Page 111 of Counter Bet

I laugh, pressing a hand over my mouth. We both know Matt is fantastic at what he does but abstract art? Not his forte. “Okay, deal!”

This should be fun.

Matt moves the easel, and I go to sit at a desk across the room, so we can’t peak at each other’s work.

It’s an understatement to say that I’m amused.

He studies the blank canvas with furrowed brows before his deep voice fills the room. “Okay, princess, what do I do now? Just chuck paint at it?”

I chuckle. “Now you have to feel the emotion you want to portray.”

“Feel the emotion… Right. And then do I chuck paint at it?”

I shake my head with a smile. “Matt, at no point do you just throw paint at it. You have to create something real.”

Doubt is written all over his face. “Create something real, you say?” He points to the easel I worked on before he interrupted me and continues, “No offense, princess, but that is paint splatter and nothing more.”

I throw my head back, laughing. “Whatever. What do you want me to sketch?”

Matt rubs his chin in thought. “Why don’t you draw me since I’m here, and you can study my handsome face.” He messes up his already tousled blonde hair and strikes a pose, making me laugh. “Don’t tell me you don’t want some of this.”

I chuckle to myself as I start the outline. “Your ego is so inflated it’s bound to explode one of these days.”

He shrugs. “Maybe, but you can’t deny that I’m a sexy fucker.”

We both laugh as we set to work. Conversation flows easily between us, reminding me of why I always liked Matt. He’s funny and knows how to make people feel comfortable.

An hour later, I eye the sketch in front of me with pursed lips. It could do with a bit more shading and a few more details, but it’s not a bad attempt either.

“We’re hanging out at the lake tonight. You should join us.”

I look up from my drawing. “That’s not a good idea, Matt.”

“It’s okay. I get it!” He rears back and flicks the paintbrush at the easel, causing specks of paint to fly everywhere.

We both laugh, exchanging a glance before he cocks his head, pretending to inspect his artwork with a critical eye.

I get up and join him, cocking my head too, lips pursed.

He elbows me playfully. “What’s the verdict, princess? His blue eyes twinkle with amusement.

“It’s good, Matt.” I mean it, too. Matt’s playful nature is portrayed in his work. Especially in this one. It’s there in the patterns and the choice of colors.

My thoughts are interrupted when he strokes his warm hand down my cheek, lingering on my jaw. “We miss you.”

I drop my eyes. My throat is thick with emotion. I walk over to the desk and pick up my own sketch to show him. It’s not complete yet, but it’s not far off either. I fidget with the drawing in my hands as I walk back over and hold it out for him.

He searches my eyes for a moment before taking the sketch, and while he looks at it, I study the way his blonde hair, curling at the ends, falls into his eyes. It has grown out a lot these last couple of weeks.

My gaze drops to the muscles in his arms. The cut-out sleeves in his Metallica t-shirt reveal specks of freckles on his tanned shoulders.

The chain attached to the wallet in his pocket clinks against his thigh when he turns to face me. “It’s really good, Em. You shouldn’t question yourself.”

I swallow, unable to look away from his blue eyes.

“Look,” he starts, handing me the sketch and rubbing the back of his neck. The action draws my eyes to his bulging bicep before he drops his hand down by his side. “I don’t know what you’re running from, but we all miss you. Fuck, even April whines all the time.” He chuckles, and so do I. “We’re meeting at the lake tonight. You’re welcome to join us, Em.”

I swallow thickly.

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