I turned to him with something like awe and terror combined. “Why did you paint this?”
Cameron met my gaze without flinching.
“Because I wanted to remember the moment you let yourself be human with me. Not perfect. Not controlled. Just… you.”
My breath shuddered out of me. “And you want thewhole worldto see me like this?”
“I think the whole world might be something of an exaggeration.” Cameron’s expression became aching, earnest. “And no, I don’t want the world to see you.” He paused. “I want you to choose it.”
I looked back at the portrait, me, unhidden… unashamed. It was a version of myself that I didn’t recognise but wanted to.
“I don’t know if I can,” I said when I finally found my breath.
“Then tell me to pull it. I will. Right now.” God, he sounded so quiet.
I stared at the painting for a long, quiet moment.
“This is truly how you see me?”
“No—it’s how youare. The real Theo.”
My heart hammered. “Submit it.”
Cameron sucked in a breath. “Are you sure?”
“No,” I admitted honestly. “But I want to be.” I turned to face him. “This exhibition… you said it’ll be open to the public?” He nodded, and I squared my shoulders. “Okay, then. If it gets selected, I’ll be there.”
Cameron closed the gap between us, and my arms were full of a warm, trembling man.
“You mean that?”
“I do,” I murmured against his temple.
He expelled a shaky breath. “Thank you. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
I turned my head to stare at the canvas, forcing myself to be calm. “I can’t believe you managed to do this without me seeing it. I’m even more amazed that you managed to draw me without me waking up.”
He smiled. “I chose my moment well.” He flushed. “I wore you out first.”
I had to laugh. I released him and took a step closer, peering at the brushwork. “I only have one complaint.”
“What’s that?”
I pulled a face. “You could’ve made me… bigger.” I picked up a paintbrush and held it out to him. “There’s still time.”
Cameron burst out laughing. “I amnotpainting over it to give you a bigger dick.”
I put the brush down and pulled him to me. “You are an amazing artist. I hope she does put it in the exhibition. And I hope it does something for your future career.”
He huffed. “I hope so too.” He shook his head, his eyes soft with wonder. “I still can’t believe you said yes.”
Neither could I. And right then, I didn’t want to dwell on the prospect too much in case I changed my mind.
“Are you coming to the rehearsal this evening?” I called out from the bathroom as I rubbed myself dry.
“Not tonight. I’m meeting Raquel. We’re due for a catch-up session.”
I smiled at my reflection. “So my ears will be burning. Got it.”