Page 48 of Trusting Skulls

Daisy leaves her sitting there and takes up her position behind her easel several feet away from her. Abruptly, she turns to me. “You know what would be spectacular?”

My eyes haven’t left Lexie. “What’s that?”

“You should be in the painting too!” She claps her hands and nods at Lexie. She’s doing her best to persuade Lex that this is the best of ideas.

Lexie’s leg bounces nervously.

It’s the starting shot I’ve been waiting for. I jump forward. “I’ve never done any modeling, but you’ve talked me into it.”

Green eyes track me as I approach. I slowly lower myself to the bench, afraid any sudden movement might make her dash back inside the cabin.

“You guys just relax. I’ll just be working on the background for a bit.”

“I’ll go get started on supper and leave you guys to it,” Brody says, dismissing himself.

I think he knows Lexie will be more comfortable with fewer eyes on her.

I shift forward, finally giving Lexie my full attention. Instantly, her head falls. My hand finds her chin, and I gently lift it.

“Hi,” I say softly, memorizing everything about this moment.

I’ve spent hours with Lexie, but this is the beginning of something new. I want to savor every moment. This time, she doesn’t get to slip through my fingers.

Her gaze bounces over my face as tears pool in her eyes. She’s always quiet around me, and I don’t think today will be an exception. I don’t take offense. Lexie doesn’t offer me false accolades to boost my ego like she does other men, and I take that as a compliment. There’s always been more between us than mere words can express.

A thousand apologies scream to me from the depts of her soul. There’s no attempt from her to hide how hard the last three months have been on her. Some men might be jealous or think badly of her for not holding strong in my absence. I’m not some men.

“It’s okay,” I whisper over her face.

She gives me a tiny nod while blinking rapidly. Her acceptance is something new … something welcoming.

“You’re beautiful,” I continue, feeling bolder by the minute.

“Please. I look like I’ve just rolled out of bed.”

There’s the Lexie I know.

“Well then, I can’t wait to see you roll out of my bed every morning,” I flirt, knowing that comments like this might make her uncomfortable. I don’t care. I’ll never hide my attraction from her again, but I know it’s a fine line. I don’t want her thinking I’m like other guys and that’s all I’m here for, but I also don’t want her to think I’m turned off by her sex appeal.

A flush paints her cheeks the prettiest shade of pink I’ve ever seen. “I … I don’t know what’s happening,” she admits quietly, tipping her head to the side toward the artist whose gaze bounces between us and her canvas. “This isn’t how I envisioned seeing you again.”

“I don’t know what’s happening, either. I’m just glad she got you downstairs.” My finger outlines her lips, and I lean in to whisper in her ear. “Turn around. I want to see my pin in your hair.”

She doesn’t argue. She obediently gives me her back.

I’m glad she’s turned away, so she doesn’t see just how much she affects me. My fingers tremble as I bring them toward the nape of her neck. They pause when the breeze sends little wisps of copper strands fluttering beneath my fingertips.

A shiver runs through her when I finally allow myself to touch her there. The heat of my breath follows closely behind. She smells heavenly. It’s simply her, nothing masked by a manufactured field of flowers. It’s intoxicating.

She turns her head slightly; I feel her internal struggle to pull away from me in the tightness of her spine. Lexie’s not used to this kind of attention from me. I was never brave enough. Strong enough. But I’ve remedied that. I’ll stand toe to toe with her or anyone else who tries to tell me that I don’t deserve her. Or that she doesn’t deserve me. We were made for each other.

“I’ll never leave you again,” I promise, sealing it with a kiss at the juncture of her neck and shoulder.

Her skin pebbles beneath my touch.

“Oh, that’s perfect. I like this pose. Can you slide your hand to the front of her throat?” Daisy asks.

Immediately, my hand follows her direction. She doesn’t break the spell as she guides us.

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