Solid Stone Series Book 2

VIOLET

My stomach was a bundle of nerves, the memory of our near breakup still fresh in my mind.

But Adam and I had worked things out, and we both knew now what we wanted from each other. Sharing our deepest secrets had brought us closer than ever.

I remembered his words: “I’m a smart man, Violet, and I love trying new things. You’ve just made me three times more curious about you.”

There were times when I wondered if I’d given too much of myself to him. He was my first boyfriend, my first lover, but when we were alone, he made me feel special, wanted, and cherished.

I never thought I’d share with Adam what I did. It felt like a desperate move at the time, but it turned out to be the right thing to do. We’d cleared the air of all secrets.

Gia was more his type, more compatible with his need for control. That wasn’t a secret anymore. We were both learning from each other, and that had to be a good thing.

***

While eating lunch at my desk, I read an email from Adam again.

From: Adam Stone

To: Violet Cole

Subject: Thursday

Violet,

I hope you’re looking forward to shopping with Stephanie at Bretton’s. She’ll help you find clothes that are as beautiful as you are. I’ve set up your appointment for Thursday and can’t wait to see what you choose.

Adam

I was finally going to meet the woman who dressed him so well—his stylist. I couldn’t help but smile.

It was only fair: I’d opened a new world for him, and now he was doing the same for me. A shopping spree—I’d never done that before.

Adam also wanted me to meet with his real estate agent, Brenda Ramiro, to find us a new place in the city. He was keeping the house, which didn’t surprise me. It was custom-built, and he could afford it.

***

Brenda was showing me another place. We’d already seen four, and now we were checking out a loft in the hip Distillery District.

The area was a mix of old buildings turned into shops and restaurants, creating a perfect blend of the past and the present. There were great bakeries and coffee shops, as well as fancy, high-end restaurants.

Brenda stopped in front of an old brick building that I instantly liked. The inside was even better. A hallway led to a vintage service elevator.

Brenda lifted the elevator door, and we stepped in. It felt like stepping back in time. When we got off on the top floor, I realized there was only one unit up here. Brenda said we were looking at the model suite.

I couldn’t help but smile when we walked into a spacious foyer with an office, coat closet, and powder room. This was more like it.

The apartment opened up into a large open-concept room with a modern, dark-gray kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and a big island.

Beyond the kitchen was a dining area and a living room with a leather sofa, four sleek armchairs, and a coffee table. There were built-in bookshelves next to large windows, and I loved the hardwood floor.

Two sliding doors led to a big terrace with seating, a dining area, and a built-in barbecue. I could already see us out there on summer nights, sipping wine and enjoying the city view.

But the real showstopper was the twenty-foot-high ceiling with old metal beams above the seating area.

This was a chic loft apartment with two levels. An open staircase with an exposed brick wall led to a large area that overlooked the room below.

There was a pool table, a TV area, and seating for about ten. Adam would love the built-in stereo system.

From this level, I could see the aged beams that added character to the place. There was another powder room and three bedrooms at the back, each with its own bathroom.

The bedrooms had mirrored closets and metal beams overhead, carrying the loft theme throughout. The master bedroom was big and had a modern, four-piece bathroom.

The shower even had a skylight. There were so many cool features.

“Brenda, I think this is the one. It’s a model suite, so does it come with the furniture?”

Brenda sounded happy. “Oh, I’m glad. And yes, I’m sure we can arrange that, and a quick closing too? I understand Mr. Stone wants one.”

“Yes, we both do. Can we get Adam in here tomorrow night? We could be here by about seven. If he likes it, I’m sure he’ll make an offer right away.”

“Sure, I’ll set up the appointment right now.” She smiled, holding her cell phone to her ear.

***

I got to Adam’s house around eight. After locking the door and setting the alarm, I went to the kitchen.

Joyce had left me some meatballs and a salad in the fridge. She was so thoughtful. After eating, I went upstairs to get ready for bed.

I settled into the soft pillows and turned on the TV. I’d quickly gotten used to having one in my room.

When I first moved in, it was strange being alone in this big house. The first time Adam was out of town, I barely slept. But now, I was used to it.

My phone rang.

“Hi, babe.”

His voice still made my heart flutter. “Hi, how are you?”

“I’m good. So how was house hunting today?”

“I found a loft apartment I really like. I asked Brenda to set up an appointment for you to see it at seven tomorrow. I hope that’s okay.”

“Yeah, that works. I’ll meet you at Bretton’s around five, and we can go from there. A loft—that sounds interesting. So what do you like about it?”

“It’s over by the Distillery District. The place has a really cool feel to it. It’s a model unit, so I asked Brenda if we—sorry, if you—could buy the furniture too. I figured it would make the move easier.”

“Smart thinking. And remember, it’s a place for both of us, okay? I can’t wait to see it.”

“I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.”

“I’m sure I will. Maybe we can move in this weekend.”

“You haven’t even seen it yet.” I laughed. “You think we can do that?”

He laughed back and said, “With me, anything’s possible.”

Still chuckling, I said, “I’m beginning to see that.”

“Sleep well. I can’t wait to see you.”

The thought sent a thrill through me. “I’m looking forward to that. Good night.”

“See you tomorrow.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “Be good, babe.”

I sank back into the pillows, Adam filling my thoughts.

***

Bretton’s is a high-end department store where the well-off shop. It’s in Yorkville, the ritzy part of town that I was getting used to, thanks to Adam.

A stylish woman opened the door and greeted me. I smiled and stepped inside. The store was a world of luxury and high fashion.

Designer scarves, bags, and other accessories surrounded me. I picked up a Gucci purse, winced at the price, and quickly moved away before a sales associate could approach me.

My appointment notice had told me to check in at the reception desk on the second floor, so I headed up the escalator.

“Hello, how can I assist you?” the receptionist asked with a smile.

“Hi, I have an appointment with Stephanie Thomas. I’m Violet Cole.”

A tall, attractive woman with olive skin was standing in the waiting room behind me. She stepped forward and extended her hand. “Hello, Miss Cole, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Stephanie.”

“Oh, hi. Please, call me Violet. It’s nice to meet you too.”

We shook hands. I felt an immediate connection with her, which helped me relax.

Stephanie took me into a private room to take my measurements. She asked me about my favorite colors and styles and how long I usually took to get ready in the morning.

She and her assistant, Darren, then took me to the women’s section of the store, where Darren quickly reserved a fitting room for me.

As we browsed through the clothes, Stephanie made a few suggestions. I could see why Adam trusted her so much. I felt a bit sorry for Darren, as the clothes Stephanie picked for me piled up in his arms.

I sneaked a peek at one of the price tags—it was $250 for just one blouse.

Inside the fitting room, I was surrounded by designer clothes and shoes, but it was the evening wear that caught my eye. The gowns Stephanie had chosen were stunning and felt luxurious against my skin.

I was about to try on a red Vera Wang gown when I heard Adam’s voice in the hallway.

“Hello, Mr. Stone, it’s good to see you again,” Stephanie greeted him. “It’s been a while. Miss Cole is in the second fitting room.”

Hearing her say Mr. Stone made me smile. Okay, maybe I was a bit jealous, but I really did like her.

Adam knocked. “Open up. It’s me.”

I was now in the gown and a pair of Valentino high heels with ankle straps. When I opened the door, Adam’s handsome face lit up.

He stepped in and closed the door behind him. In seconds, he had me in his arms. He kissed me, then pulled back to look at me and said, “You look stunning in that dress. We’re definitely getting that one.”

I stepped back and turned around so he could see the full-length dress from behind and how it exposed my back with a low-cut swoop.

Then, looking at the price tag, I grimaced. “It’s really expensive.”

He didn’t care. “We’re getting it,” he said. I didn’t argue. I loved the dress too and would have been happy with just it and nothing else.

It was clear Adam and I had missed each other. He spun me around to face him and effortlessly lifted me up, pinning me against the wall. The dress was now around my waist, and my legs were wrapped around his hips.

I was still wearing the high heels. His hand running along my thigh was driving me wild. His touch made his entry so easy.

He kissed me hard to muffle my moans as he began to move. Each thrust was more powerful than the last. I tried to keep my moans low, but it was nearly impossible when Adam started fucking me harder.

“I missed you,” he whispered between kisses. “I missed all of you.”

Deep inside of me, he paused and began to rock gently. It felt amazing and gave my heart a brief respite. Then he resumed with more force.

“You’re close, I can tell,” he said against my neck.

“Yessss,” I groaned against his cheek as he slid in and out.

My back bounced off the wall with each hard thrust. My body was on fire, and the fact that we were in a public place only made it hotter. A few more thrusts sent me over the edge.

Adam was panting. “I’m close.”

As the wave built, I let go. “Ahhhh!” My body convulsed, signaling my release. Adam followed soon after. He kissed me a while longer before setting me back on my feet.

I adjusted the dress so I could show Stephanie. Adam winked as he left the fitting room, looking somehow put together.

I waited a minute before stepping out, trying to look innocent. Stephanie’s expression, much like Adam’s earlier, said wow.

Needless to say, Adam bought me the evening gown and shoes. He also bought me three more evening gowns in black, silver, and gold, several skirts and blouses, two suits, and a leather jacket.

My eyes watered at the cost of just the shoes, let alone the evening gown. It was way more than I could afford.

I was left without words when Stephanie returned to Adam for his autograph. He requested everything be delivered, and once again, I was at a loss for words. I couldn’t help myself.

“Adam, this is too much,” I protested. “Really, let me pay for something.”

After we bid Stephanie farewell, Adam turned to me outside the store. His face was serious.

“Promise me you won’t do that again,” he said softly, still holding my hand. “I want you to look good and feel good in what you wear. This is for both of us, and I’m doing it because I want to.”

Why did he make me feel like I was being ungrateful? “Adam, this is too generous,” I insisted.

“You’re worth it. All of it, and more. Just let me do this, okay?”

He kissed me, and the warmth of it made me relent. We were still hand in hand when we climbed into his Jaguar. He opened my door and helped me in, and in no time, we were at the loft.

Brenda was waiting at the building’s entrance. “Hello Mr. Stone, it’s a pleasure to see you and Miss Cole again. I hope this is a good sign.”

We followed Brenda to the elevator. I couldn’t help but smile as Adam surveyed the surroundings. He was all business now, asking questions. It was a turn-on.

We toured the loft, and Adam seemed fascinated by the metal beams in the master bedroom. After we’d seen the entire place, he asked Brenda to give us a moment alone.

“Do you want this?” he asked me.

“Yes, I love it, but you have to love it too.”

He smiled, taking my hand. “Then I’ll get it for you. It’s fantastic, and you’ve made a great choice.”

Brenda was waiting for us on the ground floor, and I was buzzing with excitement at the thought of living here with Adam.

Without wasting a moment, Adam told Brenda, “Call me tonight at nine. I’ll be making an offer.”

Brenda couldn’t contain her joy and shook both our hands.

When we got home, I felt drained. I guess the day’s excitement had finally caught up with me.

Adam must have noticed. “Go to bed,” he instructed. “I’ll be up soon.” He kissed me before retreating to his office.

After a shower, I sat in front of the bathroom mirror to dry my hair. When I looked up, Adam was standing behind me.

He looked incredibly sexy in his suit pants, loosened tie, and partially unbuttoned shirt. I swear he did this intentionally. He took the blow-dryer and brush from my hand and started to dry my hair.

Every so often, he’d lean down to kiss one of my bare shoulders. The towel I was wrapped in was gradually pushed down, revealing my breasts. This made him smile as he continued to dry my hair while admiring my reflection in the mirror.

I couldn’t believe how aroused I was becoming. Here was this successful man, drying my hair while I sat half-naked. “You look really sexy,” I told him.

When he finished, he took the comb and ran it through my hair. He joked, “Will that do, madam?”

He was grinning as he looked down at me, and I melted when I looked up into his eyes. He has such power over me.

I stood up, and my towel dropped to the marble floor. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him.

Then, leaning back and gazing into his beautiful dark-blue eyes, I smiled. “Yes, thank you, Sven, I love my hair. Will you be needing a tip?”

He laughed. “Sven, really? Oh, yes, I’ll be needing a generous tip, and I want it now.”

He scooped me up in his arms and carried me into the bedroom, where he laid me on the bed. As he undressed, he glanced over at me. “You’re beautiful, and I’m so lucky to have you.”

My heart pounded, not just at his words but at the sight of his naked body as he slid into bed beside me. His kisses trailed down my neck, and I shivered from head to toe.

His hands began to wander, and I felt like the luckiest woman in the world as he made love to me again.