Page 144 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“What kind of shit were you dealing with?”

“Nothing,” She says. But then quickly adds, “Hey, how’s your art showcase doing? Have you done any paintings? Have you and Oscar thought of a date yet? Am I allowed to come, or do I need to act like a stranger around you?”

I know what she’s fucking doing.

Asking me a bunch of questions in hopes I drop the subject of whatever shit she’s dealing with.

Whatever. I understand not wanting to open up.

I’m not happy that she’s uncomfortable opening up to me, but I can’t get mad either because I’m the same toward her.

“Yeah, I have a few works done,” I say with a shrug. “The showcase will be in a month from now. We’ve been sending out invitations and promoting it in the gallery already.”

“That’s awesome!” She grins, and this time, the smile reaches her eyes. She kisses my Adam’s apple and sighs. “You should be proud of yourself.”

“Are you going to purchase all my paintings again?” I ask as if she didn't tear my heart out with that simple kiss.

Her lips curve. “Maybe. If I like them, who am I kidding? I’m sure I’ll love them all.”

I roll my eyes.

Briar continues, “But I won’t get greedy this time. I’ll choose my top 2 and let the others buy the rest.” She sighs and snuggles up against me, dropping the side of her face on my chest. Fuck, can she hear how my heart is beating abnormally fast? “I have the real masterpiece now, anyway.” She playfully squeezes my cheek.

“Stop it,” I say, hating how my face feels hot.

We continue to stay like this for another hour, just chatting, scrolling through our phones, and just existing.

Being with her is comfortable.

I feel comfortable.

Now and then, she would do something adorable, like kiss my chest, and I would respond by kissing the top of her head.

She’s very affectionate and sweet when not being her shameless flirtatious self.

I love it.

It makes me feel safe and warm.

Fuck.

What the hell is wrong with me? I’m breaking my own rules… We are not in a relationship, so why are we acting like we are?

I should go.

She looks up at me with sad eyes. “Do you have to go?”

I didn’t realize I said that out loud. But I nod and reluctantly get out of bed. “Yeah, it’s really late. I must be up for an early shift at the grocery store tomorrow.”

“You can stay?”

I sigh, shaking my head. “Briar.”

Briar drops her head, taking the blankets and covering her body. “Yeah, I know. Boundaries.”

It’s getting harder to say no to her. Why do I have to say no to her again?

People will find out. Your stepdad will find out.

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