A portrait of Theo in bed, not posed or performing, but as I saw him, undone, unprotected, unmasked.
It was the most intimate thing I’d ever created.
I spent the morning working with the first layers of paint, and I’d worked carefully and reverently. But by late afternoon, after Theo had messaged to say he’d gone to a café to work, to give me space, I knew I had to take a break. The flat felt too quiet, too empty without him.
So I made the decision to join Theo and the others for their rehearsal.
The moment I stepped into the Soho studio, sketchbook tucked under my arm, I knew they were also on a break. Finnley was telling a story, his hands animated, his eyes bright, and laughter filled the air.
I was getting used to them all. It was easy to like the more flamboyant, chaotic characters like Julian and Finnley. The rest of them were more of a mystery.
Liam was one of the quiet ones, a nurse. I got the feeling his career suited him. He gave the impression of being a caring soul. Oliver, the hunky firefighter, was another quiet one. Elliott had a great sense of humour, and Milo… damn, that boy made the piano weep when he played.
And I bet they all have a story to tell.
Theo and Max were deep in conversation at the mixing desk, and I knew Theo hadn’t seen me yet.
Julian spotted me, however, and sauntered over. I don’t think I’d ever seen his wardrobe look out of place.
He’s a guy who men notice in a heartbeat.
“Well, well,” Julian drawled, grinning. “If it isn’t our unofficial mascot. Look at you, golden boy.”
I laughed. “Golden?”
“Please.” Julian flicked his carefully coiffured hair. “Max calls me dramatic, but you? You walk in glowing like a sex scene just happened off-camera.”
My cheeks heated up in a nanosecond.
Julian whooped. “Oh my God. Somethingdidhappen.”
My heart pounded. “What? No—I mean?—”
Finnley appeared behind Julian, sporting an equally wide grin. “Ooh, nice blush, Cam.”
Julian leaned closer. “I knew it,” he declared in a stage whisper. “I knew it the moment Theo walked in looking as though his soul had been put through a blender.”
I tried not to stare at Theo across the room.God, he looks so hot when he wears black.
Julian grabbed two stools, shoved me onto one, then sat next to me with a flourish. “Welcome to your intervention-slash-interview.”
I laughed nervously. “Do I get a choice?” I snuck a glance in Theo’s direction, then quickly averted my gaze.
Not quick enough.
Julian studied me, turned to stare at Theo, then returned his gaze to me.
“Oh, honey. Youarein something.”
“Maybe.”
Except there was no maybe about it.
Julian slung an arm around my shoulders. “Good. Someone needs to break that man open and steal all the diamonds inside.” He grinned. “Now. First question: Did you or did you not fuck our resident emotionally constipated bass last night?”
I choked. “Julian!”
“I knew it!” Julian slapped his knee. “Your face is doing the thing!”