Fresh Canvas

Abby and Alex

By Elise and Rose

Abby sat before the painting evaluating the condition. It was the final piece for gallery inspection. Tonight the new exhibit would go up and this was the largest piece in the collection. The large Dali stood almost ten feet high. Abby stood on a ladder as she examined the top of the portrait.

The month had been a fairly good one with she and Alex mending their relationship. It might not be completely perfect but she felt closer to him now than ever before. Alex was her knight in shining armor and she would make sure nothing came between them again.

"Miss Hennessey, would you please come to my office when you are finished?" Mr. Rosin the museum head called up to her. It was phrased as a question but it was meant as a command. Rosin was a particular man, a perfectionist, when he spoke you listened.

Looking down she tried to fight the vertigo and give him a smile. Abby hated ladders. "Of course Mrs. Rosin. I’m almost finished here."

With a very good he was off and Abby turned back to the large portrait. As she cataloged a worn area on the canvas her mind worked trying to find a reason for Mr. Rosin to call her to his office. Had Eddie been there? Had the police come to ask questions?

All the way to his office her mind raced with the possibilities. Abby took a deep breath as she knocked on the office door. "Come in."

Wiping her damp palm on her jeans she opened the door and put on a smile like she had no idea. When he smiled back she was so taken back she didn’t have an idea. Abby had never seen her boss smile. Not even a grin. Usually Mr. Rosin was all business.

The man folded his hands on the top of his immaculate desk. "Please, sit Miss Hennessey." Rosin waited for her to sit. "Miss Hennessey, may I call you Abagail?" When she nodded he continued. "Abagail, you have been with us for some time now and you’re work and knowledge of art and artifacts is exemplarily. It has come to us that our sister gallery, the Crowe Center for the Arts, is in need of a curator. They requested recommendations of several candidates and I sent them you’re resume. Abagail, the gallery board has chosen you for the position if you want it."

Abby listened hanging on every word. It amazed her that he would consider her. Amazed her even more that the Crowe Center approved her resume. "I…I don’t know what to say. I’m honored to have been a consideration, more so to be chosen."

Nodding his approval Mr. Rosin pulled out a folder from his paper tray. "Yes, and I understand that you would have think on it. This is some of the details a break down of your position and duties, their salary offer, brief history of the gallery and events."

Taking the file she thanked him and started back down the hall. As soon as Mr. Rosin’s door shut she lifted the file and opened it immediately intending on just skimming it and saying yes. Until she saw the address of the Crowe Center for the Arts. "Australia?"

That was something she indeed had to think on. The rest of the afternoon she was distracted by the idea. Walking into her apartment that evening her mind was still a buzz of questions and answers. The most important was Alex. Would he want to go to Australia? After calling for dinner to be delivered Abby pulled out her laptop and started researching the Crowe Center for the Arts while she waited for Alex to come by.

Alex stood and thanked his client. He grinned politely as he shook her hand. As soon as she disappeared out his office door, Alex sat back down with a sigh of relief. Another infidelity case. He finished the last notes on the file then slid out the drawer and tucked the folder into place. He sat back in his chair and glanced out the window. Not his hometown, but he’d grown accustomed to New York. If not for meeting Abby, he probably wouldn’t have stayed in the city for long. Alex liked his job but he needed something different. He walked over to the window and peered down into the busy traffic. That was something he could do without. Constant movement, noise. Cabs. Sure, the city was filled to the gills with everything a person could want…except quiet. That luxury was a little hard to find.

He noticed to the flow of traffic. More cabs meant more people on their way home from work. Alex glanced at the clock. Abby should be home by now. He grinned as he picked up his jacket and slipped it on. It was her night to cook.

On his way to her apartment, Alex stopped by a shop to pick up a few things. He and Abby had spent the last month ironing out their differences. She told him more about her past. He asked her more questions. No more hiding from each other. Alex’s trust in Abby was returning and he was happy again. It felt like they were back on track and moving in the right direction again.

When she opened the door, he pulled the bouquet of daisies from behind his back and smiled. "You can have these as long as dinner is good."

Abby smiled and kissed him as she pulled the bouquet from his hand. "Well it's going to be good because it just arrived from Tai Palace."

Gently pressing her face into the flowers to inhale their wild scent she picked up the vase by the door. Filling it with water she set the flowers on the bar by the table. Part of the table was covered by the file and her laptop. She pulled out plates and set them on the other half. "How was your day handsome?"

Taking off his jacket Alex tossed it over the back of the sofa as he walked past. he glanced over at the white take-out boxes on the table. "You cheater," He grinned. "You were supposed to make dinner."

Laughing softly she nodded. "I confess I cheated. But I pick good take out too." She wondered how he would react to the news. Abby wasn't sure how she was reacting to the news it was a bit overwhelming. "I had an interesting day at the gallery."

Spooning servings for him onto the plate from the cartons she smiled. Then kissed him as she set the plate down. "Mr. Rosin called me into his office. He said I've been under consideration as Curator for the Crowe Center for the Arts."

Fixing her plate as she talked and sat next to him. "They liked my resume and the museum board offered me the position."

Alex pulled the chopsticks from the paper sleeve and snapped them apart. He smiled and nodded as he picked up a helping of noodles. "That’s good, honey. Are you gonna take it?"

Abby sat for a moment and pulled her lower lip though her teeth. "The more I look into the center the more I want to. But there's one hitch......the gallery is in Australia."

He swallowed the bite then grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth as he looked at her. "Australia? As in kangaroos and crocodiles?"

Grinning as she reached over and wiped a drop of sauce he missed with her finger and licked it off. "As in koalas and wallabies." Reaching over she pulled out a page she printed on the area. "The center is located in a place called The Glen. Outside of Coffs Harbor." Handing him the pages she points to the photos of lush pastures, woods, and mountains. "It's a small but growing town. Nothing like New York. No skyscrapers, or buses."

Alex looks over the pictures and nods. "Coffs Harbor. Yeah, what do you know about that?" He grinned and shook his head.

"Have you been there?" She smiled watching him.

He smiled softly and nodded. "Yeah, it's been a while though. My sister lives there now."

Abby was shocked and couldn't help the grin. "Really? Oh my goodness."

She was almost ready to just say no to the offer. But maybe this was a sign that this was a chance for them to start fresh. "Is it as beautiful as these pictures?"

Alex picked up the pictures and grinned. "Yeah it is." He reached over and held her hand. "So you want to move to Australia? What's the job?"

Abby pulled out the brochure on the center. "The job is the head curator for the Crowe Center for the Arts. I would be in charge of everything. The exhibits, acquisitions, classes events... the boss." She smiles. "They're offering living space above the center it's a huge loft apartment. And look at the salary, I almost passed out."

Abby took his hand seeing the expression on his face she knew he had liked it there. "It's a big opportunity for me. But I want you to go with me." Caressing his face with her heart in her eyes she smiled softly. "You are most important in my life, Alex."

He squeezed her hand gently. Alex had mixed feelings about the idea of moving. He wanted a change, but quitting his job and following her to another country? Let her be the bread winner?

"It's a big change, Abby." He exhaled slowly. "Let me think about."

Nodding she squeezed his hand back and offered him a bite of her sweet pork. "It is a big change. Something we both need to think about. All this looks like a fairy tale."

Looking at the pictures she put them back out of sight for a moment. They were tempting her, keeping her from thinking straight and weighing everything. "How long has your sister lived there?"

Alex watched her put away the photos. He could see her enthusiasm. The job was a good opportunity for her. He didn't want to stop her from following it, with or without him. He'd rather it be with. But it needed more thought. His attention turned back to his food. He picked at it a bit and sighed thoughtfully. "For about six months now."

"She was in California for a while. Had a bad break up." He finished a few more bites then grinned as snatched a piece of kung pao chicken from Abby's plate. "She took it really bad. Was heartbroken for a long time. Still is."

He sighed then thought. "But," He grinned softly. "She was offered a chair in the Coff's Harbor City Orchestra. Last time I spoke to her, she was doing really well. She's got a nice house on the beach."

Shaking her finger at him for stealing her chicken she grinned and offered him a spicy shrimp. "I'm glad she's doing well. Living on the beach is wonderful, the sounds of the ocean to lull you to sleep." She smiles as she stakes their plates and sets them aside for now. "What instrument does she play?"

He held her wrist as he took the shrimp from her hand then licked the sauce from her fingers. "Cello and piano."

Alex licking her fingers gave her a bit of a shiver as she grinned at him. "I would love to hear her. I can imagine she's amazing. Like her bother."

"Of course she is," He chuckled. "Runs in the family."

Shakes her head and smiles as she moves from her chair to his lap wrapping her arms around his neck. "Are you the protective older bother or the spoiled baby brother?"

Alex wrapped an arm around her waist. His other hand slipped under her legs. Kissed her cheek then stood with her and carried her to the bedroom and tossed her on the bed. "Kimberly is five years older, but I'm not a baby anything," He grinned.

Abby giggled as she landed on the bed. "No my darling you are definitely all grown up."

Her hands ran over his shoulders as she rose to her knees. Loosening his tie she kissed him deeply. Fingers nimbly moving over the buttons of his shirt until she can push it off his shoulders.

A smile crosses her lips when she comes to his tee. One of the things she loves best about Alex, he's an old fashioned guy. Right out of Casablanca. Once she had the tee on the floor and his well muscled body in front of her she purred kissing along his warm skin.

hands smoothed over her. He slowly peeled away her clothes as she pressed kisses to his body. Each of her kisses, each of her sounds fueled his growing need for her. His hands threaded through her hair and watched it slip through his fingers. His hands followed the curve of her neck and over her shoulders. His fingers slipped under the satin straps of her bra then slid them over her shoulders.

Alex smoothed his large hands around to unhook her bra. With it gently pulled away from her body, his hands moved to the front to hold the weight of her breasts in his hands. He molded and kneaded her soft flesh in his hands.

His hands curled through her hair again then slid along the line of her cheek down to her chin and tipped her face to look up at him. His voice low and husky for her. "Undress for me." Alex pressed a soft kiss to her mouth then took a step back. Pulled the belt from its loops. Unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. Slid them and his shorts to the floor. The whole time, his eyes stayed on her.

Love and lust filled her expression as she watched him. Alex, her Alex was a wonderful sight to behold. Abby's lip curled as she rose higher on her knees. She unhooked the eye on her skirt then slowly lowered the zip.

Pulling the soft cloth over her head stretching for him lengthing her body. Reaching out her arm she dropped the skirt to the floor and lay back on the bed. Her hands smoothed over her body pausing to tease her breasts. Flowing down to her legs where one at a time she raised and sensually pushed the stocking off and holding to fall over the edge.

Looking up at him desire in her eyes Abby again let her fingers trail over her skin to hook in her panties and slide them over her hips aided by rolls of her hips. Once the last stitch of her clothing was dropped to the floor she looked up at him open and wanting.

He couldn't help the soft grin on his face. Abby was a beautiful woman. Inside and out. Every curve of her supple body. And she was his.

Alex moved over her slowly. Tenderly kissed her body as he went until he hovered over her completely. Only the heat of their bodies between them. He bent down to kiss each of her breasts. His tongue and mouth moving over them in the same way he'd watched her hands caressing them only moments ago.

His fingertips grazed lightly down her belly. Teased over the soft curls hidden between her thighs. Not hidden for long. His hand slid over each thigh and eased her legs wider apart.

He grazed his fingers up and down her curls, pressing deeper each time until he felt her, soft, wet body enveloping his fingers. Her body seemed to pull him in further all on its own. Alex kissed her suddenly, hungrily as his fingers pushed deep into her.

Abby moaned into their kiss deepening it as her fingers curled in his hair and gripped his back. She moved her hips to meet him opening more offering all he wants. Trailing soft kisses and nibbles down his throat she moans louder her nails digging into the soft flesh of his side. Moving down his chest she circles a nipple with her tongue before sucking it.

Alex moans and presses his thumb over her sensitive nub while his fingers thrust inside her. He wants to take her at her height of pleasure. Feel her body pulsing around his.

Gasping she falls back against the bed and writhes for him. Alex knows her so well how to push her over the edge. "That's so good."

Reaching down she grips him and strokes. The sound that comes from his throat adds to her pleasure as she arches and cries out reaching the height of passion and still wanting more. Panting she breathes his name. "Alex...."

His fingers ease from her body and gently takes him from her hand. Wraps each of her legs high on his waist. The warmth of her body pressed to her opening pulls a low moan from his throat. He dips his head to seize her mouth in a passionate kiss as he drives himself deep inside her body.

His kiss swallows all of her cries and moans of pleasure as he begins to take her. He moves hard at first, momentarily giving in to his need for her. Then kisses her more gently, as his pace slows. He wants to love her fully. Every inch of her.

He feels her body still pulsing from release. He moves with her. Taking her slowly to let her enjoy every moment of coming back down. When he feels her relaxing, he wraps his arms around her and gathers her close to his body and moves harder and faster to build her again.

Kissing along his neck and shoulder she gasps and writhes as he changes pace. Hitching her legs higher on her waist relaxing her hips to give him more of her she wants their bodies to meet. Abby holds onto him panting against his skin as the warm scent of man and his cologne fill her senses.

The center might be a good opportunity but she would never leave him. They've gone through to much now to lose it. Alex holds her heart now beating wildly against his. Abby whimpers then cries out as she begins to fall apart in his arms. Calling his name over and over as he finds a sweet place inside of her.

Suddenly the room falls away and they are the only solid things left as she cries out for him in sweet release. Her body tightening on his as her nails dig into his back.

Her nails tore at his flesh, tore at his resolve to hold back his own release as he waited for hers. The sounds she made, the way her body writhed beneath him gave him the moment he needed. To feel the both of them coming together. Staying together. Her body tightened around his and pulled release from him. He moaned loudly, yelling out her name as he exploded inside her.

Alex held her close. His hand pressing against her back. He panted and grunted against her neck. The soft scent of her filled his senses. They rocked back and forth together. Moaned and panted for breath together until their bodies slowed and still. Sated, he fell to her side. His arms around her and holding their bodies joined together.

He looked at her beautiful face, even more beautiful flush with passion. Alex brushed her hair from her face and kissed her softly. "Abby, we can do this. You'll take the job. We'll move to Australia. I'll set up a new office." He had substantial savings he had let build for the day he proposed. Alex wasn't sure when that day would come. But it would come. It was still what he wanted. "It'll be a fresh start for us, Abby."

Wrapping her arms around him hugging tight she smiled and peppered him with soft kisses. "Do you have any clue how much I love you Alex Ross! You are the love of my life."

He pulled the blanket over them and smiled as he kissed her. "And you're mine, Abby."