He fell beside me with a sigh, but he quickly pulled me onto his chest. His skin was warm beneath mine, his heart beating a strong, steady cadence. I could lie there forever.
“Are you okay?” His voice rumbled from deep in his chest, vibrating through his skin to me.
I laughed, feeling light. “I’m definitely okay.” I was more than okay. “That was…”
“Yeah,” he sighed. “I know.”
I propped myself up on my elbow, admiring the angles of his jaw, the muscles of his chest. He was so beautiful, he seemed almost unreal. Like a sculpture and not a man.
“It’s not always like that?”
He shook his head, cupping my cheek, and I leaned into his touch, reveling in his warmth. “With you, it’s…something else.”
His words sent a thrill of excitement through me, and I settled back into his arms. With my cheek resting against his chest and our bodies intertwined, I listened to the steady beat of his heart. And I tried to enjoy this moment—instead of worrying about what happened next.
* * *
“Shit.”I stared at my phone, rereading the email for a third time. “Dear student, the add/drop deadline has now passed.” After that, the words became illegible.
Xander slid his arms around me from behind. “What’s wrong?”
I rushed to press the power button, hoping he hadn’t seen the email before the screen went blank. I couldn’t believe I’d missed the add/drop deadline for my premed courses. Now I was going to be stuck with them on my transcript unless I withdrew by the end of the semester. Surely I could get it together by then, right? That said, I’d been confident I would’ve told my parents by now.
I let out a deep sigh. I’d been so caught up in Xander—both literally and figuratively—the past few weeks, that I’d let everything else slide. If I wasn’t at class, I was at his studio—painting or making love. I’d never felt more creative and confident, never been happier. But, deep down, I feared it wouldn’t last.
“Kate?” Xander asked, reminding me that he was expecting an answer.
“Nothing.” I spun to face him, wanting to focus on him instead. “What’s that?” I asked, eyeing the elegant black card with a flash of gold in his hand.
He handed it to me with a smile. “The formal invitation for the opening.”
It was stunning—expensive and opulent, yet understated. I smiled when I saw his name at the top, easily envisioning his success.
“I’m so proud of you. This is going to be amazing.”
“There’s something else I want to talk to you about.” He led me over to the couch and sat me down. “When Theo was over the other day, I showed him some of your pieces, and he was impressed. He offered to help you sell or exhibit them.”
“What?” I jerked my head back, completely unprepared. “You’re serious?” I asked when he continued to watch me expectantly.
He nodded. “I know I should’ve asked you first, but… Kate, this could be a great opportunity for you.”
“I know. I, um, wow. I just can’t believe it. I mean, I haven’t been in art school all that long. And to have something like this…”
He frowned. “What are you talking about? You’re a junior.”
“Yeah.” I waved a hand through the air. “Right. I just meant—it’s gone by so quickly.”
“Oh.” His shoulders relaxed. “I can understand that. I was thinking—”
“Uh oh. Should I be concerned?” I teased.
He grabbed my waist, tickling me mercilessly until I pressed myself against him, kissing him until I couldn’t breathe. He made me dizzy, breathless, and restless. He made me crazy with lust, and I liked it.
When I finally withdrew, he stared down at me with hooded eyes. “Iwasgoing to suggest that we go out on Saturday—to celebrate.” He cupped my cheek with his hand, his eyes intent on my lips. “But now I’m reconsidering it.”
I arched an eyebrow, surprised by his suggestion, knowing we’d both been hesitant to be seen together. “In public?”
“Yes, in public.” He laughed. “Unless you’re embarrassed to be seen with me.”
