Page 56 of Not So Happily Ever After (British Bad Boys)
Don’t be such an idiot.No one writes a list on an A5 size notepad. Which means he’s perfectly fine about this.
My tense muscles relax. Why would he say anything? He has no clue how messed up my head is when it comes to my art. I shift my bottom around on the bench so I’m facing him and lose myself in my fantasy world.
He doesn’t fidget or try to see what I’m doing or ask endless questions. It’s as though we’re the only two people in existence.
Finally, I lay my pencil on my lap and flex my fingers as I scrutinize the sketch. It’s not a bad likeness.
“Can I look now?”
It’s been a while since I’ve shown anyone except the lovely residents at the Court my work. The last time was that art exhibition on Boxing Day.
Don’t think about that.It’s in the past, and I’m over it.
“Okay.” I hope he didn’t hear my reluctance. It’s not that I don’t want him to see the sketch. I’m just not sure I’m ready for his reaction. Suppose he hates it?
Nerves heave through me, and I feel a little ill as I hand him the pad and he stares at it. I can’t tell what he thinks from the expression on his face. Why doesn’t he say something? I know it’s not technically brilliant, but it’s not terrible.
At least, I don’t think it is.
The silence is killing me. “Well?” It comes out sharper than I intend, and I bite my lip. But he doesn’t throw back a sarcastic retort.
“This is amazing.” There’s a strange note in his voice, as though he’d expected to see a stick figure. “Seriously, Mac. You should do something with talent like this.”
“Huh.” I shift my bum on the hard bench as embarrassment slides through me. I’m not used to anyone praising my art. And the fact it’s coming from Will makes it, I don’t know, kind of extra special. I don’t even know how to respond. “Thanks.”
He looks at me with his sinfully gorgeous brown eyes, and I clasp my hands together on my lap to stop them doing something random and ridiculous. Like cradling his face and askingwhy didn’t you call me that morning?
So much for being over it.
I am over it.I can’t help erratic thoughts spiking through my brain.
“When you said it was just a hobby…” He pauses and looks back at the sketch he’s still holding. “I don’t know why, but I didn’t imagine you were this good.”
It’s not often I’m at a loss for words, but his comment leaves me speechless in the best possible way. The tightness compressing my chest eases, and I smile, even though he can’t see me since he’s still gazing at the sketch.
“I mean, you’ve always beengood,” he adds, like I might take offense, and he glances at me. “Don’t get me wrong. But I haven’t seen anything you’ve done for so long. I guess I’d forgotten.”
Seriously, Mac, get your shit together.There’s a warm glow in the center of my chest, but I can’t sit here grinning at him like he’s the best thing since soft loo roll.Even if he is.
“It’s not like I make a habit of doing it in public. I’m not even sure why I did this.”
Yes, you are.I wanted to capture the moment. Something special to encapsulate how I’ll always remember this secret time with him, in a way all the photos we’ve taken never can. And what a wonderful moment it’s turned into.
“You mean you’ve got a lot of work you’ve not shown anyone?”
He doesn’t know the half of it. “You could say that. When I finish something, it’s like I can’t throw it out in case it’s bad luck. I know that’s dumb.”
“Can I keep this?”
“Um, sure.” I’m so shocked he actually wants it that the words spill out before I can stop them. Not that I want to stop them. I can always sketch him again later, and it’ll be evenmorespecial. “It’s only a draft, really, though.”
“I don’t care. I think it’s great.”
Oh wow. If he keeps on being so nice, I’m going to melt into a puddle of goo at his feet.
“I’m glad you like it. Do you want me to sign it?” I’m half joking, but he hands me the pad back without even thinking about it.
“Definitely. This could be worth a fortune in a few years.”
