Page 39 of Give Me a Reason

“You’re kidding.” I paused. In my circle, any talent or advantage was explored through lessons and education.

“I’ve never felt brave enough. It’s just something silly.”

“I don’t think art is silly.” It was one thing my mom adored. Ireland and I loved to accompany her to museums. We’d listen while she talked about the history of the painter, the style, and the colors. The story behind the image was more fascinating to me than the painting itself.

Her gaze found mine. It was assessing, as if she were ascertaining whether what I said was true. I squeezed her lightly and lowered my face. “I think you know by now that I say what I mean. I don’t sugarcoat things.”

She let out a laugh. “That’s true.”

“I’d love to see your sketches sometime if you want to show them to me.”

She bit her lip. “Maybe.”

She wasn’t sure about me, and I got that. I was a new friend, but I wanted something more. I had no idea what because I wasn’t looking for any kind of relationship. All I knew was that I liked her. She intrigued me in a way no one else ever had.

The women I met in school and in my parents’ charity circles were either born wealthy or wanted to marry into it. They were after one thing—my trust fund. As a teacher, no one knew about any of my past, and I liked it. I wanted people to like me for who I was, not what I could give them.

It’s why I’d only ever dipped into it for the house, and that had been for Paisley’s benefit, not mine.

“Have you ever thought about doing something with it? You could illustrate books. I know someone who attends conferences and draws images to help the attendees remember what they learned later. I forget what it’s called.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Yeah, there are all kinds of opportunities out there for creative minds. Maybe I see more of it because I’m in music and surrounded by other creatives.”

“I’m happy where I am now, but I’ve thought about creating a graphic novel. Telling a story through images. The thing I love most about it is that some kids are hesitant to read. My sister was. And it was only when I introduced her to graphic novels that she gave reading a chance. And there are so many options out there, more than when we were kids.”

“I love that.” What a great story. She’d helped her sister become interested in reading, and now she wanted to do the same for other kids. Aria was the perfect woman. Great with kids. Artistic. Ambitious. Yet at the same time, she was down to earth and cared about her family and friends. She was everything I shouldn’t want. Because women like her deserved the world, and I wasn’t willing to give it to anyone.

As we fell silent and got lost in the music, I wondered if I could be that guy for her.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Aria

Dancing with Finn was nice. I had to keep reminding myself that he was my roommate’s brother. He wasn’t a friend, much less a love interest. And even if he were, he wasn’t a good bet for me. He was just like my ex, a trust fund kid who’s had their life handed to them.

Of course, the voice in my head reminded me that he didn’t seem to flaunt his wealth. His home was nice but not ostentatious. He worked as a teacher and worked other jobs on the side. He wasn’t like Raymond, who worked for his father in his law firm and prided himself on buying the most expensive bottle of wine at any restaurant.

Raymond had drawn me in with expensive meals and charity events, but underneath the flash, he didn’t have any depth to him. He was all too willing to please his father. He’d let his father influence our relationship. His father said he was slumming with me. That had hurt and hit on every one of my insecurities, so it had been easy to walk away.

I wouldn’t change his or his father’s mind. I didn’t fit into his world, and I always knew it deep down. But Finn was different.

He was an incredible father to Paisley, and he worked hard for everything he had.

When the last notes of the song drifted off, Finn leaned down to whisper, “Can I show you something?”

I shrugged, my heart beating rapidly. I was pretty sure I’d follow him anywhere. “Sure. Why not?”

With a pleased smile, he interlaced his fingers with mine and tugged me behind him through the large crowd on the dance floor.

This felt a little wild. I was taking a break from my rule-following self and having a little fun. I deserved it.

Besides, I was usually on break toward the end of the reception until cleanup time. I had another thirty minutes before I’d need to get back to work, and Harper was here tonight too.

Finn opened the door for the stairs. “The owner showed me this spot when I worked a gig one other time.”

“You know where it goes?” I asked, hoping he’d give me a hint.

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