Page 58 of Art of Love
He stepped toward me and leaned in to kiss my forehead. Then I watched him go, the second man to walk through that door tonight, angry with me.
His words though played on my mind, or rather they played on what was already in my mind.
The worries that were there, bouncing around weakening me.
I thought about Hunter as I climbed into bed later that night.
I really hadn’t wanted him to leave, and it wasn’t just because of the fact that we’d been on the precipice of having wild, hot sex.
It was more.
That painting I’d nearly finished today sparked in my mind because of him. It came to me because he sparked my creativity, and I knew exactly what to paint and how to do it.
I’d said to him that I would love to see his stuff in a gallery, but that was the dream I had for myself. To do something like that for me with all the visions I had in my head.
My phone buzzed on my nightstand.
I picked it up quickly. Last night, Lana had messaged to tell me a boy had asked her out. He was a sophomore, and she wanted my advice on whether or not she should say yes. I told her to go with how she felt.
We were like that with guys. Always checking with each other to get advice and insight. Sam had messaged me too, in the day. She’d been messaging every other day, but I ignored her. I wasn’t ready to talk to her yet.
I looked at my phone and sat up quickly when I saw the message was from Hunter.
Quickly, I tapped my pin in and went straight to the message.
Hunter: Doing the jealous-guy-who’s-interested-in-you thing.
I typed back instantly.
Jia: What thing is that? And you’re jealous?
The blue dots started jumping, and my heart squeezed.
Hunter: Jealous as hell that I left that bloody wanker at your place and checking to see if he’s still there.
I smiled.
Jia: Hunter, what exactly is a wanker? And no, he’s not here.
I was going to look it up, but I thought it would be funnier coming from him.
The blue dots jumped, and I smiled.
Hunter: It means a fucking asshole, but the connotation is stronger. So, he’s gone?
Jia: Yes. Left after you.
Hunter: How much after?
I giggled and typed back.
Jia: Practically behind you. Nothing to be jealous of.
Hunter: Jia
Jia: Yes?
There was a long pause that made my pulse quicken. The dots jumped, and the seconds ticked by. They jumped again, and I thought he must be writing a long message.
