Chapter 40

There were crumpled papers all around her on the floor along with broken pencils and eraser bits. She never struggled this much with a sketch before. Why was this one taking so much from her? Frannie glanced at the photos on the wall it’s the subject she thought. She pulled all the pictures down and went back to the computer. Maybe if she picked different ones it would be easier. I doubt it. She glanced down at the photo on top, he’s just too perfect. She sighed and scrolled through the shots again.

Jon watched her from the doorway. She was so focused on what she was doing she didn’t even notice him there. Her hair was pulled back with a clip and some strands had come loose which she was absently shoving back behind her ear. She seemed distressed. Her fingers tapped on the keys of her laptop and her eyes scanned the screen. He tapped lightly on the doorframe, “hey.” She jerked and looked up, “oh, hi. I didn’t realize you were there.” Jon crossed the room to her, “I know you didn’t.” He looked around, noting the carnage on the floor, “having trouble?”

Frannie nodded her head, “I just can’t get it right. It’s been a long time since I had this problem. I think it’s the subject this time.” She smiled as she waited for his reaction. His eyes widened, “what do you mean it’s the ‘subject’ the ‘subject’ is me, what’s wrong with me?”

Frannie laid her hand on his arm, “nothing is wrong with you other than the fact that you are just so amazing I am having trouble capturing you the way I want.” She paused and smiled, “why couldn’t you just be some joe schmo nobody?” Jon chuckled, “if I was some ‘joe schmo nobody’ you wouldn’t be trying to draw me and we wouldn’t be having this conversation now would we?” Frannie laughed; “no, I guess not.” Jon pulled her into a hug, “why don’t you take a break? Come and have dinner and just relax for a while. Start fresh in the morning.”

Taking a break sounded like a good idea. Frannie cleaned up and went in search of Geena and Sophie. She hadn’t seen her baby girl almost all day. She relieved Geena and took Sophie downstairs to the den where Jon had started a fire and was sitting reading the newspaper. All he needed was a pipe and a dog at his feet and he could be a Norman Rockwell painting. Frannie smiled at the thought. Sophie started squirming so Frannie laid a blanket down on the floor and set the baby down. As the baby rolled around Frannie looked up and saw Jon watching them. He had flipped the corner of the newspaper down and he was peering over the edge. Frannie hopped up, “watch her for a minute?” she called over her shoulder and she rushed from the room.

Grabbing her sketch book she put pencil to paper and drew his eyes as they had just been looking at her; over the edge of the newspaper, the lines at the corners crinkled in what she imagined was a slight smile behind the paper. She picked up her blue colored pencil and started filling in the irises when she glanced up to find Jon standing in the doorway with Sophie in his arms. “I thought you were taking a break.” She frowned slightly, “I know, but the way you looked just a minute ago, I had to get it down.” It was almost exactly what I was looking for earlier. Jon walked over and stilled her hands, “dinner’s ready, will you stop now?” Setting her things aside she once again shut the light off and headed out of the room.

After dinner Frannie took Sophie upstairs and fed her before turning her over to Geena for the night. When she returned, Jon was stretched out on the couch flipping through the channels on the TV. She sat down on the floor beside the couch, reached for his free hand and pulled it across the front of her, kissing his forearm lightly. Jon settled on some old movie and set the remote on the table near his head. He leaned over and kissed Frannie’s head, “you look awfully comfy dressed like that.” She tilted her head and looked up at him, “I am awfully comfy.” She had changed into a tank top and cotton drawstring sleep pants. He dropped a kiss on her upturned face, “there’s room up here for two you know.” Frannie stretched out along side him, resting her head on his arm.

Jon reached up and pulled the clip from her hair “you’re hair is so soft.” He spoke quietly as he ran his fingers through her dark tresses. She closed her eyes as his fingers found her scalp and started to massage lightly. “Mmmm, that feels nice.” she sighed. His hand worked its way down to her neck where he dipped his head and pressed a light kiss to the nape, then to her shoulder, caressing the soft skin he found there and skimmed lightly down her side, resting on her hip. Frannie tried to turn so she was facing him but he held her fast, “don’t.” He continued to stroke her hip, easing his hand around and under her top at the small of her back. The fine hairs on her arms stood up as he stroked the sensitive skin at her lower back and she shifted restlessly against him. “Jon” she turned her head to look at him, “I want to touch you too.” He moved his hand around to her stomach and slowly slid higher, “not yet.”

As his thumb caressed the lower curve of her breast Frannie felt his warm breath on her neck and then the tip of his tongue as he traced circles and pressed kisses all along her nape. She closed her eyes against the storm that was brewing inside her. Turning her head again Jon’s mouth found hers as his fingers closed over one hardened nipple. She groaned into his mouth as he tugged gently on first one and then the other. Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore his hand moved, sliding back across her stomach, pausing at the drawstring of her pants. Frannie reached behind her as he tugged and loosened the drawstring. As she cupped him through his jeans he discovered she wasn’t wearing any underwear. Their groans mingled as she stroked him. He pulled his hand from her to rid himself of his jeans and shirt; her of her pants and top.

As he settled back down behind her, Frannie reached for him again. He was hot and hard as she stroked him. Jon’s hand found its way back between her thighs; she was so ready for him she nearly came when he touched her. He continued to stroke her, stopping before she could come. Frannie whimpered, “please” and he stilled her hand on him, “hold on baby.” He shifted her leg and slid into her in one slow thrust. Frannie nearly cried with relief as her body took him. She pressed back against him, taking him deeper. He moved, slowly, drawing out each movement, intent on taking his time. He wrapped his arm around her, her back pressed against his chest as he thrust into her. He hand snaked down, fingertips fluttering lightly across her stomach, down through the soft curls and stroking her clit.

Frannie was drowning, drowning in the sensation that was Jon. His touch was frustrating light and his hips were moving maddeningly slow. She raised her arm to curl around and into his hair pulling him to her for a kiss. As their mouths met Jon’s fingers stroked her more intently. Frannie pulled her mouth from his, “God Jon, please.” He pumped into her harder, pushing her into her orgasm as he spilled into her.

They lay quietly, breathing slowing, heartbeats calming. Jon pulled the throw from the back of the couch to cover them. He stroked Frannie’s shoulder, kissing it lightly. He looked at her face, her eyes were closed, a small smile on her lips. “Still thinking about the drawing baby?” Frannie’s eyes were arousal hazed as she tried to open them, “what drawing?”