When it opened, I expected to see him with a mug in his hand.
Instead, he stood there, swallowing.
Why does he look nervous?
“Is something wrong?”
Cameron took a deep breath. “I need to show you something. And if you hate it, I’ll destroy it. I mean that.”
I swear, a fist closed around my heart. “Then you’d better show me.” I got off the bed and followed him into the living room. His easel stood in the window, draped in a white sheet.
Cameron was trembling, and the sight sent ice trickling through me.
What the fuck is under there?I’d already seen his portrait of me.
Hadn’t I?
“This is the most personal thing I’ve ever made. It’s my piece for the exhibition.” He paused. “I don’t know if I’ve already mentioned this, but the college puts on an exhibition of artwork every year. My tutor thinks this piece stands a good chance of being included. But… the exhibition is open to the public. And I won’t submit it unless you say yes.” A beat. “You can say no, okay?”
I nodded, my heart pounding.
“And I had to show you now because tomorrow morning is the deadline. Most of the pieces have already been selected. Nora—that’s my tutor—is waiting to know if I’m going to submit it or not.”
“Then show me.”
Cameron lifted the sheet, and the world dropped out from under my feet.
It was me—naked—in my bed, sleeping.
It wasn’t an erotic painting, butfuck, it was achingly intimate. He’d rendered my body with gentleness, capturing every curve, every angle, including the softness I never let anyone see.
My face…
I looked peaceful.
I also felt as if someone had delivered a punch to my solar plexus.
“Please say something.” The words came out as a whisper.
I couldn’t speak. My throat was thick, my eyes stinging. I took a step forward, my breathing shallow and ragged.
“You painted me like I’m…”
I broke off.
Cameron moved to stand beside me. “Like you’re beautiful. Because you are.”
I pressed a trembling hand to my forehead. “I look… vulnerable.”
“You were.”
“I look—God, Cameron, I look like someone whofeels.”
“That’s because youdofeel.”
“No one has ever seen me like this.” My voice cracked.
“I have,” he murmured.