Page 286 of The First Time
Chapter Fourteen
After another long day I struggle to fill, I take the subway to Blake's building. There's a key waiting for me with the doorman. Apparently, my fiancé is still at work.
I settle into the big, empty room.
The sun is sinking into the sky, casting soft orange light over the den. It doesn't suit the space. The light is warm, inviting, alive. This apartment is sterile. Lifeless. Dull.
It's a beautiful room, but it looks more like a model house than a home. There isn't a single crumb out of place. The tile is shiny, the appliances are sparkling, the floor is spotless.
I settle onto the plush leather couch and fish my new sketchbook from my purse. It's pocket-sized. Well, purse-sized. Perfect for capturing what's in my head. I'm not sure what I'm doing with my life now that I'm not getting by twenty-four seven. This will help me figure out what's in my head. What I want.
The park really is beautiful in the sunset. I sketch the view. The buildings across the park start as rectangles. I add detail—the shadows, the windows, the satellite dishes on the roofs—until they take on life.
It's not a technically great drawing, but it's a start.
The door opens and Blake steps inside. My attention goes straight to him.
He's in his suit, all tall and stoic and handsome.
Those blue eyes of his make my heartbeat pick up.
"You're early," he says.
I nod. "I felt like being here."
Blake moves closer. He sits next to me, examining my sketch over his shoulder.
This isn't good work. It's not worth showing off.
I flip my sketchbook closed and slide it into my purse.
"You can draw. I don't mind." He brushes a stray hair behind my ear. "We don't need to leave for a while."
"Okay."
"Have you taken a look at your room?"
"My room?"
He motions to the sex room.
"It's mine?"
"We're engaged."
"Don't engaged couples share a bed?"
"Call it your office. You'll need space for your art. For school. For whatever you'd like to do."
"What if I'd like to shop and get manicures?"
"You wouldn't."
"But what if I would?"
He stares at me, picking me apart. "Then you'll need space for your wardrobe."
"Are you teasing me?"
