I closed my eyes and pressed the glass of water against my cheek, trying not to melt in front of him.
He stood again and gave me a soft smile. "If you're not feeling well, I can bring you home."
"No!" I said too quickly, nearly choking on my tongue. "I mean...I'm fine. Really. I want to stay."
He looked surprised, but pleased. "Alright then. Just let me know if you need anything."
I nodded, though what I needed was for this maddening heat to stop devouring me from the inside out.
Lucas moved behind the canvas once more, but I could feel him watching me through the gaps in the frame.
And for the first time, I didn't mind. In fact, I hoped he looked longer.
-
Lucas remained behind the canvas for the rest of the evening, sketching with focused intensity. The quick, deliberate strokes of his pencil echoed through the room. He was completely absorbed.
At least one of us can stay focused.
