“I’d be open to trying it,” I said.
“Awesome.Next time I see Adam, I’ll let him know that our expert photographer wants to try life as a ponyboy.”
“I’d rather be a trainer,” I said, glancing to see if Kamal was making his way back yet.There was no sign of him, so I turned back to Puck.
He watched me, his eyes bright with interest.I moved carefully, cautiously, closer, as if he were a wild horse and not a human ponyboy on his way to being domesticated.
He held my gaze as I neared.I stopped in front of him.
“Yourtrainer,” I said, raising my hand.I held it in the air near his face, waiting for a sneer or a curse or even a wad of angry spit.
He glanced at it, then returned his gaze to mine as I lowered it so my fingers landed on his hair.I stroked my fingers over his dark locks as he closed his eyes and sighed, like the weight of a thousand burdens had been removed.
“I think you’re beautiful,” I said, savouring his perfect bone structure and pale skin spattered with beauty marks.
He said nothing as he stood beneath my touch.He kept his eyes closed, but his chest rose and fell with quickening breaths.
I leaned in and placed a soft, chaste kiss beside his nose.He turned his face enough to press his cheek against my lips and expose his neck, as if asking for more, when a throat cleared nearby.
We jerked apart.
I stepped back and gazed apologetically at Kamal.“Sorry.I’m sorry.”
Kamal’s expression was one of pleased surprise.He only shook his head.
“It’s quite all right.I told you to watch him.I just didn’t think you’d watch him quitethatclosely.”
“I’m sorry,” I said again.“I couldn’t help it.”
Kamal grinned and gestured to Puck who stared at the ground and scowled.
“I completely understand.For such a contrary ponyboy, he’s incredibly appealing.”
Puck snorted and scuffed at the dirt with his boot.
“Good luck,” Kamal said, then laughed and raised his eyebrows, shaking his head at me.
“Thanks,” I muttered, retreating to pack my gear.
I was officially done for the day.I needed to get some space, reassemble my thoughts and emotions, and decide what the hell I was going to do now.
