She was stunning. I watched her circle the room, drink in hand, swaying a little in her tall high heels and little black dress, clearly enjoying herself. This was her big night, the art on the walls was hers and the reveal was a complete success. Already I knew she had several offers on many of her new pieces.
She grinned giddily as she popped a piece of shrimp into her mouth. Her energy was infectious, her hoop earrings glinted as she nodded her head enthusiastically when a potential client asked her about her work. I caught the looks of several men watching her and tried my best to keep an impassive look on my face.
I crossed the room, gently wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to my side.
"Babe, I think you might be getting a little tipsy," I bent and murmured into her ear.
She looked up at me with crystal blue eyes and threw back her head and laughed, ending with a little snort. A sure sign. I smiled.
"It's getting late, let's get you home."
After a few long goodbyes and another glass of wine, the doors finally closed and I managed to steal her away. She wobbled slightly as she walked, gripping my upper arm for support as I guided her into our slick SUV. It was starting to snow, just a dusting of white, so I drove as carefully as I could while still pushing the limits on the roads.
She chatted aimlessly about the night, the food, the people. Her words were thick but cheerful and full of laughter. God, I loved her.
I half carried, half dragged her up the walkway to our house, fumbled with the keys to get us through the door, she was still talking, something about oil paints and new canvas.
"Shhh," I turned her back to the door, crushed my mouth to hers. Her hands, gripping my shirt at first, went limp. I could taste the wine still on her tongue. I pressed up against her, working my mouth desperately against hers, her fingers made her way into my hair. I groaned.
Tugging her around, I wrapped my arms around her waist and buried my nose in her hair, took in a deep breath of something smoky and sultry, bit her shoulder.
"You are so sexy," I whispered in her ear.