Page 13 of Two Canes, One Cup
It makes me squirm slightly with how intense it is.
I always hate the million questions when I tell people I’m an artist. It always feels like I have to defend myself.
“I’m a freelance consultant, nothing exciting.” My thumb traces the ceramic handle.
That wasn’texactlya lie. More like I blurred the edges a bit.
Reece’s muscular arm tucks behind his head, showcasing his bulging bicep. “That must be nice, working for yourself?”
“There’s ups and downs.” Taking the last swallow from my cup, I’m a little sad to find it empty. “What about you two?” They both look comfortable in this lavish cabin.
Dean’s shoes are likely designer, although I don’t know the brand.
Reece smiles. “Oh, we’re—”
“Writers,” Dean finishes. “Working on a new book.”
“I love that!” I wiggle in my seat, leaning forward. “There are just not enough creatives in this world,” I say with a sigh.
The corner of his lip twitches. “You’re absolutely right. Humans thrive on beauty and art.” His tone is laced with thinly veiled passion. “It’s a travesty that so many choose to justexistwithout it.”
Ugh, I think I love this broody man.
“What do you think, Stacy?” Reece raises his brows and sits up. “Warm enough to try to burn stuff? We can get your fire going, then come back for some lunch while your place heats up?”
He pats Dean on the arm. “Otherwise, the professor here will begin a college worthy lecture on classical paintings and light angles.”
“Yes, please.” I let my fingers slide into his offered palm.
They’re callused, but he lifts me gently.
The insides of my shoes are still cool when I stuff my feet back into them. Nothing like before, though.
“I’ll take that.” Dean gestures for my empty cup and rises from his chair.
Oh. He’s taller than I expected.
I feel like I’m standing in a forest surrounded by redwoods, dwarfed by the two handsomest men I’ve seen in ages.
“It was very good, thank you.” It no sooner leaves my palm than Reece is holding my coat for me to thread my arms into.
A girl could get used to this.
“You’re spoiling me.” I can feel the burn in my cheeks. I’m not used to such attention.
“A lady deserves it,” Dean mutters from the kitchen as Reece opens the door.
I can’t entirely tell if it was meant for me to hear.
But it makes my heart race.
Chapter 8 -Reece
She doesn’t flinch when I brace her lower back with my palm as we cross through the blisteringly cold expanse to her cabin.
I shouldn’t enjoy touching her as much as I do.
But meeting her, getting to see the way her smile lights up her blue eyes, how she rolls her lip between her teeth as she concentrates, and the genuine look of awe when I dote on her…it makes me want to do it again.
