50 More Sexcapades novel Chapter 50

The next afternoon I found myself slipping into my new slinky Dior sundress and matching sandals as I made my way downtown. “14th street please, between 11th and Broadway!” I told the cab driver who gave a nod and pulled away from the curb.

I had a date with a certain royal blooded artist and I felt like dressing up the part. Luka and I had spoken on the phone for almost two hours last night, chatting, flirting, learning about each other. It was unbelievable how light and airy this man made me feel and I hadn’t even spoken two words to him in person yet. The last time a guy made me feel this way was…shit I can’t even remember? Now I was on my way to his personal art studio to get an exclusive look into his life and private affairs.

Dating in New York City in your 30s was not the frilly, bohemian, easy-going shit that the books made out to be. Men my age were either married, jaded, or both and usually did not engage in unusual romantic whims with strange women. Hell, I can’t even recall the last time I’d formally been asked out on a date and not just propositioned for sex by a bored ex-boyfriend that happened to be in town.

As we entered SoHo, the nostalgic view of luxury boutiques, quaint coffee shops, and charming street performers put me at ease. The driver pulled up in front of the address I gave him and I tipped and thanked him, hopping out to get a good look at the pre-war style brick red loft building, tucked behind a few sloping trees. I walked inside and looked around at the buttons. There were 4 apartment numbers on the dashboard and I wasn’t sure which one was Luka’s. I decided to press “1” and shortly heard his voice. “Wrong button darling, try 2.”

Slightly confused, I pressed “2” and the same accented voice spoke up. “I’m joking, there’s no need to press buttons. The whole building is mine just come on up.”

I laughed out loud and shook my head in disbelief. What other tricks does this guy have up his sleeve? I went upstairs and was amazed even further to see the sweet, simple looking SoHo building transform into a swanky, stately private studio. “Found me.”

I turned and saw Luka leaning against the wall with a handsome grin on his face. He had on a loose white button-down with the first few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up- along with some paint-splattered black pants. In other words, he looked good enough to eat.

“This is all yours?”

“You like it?” Luka got closer to me and gently rubbed his hands up my arms. “How about a tour?”

He took my hand and guided me towards his private loft. He had basically taken down the walls in all four apartments to make one big two-story home to have enough room for his studio.

“It’s just one of my places, but by far my favorite. I don’t bring a lot of guests here, Mona.”

“Lucky me, then” I squeezed his hand and accompanied him as he showed me his beautiful, bright living space, priceless pieces and furniture collected from all over the globe, and even his chef style kitchen which certainly looked like it belonged to someone who knew how to cook a meal.

There was such a simple, romantic intimacy attached to Luka showing me his place. It showed me he wanted me to be in his world and know the place he called home. And yes, maybe I’m jumping to the gun here, but man did it just feel so…right.

“Do you want to see the studio?”

“Of course. Lead the way, Monet” I joked. He looked me in the eyes with his soulful blue ones and kissed my cheek.

We entered Luka’s studio which was as iridescent and energetic as I imagined. Sketches, paintings, sculptures, and displays hung all around the space in every corner imaginable. “I could pick something off the wall in two seconds that is better than the show you put on last night. This stuff is amazing.”

He chuckled and nodded in agreement. “Sometimes I like to troll my colleagues for my personal amusement. They would clap for me if I showed them a smear of dog crap on a canvas. I like to play around sometimes- keeps me aware of who in my circle is actually an honest advisor, and who just wants to shake my hand. Turns out I should be keeping you as an advisor instead of the so-called industry experts you met.”

“Wow. A little dark but I see your point. What’s the point of asking for an opinion if you already know the answer one will give?”

A cough interrupted our conversation and I turned. “Do we have company?” I asked, giving Luka a look.