Page 66 of Partnering with the Artist

?

Us.

Maelin

Twirling my parasol, I take in the grounds of the Bachelor manor this lovely Sunday afternoon. Late last night, after Morana and I had put up our groceries, Zakery texted me, asking if I’d be interested in a date today.

I didn’t expect him to pick me up and drive us right on back to his home, but…

I cannot say I’m complaining.

He has hung curtains around the quaint white gazebo I can usually see from one of his bedroom windows, and the shades flutter in a mild breeze as we approach. Sweeping one wide, he smiles, letting me tuck into the dim glow and find a picnic area spread across the wood flooring, blankets and pillows heaped around large wicker baskets.

My sketchbook. My pencils.

Some pens, and I suppose a sketchbook of his.

Awe sets in as I close my parasol and push my sunglasses up on my head.

“It was a nice day,” he says, joining me. “I hope it’s not too bright.”

“It’s—” I clear my throat. “—perfect.”

His icy gray eyes warm as he helps me to a place amid the pillows then begins unpacking the picnic baskets. Sandwiches, salads, chips, juice, pastries, cookies. The spread is monumentally extravagant.

“May I?” he asks, pulling out two champagne flutes and abottle of Welch’s Sparkling Sangria.

I nod, trying to calm the beat of my heart as he pours me my glass.

This is so romantic.

We’re going to eat and draw together? In a secluded, sun-shielded gazebo surrounded by flowers?

And he’s not even making it work by having his digital art at hand? Just…sketchpads? For fun?

So…

Thisis love.

This is whatlovelooks like.

Feelings can take a long walk off a short pier. If it came down tothisor the person who made me responsible for his feelings, I’d choose this. Every time.

“Are you all right?” Zakery asks after I’ve been sat here, gaping, for the past three minutes.

I jolt to awareness, nearly spilling my drink.

Zakery braces my hand, soothing, “Easy. What’s wrong?”

My head shakes. “Nothing. It’s just…allof this. I’m so happy.”

He cups my cheek and swipes away a tear. “This was hardly any trouble. I bought a bunch of pre-made picnic things yesterday and asked my brothers to help with the curtains and pillows. It took maybe ten minutes to set up and thirty to shop for.”

“You went shopping yesterday?”

“At SunMart.” His smile tilts toward mischief. “Saw you there.”

My heart thumps. Please, please, please tell me he didn’t overhear anything. “O-oh?”

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