Coward

Chapter Twenty Four

Rhythmic breathing and the steady beating of a heart greet my gathering conscious state. All of which weren't mine. My eyes snap open and I quickly sit upright, where am I? I look over at the body I was sleeping on, my cheeks tinging red when I meet Shane's gaze. I run my fingers through my hair in an attempt to compose myself.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" I ask as I straighten out my clothes and look around the otherwise empty lounge. "And where is everyone else?"

He frowns and looks around, "I don't know."

I smirk, "is that an answer to both questions?"

He rolls his eyes and stands up, stretching his arms out above his head. The muscles in his arms, very pleasing to look at. He frowns at me, "did you just check me out?"

I nodded, "yeah I did, but don't get the wrong idea."

"And what would that be?"

"I'm not into you that way," I say.

He frowns, "am I meant to be offended."

I shake my head as I look him up and down. He had just the right amount of muscle, not too little but not so much it looked gross. He had long brown hair that is tied up in a bun, loose strands framed his face. He had a strong jaw and hard eyes.

"Not bad, but your not my type."

He raised his eyebrows, "what's your type?"

"I don't really have one, I just detest man buns."

He laughs, "is that really the only thing stopping you from sleeping with me?"

I laugh but shake my head, "I have my reasons."

He frowns but doesn't press any further. The truth is, I don't want to ruin this new friendship between me, Shane, Logan, Crystal and Stephany. "Let's go eat, smells like Logan's made pancakes."

I smile, "sounds good."

***************

My face blurred as I took in my reflection in the foggy bathroom mirror. A towel wrapped around me as I stepped out of the shower and into the cool, winter air. I shivered slightly as I pulled on my clothes.

The distant sound of my phone ringing, caused me to abandon the attempts of towel drying my hair. I jogged over to the red bean bag where my phone perched. I glanced at the unknown number and quickly accepted the call. "Hello, Belle speaking," I said clearly.

"Oh, yes you are who I was looking to call," a posh older ladies voice drifted through the line.

I smile, "good morning Sherry, I take it you got my paintings?"

She laughed, "yes, they are stunning. Thank you."

"Oh, it's the least I could do," I assure her.

"You didn't have to do this, but however I am glad you have. I would like to display these pecices in one of my friends studios in London."

I'm shocked into speechlessness before I finally stutter, "what? Really?

Her posh laugh filters through, "yes, dear. I wouldn't be amused by such a joke on these matters. I rang to ask for your primission and if all goes well in England and they like your paintings half as much as I do, then I would like some more peieces."

I mentally high five myself as I quickly reply, "of course you have my permission."

She laughs at my egarness, "fantastic, now I have a meeting in five. I'll keep in touch."