Page 55 of Bleeding Hearts
“What?” I ask, unable to handle how fucking cute she is as she bounces on her toes.
“That you really fucking love me.” Her grin only grows. “I knew, but I guess it’s nice to realize you did all along and that it wasn’t just wishful thinking on my part.”
I back her against the closest tree as the autumn leaves blow around us, tipping her chin up with a finger. “You’ve always been mine, Alice. I’ve always wanted you, always cared for you . . . I just couldn’t bring myself to ruin you the way I was ruining myself, but never doubt how I feel about you. I know words aren’t enough, not after I used them as weapons, but I will show you with my actions. I promise, baby.”
“I know.” She smiles softly. “I know, Lals. It’s okay. The past is the past. Let’s leave it there and focus on us now, okay? We’re together and happy, and that’s all that matters. Clinging to bad memories only hurts us, nobody else.”
“When did you get so smart, my beautiful girl?” I murmur as I lean down and kiss her gently.
“I’ve always been smart. You were just distracted by my tits,” she teases.
Laughing, I press a kiss to her forehead. “True, they are very distracting. Now, come on before they sidetrack me again. We have a place to be, and I can’t wait to show you. I found it months ago and always wanted to bring you here.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The shop looks discreet from the outside, but when we step in, the paintings on the wall reveal what it is. I leave her to look around as I check in before I am directed to a seating area while they set up our studio. I sit in one of the deep green love seats, and when she wanders past, I tug her down between my legs then wrap my arms around her.
“I never knew you’d be the clingy one,” she teases, but she leans into my embrace.
“And you love it,” I whisper in her ear. She shivers and smiles.
“Are we painting?” she asks, changing the topic.
I just hum in response, and two minutes later, a woman wearing a long floral skirt and crop top comes our way. “Ms. Stewart? Your studio is ready, please follow me.”
Lifting Alice, I grab her hand again and follow the lady into a corridor with rows of doors. I see Alice peeking in as we are led to one four doors down, where she pushes inside and waits for us. We step in, and my eyes widen at the incredible space. Two easels face each other with stools, all the necessary tools beside them, and beyond is a window showing a beautiful garden. It’sspacious and has soft lighting, as well as a smell I can’t place that puts me at ease.
“If you need anything, please come to reception. We have all the colors you will need, and we are happy to help with anything you want.” When we nod, she shuts the door, and soft music starts playing. Releasing Alice’s hand, I take a seat on one of the stools facing the empty canvas.
“Lals, what is this?” she asks, running her hands over the paintbrushes longingly.
“We’ll paint each other.” I shrug. “You love painting, and I want to be a part of your life and what you enjoy, so I thought this would be nice.”
She sits on the rolling stool, glancing between the canvas and me.
I can sense her nerves as she bites her lip, so I roll my chair over and press my thumb against it until she releases it. “Only I get to bite this, understood? If you do it again, I’ll have you on your knees right here.” Her eyes widen as I smirk. “Why are you nervous?”
“What if you don’t like it? What if it’s garbage?”
“Baby, it’s going to be amazing. Just have fun, okay?” I kiss her softly. “Besides, mine will be terrible, so don’t worry. I just want to watch you do something you love, something just for us.”
Her smile is wide, and when she nods, I roll back to my easel and pick up a brush. I have no idea what I’m doing, so I choose a pencil instead and eye her face as I draw. She looks serious and doesn’t look at me once, but I focus on my own drawing, except I can’t help stealing glances at her.
She’s so fucking beautiful, especially now.
Passion flows from every delicate movement, and her eyes are bright with excitement and happiness. There’s a smudge of black paint across her forehead from her pushing her hair back,and my heart stops as I look at her—not just at her beauty, but at her, the woman I love.
She’s my family now, and I would do anything to make her happy. I start planning our future, and it’s centered around her. Before, I only existed, but now I’m focused on setting down roots and our life together, and it’s . . . good.
Tommy would be happy.
We work for a while until I become bored. “Done.”
“I’m almost there,” she murmurs distractedly, so I prop my head on my fist and watch her as she works, memorizing her face. It’s something I’ve done a hundred times before, but it’s different now. She’s mine for real, and I want everyone to know that. Moreover, I want her to know that.
“Okay, done.” She puts her brush down and looks at me. “How do we do this?”
“Why don’t you see mine first?” I suggest. She looks nervous, and I want to see her smile again. Alice walks my way, and I gesture at it. “Ta-da! Look at this magnificence.”
