Page 19 of Follow Me Down

“Another one?” I gawk at him. “Do you actually have room for more?”

“I’ve got a few bare spots still.” His eyes twinkle in amusement. “Maybe you could sketch something up for me.”

“Me?” I question, a little taken aback.

“Yes, you. These drawings are amazing. You’re really talented.”

“Thank you.” I appreciate the compliment more than he knows. “But if you think the sketches are good, you should see me paint.”

“You paint?”

I nod excitedly. Art has always been a huge passion of mine.

“Landscapes, mostly. When I was younger, I wanted to be an artist. I told my dad I was going to go to art school and one day my paintings were going to be sold in some of the most incredible galleries in the world. Of course, he said no.”

He said no is putting it nicely. More like he told me I was being childish. That there was no way he was going to pay for me to go to college for a degree I would never use. Nope. It was law school or bust. He went to Harvard Law so that meantIhad to go to Harvard Law. His daughter following in his footsteps and becoming a successful attorney would be another step he could use in his climb up the political ladder. Because at the end of the day, that’s all my father really cares about. Himself. His career. How other people perceive him, and in turn me.

“But that didn’t stop me from dreaming about it. I guess now it kind of does seem a little silly to want it as a profession.”

“It doesn’t sound silly to me at all. If you love it, do it. That’s what I did. Sure, maybe restoring bikes won’t make me millions, but if you ask me, money only complicates things. I make enough to give me all I need. I’d rather do something I love and live an average life, than do something I hate in order to live a lavish one.”

We sit in silence as I think over his statement.

“Come on.” He drops the sketchpad onto the bed between us. “Link ran out to pick up pizza. You must be hungry.”

“You have a pizza place out here?”

“It’s a little mom and pop shop in town. They make a killer pizza though.” He pushes to a stand, peeling his shirt over his head.

I swear, I think I forgot how to breathe. I knew he had a nice body, that much is clear just by looking at him, but I didn’t expect him to be quite so... perfect.

He’s lean and toned with the right amount of muscle definition. My eyes slide from his broad shoulders down to his ink covered chest and abdomen. My god, this man is dangerous in more ways than one.

“I’m going to hop in the shower and get changed. Link should be back any minute if you want to head out into the living room.”

It takes me a second to realize he’s waiting for me to leave.

“Oh, yeah.” I scurry to my feet and quickly head for the door, careful not to look back at him as I exit the room.

The shower kicks on as I make my way down the hallway. I can’t stop my mind from envisioning what the rest of him looks like without clothes on. I imagine thick, muscular thighs, and...

I immediately shake the thought away. It’s difficult enough to keep my thoughts in order when I’m around Titus. If I start imagining him naked, I may never be able to look at him again without turning every shade of red under the sun.

Needing something to distract me, I veer toward the kitchen, tugging the refrigerator open when I reach it. Browsing the shelves, my gaze lands on a case of beer on the bottom shelf. I hesitate for a moment before grabbing one. After twisting off the cap, I take a long pull.

The cold liquid is bitter on my tongue but that doesn’t stop me from taking another long gulp.

I’ve never been much of a drinker. Sure, I’ve had one or two at a party and every now and again I was able to sneak a glass of champagne at one of my father’s events, but I can’t say I’ve ever been downright drunk. Not that I plan to get drunk. I just need something to take the edge off. Something to take my mind off the fear and uncertainty sitting on top of my shoulders like a thousand-pound weight.

I lift the bottle to my lips and take another swig, knocking the fridge shut with my hip right as the screen door opens, the hinges creaking against the action.

I turn to see Link enter the cabin; two pizza boxes balanced in one arm. His eyes meet mine before they dip to the beer bottle in my hand, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Sorry,” I say before he has a chance to speak. “I didn’t think you’d mind if I stole one.”

“Oh, I don’t.” He chuckles, crossing the room toward me, and depositing the pizzas on top of the counter seconds later. “I’m just a little surprised is all. I didn’t have you pegged as a beer drinker. Or a drinker at all for that matter.”

“I’m not.” I shrug. “Just needed something to take the edge off.”

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