Page 34 of Too Enchanting

I knew she was an artist and admired her work, so the thought of her wanting to paint me was flattering, although totally unexpected.

“Uh, yeah, sure … I don’t mind. You want to start tonight?” I asked, taking in her excited expression.

“If you don’t mind,” Serena said with a nod. “It’s just ... it’s been so long since I’ve been inspired by a subject and I kinda need to strike while the iron is hot, you know? But, if you’re busy or it’s too late I understand, we can do it another time.”

She looked so hopeful and adorable I couldn’t say no, so I said, “Yeah, I still have some work to do. You being here won’t bother me.”

“Great!” she said and took off.

I chuckled, then got back to work.

I was vaguely aware of her coming back in, pulling a seat over, and sitting down with her sketch book, but with the music pumping and the wood speaking to me I was able to tune her out and keep doing what I was doing without it getting weird.

After about thirty minutes, I got up and grabbed a couple of waters out of the mini fridge. With my arm outstretched, I walked over and offered one to her.

“Thirsty?” I asked.

“Yeah, thanks,” she said, and when our fingers brushed, I noticed her cheeks pinking prettily. “Um, Jed, can I ask you something else?”

“Sure.”

“Can you take off your shirt?”

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