Page 89 of Pretty Thing

“Maybe I saw you, and you never knew.”

He gives me a devilish wink, and I blush.

“Trust me, when Felix says he has inspiration, you must jump on the opportunity. You can’t go wrong with him,” Matt says, and I bite my lip as my eyes dance between the two of them.

“Okay, let’s do it.”

“Fuck yeah,” Matt cheers, like we’re at a sporting event, making me laugh.

Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into?

twenty-four

​. . .​

Eden

Felix grabs a sketch pad and pencil, then takes my hand.

“I’m going to show Eden the loft,” he says.

Matt smirks when he nods, which makes the nervous butterflies in my stomach go wild.

The back hall is horror movie scary. It’s dimly lit, and the old steps are worn from time and use. Felix holds my hand, and halfway up I have to stop.

“I’ll carry you,” he offers.

I shake my head.

“No, this…is…good for me,” I say through clenched teeth.

He looks like he wants to argue, so I start climbing once more, ignoring the ache in my ankle and the burning in my lungs. By the time we reach the fourth floor, I’m sweating, my ankle is throbbing, and I’m seriously reconsidering my life choices when it comes to being stubborn.

“That was too much, wasn’t it?”

I nod, leaning against the wall to catch my breath.

“Maybe.”

“Next time, I’ll just carry you and you can be mad at me.”

I chuckle. “Deal.”

Felix unlocks his door and holds out his hand. I take it and step inside his loft. It looks more like an artist’s studio. I’m not sure what I’ve been expecting, but this is not it.

Dark floors that look to be made from reclaimed wood. A leather couch and large television. A modern kitchen all in the same dark wood, but with a butcher block top. The walls are white brick with large, framed pieces that, based on the one closest to me, are Felix’s work. Then there are odd splashes of dark red, including the blackout drapes currently pulled back, offering a spectacular view of downtown.

I turn and look up at Felix. He seems almost worried, as if I wouldn’t like it or something.

“This is stunning,” I say, and his face lights up. I love seeing this look in his eyes and he amazes me a little more everyday. For terrible abuse to losing so much and yet look at how he’s kept himself together and made something special for himself.

“Here, let me give you the tour.”

Setting the sketch pad down, he leads me through his home.

“Did you do all of this? Like the design and everything?”

“Most of it. I enjoy watching those decorating and renovating shows.”