Page 86 of Muddy Messy Love

I imagine my studio through his fresh eyes, trying to gauge what he’ll think. It’s busy but tidy. The finished pieces all sit lined up across the bench on display along withHigh Heart Symphony.I refocus on Cole. “You’re right. Do you mind moving it to my studio, please?”

“Sure,” he says, his smile beaming brighter than a solar eclipse.

I open the door and step back, allowing him entry. “In the corner near the shelves would be great.”

He positions the wheel facing the room diagonally, exactly as I pictured, then stands, dusting off his hands on his jeans.

I take a deep breath, willing my nerves to calm. “Well, this is my studio,” I say with a showcasing wave and wobbly voice. “Feel free to explore.”

He looks at me and faintly nods once, then wanders around the room slowly. Carefully. Taking in every detail in absolute silence. My stomach flutters as he approaches my new collection. He throws a glance towards me over his shoulder as if seeking permission. Wringing my hands, I nod a tight smile and hold my breath. I think I’m going to throw up. Every second feels like an hour as he steps from one piece to the next, contemplating each.

Still. Silent.

When he reachesHigh Heart Symphony, regret rushes through me with the force of a monster wave. What if he hates it? What if it scares him off? He gives me a ripple of affection, and I respond with a tsunami. Oh God, this was a mistake.

His continued silence amps up my panic. He’s probably rehearsing his response and formulating lies so as not to hurt my feelings when he dashes out the front door. But just as I’m about to end this torture—usher him out, apologise, and declare this an epic mistake—he turns to face me. Wide eyes lock on mine. Full lips part. “Aves,” he whispers.

He’s…horrified.

My eyes glass and meet my feet. “I’m sorry. This is stupid.I’mstupid.” The humiliation rivals the worst I’ve ever felt. It twists around every limb and muscle like a boa constrictor. Squeezing. Compressing. I can hardly breathe.

Cole charges towards me and lifts my chin. “Hey. Look at me.”

Reluctantly, I comply.

He wipes away a tear from my cheek with his thumb. “What’s wrong?”

I wince and close my eyes. “You’re so quiet. You hate them, and I’ve scared you off.”

He chokes out a huffed laugh. “I’m quiet because I never imagined how talented you are. I’m in awe.Speechless.”

I peer open one eye at a time and see him shake his head, dark brows all twisted and furrowed. “They’re…gripping,” he says.

Gripping. That’s a good word. A very good word.

The noose loosens around my neck, and I take a deep breath. Cole squeezes my shoulder, then walks back toHigh Heart Symphony. “When did you start this one?”

My heart splutters. He’s not so arrogant to assume it’s him but suspects it nonetheless. And rightly so.

Lowering my gaze, I shrug. Here goes nothing. “The day after I kissed you. It’s not finished yet.” I chance looking back up and watch his eyes flicker with a thousand thoughts.

“It’s us,” he says in wonder. Gently, he caresses the woman’s hair, then traces his fingers over the copper-scrolled hearts I’ve temporarily positioned.

I step closer and rally courage. “What do you think?”

His eyes find mine. “I’ve never felt so humbled and honoured all at once. It’s…breathtaking.”

My face heats, but a smile kisses my lips. “I thought you’d flee.”

Cole studies me, frowning, like what I said made him sad. “Don’t you feel this?” he asks, motioning a hand between us. “The relief when we’re finally together? The raging pull when we’re not?”

God, this man.

I nod as I melt. “Every single day,” I whisper. The evidence stands right before him. That’s what scares me. I don’t understand this connection we have, but maybe I don’t need to.

Cole picks up my hands and brushes his thumbs over my knuckles, looking me dead in the eye. “I’m not going anywhere, Avery.”

His words hit my heart like a Cupid’s arrow and explode into fairy dust and glitter on impact. Those are sacred words to someone like me, and they came armoured in sincerity through honest eyes. I search for deceit, but a sense of calm pools in my belly.

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