"Oh, I'm Iris."
I offer him my hand, and as we shake, I feel a zap of electricity go through my hand. I've never felt that before in my life. Did he have the same feeling? What does it mean? I'm getting off track here, so I look up into his eyes. Big mistake, he's got sapphire eyes that twinkle with mischief.
Can I handle a man like this? What if he says no? Calm down, Iris. You can do this.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Iris. I'm sorry you had to meet me when I'm all sweaty and yucky. I promise I'll make it up to you."
"I'll keep that in mind." I hesitate. "Harrison, I need your help on one of my projects. You see, I came here to work on my art, and I think I've found the perfect subject."
"I'll help in any way I can, Iris. Just let me go change and I'll be with you."
"No! Don't do that."
"What?"
"I mean, I'd like to take a couple of pictures of you chopping wood first, if you don't mind."
"What kind of project is this?"
"I'm a painter and I'd love to feature you in my next collection."
The man's cheeks pinken, and I don't think I've ever seen a grown man blush. In order to take pressure of him I take out my phone and take a couple of shots the way he is standing leaning on the axe.
"Can you chop a few more pieces of wood, so I can take a picture?"
He seems unsure about what to do.
"Please?"
Finally, he smiles at me and does as I ask. I take pictures from several angles, but I know this won't be enough for what I need from him. I need him to pose naked for me, and I'm not sure how I'm going to ask him to do it. Once I've taken enough pictures I signal for him to stop.
"Did you take enough pictures?"
"No, I still need you."
"What?"
Oops, I've got to be more careful about what I mutter out loud.
"Would you like to have dinner with me? I can tell you more about my project then."
"Can you give me thirty minutes? I'd like to shower and change."
I'd love to paint him sweaty like he is right now. He looks like he's been oiled for a weight lifting competition. I can't get enough of his chest and arms.Calm down, Iris.
"I'll see you at the house in thirty minutes then."
I run back to the house and start getting my supplies in order once again. I bring out my sketchbook and start to put down some thoughts on the paper. It's like my hands have been energized and given a whole new set of instructions. They move on their own as I hurriedly draw Harrison from memory.
Good thing I got the pictures. I scroll through them now and compare to what I've drawn in the sketchbook. It's a start. A good start. I hear the soft knocking on the door and go to open the door. Did thirty minutes pass already? I look at the time and it really has. Time does fly when you're having fun.
"Hey Harrison, come on in."
I move to the kitchen and he follows me. I've already brought dinner for tonight and there's plenty for both of us, so I take out the lasagna mom made me and put it in the microwave to reheat.
"I hope you like lasagna."
"I love it, but I need to warn you. If you feed me, I'll be yours forever."
