Page 103 of Finding New Dreams

“Some of you had different kinds of fruit. Size, shape, and colors. They’re all a bit different. A few of you added a dinner table under the bowl. A few added a grassy field.” I took a deep breath and made a point to gaze into each kid’s (and Mrs. Q’s) eyes. “The point is that even with something so simple—or boring—as a bowl of fruit, each of you managed to make it your own. That’s because each of you is different and brings something unique to the table. And all of it is good.”

Smiles appeared as they understood the true purpose of the assignment. Truthfully, it was a tactic I’d stolen from Mrs. Q. But she’d wholeheartedly supported me using it with her class. Even wanted to join in to experience it herself.

She’d told me a dozen more kids had signed up for her summer art class after the first one I led. She insisted it was because I’d agreed to teach more, and a very large part of me was desperate for that to be true. Even if it wasn’t, the genuine excitement in the room buoyed me like a hundred balloons.

I couldn’t wait to tell Rose.

And I would see her tonight. I’d been seeing her every night since we’d returned, four days ago. It wasn’t a predetermined schedule, and we didn’t use labels. But she’d invite me over for dinner or I’d ask to borrow something—a book, a specific paintbrush, a damn blanket. Then we’d be all over each other until dawn.

I especially loved the memorable night we spent on her rooftop—instead of the beach, to avoid prying eyes—to finish our moonscape, even though the moon was no longer full.

We knew the excuses were just that. But somehow, it seemed less complicated to do things that way.

But it also meant that I hadn’t slept at Chloe’s all week. And she’d said nothing. Even the local gossipers were quiet. But who would notice me sneaking from the studio up to Rose’s apartment? No one. Or they just assumed, like Ozzy did.

He’d been eerily quiet since his surprise visit. But I was having a hard time caring about his uncharacteristic behavior with Rose’s sweet body wrapped around me through the night.

As the kids packed up and I said goodbye to everyone, my phone vibrated.

Rose: Hey! Hope your class went well! I made waaay too much spaghetti, if you’re up for some ;)

Flynn: For you? Always ;P

Rose: Lol swing by whenever! Door’s unlocked.

Flynn: Be right there. Might have to trample a few kids.

I arrived at her apartment out of breath and a little sweaty in the June heat. I stepped inside and immediately groaned at the smell of garlic bread and tomato sauce.

Rose smiled as she finished pouring two glasses of red wine. “Hungry?”

“Starved. And not just for food.” I caught her around the waist and kissed her so deeply, I dipped her almost horizontal. “Delicious,” I growled, nibbling at her lips the way she liked.

Sure enough, she sighed and leaned into me. “We need to eat it before it gets cold,” she said, even as she tugged me back for another bone-melting kiss.

“Then quit tempting me,” I murmured.

She smiled, her dark eyes sparkling. “Fine. But later, you’re all mine.”

My heart twisted. If only you wanted all of me.

But I beat the feeling down and enjoyed dinner with her, telling her every last detail about my class and listening to her tell me about a few of the online sales she’d made, as well as a boudoir shoot she’d done for Chloe. I refused to hear any details about the session but still loved hearing Rose’s enthusiasm for the work.

Once we’d cleaned up dinner, I sat on the couch with the rest of my wine and Rose in my lap.

“You ever going to show me that?” I asked, tipping my glass at the covered easel in the corner. “You did say I could see some of your paintings.”

She toyed with my fingers on her lap. “And I did. Even the, um…”

“Nude ones?”

She flushed, nodding.

“And those are my favorites so far. But you have yet to show me that one. The one you’ve kept hidden this whole time. What is it?”

She wriggled in my lap, making my blood rush south. Grinning, she kissed her way from my lips to my throat.

I groaned. “Not…fair. Playing dirty.”

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