CAPTURE THIS (Updating regularly)

Chapter 17

"Amber? Are you still there?" Amara asked, her voice filled with confusion and concern. 

Amber snapped out of her daze and absentmindedly rose out of her seat. 

"I'm still here. Are you being serious, Amara? My painting's not damaged then!" 

Amara's laugh so appealing to the ear, it was as though she had rehearsed it for this exact moment. "I am being very serious and no, your painting is definitely safe with us." 

Amber exhaled a long breath. "Thank you so much. For liking my painting and for keeping it safe. I'm speechless." 

Alex was still hovering around her in confusion. Amber's excitement was bubbling inside of her, threatening to spill over. She was desperate for a release. 

Restraining herself just enough to maintain her conversation with Amara, Amber decided to cut the call short so that she could explain what had happened. 

"Amara, would it be alright if I call you back to arrange the details about our next meeting?" 

"Sure, I was just leaving the office for today. How about you give me a ring tomorrow morning?" 

Alex was now flapping his arms around in an attempt to attract Amber's attention. She bit her lip to stop a laugh from escaping her lips. Amber turned her back to him. 

"That sounds great, Amara. Thank you so much for calling me." 

She laughed her perfect laugh again. "It was my pleasure. I guess we'll talking in the morning." 

"Bye, Amara."

Amber hung up the phone and exhaled a breath she didn't know she was holding. Her face was aching from grinning throughout the whole conversation. 

"So I'm guessing that was a good conversation?" 

Amber turned and flung herself blindly into Alex's arms. He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her into his chest until there wasn't any more space between them. He tenderly ran a warm hand through her long hair and planted a kiss on her forehead. 

"I'm so happy for you," he told her, quietly. 

Amber's heart swelled painfully in her chest. She was almost choked with gratitude for Alex. For the fateful day in the forest. 

She pulled away from his chest and gazed into his eyes for a moment. She knew he would be able to read how she felt just by looking at her. As soaked in her emotions, a smile unfurled across his face and she could see the longing in his eyes. Amber raised herself onto her tip toes and hungrily met his lips with her own. She could feel the need in the way his arms roamed her hair and found themselves on her bare hips under her shirt. She pulled away for a moment to grasp his glasses and threw them onto the couch. Alex pulled her chin towards him impatiently and kissed her desperately. His lips demanded her attention. He traced her bottom lip with his tongue before deepening the kiss. Amber gasped in pleasant surprise and locked her fingers around the back of his neck to steady herself. The warmth of his body seeped through his shirt and her own until she was bathed in his warmth. It was all so familiar. So comforting. 

Eventually they both pulled away for air. Amber felt her face heat up as she soaked in the image of Alex's almost completely unbuttoned shirt and unruly hair. She wanted more. But it was getting late and the last thing she wanted was for her father to ring her asking where she was. 

With a sigh, Amber pulled away and straightened Alex's shirt. He was still holding her, watching her intently. 

"Amber..." His eyes were fiery and filled with determination. His voice was husky with tenderness. "I think I'm falling in love with you."