Page 13 of Before I Lost You

Is he asking me out? I don’t want to be delusional about this.

“Is this a date?” I ask him.

“I don’t usually date.”

“Is that a no?” I ask him yet again. Seems like I have a lot of questions. But I really do need to know. So I don’t make up a love story in my head.

“We’ll figure it out.” He smiles, tugging me by my wrist.

Of course, I follow him.

I’d follow him anywhere.

Chapter 6

LEARNING YOUR SMILE

The restaurant Kenneth brought me to is not at all what I expected from him. I thought for a moment he’d bring me somewhere fancy. It’s obvious he has plenty of money, especially with how popular he seems to be with his self-portraits, though I can’t say I blame the people who go crazy over them. He is beautiful, after all. But he didn’t take me somewhere with white tablecloths and low lighting—thank god, because I’m definitely not dressed for that—instead, he brought me to what he claimed is a hidden gem with a waterfront view. I’d never heard of the place, but he assured me the food is amazing, and I can’t deny that the view is pretty sweet too.

We’re sitting at a high-top table inside, right next to a window looking out over the water where the sun is slowly setting, orange and pink hues painting the sky. He’s gazing at the water with a distant look in his eyes, his side profile painted golden, and my breath catches in my throat. I watch, mesmerized, as he turns his face toward me and makes eye contact. His eyes are a beautiful shade of blue, a bit lighter than usual, with the sun casting its light upon them.

“I love sunsets so much. Always have,” Kenneth says with a sigh, sounding almost wistful, and it makes me think of the hunch I had about him loving them. How did I know that about him? “Golden hour is my favorite.”

I almost say it’s my favorite too, only because of the way the golden light dances on his skin, kissing his golden hair and making it turn so pale it looks almost white. The way his delicate features relax when he’s bathed in the light of the setting sun makes my hands shake slightly, and when his lips part, I imagine kissing him and never stopping. Not even to take a breath.

I shake my head and focus on what he just said. I want to know all about his favorites, so I immediately follow up with questions to keep the conversation going. “I thought you only photographed yourself?” I smirk, teasing him. It has the desired effect, and his cheeks turn a delicious shade of bubblegum pink.

“Fuck, you make me sound so self-centered.” He chuckles, and I raise an eyebrow at him. “No, Conrad. I photograph plenty of other things.”

“Like what?” I ask softly.

“People. Sunsets. The ocean.” He smiles softly. “Especially the ocean.”

“I take it you like the ocean then?” I ask stupidly, but he just nods.

“It’s my favorite place to be,” Kenneth replies, fidgeting with his fingers, looking down at them momentarily before snapping his gaze to mine once more. “I like to walk the beach at sunset. There’s something peaceful about it.”

“What else do you like about it?” I hold my breath as his eyes twinkle and he bites his bottom lip.

“Swimming naked at night.”

I raise an eyebrow, not at all surprised by his answer. He seems adventurous in every sense of the word. I chuckle, and he grins. “Of course you do.”

“Is that judgment I detect?” he asks, leaning toward me, his elbows now on the table. His eyes are still that mesmerizing shade of blue, and I’m powerless to stop the way they draw me in. I’m caught—hook, line, and sinker.

I shake my head, “Curiosity.”

He looks even more intrigued. “What are you curious about?”

I lean in too, resting my chin on my hands. His eyes dip down to my lips, and I smirk. “Do you go swimming alone? Or do you usually have company?”

“Oh, it’s much more fun with company.”

I grin. “Maybe we should go together sometime.”

“Maybe.” He grins. “I do want to find out something. It’s really bothering me that I don’t know.”

“You want to find out what?” I ask, confused.