It’s quiet as we walk, the sky above feeling thicker with each step. Everything seems so much quieter in the winter. I love it when it snows, but I hate the way dirty snow looks on the sidewalks and streets. I also hate wet socks, they make me want to peel my skin from my body. Seriously if my socks get wet I might as well go to bed and try again the next day.
“You’re still okay with me staying at the house?” Cam and I have worked out sharing my apartment. It’s nice having someone to pay half the bills. We’ve never lived with each other before, but like everything else with Cam, it’s as easy as breathing. We sleep in the same bed, but we have a strict “no unconscious cuddling” rule. Sleep time is hands and limbs to yourself time.
“You know I am.”
“If it gets too much, just tell me. I can rent a hotel room or stay with my—”
“Don’t finish that sentence.” I glare. “I’ll sleep on the street before I let you go back home.”
Cam sighs, but I’m serious. There’s no outcome where I would ever let him live back home with his father. “How’s Noah doing?”
“Really good. He and Jamie are great.” They are painfully adorable and Jamie is completely gone for him. They’re just like the characters in the books he lends me. I love it for him. “He’s coming—”
“Cam?” a raspy feminine voice calls. We turn around to see a pretty South Asian woman standing with her door open. Her black hair has bright blue threaded through the strands that are braided down her back. Her full lips smile widely at him.
“Who’s—”
“Amira.” Cam smiles at her. Who the hell is Amira? “The painter.”
“The artist,” she corrects him with a curtsy, fanning out the bold colors of her flowing skirt. She’s wearing a red shirt witha black cropped leather jacket, and the look is cinched together with a belt displaying her full curves. I think I can see gold bracelets on one wrist and a big red ruby ring on her other hand. Her smoky eyes are heavy on him. I know that look. “I see you’ve got your hands full, but do you think you have a minute to stop by? If you’re interested.” She looks at me, her smile warm and kind. She’s beautiful.
Dammit.
“Is that alright, Bo? If you’re feeling up for it.”
“I’m sorry, I’m so rude.” She walks over to us, reaching out her hand to me. “My name’s Amira. I’m sorry. I saw him walking by my window.”
“I’m Bowen, his best friend.”
“It’s freezing out here. Come on. Real quick, I promise.” Cam follows her toward the building. We don’t have anything perishable and he follows her through the door. I’m so confused, but I follow him.
“How do you two know each other?”
Amira sighs. “We met on a dark and stormy night.” She laughs, and it’s raspy and warm. “I saw him walking home late. It was like one in the morning. I was finishing a piece for a client and asked him to come by if he wanted to.” She bumps his hip. “Guess he didn’t want to.”
“Oh shit, I’m sorry. I forgot. Things have been . . . crazy.” As far as I know Cam hasn’t hooked up with anyone new. I don’t really think he’d even tell me if he had. Have they hooked up? Nope. It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t.
She leads us into the entryway and I’m immediately blown away. She sets one of our bags down, and Cam follows, setting down the other. “I won’t keep you guys long.”
The gallery is spacious and clean, with white walls allowing the pieces of art hanging on them to shine. Sculptures and pots sit on pedestals. “The paintings on the walls are mine, though I dohave a bunch of other artists I showcase using various mediums. I’m always looking for new local artists to promote.”
“My friend’s boyfriend is an artist. His paintings are amazing. He mainly does animals.”
“Please, tell him about this place. I’m just starting out. I opened about six months ago and I’m always looking for new local artists.” I follow Cam over to one of the paintings—an abstract piece. All the different shapes, patterns, and smudges make up a gorgeous landscape.
“You’re really talented.” Cam is right, they’re beautiful, and while I look at the paintings I keep my attention on him, wondering what he thinks about her.
“Thank you.” She smiles brightly. “Here, I don’t want to keep you guys with your groceries. It’s like five degrees out right now. It’s insane. I didn’t expect the winter to get this cold.”
“Oh, it’ll get worse,” Cam says gently.
“Oh, here.” She goes to the desk, grabbing a piece of paper and handing it to me. Her nails are painted black. “For your friend. I’m here during the week until five.” She hands one to Cam.
“What’s this for?”
“Just in case.” She smirks slightly and I feel heat rush over me. Jealousy, cold and dark, hits me.
“Thanks.” Cam smiles at her, and it’s a smile I’ve seen a thousand times before. I knew this was coming. Honestly, I should be shocked it’s taken this long. Not being able to look at her anymore, I grab the lighter of the two bags and follow Cam out the door.
