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Sebastian smiled, and damned if it didn’t look bashful and sweet, like I’d made him happy with that one sentence.
“I like art,” I told him. “I can’t pretend I’m an expert. I don’t know a lot about it, but there’s something special about looking at it and knowing it came from inside someone. That they put their heart out there for the world to see and judge. That’s not easy to do.” He did it when he acted too. I’d never thought of it that way, but he did.
“No, it’s not easy. And good, then. I’m glad I brought you here.” He fluttered those dark lashes of his, but not in a way that appeared intentional.
I didn’t admit to him that I was glad too.
CHAPTER NINE
Sebastian
When I’d planned this visit, I was just thinking it would be a normal day out with a friend, but now, as we got off the tram and walked toward the door of the center, I was wondering if Declan thought this was a date. Oh God, what if he thought it was a date?
Did he want it to be a date? I didn’t think he would. That wasn’t something he did…at all…ever…in the history of his whole life. Fuck, in all the years I’d known him, had he ever mentioned a boyfriend? Seeing someone? I was fairly certain he hadn’t. So no, he wouldn’t want it to be a date, and if he thought it was, he’d go along with it to be nice…probably. He thought he was an asshole, and he could be one, but he was also the type of guy who wouldn’t want to hurt my feelings. He was likely freaking the fuck out and wondering why he’d ever decided to be friends with me because I was trying to date him.
Was I trying to date him? Did I want that? I sure as shit shouldn’t, considering I didn’t know what in the hell I was doing with my life and I’d just gotten out of a relationship.
Breathe, Sebastian. You’re losing your shit.
I cleared my throat when Declan opened the door for me. The whole campus was supposed to be incredibly beautiful, and I was already overwhelmed just taking in the modern-style buildings made from Italian travertine stone.
“Are you going to go in, or should we stand here all day?” Declan smirked, and I rolled my eyes while inside I was trying not to let myself stress out too much about is-this-or-is-this-not a date because Declan would totally not want this to be a date.
Why was I still obsessing about this?
“Did I miss something? You’re fidgeting.”
I often couldn’t explain my reactions to Declan. Sometimes he put me completely at ease. Others I was a neurotic mess. There was just something about him, and I couldn’t help wondering if he knew he drew people to him but also made them a little nuts. “Fine. I’m fine. Just…”
“Fine?” He raised a brow playfully.
I liked this Declan. I mean, I liked all Declans, but in these moments when he forgot to keep the walls around himself, he was so light and fun.
“Can you go back to brooding, please?” Brooding would be easier to resist, so I could keep the lines drawn and remind myself that this was not a date. Even though going to the museum was a pretty date-y thing to do.
“I have to admit that’s the first time someone has asked me that.” He scowled dramatically. “Is that better?”
No, that was actually cute as hell, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. “Art puts you in a good mood,” I mused. His scowl turned real, and I laughed. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Now you’re going to be Mr. Frowny Face for real.”
“If you ever call me Mr. Frowny Face again, I swear I’ll stop talking to you.”
“But it’s so cute.”
“Shut your mouth.”
“Would you prefer adorable?” I teased.
Declan bit back a smile. It felt like I’d won some kind of award as he led me through the building and toward the first room.
“So what do we know about the art here?” I asked him.
“Nothing. Like I said, I’m not really an expert. I just like to draw.”
I didn’t call him on his use of present tense, even though he’d said he hadn’t done it in a long time. I tugged my phone out and did a search for the Getty.
“Are you serious right now?” Declan asked, then peeked at my screen. “Middle Ages through today. It says right there.” He pointed.
We ended up grabbing a guide booklet before continuing our journey. It took us hours just on the inside. Declan didn’t rush. He looked at everything, read the captions, staying to admire some more than others. He liked art more than I realized, or at least, more than he was willing to say. He seemed that type, like the brooding artists you read about. I had to admit, I liked watching him here, watching him in this element, more than admiring the art.
