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Ever smiled up at him, loving his thoughtful question. “Impressionism mostly. Have you heard of Claude Monet?”
“Water Lilies.” he offered proudly.
“Yes!” she exclaimed in surprise. “You know more than you think you do,” she appraised him, making him grin.
“So, what has inspired your work in the past?” his questioning continued.
“Oh, goodness, so many things! Most of my past work would come from strolling through my neighbourhood in Toronto and a park not far from my apartment. Trinity Bellwood’s Park. Have you heard of it?”
“I haven’t. Tell me about it,” he insisted with curiosity, leaning back against the leather couch.
Ever pivoted herself to take a seat on the hardwood floor and stretched her long legs in front of her, leaning back, resting her weight on her palms. “It’s this urban park in the middle of a trendy neighbourhood in Toronto. Sort of an urban oasis, but still very busy with cyclists, runners and the like. It has the most gorgeous view of the CN Tower between the trees; lots of flowers. Bustling, yet peaceful, too. Like the best of both worlds. It’s one of my favorite places in the city.” Ever mused thoughtfully.
Ben smiled, his kindness radiating through, as he took in her description. “Sounds nice. Perhaps I should visit sometime.”
She mirrored his smile, meeting his persistent gaze. “I would love that.”
Companionable silence fell between them, until Ben cleared his throat, breaking their silence. “I should go. Hayden is dragging me out tonight. Beers and babes!” he declared with a roll of his eyes. “Hayden’s words, not mine,” Ben corrected, a flush on his cheeks.
“Oh, the life of single, hot country boys!” she teased with a giggle as she bent her legs to stand.
“Let me help you up,” he offered,extending his hand to her.
She looked up at him, meeting his kind gaze, and accepted his hand. “Thank you.”
Ben pulled her to her feet, underestimating his strength, and she crashed into his bare and hard as concrete body. Putting both hands up instinctively to brace herself, she looked down, only to realize both of her hands were resting on his very hard, very impressive pecs. She couldn’t help but splay her hands over the hard muscles as they reflexively twitched under her touch. His hands were now on her waist to steady her. Her T-shirt lifted slightly, exposing a thin band of skin. As if involuntarily, his hand caressed the bare skin, making her breath hitch at the sensation of his touch. She bit her bottom lip, inhaling the heady smell of fresh cut grass, sweat and musky male, making all her senses go into overdrive. Darting her tongue out to wet her lips, Ever looked up to meet his blue eyes, intense and hungry, making her core instinctively pulse. She swallowed slowly, looking again towards his impressive chest under her palms, then nervously back to his eyes flashing him a playful grin. “Lay off the weights, big guy, you got bigger boobs than I do!”
Ben’s eyes slowly crinkled at the corners, and he let out a deep, bountiful laugh. Ever, her cheeks flushed, laughed too as she removed her hands from his chest and stepped back from his strong hold. Shrugging, Ever offered him another smile and swayed past him towards the door, her head still spinning from their closeness. “Thanks for your help and have fun tonight!”
“What are you doing tonight?” he asked, trying to be nonchalant with his questioning. “Are you and Bea going out to paint the town?”
“Paint the town? How old are you, Mr. Hastings? I believe my generation calls it whooping it up,” she deadpanned with a twinkle in her eye.
“Oh, pardon me, Ms. Wolton! Will you be out, whooping it up?” he asked with a volleying laugh.
“Perhaps!” she shrugged in reply. “Will we run into you men folk carousing about town?”
Ben laughed again, appreciating the way she made him laugh. “Perhaps.” He responded, giving her a wink as he made his way down the porch stairs towards his truck.
* * *
Ben strode towards his truck and glanced back at the stunning beauty lingering on the porch, needing to take her in again. He turned away and shook his head, looking down at his hands, still tingling from touching the soft skin at her waist. His face warmed as he remembered how she felt close to him. The sweet smell of her skin, like vanilla ice cream. So close he could see the flecks of gold in her hazel eyes. Those eyes so full of nervous wonder and desire. Yes, that was desire, he thought. In that fleeting moment, he felt her want for him, too. An acknowledging smile overtook him as he rounded his truck, opening the driver’s side door. “Yes.” he whispered to himself with determination. “I’m going to ask her out.”
* * *
Ever opened the front door to find her friend’s bright and beautiful face. Bea’s emerald, green eyes were framed with lush long lashes and her lips were glossed with the most luxurious shade of red. Her fiery red hair was worn down with her signature wild curls. She wore a black razor back tank top, tight black jeans and killer brown suede cowboy boots meant to do some serious dancing and, if need be, serious ass kicking. She looked like a little country goddess.
“Holy smoke, Bea! You look incredible!” Ever exclaimed, gesturing for her to spin around.
Bea slowly turned around, giving her friend the full view, and bowed. “I try.” she winked slyly.
Bea stopped and appraised her friend. Ever wore a white loose fitting off the shoulder peasant blouse, dark wash skinny jeans and black low heel ankle boots. She wore her hair loose in waves and had her naturally beautiful face made up with mascara and lip gloss.
“You look gorgeous! Urban but country too! I love it!” she commented with appreciation. “These dirty old country boys will not know what hit them!”
Ever beamed down at her tenacious friend. Oh, how I’ve missed her. After Ever had left Primrose, they had kept in touch, but Bea was only able to visit her a handful of times. When she did though, her life of the party presence always made Ever feel happy. They created many fun memories, touring Toronto’s hot spots and sipping cocktails on the patios of King Street. Bea could fit in no matter where she was, and Ever admired that.
Grabbing her house keys and a small crossbody bag, they made their way out onto the lit-up porch, and she turned to lock the door. “So where are we headed, BB?” she asked playfully.
