Page 11 of Touch Me

“Geez, do you teach classes or something?”

He tilts his head. “No, why?”

I gesture to the machines. “It’s just a lot of equipment.”

“I work out a lot. At least twice a day, sometimes more. I like to vary my routine.”

“Oh wow, okay.” I absently walk down the aisle and take in the almost obscene amount of equipment.

And I thought the fruit bowl was rich.

Jace rubs the back of his neck, eyes on the floor. “You’re welcome to use any of the equipment. If you don’t know how to use something, just ask, and I’ll show you.”

“Perfect, thank you. I used to run when I had time, but I fell out of my routine the last year or so. Finishing school was the only goal in sight for a while there. Having a gym this close will leave me with no excuses. Time to get back into shape.”

Jace’s eyes do a slow head-to-toe perusal of my body. A blush ripples out in waves from my face down to my chest as if his examination were a physical touch. I cross my arms over my chest, trying to skirt his appraisal, but all I succeed in doing is pushing my boobs together, creating more cleavage. His eyes widen, and I drop my arms to my sides.

Well, this is awkward.

He turns to leave without a word, and I follow him into a large office with floor-to-ceiling, fully-stocked bookshelves, and a large desk in the center. It also has old, worn-looking leather sofas and tables with lamps in the back of the room.

I run my hand along the spines of the books, inspecting his collection.“Wow, this is unbelievable.”

He straightens the spines of a few books across the room. “I don’t really use this room much, so help yourself.”

“Thank you so much. Have you read all these?”

“Most of them. Some are just collectors items. I’ll read them someday.”

“I’m sure I can get some writing done here.” I smile over my shoulder. “I’m feeling inspired already.”

No eye contact but he gifts me with one short nod. “Anyway, that’s all. Let me know if you need help finding anything. The bed has clean linens, and I put fresh towels in the bathroom.” He turns to leave and I follow him out, making our way toward the stairs.

I notice a door at the other end of the hall with a weird dial on the wall and call out, “Wait, what’s that room?” He sighs, his shoulders slumping as he leans on the railing.

His reaction sets alarm bells screaming in my head. He wasn’t planning on showing me and the decent thing to do would be to tell him it’s fine if he doesn’t but my curiosity wins, and I keep my mouth shut.

Without a word, he stalks to the door. The dial is actually two lights, one red and one green. The green one is lit and he opens the door, but the room is dark. He flips a switch, and the entire room is suddenly cast in a warm, red glow.

“You have a dark room? This is awesome.” He walks over to a shelf and straightens a few bottles, so all the labels point out. His hands are shaking, and his face has a little twitch. Then it hits me. “Wait... you’re the photographer?”

His eyes dart up to meet mine for a split second before he casts them down with a shrug. “Just something I play around with in my spare time.”

He’s so nonchalant, as if it’s no big deal. Either that, or he’s embarrassed. I can’t understand why he would be. If I had that kind of talent, I certainly wouldn’t hide it from the world, much less be embarrassed by it.

“Jace, you have a dark room in your house,” I deadpan. “That’s more than just something you do in your spare time. You have real talent. Those pictures are amazing. I couldn’t stop myself from feeling what the artist was feeling, from whatyouwere feeling, when you took them. Have you ever considered publishing them?”

His brows furrow, and his eyes pierce mine. “No.” I flinch back at the aggression in his voice, and he clears his throat. “No.” His eyes move to something on the wall behind me. “They’re just for me,” he says softer this time. “Just something I like to do. A hobby.”

“Oh.” I’m taken aback by his reaction and can’t seem to find any words to dispel the tension sucking the air out of the room. He wouldn’t have shown me the dark room if I hadn’t asked.

It’s a shame to keep his talent hidden, but there’s nothing else I can say after he shut me down the instant I mentioned publishing. He didn’t even want me to know he’s the artist. I don't understand how he could be so indifferent toward something he obviously feels a deep passion for. I’m not going to push the issue now, but I’m definitely making a mental note to figure out what his hangup is.

He turns off the lights and motions for me to exit before him.

Most awkward tour ever.

He flips the light switch and closes the door behind us. “I’m going to get some work done. Make yourself comfortable.”

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