Page 43 of Lucius

“I love it.” He gave her a kiss and then they settled behind easels.

Sidney picked up a brush and dipped it in black paint, then leaned to the side to take a peek at her sexy mate. He smiled at her as he leaned to the side of his easel.

“Great minds, love,” he said with a laugh.

They were too focused to talk at first, but as their paintings came to life, they talked about their favorite things like movies, books, and food. Whenever their gazes met, her heart would flutter.

He was so dang sexy.

They continued to paint, exchanging playful banter and occasional glances until they’d finished their paintings. She turned hers around to show him.

“Wow, that’s awesome! You did a great job.”

“Do you like it?” she asked. She hadn’t tried to paint a portrait before, but she didn’t think she did too badly for a first try.

“I do, you’re talented! Ready to see mine?”

She nodded.

He turned his around to show her, and she grinned and tried not to laugh.

“Okay, I know it looks like something a toddler painted,” he said, his eyes dancing, “but I really tried.”

“You did great.”

“You’re lying like a rug, girl.”

This time she did laugh. “I’m sorry, it was a great try. I love it. And I really enjoyed painting with you.”

They set their paintings back on the easels to dry and met with a hug next to the cleared space. He whispered in her ear, “I think I’ve fallen a little more in love with you just now, Sidney. You’re sweet and special, and I’m a lucky male.”

Her heart felt like it skipped a beat. “I think I’m pretty lucky too. And falling for you.”

With their paintings finished, they moved to the second part of the date—making pizzas in the commercial kitchen near the cafeteria. The bears had been happy to share the space with her for the date-night cooking session. She and Lucius used prepared dough to start off their pizzas, choosing sauces and toppings as they chatted happily.

When their pizzas were done, they sat down at the counter to eat. Lucius raised a slice of his pizza. “Let’s toast to a perfect date and the most amazing soulmate.”

She raised her slice and touched his. “To us.”

Sidney realized just how deeply she was falling for Lucius. The evening had been everything she had hoped for, and as they finished their meal, she felt an overwhelming sense of love and happiness. No one had ever made her feel as good as Lucius did. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her, and she was definitely the lucky one.

The following Saturday,Lucius and Jupiter walked Sidney, Celeste, and Rhomi to the aviary to watch the afternoon show. They were going to hang out with Jess and Auden afterward while Lucius ran errands with his brother.

“I’m so excited,” Sidney said.

“You didn’t bring your sketchbook,” Rhomi pointed out.

“I was sketching a lot when I saw the show with Lucius last week,” she explained, “and I feel like I kind of missed some of it because I was concentrating, so I just want to live in the moment.”

“That’s so cool,” Rhomi said.

Sidney smiled up at Lucius as they walked. “You sure you can’t hang out with us?”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.”

“I’ll miss you.”

His lion grumbled. “I will too, trust me.”

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