Page 70 of Face Me Off

Maddy shakes her head, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “It’s actually coming along quite well. I’m almost ready to submit the collection.”

“That’s exciting.”

“It really is, but I doubt I’ll win.”

“You have to manifest it.”

“Just like you’re manifesting the Frozen Four?” She quirks an eyebrow in challenge.

“You better believe it.”

We sit in silence for a few moments as the sun starts its descent. The waves crash upon the shore in their timely rhythm. It’s a constant in the face of change. And I find myself wishing, not for the first time, that I could freeze this moment. Just Maddy and I, the ocean, and all the unspoken things between us.

“I brought something for you.” I reach into my bag, fumbling past the water bottle. My fingers close around the small, leather-bound book. I pull out the sketchbook and hold it out to Maddy. “I thought maybe you’d want to draw.”

Her eyes widen and shine the first true sparkle I’ve seen today. “Ryan, you … you brought this for me?”

I shrug, trying to play it cool even as my heart races. “Yeah, well, I figured you might get inspired. This view’s pretty sick, right?”

Maddy takes the sketchbook, her fingers brushing mine. A jolt of electricity shoots up my arm. I ignore it. Tonight is about us. Not sex.

She opens it, running her hand over the blank page. “This is … wow. Thank you.” Her voice is soft, full of emotion that makes my chest tighten.

“I brought you pencils as well.” I hand her the bag and watch as she pulls out what she likes.

I lean back, giving her space to work. The tension in her shoulders melts as she loses herself in the art. It’s awestriking watching her transform from the worrywart to becoming more … Maddy. The real Maddy, not the one trying to fit into someone else’s expectations.

The urge to reach out and tuck a stray curl behind her ear is almost overwhelming. Instead, I clench my fist in the sand and remind myself of all the reasons to be a gentleman. I wanted tonight to prove we work as a couple. The sexual tension is off the charts, but she means more to me than sex.

The silence between us is comfortable as I watch Maddy work. Her brows furrow in concentration, and she pokes her tongue out slightly between her lips. I smile at the sight.

“You know, you make the funniest face when you’re zoned in.” My lips twitch. “Like you’re trying to stare the paper into submission.”

Her head snaps up, eyes wide with mock indignation. “I do not!”

“Oh, you totally do. It’s adorable.”

“Whatever.” She swats my arm playfully. “Jerk! See if I ever let you watch me draw again.”

I laugh, raising my hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I take it back. Your concentration face is very serious and artistic.”

She rolls her eyes, but she can’t hide her smile. It hits me then how easy this is. How natural it feels to be here with her, teasing and laughing like we’ve known each other forever.

Shadows shift as the moment I’ve been waiting for—the entire purpose for bringing her here—happens. The sun sinks toward the horizon and creates a spectacular array of colors. Pinks and oranges bleed into deep purples and reflect off the water. Maddy’s pencil stills as we both take in the view.

“Wow,” she breathes.

I nod in agreement. “Isn’t this beautiful? I found this area by accident and was totally captivated.”

Maddy shifts beside me and rests her head on my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her and rub circles on her forearm.

“Thanks for today, Ryan,” she murmurs. “I needed this more than I realized.”

“Anytime, Grimes. I’m always here for you.”

I’m perfectly content to stay here all evening, but the more I touch her, the more the energy between us grows. Along with something else.

“Ryan?”

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