Page 72 of Clashing
“The thing that scares you the most is always the thing you should do first.”
Ugh.She was right, butugh. “Got any other tips for me?”
“No. You’ve improved greatly already. I’m impressed. Next circle around I hope toseea tip, though.”
Oh my God.I moved to hide my face with my hands but stopped because they were a mess of charcoal. I peeked around my drawing to get a look at the piece I was missing. It wasn’t a bad piece.
My face burned the entire time, but I added that vital part before the session ended. After washing the charcoal off my hands, I hurried to pack my stuff. Hannah made it to my easel before I put away the drawing and gasped.
“Wow.” She stepped closer, mouth hanging open. “That’s amazing!”
“Thanks.” I chewed my lip. “This class is my first time working with an actual nude model.”
“Well, it doesn’t look it.” She waved the model,who was still putting on his pants, over to us. “Collin, come here.”
Oh God. Oh no. I didn’t want him to see it.
“What’s up?” He circled the easel, and his eyebrows shot up. Letting out a low whistle, he nodded to Hannah. “Yours?”
“I wish.” She scoffed. “Scarlett’s.”
The model’s gaze swept over me, and he offered his hand. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Collin.”
I accepted his hand. “Scarlett.”
“You’re damn good, Scarlett.” He examined my drawing and stroked his chin. “Damn good,” he repeated, softer.
I shifted my weight. “Thanks.”
“Scarlett, you should go out with us tomorrow!” Hannah said.
“Out?”
“Yeah, we’re going drinking and dancing downtown.” She bounced on her toes. “Come! It’ll be fun.”
“Oh, um . . .” Shit, why did I always freeze like this?Yes, say yes, Scarlett. This is how normal people make friends!
“You should.” Collin tugged his shirt on, and the fabric fell over his abs. “Might make you less nervous to look at me if you get to know me.” He winked as he walked away.
I blinked, then ducked behind my easel. “Oh my God.”
“You’re so cute.” Hannah giggled. “Seriously. Come. I’m new here and desperate to make friends, especially those with common interests. We’ll have a blast. What do you say?”
I know the feeling.I‘d never been good at making friends. This was an opportunity to change that. And occupy more time so I didn’t wallow over Ryker.
“I’ll go. I usually work the bar Saturdays, but you caught me on an off week.”
“Yay!” Hannah clapped. “I think Collin has his eye on you.”
“What?” I recoiled. “I don’t think so. Today’s the first day I talked to him.”
“Yeah, but he’s noticed you.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “He asked me about you.”
I covered my face with my hands and laughed. “He’s probably asking because I’m so weird hiding behind my easel.”
“He doesn’t think it’s weird. He thinks it’s cute. What’s wrong? You don’t like him, or you got a boyfriend?”
“Uh . . .” I picked at my nails, and we wandered outside. “No. No boyfriend.”
