My stomach dropped at the mention of his name, but I hurriedly complied.
I was all thumbs as I brought up his page before freezing in shock at what I saw.
There, posted on his public Instagram page, was a black and white drawing of a woman with curls falling around her shoulders. She was looking down with a soft smile on her delicate features. Underneath the picture were the hashtags#naturalbeauty #workofart
"Oh, my God," Eden squealed before glancing up. "Sofia, it's you!"
Chapter 18
Simon
Itrudgedupthesteps that led to the loft. My nervousness and anticipation gave way to disappointment when I saw Sofia's side empty.
I didn't come across her when I came through the living room, but I could see remnants of her night: empty wine glasses and an abandoned game of Monopoly.
I wondered if the picture scared her off, that maybe she chose to sleep in another room with Ryan or Eden.
I felt a little discouraged and regretful that I had posted that drawing. Maybe I should've gotten her permission first?
While Barron and Gabe took turns on the game, I had given into my compulsion and grabbed the sketch pad. I had most of her face done, so I didn't need her in front of me to finish. Besides, I could just close my eyes and conjure up her unique and gorgeous features in front of me.
I finished off her hair, which was the final piece to complete. Sofia's hair was wild and had a mind of its own - just like its owner. I had seen it professionally curled and straightened, but my favorite was just as it was today. Wild, untamed, natural, and free. Each section of curl had its own shape, its own bounce to it. There was nothing processed or slicked down about it.
Once I started, I couldn't stop. I took my time filling in small sections, shading it from medium to build layers, before using my pencil eraser to create highlights where the sun had illuminated her and a few flyaway hairs.
Once I was satisfied with what I had, I took my phone out and snapped a photo to keep as an extra memento. I wished I had a portfolio to add it to, but since I only drew for fun, all my previous scribbles got tossed or ruined. For the first time, I wanted to keep something. Savor it and share it with the world. So, on the spur of the moment - and maybe after a few too many beers - I uploaded it on Instagram.
Some of my friends knew I could draw, but none knew I could create a piece like this. I had doodled and created small pieces here and there, but never a full-blown portrait.
Did you draw that?
Wow! Didn't know you had that in you, Si.
Who is she?
I'll pose for you ;)
I only commented on the ones complimenting my work. The rest, demanding to know who the model was, I ignored. I already felt a little...iffy that I uploaded the picture without her consent, so I wanted to protect her privacy. It looked like I was right in doing so.
I sighed and went to Sofia's bed, carefully placing her pencils and pad on the bedside table sans my drawing. Even if Sofia was pissed at me, I didn't want to part with the picture. It was mine.
I spun away and came to an abrupt stop.
Sofia stood on the landing. Her hair was wet, and a towel was wrapped around her delectable body. I could see the straps of a bathing suit around her neck and deduced that she had used the jacuzzi. Relief pumped through me that I hadn't scared her off.
She had an odd look on her face—a mix of embarrassment, uncertainty... and unmistakable desire.
Without thinking, I stalked forward slowly, my eyes staying on hers. Sofia's hands tightened and loosened on her towel, her golden eyes widening as I prowled closer.
"Hi," I murmured.
Sofia cleared her throat and looked away, a slight blush creeping up her skin. "Hey."
"How was the jacuzzi?"
She licked her lips. "It was good. They're still in there if you want to join."
I shook my head slowly. "Nah, I'm good."
