Page 45 of Finding Romance
“Give me a week to pull my art together,” I say.
“Wonderful, let me know when it’s ready and I’ll share it with my author newsletter,” she offers.
“Seriously?” I ask.
She nods and smiles. “Yes, absolutely. You are very talented.”
Since Aunt Cornelia needs my help less and less each day, it’s the perfect time to spend a few afternoons drawing. I could easily switch my website around in a week. For the first time in a long time, I feel excited.
“Thanks!” I say as I pull Roxy in for a hug.
“Anytime,” she replies. She looks down at her watch. “Anyone want a coffee?”
Kasen laughs. “Roxy, it’s like half past five. Do you even sleep?”
The bell on the door rings and we all look over to see Gray come into the store. “She doesn’t sleep much,” he says with a smirk.
Roxy rolls her eyes. “Yes, I sleep. I just don’t have coffee right before bed.”
“That’ll change,” Kasen mumbles as Gray walks up to Roxy and kisses her. I practically swoon. Is that how couples act when they are in love? Kissing like they don’t care if anyone else sees them. For the briefest of moments, I wish I could experience that type of connection. Maybe, someday.
“I should really get back to Aunt Cornelia. Margie wants to make dough for bagels. And needs help, since my aunt isn’t quite up to the task yet,” I explain.
“OK, well, see you guys later,” Roxy says from over Gray’s shoulder.
We leave as Gray goes in for another kiss.
“You didn’t finish your whiskey yet,” Kasen says as we opt to take the sketchy elevator.
“Right. I can only stay a few more minutes though. I did promise Margie I’d help tonight,” I explain.
“Does this mean tomorrow she’ll have fresh bagels for breakfast?” he asks as we exit the elevator and he unlocks his door.
“Yep. If all goes as planned,” I say as I sit back down and grab my drink.
“So, we’re going to make you a famous illustrator, huh?” he says with a big smile that has me setting my drink back down and pulling him into a hug.
“Thank you, Kasen,” I whisper in his ear as I squeeze around his neck more tightly, burying my face in his neck and inhaling his woodsy cologne.
He doesn’t move at first, but then slowly he wraps his arms around me and pulls me off my chair and onto his lap. We sit there for a long time, just hugging. Not even in a sexual way, just being there, together.
“Finish your drink, love,” he murmurs as he places a platonic kiss on the top of my head. He sets me on my stool and we clink glasses and each sip our whiskey.
It doesn’t take long for me to finish as I tell him my ideas for character art. He’s quiet and listens to me. I want to say, I want to make sexy character art, inspired by you, but I don’t have the bravery to speak the words out loud. I still have no idea what I’m doing in the bedroom.
As Kasen shows me out, a needy feeling begins building inside of me. What if I asked Kasen to help me lose my virginity? I trust him. From the way he kisses and touches me, I’d bet he’d be good at sex. He knows way more than I do. And then I’d know what all the fuss is about. I wouldn’t have to pretend to know when women talk about it at parties. I wouldn’t be embarrassed to admit I hadn’t done it yet. I know I shouldn’t be embarrassed, but I sort of am. It’s like men are aliens and I’ve never had an encounter.
“What?” Kasen asks as I turn to go back to my aunt’s.
“Nothing, just, uh, thinking more about the pretend dating thing,” I say because it’s not a total lie.
“Oh? Maybe we should have another pretend date?” he suggests.
“I think that’s a great idea,” I agree, attempting to rein in my excitement.
“OK, I’ll figure out a plan for this coming weekend,” he offers as he watches me unlock the door.
“Sounds good. Goodnight, Kasen,” I say.
