Page 76 of Branded Hearts

“I really love my art classes with the kids,” I mention, trying to keep the enthusiasm in my voice. “Watching them paint is so rewarding.”

He’s quiet, his gaze intense, yet oddly comforting, as he listens. Is he really interested in my school talk? Or am I boring him to death? Maybe I should switch gears, ask him about his hobbies or something.

Yeah, that might lighten the mood.

“Anyway, I guess that might not sound too exciting for everyone, so, enough about that—”

“Hold on. I wasn’t done listening,” he interrupts, his voice gravelly and unexpectedly attractive. How can someone’s voice be both deep and alluring at the same time?

Oh my.

Those piercing blue eyes hold mine, and a ripple of excitement dances in my gut.

“Tell me more aboutyourpaintings,” he continues.

Does he really want to know? No one has ever shown this kind of interest before. Maybe that’s because I’ve always kept this part of me to myself. Silly me.

“Oh,” I say, trying to steady my voice.Come on, Amelia, focus.“Uh, well, I like to use oil paints, occasionally watercolour. I like to paint subjects that will evoke strong emotions from them.”

He nods slowly. “What sort of subjects?”

Goodness me.

“People. I paint people. Well,portraits, technically speaking.” His eyes widen for a moment, taking in what I’ve said. Is that bad? Is that not what he was expecting to hear?

“Just random people?” he asks.

He’s been studying me ever since we sat down, as if trying to unravel a mystery. He’s good at it, too. Maybe too good.

“Sometimes I use models I find online. Other times, I create characters in my head. But usually, I’ll paint someone I know, like a family member or friend,” I explain, taking a sip of wine to steady my nerves.

“I’ve started this new series of portraits,” I continue, my voice brightening with excitement. “But I’ve been stuck on finding a new model for my next canvas…” Then, without warning, the thought pops into my head.

“I could paint you,” I blurt out, freezing mid-sentence. My eyes widen involuntarily, and his brows arch in surprise.

No, I didn’t just say that.

That was definitely an intrusive thought. Intrusive thought 1 - Amelia 0.

Oh, gosh, why would I even suggest that?

Sure, I’ve thought about it before, but now that I’ve actually said it out loud, I’m embarrassed. What if he thinks it’s weird? He’s such a private person.

“Kidding. I don’t... I won’t do that,” I quickly add, my words stumbling over each other in my haste.

“Why not?” he asks, a faint frown crossing his face. “Am I not agood enough model?”

Oh my.

Now I’ve made him feel inadequate.

“What? No!” I blurt out, flustered. “You most definitely are. I mean, look atyou. You’d be a great subject... You are… very handsome.”

His mouth quirks up into a smirk, his eyes crinkling slightly, as if he’s suppressing a laugh, before a genuine smile spreads across his handsome face. Is he teasing me?

No, scratch that. That smile—it’s all real.

“I’m just joking, sunshine,” he says, and I exhale in relief, trying not to smile back too broadly.

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