A Portrait of Emily (7 page)

Peter grinned at him then ran from the kitchen. “Race you upstairs,” he yelled over his shoulder.

Over the eight months they had lived together, they had made love countless times, and each time seemed better than the time before. Jeff was an inventive lover. Sometimes playful, sometimes tender and affectionate, other times deeply intense and passionate. Peter reveled in their love-making. To him it was much more than just sex. It was an embodiment of everything that they meant to one another. Now, as he lay gazing into Jeff’s smoky gray eyes, Peter moved sensuously beneath his lover’s powerful body and all thoughts of Joey Fernandez were banished from his mind. Here in his arms was the man who meant everything to him—and he wanted nothing more than this.

“Have I told you lately that I love you?” Jeff murmured; his lips a feather light touch on Peter’s mouth.

“Yes, but tell me again.” Peter slipped his tongue between Jeff’s teeth.

“
Iwuvyu
…”

Laughter overtook them and they collapsed into each other’s arms. “Oh my God,” Peter gasped when he could breathe. “Don’t you know you should never talk with your mouth full?”

The laughter that had done nothing to cool their ardor, stilled as their lips met in an all consuming kiss and soon they were lost in their passion.

§ § § §

The restaurant in downtown Laguna where David had made reservations was a particular favorite of Jeff and Peter’s. They both loved its vibrant atmosphere and Old World decor. They had a table close to the huge stone fireplace that dominated one wall, its glow giving off a feeling of warmth and comfort on this night that had, for some inexplicable reason, turned misty and chilly.

“That’s better,” Peter remarked as they sat down. “I’ll never understand how it can get so darned cool so quickly. Well…” He raised his glass of champagne he’d ordered at the bar. “Here’s to David and Andrew. Jeff and I wish you both every success in New York.”

They clinked glasses then Jeff said, “It goes without saying, of course, that we’ll miss the heck out of you guys. It’s been a real treat for me to be a part of such a great group.”

Andrew put his glass down. “We’re gonna miss you guys too. If this wasn’t such a terrific opportunity for David…”

David’s dark eyes glittered in the firelight. “Andrew’s been so great about all of this. When the promotion first came up I was worried about how he’d react. I should’ve known he’d give me total support. Not that I wanted to put any pressure on you, Andrew, but I wouldn’t have accepted the promotion if it had meant us living apart.”

“No way I would let that happen,” Andrew said. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, buckaroo.”

There was a long pause as Andrew and David smiled at one another, then Peter chuckled. “You guys need to get a room.”

Andrew laughed. “You’re right …time and place, David. Hey…” He leaned forward in his chair. “Tell us about the party you guys went to the other night. You know; the portrait-unveiling thing.”

“Very interesting evening,” Jeff said.

“That’s all? Gloria Pedersen’s party was just
interesting
?”

Peter chuckled. “Well, it was a bit more than that. Gloria was already tipsy when we arrived—totally outrageous as usual. Johnny’s the only guy in the world who could handle that woman. We did meet Gloria’s cousin, Emily, and her fiancé Jerry. Nice couple. Her father’s a bit of an ogre, though. He kind of caused a scene.”

“What kind of scene?”

“Family type thing,” Jeff answered. “You know…” he adopted a stentorian voice, “
You’ll do what I say young lady
—
I’ll brook no nonsense from
you
,
damn it!”

Andrew’s eyes widened. “Oh my God. I hope she told him to take a hike.”

“No, but Gloria sashayed over and put an end to it, dragging us along to be introduced.”

“Did everyone love the painting?” David asked.

“Of course. Peter was the hit of the evening. Even got another commission out of it.”

“Jerry, Emily’s fiancé, asked me to paint her portrait to celebrate their engagement,” Peter explained. “I’m meeting her tomorrow, as a matter of fact.”

“What’s the fiancé do?”

“Works in some financial powerhouse his father owns. I think that’s what it is anyway. Gloria was a bit vague.”

Jeff laughed. “Gloria’s
always
vague. D’you think she cares what
Johnny
does all day? Just as long as he brings home the bacon.”

“Oh, that’s unkind Jeff,” Peter said. “She’s very proud of Johnny’s success.”

“Maybe, but next time you see her, ask her to name the other partners. When I asked her the name of the company, she said it was Thingy, Thingy and Pedersen.”

Peter pointed an accusatory finger at him. “You just made that up.”

“Right, but you have to agree, it’s the kind of thing she could say.”

“God, we’re gonna miss you guys.” Andrew was suddenly gloomy.

David nodded. “Yeah, and we don’t know anyone in New York.”

“You’ll make some new friends, I’m sure,” Peter said, trying to cheer his friends up. “Rod

and ‘A’ are always in New York for any new show. They’d love to look you up. Don’t worry, it’ll all be terrific.”

§ § § §

Joey lay alone in the darkness of his room. Once again, Adam had left him as soon as the sex was over. He hated this. Hated the way he felt. So empty and abandoned, and so damned vulnerable. This time he had even pleaded with him not to go, had told him how much he loved him.

“Please stay with me tonight.” He had clung to the young man’s hand. “I want to wake up in the morning and find you still here. Please…”

“Sorry Joey. I can’t do that. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He’d ruffled Joey’s hair and left.

Joey had wanted to follow him just to see where he was going, but what if he
was
seeing someone else? Joey knew he wouldn’t be able to stand it if it were so. “Oh God,” he moaned aloud, staring up at the ceiling. This agony of not knowing was surely worse than if he found out. Or was it? Angrily, he flung himself off the bed and began pacing the floor. Why had he allowed himself to fall in love with this man who obviously could care less? What was he hiding from him?

He knew absolutely nothing about his background. Where he lived or what he did. He had gone through Adam’s jeans’ pockets one night when he had gone to the bathroom and found nothing. No driver’s license, no billfold; just some dollar bills and loose change. Any personal questions Joey ever asked were met with either a vague reply or dead silence.

Once, when he had asked if his parents were still living, he had seen anger in the young man’s eyes for a moment before he looked away and simply nodded. Before Joey could pursue the subject, he had abruptly left with his usual departing words, “I’ll call you.”

“Damn it!” Joey muttered under his breath, still pacing. He would go mad if this continued. He should tell him never to come back, but who would be more hurt by that? He wished Jeff thought more kindly of him. Maybe then he could ask him to do some kind of background check. But Jeff would never go for that. He was too much the honest guy, the straight arrow—and all the rest of that bullshit.

He had hoped for more from Jeff. He had thought perhaps he might have been only too willing to pick up where they had left off. Joey could have used that desire to his own advantage. Blondie must be really good in the sack if Jeff didn’t want to come running back into his arms. Never mind that he had broken Jeff’s heart when he left—he was back now and he needed Jeff’s friendship.

Maybe he’d made a mistake leaving Jeff without a word. He should have known one day they would meet again. He had loved Jeff in the beginning. How could he not? He was so good looking, so strong, so damned
good
. But Joey couldn’t bear to be so restrained by a relationship. He had cheated on Jeff almost from the beginning. At first, he had felt some remorse. He knew Jeff would never forgive him if he ever found out, and so he went to extreme lengths to make sure he never did. But the last one, the one he ran away with—that one, he could not give up. Or rather, he could not give up the wealth, the Armani wardrobe, the red Jaguar convertible—those were just some of the gifts his new love had showered on him. How could his head not be turned by things like that?

Poor Jeff. Poor indeed—struggling on a police officer’s pay. He could never compete. So he had left him without a word and with just a little sadness. Oh, he had thought of him often and many times he had even wished it was Jeff there with him as he lay on a Caribbean beach or poolside in the south of France. The man who had footed the bill for Joey’s pleasures had not a tenth of Jeff’s good looks or charm. There was always some little flaw in every arrangement, was there not?

There was certainly a very
big
flaw in this present arrangement. Try as he may, Joey could not figure out Adam’s reluctance to open up more. They enjoyed the most exciting sex Joey had known in years and they were both always ready for it. There was little conversation for sure, but Joey had figured the man to be the silent type, not a senseless talker. But when they made love, it was as if he gave Joey his whole soul. Their bodies would cleave to each other with an intensity that would leave Joey spent and breathless.

Mostly though, he would be lost in the wonderment of it all. When they would lie in each other’s arms for that oh too brief a time afterwards, Joey would feel as though his whole world was complete. God, how he loved him.

Joey sat down on the edge of his bed again and thought desperately of a way to keep this man’s love. He had to know if he was being betrayed. He
had
to know. Next time, he
would
follow him when he left. There was no other choice. Let the fates lead him where they might, but he had to know.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Emily leaned back on the chaise lounge in Peter’s studio and tried to relax. Peter had done his best to make her feel at ease, but she still felt slightly ridiculous and out of place sitting there. Of all the things she’d ever thought of having done, this was probably the most surprising to her. She just wasn’t the raving beauty her cousin Gloria was. Who on earth was going to think that her portrait, hanging in a prominent part of any room, would be worth looking at?

Only Jerry, of course, and after all, it was only him she wanted to please above all others. Her father had sneered; her mother had said nothing as usual. She hadn’t even bothered to tell Anthony about it, thinking he could have cared less. Her attention was drawn back to Peter as he smiled at her from his easel.

“Just tilt your head a little more to the left, Emily, please. Look down then up at me quickly… That’s good,
that’s
the expression I want.” For some considerable time he worked in silence, his hand moving rapidly and skillfully over the canvas.

“There…” He threw down the charcoal stick and smiled at Emily. “That’s enough for today. I can see you’re getting restless. Would you like some tea?”

“Oh, please don’t bother, Peter.”

“It’s no bother. I’d like a cup myself.” He crossed the room to where she sat and gallantly offered her his hand. Responding to his playful show of chivalry, she placed her hand delicately on his.

“Come, m’lady,” he said, bowing before her, “your tea awaits.”

They went downstairs to the kitchen and Peter plugged in the electric kettle.

“You have such a lovely house, Peter. So warm and lived in. Not like that great museum I live in.”

Peter had not yet been to Emily’s house, but he’d heard from Gloria that it was enormous and very much a show place rather than a home.

“Where are you and Jerry going to live once you’re married?”

“We’re still looking. I’d like to move here to Laguna and Jerry loves this part of the coast too.”

“It’d be great to have you as neighbors.”

She was silent as she watched Peter busy himself preparing the tea.

“You seem sad Emily. Is something wrong?”

She looked back at him and gave a guilty start, answering too quickly. “No, no—I’m fine really.”

She looked away from his steady gaze. “You had a wonderful childhood didn’t you? I envy you that.”

Peter poured the now boiling water into the teapot. “Yes, I was a very privileged kid. My mom and dad were the best parents, loving and understanding. My mother still is of course. I lost my dad some years ago. My only regret, I think, is that I didn’t have any brothers or sisters to grow up with.”

Emily’s smile was rueful. “That’s not all it’s cracked up to be, believe me. I have one of each and recently they haven’t been much support.” Her face colored slightly and Peter guessed she felt she’d spoken out of turn.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’d love to have had you as a sister.” He grinned at her as he handed her a cup of tea and pushed the cream and sugar in front of her.

“That would’ve been terrific.”

“I get the feeling that your dad isn’t crazy about you getting married to Jerry.”

“To Jerry…or any man. He’s jealous, always has been.”

“But why?”

“Because he feels he will lose control of me, just like he lost control of Paula when she ran off to get married. He has to be the dominant one.”

“But why would he want to control you? You’re not a child anymore.”

“Oh believe me, he knows that… He never wanted me to grow up. Just stay ‘Daddy’s little girl’ forever. The idea of me marrying and moving away is…
abhorrent
to him.”

“Like it means he’s getting older?”

“No, because
I’m
getting older. He doesn’t like us getting older.”

Peter looked at her, puzzled.

“I’ve said way too much.” Emily put down her tea cup. “I should go.”

“Is there something I can do to help?”

“You’re a sweet guy, Peter. You and Jeff are nice people. Until Jerry, I didn’t know many nice people, apart from Gloria and Johnny. My father doesn’t attract too many
nice
people.” She gathered her purse and car keys together and stood up. “I really should get going.”