Page 86 of Clashing
Collin’s gaze, however, burned into me as I fussed with the roses. I hadn’t told him about my history with Ryker.
“Shoes,” I murmured as I slipped past him for my bedroom. He followed and leaned against the doorframe while I retrieved my heels from the closet.
“How come you called him to fix your light?” Collin hooked his thumbs in his belt loops. “I could’ve looked at it.”
“I didn’t call him.” I sat on the edge of my bed and worked a heel on. “Dan did. It’s nothing, Collin, honestly. Ryker fixes a lot around here. He was doing it for Dan long before I moved in.”
“So, there’s nothing between you two I should know about?”
I put on the second shoe, then stood and smoothed out my dress. The dress Ryker had done incredible things to me in. I should’ve chosen a different outfit.
“Full disclosure,” I held my hands up, “we hooked up a few times.”Several times.“But it was never serious.”For him, at least.“It wasn’t a relationship or anything. And it stopped before you asked me out.”
He pushed off the doorframe and approached. My nerves prickled when he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, expression unreadable. “You’re sure it’s over? It seems like he wants you.”
“It’s over. We talked. We agreed to be friends because I can’t avoid him. He and Dan are close, and I don’t want to come between them. Oh, also, Dan doesn’t know, and he shouldneverknow.”
“Got it. Shouldn’t be a problem since you’re with me now anyway.” He circled his arms around my waist and drew me close. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
He took my hand and led me toward the front door. “Come on.”
I resisted the urge to fuck up my lipstick by gnawing on my lip. “Are you mad?”
“Of course not. There were other guys before me. It’s fine. There were other girls before you too. It’s a little weird he’s in your apartment fixing things but you were honest with me, so,” he shrugged, “it’s cool.”
See, brain? Forget Ryker. Collin’s so much better for us.“Thanks.”
That was the best response he could’ve given. He wasn’t jealous like Ryker. He trusted me.
Once we survived escaping the bar with Ryker’s friends staring, we carried on with our night. Dinner with Collin always went well. He had good taste and liked art, so we never ran out of things to discuss. Our conversation continued outside, where we strolled downtown, observing the neon lights and advertisements for bars and shows.
“Are you going to try for that show René is doing?” Collin asked. “The charcoal anatomy one?”
I wish.“I’m not sure if I’m ready.”
“You’re ready. You’ve made amazing progress. Even Hera thinks so and that means a lot coming from her. What are you afraid of?”
My laugh held a touch of insecurity. “Failure. Always have been afraid of failure. It’s a problem. You might as well know. I almost never do anything unless there’s practically no risk of failure.”
“Live a little, Scar.” I hated that his words reminded me of Ryker convincing me to ride his motorcycle. “You can’t wait for things to be perfect or you’ll never do anything. You can only achieve great things if you take risks.”
He has a point.I chewed on the inside of my cheek, and he grasped my waist, pausing our walk.
“Besides, there’s practically no risk. You’re an amazing artist. Whatever’s holding you back, don’t let it. Just jump.” He nuzzled my nose. “Not everything needs to be perfectly planned out. You don’t have to have all the answers right away. Sometimes winging it works, and if not, at least you won’t regret not trying.”
My nervous expression softened to a smile. He always said the right thing.He might even be right in more ways than one.I should try for the art show, but I was also holding back with him. Afraid I wasn’t ready to be with someone else. I’d been dodging his advances and . . .
Maybe it was time to stop thinking so hard and jump. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. “You’re really sweet, you know?”
“I try. Come on.” He broke our kiss. “I’ll take you home.”
I hesitated.Just jump. Don’t overthink it.
My heart thundered against my chest. “Or we could go to your place.”
His eyebrows shot up, but a sultry smirk formed. He gripped my hips, and I let go, hating myself for having to force thoughts of Ryker to the background.
