Chapter 193: Family Troubles
I closed my eyes and pressed the glass of water against my cheek, trying not to melt in front of him.
He stood again and gave me a soft smile. "If you’re not feeling well, I can bring you home."
"No!" I said too quickly, nearly choking on my tongue. "I mean...I’m fine. Really. I want to stay."
He looked surprised, but pleased. "Alright then. Just let me know if you need anything."
I nodded, though what I needed was for this maddening heat to stop devouring me from the inside out.
Lucas moved behind the canvas once more, but I could feel him watching me through the gaps in the frame.
And for the first time, I didn’t mind. In fact, I hoped he looked longer.
-
Lucas remained behind the canvas for the rest of the evening, sketching with focused intensity. The quick, deliberate strokes of his pencil echoed through the room. He was completely absorbed.
At least one of us can stay focused.
I stayed draped on the chaise, nibbling absentmindedly on cheese and crackers. The buzz from the wine was finally beginning to go away, leaving behind a lingering warmth and a mind slightly clearer, but only slightly.
"Do you want to come take a look?" Lucas called, peeking out from behind the easel. "It’s still a rough sketch, but I think I’m ready to start painting now."