Serenity

3| Not a Saint

"Everything?"

The aroma of tomato soup and grilled cheese filled the small apartment, a comforting scent that clashed with the tension hanging heavy in the air.

"We can't just keep going on with this and act like nothing happened," he started as he took a seat at the foot of the bed. "So, I guess, we just talk and figure things out. Like you said the other day."

"Alright, but first," I paused, my gaze landing on the plate of food he'd brought me. My stomach grumbled at the sight, reminding me how hungry I was. Taking a deep breath, I picked up the bowl and spoon, my fingers tracing the rim of the ceramic. But before I started, I said in a soft voice, "Thank you again for taking care of me. And for the food."

Shane's eyes darted away, a flicker of something crossing his face that I couldn't quite decipher, but it looked like a subtle blush was creeping across his cheeks. "Don't worry about it," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

I smiled at that, taking a spoonful of the soup. The warmth spread through my body, a comforting sensation that soothed my aching muscles. I closed my eyes, savoring the rich, flavorful broth. It was the perfect amount of spice and sweetness, and the taste was amazing.

"This is so good," I mumbled, my voice muffled by the steam.

"I'm glad you like it," Shane replied, his voice softening slightly, but I could still hear a hint of amusement in it.

I nodded, taking a bite of the grilled cheese. The combination of the creamy cheese and the tangy tomato soup was a perfect match. I couldn't help but moan in pleasure, the sound echoing through the small room. As I continued eating, I tried to remember the last time I'd enjoyed a meal so much. Maybe it was the dinner on Valentine's Day with Leo.

The room was quiet, save for the soft clinking of the spoon against the ceramic bowl as I ate the food. In the silence, a wave of guilt washed over me as I remembered the events of the past few days. I didn't know why I felt this way, but something about the way Shane had taken care of me and cooked for me was making me feel guilty.

I'd known from the beginning that hooking up with him would be a mistake, and yet, here we were.

I noticed Shane's gaze lingering on my face, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He'd been watching me the entire time, his expression a mix of curiosity and admiration. I felt a flutter in my stomach as I met his intense gaze. His eyes seemed to penetrate my soul, revealing depths I didn't know existed. I didn't know what it was about his eyes that always made me feel so bare, so exposed. It was as if he could see right through me even though I was covered with a blanket.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper as I willed to calm my racing heart.

Shane cleared his throat, his gaze shifting away from mine. "How's the painting?" he asked, his voice a little too casual.

My brows furrowed at his question. "What painting?"

"The one on your back."

"Oh, right," I said, smiling as I remembered the intricate design Shane had painted on my skin and the way Leo had reacted to it. "I showed it to Leo, and he loved it."

"I didn't paint it for him," he said, his tone a little sharp.

I blinked, surprised by his sudden change in mood. "Well, it's almost all gone by this point anyway."

He looked away, staring at the floor with his hands gripping the edge of the mattress, and I wondered what was going through his head as I took another spoonful of the soup.

"Have you..." I hesitated. "Have you painted anything since then?"

He shook his head. "No."

"You should," I encouraged, remembering what Leo had said. "I mean, you've got some serious talent, and it'd be a shame if the world didn't get to see that."