Page 31 of Shrouded in the Dark

“There are classes at school you could take.”

“I guess.”

He was quiet after that. He didn’t move or talk again until I finished the initial sketch a little over an hour later. It was probably a good idea we didn’t speak when I started to really get into drawing his physique. My cheeks stayed red as I worked on his chest and arms. He had really defined arms that I wondered what they felt like if I were to trace them with my fingers.

I had to shake my head to clear my thoughts a few times. I’d seen plenty of naked men, and women, models. But I’d never responded this way and I was starting to feel guilty because he was Felicity’s maybe boyfriend. Girl code superseded the hot factor.

Right?

“Hey! Are you almost done?” Cody popped his head out the door. “Is it our turn yet?”

I looked up from my sketch to smile at him. “I don’t mind drawing you guys, but I think my hands are going to need a break. I’m almost done with Axel.”

Cody walked over and looked over my shoulder at the sketch. His eyes widened. “Holy shit. I didn’t know that you were that good! It looks like he could move any second.” He cleared his throat. “And it’s hot.”

I raised my right eyebrow at him. He thought his friend was hot? That… was intriguing to think about. Maybe later tonight when I was alone and not surrounded by hot guys.

“You know I can hear you,” Axel's grumble was rough. He’d been asleep for the past twenty minutes.

“You know you’re hot. I’m just pointing it out.” Cody shrugged as Axel opened his eyes to squint at him. “Besides, you’re the one shirtless here. Not me.” He grinned widely.

I shook my head, biting my lip to stop the giggle that wanted to come out. Cody seemed to bring this energy with him wherever he went. It brightened the area and people smiled.

Axel swung his legs over the side of the lounge and stood. As he stretched, my eyes traced his muscles. I yanked my eyes away after a second, only to turn and see Cody was watching Axel like I was.

Axel walked over to stand in front of us. He put his hand against Cody’s forehead, pushing him back playfully.

“You’re staring again.” He tilted his head to the side as he looked down at me. “Can I see what you’ve done?”

I handed him the drawing pad silently. My palms were damp as I waited to hear what he thought. His eyes had widened for a second before they narrowed as he looked over the sketch. I started to pull at a loose thread on my shirt.

“I can’t believe this is me. I was thinking you were going to draw a funny picture with that pose, but this…” Axel’s voice was soft as he lifted his gaze from the sketch. “This is really good. You’ll definitely impress during your internship.”

My smile was so big, my cheeks hurt a little as I looked up at him. “You think so?”

“Can I get a copy of that? Purely for science purposes.” Cody looked around Axel’s shoulder to look at the sketch with a roguish grin.

Axel snorted before he handed me the drawing pad back. “I would like a copy, if that’s alright.”

“Of course! I can get you one tomorrow, if we are hanging out.” I closed the cover on the book.

“Why are you both ignoring me?” Cody demanded as he walked around Axel.

I walked back inside as Axel replied and I couldn’t help laughing.

“Because it’s easier.”

Chapter 7

Becca

Several hours later, the sun was setting as we all hung out in the game room. I was lying against the end of the right side of the couch and my legs were in Cody’s lap. When we’d all started playing another game, he’d sat next to me after he’d asked if he could move my legs, I hadn’t known he was just going to move them so he could sit and put them back where they were.

He’d been pretty sweet. He’d asked if it was ok and was worried that I was uncomfortable. I’d touched his hand closest to me and squeezed it.

“I’ll let you know if I am moving forward. Deal?”

Jasper got up from where he was sitting in the chair near me. He started turning on the lights around the room as the sky darkened in the distance. After he finished, he sat on the chair again.