Page 138 of The Gaybor War

I try not to stare but fail. "What are you working on?"

"Nothing," he says immediately.

Which, based on experience, means absolutely something.

Finally, curiosity gets the better of me. I wander over and peek at the screen. And promptly freeze.

"Is that… me?"

Benji flinches. "No," he says too quickly.

I lean closer. "Benji."

He sighs. "Okay, fine. Not you, you. It’s a fictional character. Who happens to share your bone structure. And your shoulders. And your annoyingly symmetrical face."

"That man is me," I say flatly. "If I had long hair and were a pirate."

"You think?" he asks innocently, eyes still on the screen.

"You turned me into a swashbuckling Fabio," I accuse. "There’s wind in his hair. There’s drama."

"This?" Benji scoffs. "This looks nothing like you."

"It is identical to me."

"False." He taps the stylus against the screen, zooming in. "Look at his eyes. They glint with mischief and desire. Your eyes don’t glint, Carter."

"I absolutely glint."

"You brood."

"I glint while brooding."

He finally looks up at me, lips twitching. "You glower attractively. It’s different."

I fold my arms. "So I’m not sexy enough to be a pirate romance cover model?"

Benji’s gaze heats, sweeping me from head to toe before flicking back to my face.

"Oh, you’re definitely sexy enough," he murmurs. "You’re just more… brooding naval captain than reckless pirate."

"That is the worst compliment I’ve ever received."

"I could add an eyepatch," he offers. "Maybe a strategically placed bulge beneath your scabbard."

"Now you’re just pandering."

"Always," he says easily.

I shake my head, but I’m smiling. "I can’t believe you used me as inspiration."

"I can’t believe you didn’t notice sooner," he counters. "You live across the street. You walk around half-dressed. You cook shirtless. I’m only human."

My chest tightens at the way he says it. Casual. Honest.

I lean down, pressing a quick kiss to the top of his head. "You’re ridiculous."

"I know," he says. Then, quieter, "But you make really good art."