Drawn To You (GirlxGirl)

Part 8

Jessie's P.O.V

As I stood back and surveyed the beginnings of the painting, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. There was something about Allie that resonated with the emotion I wanted to capture. She had a presence that felt both vulnerable and strong, a certain depth that I knew would translate beautifully onto the canvas. She didn't seem to realise just how much she fit with the ideas I had in mind for this series, and maybe that was part of her charm.

I continued to work in silence, sketching Allie with my pencil with care as I glanced up at her from time to time. Allie was holding her pose well, her arms wrapped around herself as though she was trying to shield herself from the world. The expression on her face was distant, which was exactly what I needed for this first painting.

But as the minutes ticked by, I noticed subtle changes in her demeanor that told me she was either bored or her body was beginning to cramp up. I'd like to think it was the latter.

"Alright, I think that's enough for today" I said, setting down my pencil and stepping out from behind the canvas.

Allie nodded, a slight look of relief washing over her features as she relaxed her stance which made me giggle to myself. She didn't ask to see the painting, which struck me as odd. Most people, even those who claimed to be indifferent, couldn't resist the urge to sneak a peek at themselves on the canvas as soon as they could.

"Was I.." Allie began, "was that, okay?" she asked shyly, her sparkling green eyes catching my attention.

"You were, I mean that was.." I sighed at myself for the awkwardness "yeah, it was perfect".

Allie's bright smile appeared on her face and I couldn't help but reciprocate it. I couldn't bare another tension filled silence so I spoke again.

"Is Sunday ok to continue?" I asked as I held my hand out to allow her to walk first.

"Sunday is good, same time?" Allie replied as I followed her towards the exit.

"Perfect" I said calmly but inside I was filled with excitement to progress with the picture.

As we approached the door, I could feel Liam's eyes on me with a cheeky smirk across his face. I shot him a quick warning glare before stopping at the door with Allie.

"I'll see you Sunday then" Allie said and I could have sworn she lingered for just a second longer than she intended to.

"Sunday" I smiled and held the door for her as she exited the studio and entered the real world again.

As the summer breeze softly brushed us, I got a smell of her and couldn't stop myself from subtly breathing it in. It was a mixture of fruity perfume, and a scent that I could only describe as homely.

I watched as Allie's car took off down the street before closing the door behind me. As I turned around, I was met with a tall figure standing far too close to me which made me jump out of my skin.

"Jesus Liam, you scared the shit out of me" I told him, clutching my chest as if that was going to slow down my heart beat.

Liam laughed loudly which earned him another cold glare.

"I guess you were too busy eyeing up the pretty new model to hear my footsteps approaching" he teased and I felt my cheeks begin heat slightly. "Are you going to sleep with this one too?"

"Shut up Liam, that happened one time!" I growled at him under my breath.

"Yeah.. And Allie is even more attractive than that one" he said. He really knew how to push my buttons. I guess that's what 11 years of friendship will give you.

I rolled my eyes at him before I spoke again.

"I'm going to shut this down right now so that you never have to joke about it again" I began.

Liam hopped up onto the reception desk behind him, made himself comfortable and crossed his arms across his chest smugly.

"Number 1, Allie is my employee and I won't cross that boundary.. again. Number 2, she is as straight as they come. And number 3, not only is she married.. she is married to Mark, you know, the boss guy I work with in the garage?" I didn't stop for a breath, making sure I got my point across.

Liam raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by this new piece of information.

"Mark's wife, huh? That's a twist I didn't see coming. But hey, that doesn't mean you can't appreciate the view while you work."

I took the pencil out from behind my ear and threw it at him, shaking my head.

"You're so annoying" I laughed and grabbed my keys from behind the reception desk.

"You love me though" Liam sang. "I hope your date on Friday night goes well so that you can get over your crush on Allie".

"I don't have.." I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples, no longer able to find the energy for this conversation. "I'll text you later, dickhead".