Page 29 of Colors and Curves

“Oh, that’s just the body lotion I use.” I bite my lip hard to prevent myself from imaging her rubbing the lotion all over her body.

“Good to know. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I never can tell. Anyway, go on.”

She glances at her arm. “Right now I have a tan, so I’m a little darker than during the winter months. I wouldn’t say my skin is creamy, it’s more a bronzed color. Maybe light brown sugar or golden honey.” She stops. “This is so difficult. How can you understand me at all if you have never seen colors?”

“I group things together by similar colors. I was born with this, so I have no real clue, but I do see different shades of gray. It’s just like a black and white photo. There are different shades and contrasts in the darkness, different depths, and density… For example, I’m told my hair is black. I can see the shade of your hair is lighter, so I know it’s not black. I also know it’s probably brown, comparing it to someone like Daisy. Her hair looks gray to me, but she calls it silver. When she says silver, I think of silverware or silver jewelry. Your toe ring isn’t silver. Most likely, it’s gold. Am I right?”

“Yes. I’m surprised you even noticed.”

I lean into her. “I notice everything about you, woman, and it’s fucking sexy as hell. And it’s only because you’re the one wearing it. I’ve seen other women with them, and I’ve never really cared. But with you… I can’t explain it. It fits your look, and I find it extremely attractive. Just like your tiny nose ring. Or stud? I don’t know the lingo when it comes to piercings.” I raise an eyebrow. “Do you have any other ones?”

A devilish smirk grows on her face. “Two others.”

Damn.I shouldn’t have asked that question. My mind spins, imagining all the areas on her body that could be pierced. Which leads to me picturing her stretched out naked on a sheepskin rug in my studio, a simple white sheet covering the most intimate parts of her body. My throat goes desert dry, and my shorts feel snug.

“Want to know where?”

I nod and try to calm my breathing by thinking about nailing a hole in the wall.Nailing? Hole?I should just jump into a pool of ice. It’s been so long, I can’t control myself.

“Here.” She points to her earlobes, then bursts out laughing. “You should’ve seen your face. You have a dirty mind, Mr. Ariti. This could make things very interesting later on.”

And just like that,Aritiextinguishes any sexual thoughts I have.

I need to tell her the truth about my name and about me and Daisy. I’ve purposely directed our conversations to be about Skylar so she wouldn’t ask me too many questions. The more I’m with her, the more I feel I can trust her, but it’s too soon and it’s so hard for me to open up.

Chapter 15

Skylar

If he’s good at being in control, I don’t know how he does it. My pulse has been racing since he walked through the gallery door tonight. I haven’t felt this sensation in so long. And never so intense. Kissing him is like a new art form. His lips are full, soft, and strong, but they’re gentle too. His tongue is hot, sweet, and spicy like chocolate and chilis. I can just imagine his tongue on other parts of my body. My belly swirls with excitement.

On our walk back to my apartment, I decide to be brave. Or maybe stupid. “I’m glad you stopped by tonight. I’ve been thinking about you a lot, and not just because of your photos. It’s funny, actually. That’s hardly the reason at all.” Once the confession is out, I’m suddenly swamped by fear. What if he doesn’t feel the same way? I look straight ahead, afraid to see the expression on his face. But really, why should I worry when he’s been holding my hand since we left the restaurant? That alone is surprising. I wouldn’t have taken him as a hand holder.

In fact, he squeezes my hand now, as he replies. “I know what you mean. You’ve made it nearly impossible for me to focus on my current project. But you’ve also helped me come up with a new one.”

“I have? Now I’m curious.”

“I’m not quite sure how to go about it. It needs work—I’ve never done anything like it before.”

“Do I get a hint, since I inspired you?”

He stops short and brushes his lips across the top of my hand, making me tingle everywhere. “You’ll be the first to see it, unless you kick me to the curb by then.”

“I can’t imagine that. The rumors about you are the opposite of what I see. The last name Ariti means friendly, generous, and approachable. The first time I met you, you were definitely not approachable or friendly, but you proved me and all the rumors wrong. Maybe that’s what you want people to see so they’ll leave you alone, but the problem with me is, I don’t want to leave you alone. The more time I spend with you, the more I want to see you.”

He squeezes my hand tightly, almost painfully. I wince. He lets go and mutters an apology. Then he shoves his hands in his pockets and dips his chin to his chest.

“What’s wrong? Did I say too much?”

He shakes his head, then looks up with a grimace. His eyebrows furrow so tightly together, they become a unibrow. “No, no. It’s music to my ears. But I have to tell you something about me and Daisy.”

My stomach drops and I step back. People walk between us. I can’t believe it. I’m going to be sick. “Oh my God! You’re—You’re together?” There’s venom in my voice, but he laughs.Laughs!“It’s not fucking funny.”

“She’s my sister.”

Relief tries to creep in, but anger does too. Why is this such a secret?

“And my last name isn’t Ariti.”

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