“Uh… yeah. Sure.”
Silence.
“Well, Teddy,” Nerion said at last, breaking the silence. “Want more shitty wine?”
I nodded, already heading toward the table. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
Chapter 14
Nerion
Despite my cool and confident exterior, my heart was racing as I led Teddy around the gallery. With wine in hand we perused the other student’s work, making hushed comments here and there about what we really thought of it. I tried to steer the topic of conversation away from personal things. It was easy to see that both of us were still trying to desperately hold onto our anonymity, despite the lack of physical masks. But it was easy to tell that both of us wore a mask every day, just not the kind you could see.
“Do you want to get some air?” Teddy asked suddenly, nodding toward the door. “Just for a moment. I won’t steal you away or anything.”
My heart skipped a beat, but I didn’t dare show it. “Sure. It’s getting stuffy in here anyway.”
Outside, the crisp autumn air felt good against my heated skin. The gallery building had a small courtyard with stone benches and a few strategically placed magical lights that floated above our heads, casting everything in a soft blue glow.
“Better?” I asked, watching as Teddy took a deep breath.
“Much.” He leaned against the stone wall, looking up at the night sky. “I’m not used to... this kind of thing.”
“Art shows?” I raised an eyebrow.
“No, I’ve been to plenty of those with my parents.” He gave a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I meant this... whatever this is between us.”
I tensed slightly. Here it was, the conversation I’d been avoiding all evening. The one about feelings and expectations and all those dangerous things that could spell my doom. This is why I never talked to people again after a hookup. They always wanted more.
“Look, about that night...” I began, not entirely sure where I was going with it.
“You don’t have to explain,” Teddy interrupted quickly. “I know it was just a one-time thing. The masks, the punch, the anonymity... it was perfect for what it was.”
His words should have relieved me. He was giving me the out I always took. The clean break. No strings, no complications, no risk.
“Right,” I agreed, though something in my chest tightened uncomfortably. “Just a one-time thing.”
Teddy nodded, his face carefully neutral. “Though I have to admit, seeing that painting... seeing me in your work...”
“That was just artistic inspiration,” I said too quickly. “You know how it is.”
“No, I don’t actually,” he replied, a hint of challenge in his voice. “I’m not an artist. Remember?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t normally paint people. Ever. But after that night, I couldn’t get you out of my head. It was annoying, actually.”
That made him laugh, the sound warming something inside me that I thought had frozen over years ago.
“Well, I’m flattered to be such an annoying muse,” he said, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my mouth godry. “And I’m glad I grew enough of a backbone to dance with you that night.”
I couldn’t help but grin, remembering those words I’d said in the natatorium that night. I was just being a dick as usual, but clearly they made an impression. We stood there for a moment, silence stretching between us. It was obvious we both wanted to speak, wanted something we couldn’t have. I knew I should walk away. Go back inside. Keep things casual. But I found myself stepping closer instead.
“I’ve never done this before,” I admitted quietly.
“Done what?” Teddy asked, his voice equally soft.
“Wanted to see someone…again. That’s not usually my style.”
His eyes widened slightly. “Are you saying you want to see me again? Like... not just tonight?”