Page 4 of Her Naughty Soldier

“You could say that. I spent the last few years traveling, taking odd-jobs in whatever city I landed in, but I got offered a show at a local gallery, which is pretty exciting.” It’s a big deal, and I try not to downplay it, but it’s hard when I’ve been told that painting is just a hobby my whole life.

Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to notice. “That’s awesome, congratulations. Tell me about the show.”

I take a moment, gauging his interest. “I’m working on a new series for it. It’s about transitions, the in-between moments of life. But today, my model didn't show up, which puts a bit of a wrench in my plans.”

His brow furrows in sympathy. “That’s rough. How do you make up for something like that?”

I shrug, a playful smirk on my lips. “Improvise, I guess. It's just for the initial sketches—capturing the basic shapes, the play of light and shadow. But without a model, it’s a bit more challenging.”

With a mock-serious nod, Ethan offers, “Well, if you're desperate, I could step in. Just temporarily, mind you. And strictly fully-clothed.”

The suggestion hangs in the air, and for a split second, I consider it. Ethan’s right here, and he’s offering. His frame, those well-defined muscles, they could be perfect for what I need. It's not about him, per se, but about the forms, the lines.

Not about getting an excuse to stare at him for hours… not one little bit.

“You know what? That could actually help,” I say, surprising us both. “And yeah, clothes stay on.”For now…

He chuckles, “I’ll hold you to that.”

We gather our things and head toward the shed. The idea is practical and sensible. Ethan as a model is just a means to an end—a temporary solution to keep my project on track.

Inside the shed, I direct him to a spot where the light falls just right. “Just sit naturally. Think of it like a casual photoshoot.”

As Ethan finds his place in the soft glow of the shed, I begin to sketch, my pencil dancing across the paper. The silence between us is comfortable, punctuated only by the occasional rustle of paper and the soft scratch of pencil on canvas.

After a few minutes, Ethan shifts slightly, breaking the stillness. "Is it okay if I put on some music?" he asks, his voice low, not wanting to disturb the peace.

"Of course," I reply, grateful for the addition. "What do you have in mind?"

He pulls out his phone, scrolling through his playlist. "I picked up a taste for a bit of everything while I was overseas. Let's see if any of it's to your liking."

The first chords of a song I don't recognize fill the air, a blend of acoustic guitar and a melody that's both haunting and beautiful. "I like this," I say, genuinely intrigued. "What is it?"

"A bit of world music I stumbled upon," he explains. "It’s amazing the sounds you can discover when you're thousands of miles from home."

As the music plays, it adds a new layer to the atmosphere, the melodies weaving through the air, mingling with the creativity and focus in the room. I find the rhythm influencing my strokes, adding a fluidity to my work that wasn't there before.

We fall into a rhythm, the music and the art creating a bridge between us. Ethan occasionally changes the track, each song a new discovery, a glimpse into his experiences and the diversity of his tastes. I find myself not only sketching his physical form but also capturing a sense of his journey, the depth of his character.

As time passes, the light in the shed changes, the shadows growing longer, adding a new dimension to my work. Ethan remains patient, occasionally asking questions about my process, showing a genuine interest in the art that fills my life.

The sound of the front door swinging open breaks the tranquil atmosphere Ethan and I have settled into. I look up to see Jake striding into the backyard with a broad smile.

"Ethan! Man, it's been too long!" Jake exclaims, his tone warm and welcoming as he approaches us. There’s a genuine happiness in his voice, the kind that comes from reuniting with an old friend.

Ethan stands up, greeting Jake with a firm handshake that quickly turns into a friendly hug. "Good to see you, Jake. Your sister here was just saving my reputation as a model."

Jake laughs heartily, giving me a teasing look. "You're making him hang out with you, Lil? I'm surprised he agreed to sit still for so long."

I roll my eyes playfully at my brother's teasing. "Hey, he volunteered. And he's been a great help."

The three of us chat for a bit, the conversation light and full of laughter. It's clear Jake is thrilled to have Ethan around, and the camaraderie between them is evident. I feel a sense of relief seeing them together, their friendship as strong as ever.

After a while, Jake claps Ethan on the back. "Come on, let's grab a beer and catch up. You can tell me all about your modeling debut."

Ethan chuckles, picking up his things. "Sounds good. Thanks again, Lily," he says, giving me a warm smile that sends a flutter through my stomach.

"No, thank you," I reply, trying to sound casual.

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