TRAPPED IN LOVE
by
Linde Lean

Chapter One 

Wendy Newman, portrait photographer, smiled with pleasure. All ‘sold out’ at her first official exhibition; life could not get sweeter than this. Hugging the pleasure to her, she slowly turned to scan the gallery looking for her agent and friend, Etienne, but instead, she encountered, dark smouldering eyes.

 She experienced something like an electrical shock as she looked at the tall dark stranger, whom, she noticed, watched her so intently.  His eyes drawn in sensual appraisal, almost as if his eyes stripped her clothes from her body.

He stood out amongst the evening attired crowd, a contrast in his black jeans and shirt with no tie and unbuttoned to reveal a strong neck and a smattering of black hair on a broad chest. The dark clothes, accentuated his looks, which hinted at Italian genes. His confidence evident in the way he carried himself, completely at ease in this formal gathering, despite his casual clothes.

He wore his hair with equal ease, combed back from his wide forehead it curled into his neck. Glancing back to his face she encountered his predatory eyes as he made his way towards her, his strides quickly closed the gap between them. His muscled body was unmistakeable under his sexy clothes. Wendy found herself unable to take her eyes off him

Aware that, not only would her work be on show tonight, but herself as well, she’d picked what she would wear with particular care. Now, seeing the look of male appreciation in this stranger’s eyes, she was pleased that her black cashmere, jersey-knit dress had the desired effect.

Knowing that her outfit complimented her fair hair and accentuated her body’s contours to full advantage, she smiled. She enjoyed the pleasure in his eyes as his gaze raked over the plunging neckline of her dress.

Only then, did she register that Etienne escorted him. She hardly heard Etienne’s full introduction, just taking note of key phrases, 'Dr. Brian Lewis, and, old school friend.'

He caught her hand in a secure hold, then, with slow deliberation, raised her fingers to his sensual lips. The warmth from his lips was like a tender caress. Wendy felt a pool of sensual pleasure settle down in her inner core at the same time she noted his reciprocal look of desire.

“Delighted to meet you, Wendy Newman, I can see why Etienne has kept you to himself.”

Briefly smiling in Etienne’s direction, Wendy did not take her eyes from his. Her breath felt trapped in her chest, making her voice husky. “Hello, I can’t recall seeing you here earlier?” Wendy was sure she would not have missed Brian’s presence.

“I was detained and I’m afraid I only arrived a few moments ago. Much too late, sadly, to purchase any of your works.”

“These are by no means all my work, and not necessarily what I consider my best, you are welcome to come to my studio…anytime.”

“Well, I can see my presence here is redundant, I will leave you two to get to know each other.” With a last glance at the couple, Etienne left them as he went and mingled with the other patrons.

“Come, show me you work, and tell me more about yourself.”

Brian placed his hand on her lower back, as he steered her around the gallery. He from time to time adjusted his hand at the small of her back, letting his fingers softly caress her. His gesture was perhaps a little too intimate, but Wendy found her body respond pleasantly to the gentle hint of ownership. She felt more comfortable and at ease with Brian’s actions than the overtures from men with whom she felt well acquainted with.

Wendy tried to appear sophisticated and unaffected as her body responded to the physical attraction; nevertheless, she found herself breathlessly describing her work. His undivided attention and intense listening only served to subtly seduce her.

 She pointed out items of interest in her work, and casually leaned against him, softly inhaling his musky scent. She felt his firm thigh, through the fabric of her dress. His muscles felt taunt and well defined in contrast to her soft contours.  She gauged him to be at least six-four, and yet her body fitted his like a glove.

The pulse at the base of her neck beat at a fast and steady pace in reaction to him. Sneaking a look up at his face, she found his intent gaze, not focused on her work, but instead on that revealing pulse. Damn, caught out. Slightly embarrassed, she quickly looked down, but then he tightened his arm around her and adjusted his body to pull her more securely into his embrace. She relaxed into his embrace wrapping her body into his, a warm contentedness combined with a sexual tension, invaded her body. Making it almost impossible for her to concentrate on what he said.

Looking up, Wendy again encountered, Brian’s dark brown eyes, his eyes danced with a sparkle of anticipation. Could he see the same in hers? This reaction to him was crazy. She’d only just met him, and was by no means promiscuous. Quit the contrary. So where was her usual sensibility?

“Etienne is busy locking up, the other guests have left” Wendy told him, and felt instantly foolish, for pointing out the obvious to him.

“Would you like to go for coffee somewhere?” Brian enquired.

Wendy nodded; she didn’t want this magical night to end and jumped at the chance to spend more time with him.

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