Page 15 of Becoming His Muse
“If you’re teaching me, then yes.”
He liked the sound of that. “Anytime. Just say the word.”
They retook their seats once they’d both rid themselves of the clay. This time, he sat across from her.
“How’s that creative block coming?” Olani questioned as she crossed her legs.
“I think I’m working through it. The creativity is starting to flow.”
They talked and laughed for the next hour, but Elion was sure they were both aware of the slightly charged tension. After that, he packed up the mug securely and helped her up as she grabbed her purse, and they exited the room.
He’d been right that the other class was over. A new one had started, and from the looks of what they were making, was almost over. George waved at them as they left. Elion made a mental note to tell George to keep his usual flirting to himself if he brought Olani back.
He walked Olani to her car, opening the door for her when she unlocked it. She turned to face him.
“We can paint this in the future,” he told her, handing her the box. She smiled at him. “Are you free next Wednesday?” Elion then questioned.
“I don’t have any plans after work.”
“I’d like to see you again.” He didn’t see a reason not to be honest.
“And what will we be doing?”
“Something new. Pick something you’ve wanted to try but haven’t, and we’ll do it.” He thought it was only fair since he’d chosen this date.
She smiled at him again, and Elion wondered when he’d stop feeling like he’d been kicked in the stomach when she did so.
“Okay, I’ll set it up. Goodnight, Elion.”
He took her free hand in his, placing a kiss on the back of it. “Goodnight, Olani.”
Elion watched her get into her car and pull away before going to his own vehicle. He slid behind the wheel, heading home. Yeah, he’d look for Clara a present over the weekend because he was sure this would be the only time he was thankful for her minding his business.
Until then, he decided to stop at one of her favorite takeout places and order her go-to meal. He knew she’d be home when he made it, and food would be a surefire way to avoid any questions she asked about his whereabouts or give him time to plan an escape.
8
Elion was slipping on his shoes when Clara knocked on his bedroom door. It was a little after five, and they were both getting ready to leave. He called her in, and she looked him over with a furrowed brow.
“Where are you headed this evening?” she questioned with her backpack on her left shoulder.
“Just into town for a bit.”
It wasn’t a lie. He was sort of heading into town. He’d received the destination for his and Olani’s date a few days ago, after changing the email Clara had used previously, and she wanted to go zip lining. Elion had been for Clara’s eighteenth birthday before she started college. But he had no problem going with Olani.
He knew that his niece wouldn’t question him further. She may have if he’d been dressed up, but because of where theywere going, he’d chosen a simple black T-shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers.
“Okay, I just wanted to let you know I was leaving. I may be back a little later than normal. My group wants to review the guide for our test on Friday.”
“Okay,” Elion responded, tying his shoes. “Be careful, and don’t forget to eat.”
“I will and won’t,” Clara responded, turning and heading down the hall. “Love you.” Filtering back into his room.
“Love you, too,” Elion stated, getting up and going over to his dresser. He grabbed one of his favorite colognes and sprayed some on before grabbing his wallet and leaving his bedroom.
Elion made sure the front and back doors were locked, turning off the lights before grabbing his keys and heading out of the side door. Locking it behind him. He slid into his vehicle, putting the address of the company into his GPS, and pulled out. They were supposed to meet at six, so as long as there weren’t any accidents on his way, Elion would make it with a couple of minutes to spare.
When he arrived, he found a parking space, which was fairly easy since only a few cars were there. He chalked it up to the fact that it was a Wednesday and headed to the entrance of the zip line park, where they were supposed to meet.
