic dress, finished off with heels, and my oversized purse. He called and said that he was on the driveway already.
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“Morning Nicolette, beautiful as always.” He got out of the car and opened the door for me. He buckled me in, teasing and touching me then gave me his kiss.
“Let’s go Brenton, or we would end up upstairs if you don’t drive.” I giggled.
“As you wish beautiful. So, I was thinking we have breakfast first, then we go to my studio. You can look around, paint, read, or just hang around basically, and just let me find my mood then paint you.” He entwined our hand and kissed it.
We arrived at Barney’s. It was a local bistro. I had heard of the place but never been there before.
“My friend Shane, designed the place. He took me here one day, and I was hooked. Everything is delicious here. Shane said the owner is a best selling cookbook author. I forgot her name though.” He explained as we got out of the car.
The place was gorgeous. It was intimate, cozy, and classy at the same time. “Your friend is a very talented architect, I like his taste. It’s very french bistro classic.” I looked around and smiled.
The waiter seated us in the far corner, she greeted Brenton, seemed that he was a regular here. She took our order and leave us be.
“So, my hands are itching to touch you.” He blurted out. I laughed slapping his arm playfully.
“Brenton! The normal things people first say on dates are greetings, then they would probably talk about the weather, what have they been doing lately, you know the chit chat.” But I took his hand anyway, feeling the need to touched him also.
He grinned, cupped my face, and give me a big fat kiss. Making me blush. “Brent! I’m not big on public affection. I’m not comfortable with it.” I scowled. He laughed at me and he pulled away. The waiter came and brought our drinks then followed with our meals minutes later.
We ate in silence, I moaned a couple of times. “Damn this is so good.”
“Wait till you try the whiskey cake babe, it’s to die for. Hang on I’ll order it now.” He waived to the waiter and order the whiskey cake, and their signature chocolate cake.
I was beyond full, we decided to take the rest of the cake to go. We’re still talking and having some coffee when a couple of girls came up to Brenton and asked him for his autograph and a picture with him. He was being nice and went along with them. Then when they had gone, he quickly asked for the bill.
“Come on quickly, there will be more, we need to get out of here now!” He settled the bill and had his hand on my back telling me to move it. But we were too late, a couple of photographers were already snapping our pictures, he tried to shield me and covered me until we finally got to his car.
“Wow, you really are famous!” I laughed at his panicked state.
“And you don’t really like being famous do you?” I stroked his cheek and smiled at him. He just clenched his jaw and shake his head no.
“That’s okay Brent, we could always ask them to deliver the food. We do more exciting stuff behind closed doors anyway.” I gave him a big smile, tried to cheer him up.
He kissed my temple, put the car in gear, then drove off from the parking lot, away from the paparazzi.
His place was spacious, rustic, classic bachelor’s pad. But his studio was a painters dream, the big windows, high ceiling, lots of natural lights coming in. He really was famous and made good money, if he had this much space in the downtown area, it must’ve had cost a fortune.
“Oh my god, Brent. I really love the space. I could spend hours here reading. Oh my… the big windows, and the natural lights. Oh, the view! It’s beautiful Brent!” I set my purse down and slipped off my heels, and took a seat on the oversized window ledge. I dangled my legs and smiled at him.
“My nook! I love this space, just get me some pillows and books and I’m settled.”
“Done, beautiful. It’s your space.” He chuckled.
He took off his shoes and jacket and sat on the couch, his feet rested on the coffee table. He looked tired.
“Hey, are you okay?” I flopped myself next to him, took his arm, and put it around my shoulder. I rested my head on his chest. He didn’t say anything, so I stayed silent hugging him. He rests his jaw on my head and rubbed my arm. We stayed like that for another hour.
“The paparazzi, sorry babe, it really bothers me. I just don’t want you to get involved in the vicious cycle. Some people would do anything, and say anything. And I just have this urge to protect you. I just need you to be safe. I think I’m falling for you.” He confessed to me. Leaving me shocked, but I quickly smiled at him.
“Sorry, you don’t have to say anything beautiful, I just need to say it.” He stroked my hair and gave me small kisses and held my cheek as he pulled my face closer, looking into my eyes letting his feelings show. He gave me the lightest kiss on my lips, and turned it into the most passionate kiss we ever share, leaving us breathless. His fingers wiped my tears. Knowing it was my happy tears he smiled at me, and pulled me to his chest, and whispered in my ear. “Mine. My beautiful Nicolette.”