Read The Sweet Edge for Free Online Page A

at the paintings and stifled a yawn. Campbell was standing next to her. His hands were in his pockets and he looked proud – proud that he had acquired something so valuable. Stella looked around the condo. It was spacious by New York standards and adorned with modern features, furniture and art. There were large windows overlooking Central Park. The color scheme was black and red with splashes of white. The condo was stylish, plush and beautiful. Stella noted that her entire apartment would only take up half of the living room.
    "What do you think?"
    "Wonderful." Stella was entranced by the Dali, but was also fairly enamored with the condo. She knew places like this existed all over the city, although she had never been invited into them before. She didn't want to admit it, but she was more impressed by the condo than the art.
    Campbell eyed Stella. He noticed that she was surveying his home with curiosity. In the mellow light, she looked very young and sweet. Cherub like. An angel gracing his presence. He extended his arm and touched her shoulder. Her skin was soft and warm. Stella looked at him openly. Campbell moved his arm upward until his fingers were tangled in her hair. He firmly pushed her head forward. She moved in hesitantly, placing her hands on Campbell's chest and breathing deeply. She could smell his musky scent. Campbell pulled Stella into his embrace and placed his lips on hers. They hovered with their lips touching and their bodies pressed into each other. Stella looked frightened, but Campbell could also see desire bubbling on her reddening cheeks and glistening eyes. Campbell licked her lips. He could taste wine and chocolate. He pulled back slightly, gazed at Stella and then tightened his grip on the back of her head. Campbell leaned in again and began kissing her. He dotted her face and mouth with the heat of his kisses. Stella stood very still and then suddenly pulled back, away from Campbell.
    "No," said Stella.
    Campbell was gripping her arms. He bent his head and kissed her hand. "Why?" he asked. His voice was thick with desire.
    "Because…" Stella's voice trailed off. She gave in to Campbell's strength and felt her body merge into his. She opened her mouth and kissed Campbell delicately. Almost primly. But he didn't want to be gentle. He let his hands grip her hair and he pulled her forward roughly into his chest and mouth. Stella and Campbell kissed passionately, hungrily. She encircled her arms around his neck and pulled him even closer. Her breasts were crushed against his chest. Stella moaned aloud, swooned and then, as if shocked by her own hunger, she pulled away and untangled herself from Campbell's grasp. She was thinking of Ben. Stella was thinking she was being disloyal to Ben, which she knew was crazy because she wasn't even in a relationship with him. She was just obsessed and infatuated.
    "I need to go." Stella walked to the door. Her coat was hanging on a hook.
    "Stella." Campbell's voice sounded hoarse and insistent. A tangle of yearning and confusion. Stella felt darts of arousal across her body.
    "Thank you for the dinner. Thank you. I really should go."
    Campbell came up behind her and pressed her against the door as Stella was putting her left arm into her coat.
    "Stella." Campbell brushed his cheek against her shoulder and Stella swayed slightly. This feels too good, why does this feel so good? Stella wondered.
    "I have to go."
    Campbell stood up straighter. His desired ebbed. "Let me call the car service."
    "No. I need to leave now."
    "I'm sorry if I offended you." Campbell looked hurt.
    "You didn't offend me. I just need to go."
    Stella opened the door and rushed down the hall to the elevator. She didn't look back. The elevator dinged and she got on quickly and pressed the L button. Stella stood on Park Avenue dazed. She was a mess. She felt like her makeup was melting, her hair felt limp, the wind had raised goosebumps on her arms and her feet hurt. Stella decided she would