Page 35 of Painting Her Fate

I grin as Zander’s eyes shine with amusement. Blake adjusts his glasses then rubs the back of his neck and his eyes are cast down.

“Uh, sorry I did the accent, I just think it’s so cool. I have, like, a huge love for English stuff, and the BBC.” Awe, how cute. The boy is blushing. “Nice to meet you Lili, I’m Blake.” He holds out his hand.

“Pleasure to meet you, Blake. It’s great you help your brother with this cutie here.” I stroke Hank’s ear through my fingers and the pup leans his face against my leg. Makes me want to rush down to the shelter and seek out a dog of my own. Or steal this one. Zander wouldn’t mind, right?

“He is helping me save for college.” Blake stuffs his hands in his jean pockets and rocks back on his heels.

“Blake has a scholarship to the University of Florida for graphic design and technology.” Zander chimes in and I catch him glowering at his dog.

Is that a hint of jealousy I see? Hmmm.I’m intrigued.

“That’s great! The expanse of what you can do with that degree is endless. Graphic design is fun, I have dabbled in it a bit myself, although, I stick to ‘hands-on’ items mostly.” I reply, wiggling my fingers. Hank knocks into me, asking for his backside to be scratched now, which I happily oblige.

“I bet you do.” Blake insinuated with a sly grin. I smile because he is still a child after all. Before I could say anything, Blake yelps in surprise as Zander’s hand comes up and smacks the back of his brother’s head.

“That was uncalled for!” Zander scolded.So feral. “You will treat her, and any woman for that matter with respect. Got it?”

Oh, my. If Zander continues with that authority of his, I’ll be the one rolling over for belly rubs, not his pup.

Behave mistress.

But imagine playtime with this one.

I try to suppress my shiver. Desire filled me at the prospect of having this man in my bedroom.

Now you’re getting it. Screw the coffee, love, have him instead.

“Sorry, Lili.” Blake brings me back to the present, his posture shifting, “Please forgive me.” His voice remains small, “I sketch, but the computer is where I make most of my creations. It be cool to see some of your work sometime.” He is so sweet and innocent, and his brother is looking out for him.

“All is well” I shot him a genuine smile, pleased with the subject change, “I would love to show you some of my favorite pieces.” Hank let out an annoyed grumbly huff to tell me I wasn’t doing a good job of loving on him. My apologies Hank, I’ll get right on that. And so, I do.

I do enjoy being one-on-one with other artists; it’s an instant click we experience and watch as the creativity explodes. Blake doesn’t look the type to play sports; he is a right-brain user, as to where his older brother seems more of a left brained individual; He’s into art and creative thinking rather than strategy and analytical process.

Glancing at Zander, I find his posture is relaxed; whatever the doctors gave him helped with his shoulder pain and has put him in a better mood. That is well and good. No need for Mr. Grumpy any longer.

I fall to my knees to tend to the overly needy pup at my feet, giving him belly scratches and watching as he moves his leg wildly.

While the men chat, I glance at the pictures on the walls and the overall general décor around each room. A few minutes go by before I hear Zander’s voice calling to me.

“You ready to go, Lili?” I find him staring down at me.

I nod then pat Hank on the head one last time before standing upright. Zander holds out his hand, I take it in mine and smile.

Go away butterflies, it’s just his hand. It’s just coffee. Just a thank you…

Who am I kidding? I can tell my traitorous heart those lies all I want; it knows the truth. No way in hell am I voicing it.

Once we give our goodbyes and are back in his vehicle, he’s quick to make it down many side streets to avoid the congested main areas and traffic lights. Alexander points out a couple small locales, or, ‘Mom and Pop’ shops he supports, the park he enjoys taking Hank to, and where he and his siblings all went to school.

It was something I didn’t mind learning about him and his family, but it had me wondering why he would show a stranger these details of his life.

“You have a lovely home and the most adorable pup.” I declare as the song on the radio fades away. He turns down the volume and shifts slightly in his seat. Did he just give me the side-eye?

*Mistress*That certainly wouldn’t go without a punishment. A wicked one at that.Well, this should lay it on thick.And so, the mistress came out to play.

“However, that owner of his is quite handsome. No way can Hank compete.”

Zander’s boisterous laughter fills the space.

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