Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
LUCIAN
T he next day…
I watch Gia pace back and forth across the creaky floorboards of the room. Her brow is furrowed, lips pressed into a tight line. Something's eating at her, and I can't help but feel a tug in my chest. "Hey," I say softly, leaning against the doorframe. "You okay?"
Gia startles, her eyes wide as she looks at me. "Oh! Lucian. I didn't hear you come in."
I step into the room, hands in my pockets. "Sorry, didn't mean to sneak up on you. You just seemed… distracted."
She lets out a shaky laugh, running a hand through her wavy hair. "That obvious, huh?"
I shrug, offering a small smile. "Engineer's eye for detail, remember?"
Gia's gaze darts away, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her paint-stained pants. God even stressed out, she's beautiful. I want to reach out and comfort her somehow, but I hold back. "Want to talk about it?" I ask instead.
She bites her lip, hesitating. I can almost see the walls going up behind her eyes. "It's nothing. Just... artist stuff. You probably wouldn't get it."
I raise an eyebrow. "Try me."
Gia sighs, sinking onto the edge of the bed. "It's just... being here, in this beautiful place. I should be inspired, creating masterpieces left and right. But instead, I'm worrying about how I'm going to pay next month's rent."
My heart aches for her. I want to tell her it'll be okay, that her talent will see her through. But I know platitudes won't help right now.
"That sounds tough," I say instead, moving to sit beside her. Not too close, but close enough to offer support. "I can't imagine the pressure of relying solely on your art for income."
Gia looks at me, surprise flickering in her eyes. "You're right, you can't." Her voice softens. "Sorry, that came out harsher than I meant. It's just... you're so successful, Lucian. Your life seems so... stable."
I can't help but chuckle. "Stable? Maybe on the surface. But trust me, I've got my own set of worries."
"Oh yeah?" Gia challenges, a hint of her usual spark returning. "Like what? Deciding which luxury car to drive today?"
I roll my eyes, but I'm glad to see a bit of her fire coming back. "More like wondering if I've spent so much time building my career that I've forgotten how to live."
Gia's expression softens. She reaches out, her fingers barely brushing my arm. "Lucian..."
I clear my throat, pushing past the vulnerability. "My point is, we've all got our struggles. You're not alone in feeling... uncertain."
She nods slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks. I guess sometimes it's easy to forget that."
"Anytime," I say, returning her smile. "And for what it's worth, I think your art is amazing. The world just needs to catch up." I point to her recent work of art.
Gia's cheeks flush slightly, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest. Maybe I can't fix all her problems, but at least I've helped lift her spirits a little. And in the process, I realize, she's done the same for me.
Suddenly, an apricot blur streaks across the room, followed closely by a smaller terrier shadow. Cooper and Bella decide that this moment of quiet connection is the perfect time to start an impromptu game of chase.
"Cooper, no!" I call out, but it's too late. My usually well-behaved companion is in full play mode, darting between furniture with Bella hot on his heels.
Gia's laughter rings out, bright and unexpected. "Look at them go!" she says, her earlier melancholy momentarily forgotten.
I can't help but join in her amusement as Cooper does a comical slide across the hardwood floor, his paws scrambling for purchase. Bella takes advantage of his loss of momentum, pouncing playfully on his back.
"Some guard dog you are," I teased, watching as Cooper rolled over, tongue lolling out in canine joy.
Gia kneels, scratching Bella's ears. "I think they're trying to tell us something," she says, her eyes meeting mine with a warmth that makes my heart skip.
"Oh? And what's that?" I ask, moving closer.
"Maybe we both need to lighten up a little. It's just... being here, seeing how settled and successful you are... it makes me feel like such a mess in comparison."
I sit down beside her on the floor, our shoulders almost touching. "Gia, you're not a mess. You're an artist following your passion. That takes incredible courage."
She sighs, running her fingers through Bella's fur. "Courage doesn't pay the bills, though. Sometimes I wonder if I'm just being foolish, chasing this dream."
"Hey," I say softly, waiting until she looks at me. "Your art is a gift. The way you see the world, how you capture it on canvas... It's extraordinary. Don't give up on that."
Gia's eyes glisten with unshed tears. "But what if I'm not good enough? What if I never make it?"
I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Success isn't just about money or fame. It's about doing what you love, what fulfills you. And from what I've seen, your art does that. The rest will come."
She leans her head against my shoulder, and I feel a surge of protectiveness wash over me. "Thank you," she whispers. "For believing in me when I'm not sure I believe in myself."
As Cooper and Bella settle down at our feet, I realize that by comforting Gia, I've found a sense of purpose I've been missing. Maybe we're both exactly where we need to be.
I hesitate, my heart pounding as I consider what to reveal. Gia's vulnerability has opened something in me, and I want to let her in. "You know," I say softly, "I've built walls too. After my last relationship ended, I threw myself into work, thinking success would fill the emptiness."
Gia shifts, her eyes meeting mine. "And did it?"
I snort. "Not even close. I achieved everything I thought I wanted, but I've never felt more alone."
Her hand finds mine, a gentle squeeze that sends warmth through my entire body. "You're not alone now," she murmurs.
The moment stretches between us, charged with possibility. I'm about to respond when Gia's phone chimes loudly, shattering the silence.
She glances at it, her expression darkening. "It's my agent," she sighs. "Probably wondering why I haven't sent any new pieces lately."
"You should take it," I say, trying to mask my disappointment.
Gia nods, standing to answer the call. I can't help but overhear snippets of her conversation.
"Yes, I know the deadline is coming up... No, I haven't finished the series yet... I just need more time..."
Her voice rises, frustration evident. "Well, maybe if you'd sold something in the last six months, I wouldn't be in this position!"
She ended the call abruptly, turning to me with fire in her eyes. "See? This is what I mean. No one understands the pressure, the constant struggle to create on demand."
I stood, reaching out to her. "Gia, I?—”
"No," she cuts me off, backing away. "You don't get it either. Your success came so easily. You probably never had to fight for anything in your life."
Her words sting and I feel my walls slamming back into place. "That's not fair," I say, my voice cold. "You don't know anything about me."
Gia's eyes widened, realizing she's crossed a line. But the damage is done. We stand there, the distance between us suddenly vast and yawning.
I retreat to the window, tracing the frost-etched patterns on the glass, feeling the chill between Gia and me. I hear the soft click of the door as she leaves, and the silence that follows is deafening.
Sinking into the plush armchair by the fireplace, I bury my face in my hands. “Dammit.”
Cooper nudges my knee, seeking comfort. I scratch behind his ears, lost in thought as Gia's words replay in my mind: "You don't know anything about me." I wince, regretting not opening up to show her the fear and vulnerability hidden beneath my facade. I stand abruptly, pacing the length of the room. "She thinks everything comes easily to me," I say to Cooper, who watches me with those soulful brown eyes. "If only she knew..."
I admire Gia's painting propped against the wall, its vibrant colors pulsating with life. Kneeling, I trace the bold brushstrokes, realizing how deeply I want to understand the mind behind such beauty and truly know Gia in all her complexity. “I’ve been such an idiot. I can't let her slip away because I'm too scared to be vulnerable."
A gust of wind rattles the windows, recalling the storm that brought us together. I stand, my resolve strengthening. It's time to break down these walls.
A sharp knock startles me. I opened the door to find Martha, the bed-and-breakfast owner, her face creased with worry. "Mr. Hart, the storm's knocked out our generator. I could use an extra pair of hands."
"Of course, I’ll help," I reply, relieved to have a task.
As we descend the stairs, I spot Gia in the dimly lit hallway, concern etched on her face. Our eyes meet, and tense silence hangs between us.
Martha interrupts. "Gia, would you mind helping too? The more hands, the better."
She hesitates but finally agrees. In the basement, I want to say something to bridge the gap, but the words won’t come. Cooper and Bella suddenly bound down the stairs, wagging their tails, breaking the tension.
"Alright," says Martha, handing us flashlights.
Kneeling beside the generator, I mutter, "The fuel line might be clogged.”
Gia crouches next to me, her shoulder barely brushing mine. The contact sends a jolt through me. "Maybe we could try cleaning it out?"
I nodded. "Good idea. Can you hold the flashlight while I look?"
As we work together, the initial awkwardness starts to fade. Our hands brush occasionally, and each time, I feel that same electric spark. I steal glances at her, admiring the way her brow furrows in concentration, the determination in her eyes.
Suddenly, Cooper barks loudly, startling us both. He's chasing his tail, spinning in circles, while Bella watches with what I swear is an amused expression on her furry face.
Gia laughs, the sound bright and unexpected in the dim basement. "Oh, Cooper," she says fondly. "Always the clown, aren't you?"
I can't help but chuckle too, caught up in the moment of shared mirth. Our eyes meet, and this time, there's a softness there that wasn't present before.
"Gia," I start, my voice low. "I?—"
The generator roars to life, cutting me off. Martha claps in delight. "You did it! Thank you both so much."
As we climb the stairs, I sense a shift between us—a crack in the wall that once divided us. Cooper and Bella race past, reminding me that rebuilding a connection often takes more than words.
Settling into the cozy window nook of the bed and breakfast, I notice Gia's eyes, usually vibrant, clouded with something unclear—vulnerability? Fear? I take a deep breath, preparing for what’s next.
"Gia," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think we need to talk."
She nods, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I think we do."
I struggle to find the right words, my analytical mind failing me in this moment of raw emotion. "I... I'm not good at this—opening up, I mean. But I want you to know that I care about you, more than I expected to.”
Gia's eyes widen slightly. "Lucian, I?—"
"Please, let me finish. I've spent so long building walls, convincing myself that success in my career was enough. But being here, with you... it's made me realize how much I've been missing."
Gia's expression softens as she admits, "I'm scared too. You're so successful, and I'm just a struggling artist with more paint stains than money."
My heart aches for her. "Gia, you're so much more than that. Your passion and creativity are incredible. I may have stability, but your spirit is something I envy."
She laughs, "Look at us, a pair of messes."
I reached out, taking her hand in mine. "I'm sorry for pushing you away earlier. I was afraid of what I was feeling."
Gia squeezes my hand. "I'm sorry too. For assuming things about you, for letting my insecurities get the best of me."
As we sit there, hands intertwined, I feel a weight lift from my chest. The tension that had been building dissipated, replaced by a tentative hope.
"So, where do we go from here?"
Gia's eyes sparkle with renewed warmth. "Forward, I hope. Together?"
I nod, feeling a surge of affection for this vibrant, complex woman. "Together sounds perfect."
I lean closer, my heart racing as I breathe in the faint scent of lavender and paint that clings to Gia's skin. Our fingers are still intertwined, and I can feel the slight tremor in her hand matching my own.
"Gia," I whisper, my voice husky with emotion. "I... I want to..."
She nods almost imperceptibly, her eyes fluttering closed as I close the distance between us. Our lips meet in a gentle, hesitant kiss that quickly deepens, filled with all the unspoken words and feelings we've held back. It's tender and passionate, a promise of something more.
When we finally pull apart, both slightly breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “Wow.”
Gia lets out a soft laugh, her cheeks flushed. "Yeah, wow."
As we sit there, basking in the afterglow of our kiss, reality begins to creep back in. I know we still have a long way to go—my tendency to overthink, Gia’s financial worries, and the fact that we live in different worlds. But looking into her eyes, I feel a surge of determination.
"It won't be easy. We're different, you and I."
Gia nods, her expression serious but her eyes still warm. "True. But maybe that's what makes this special. We balance each other out."
I smile, feeling a sense of peace settles over me. "You're right. And whatever comes our way, we'll face it together."
As if on cue, Cooper and Bella came bounding over, their tails wagging. Gia laughed, reaching out to scratch behind Bella's ears. "Looks like we've got some enthusiastic supporters," she said.
I chuckled, pulling her close. "Then I'd say we're off to a pretty good start."
I can't help but grin as I watch Gia playfully ruffle Bella's fur, her eyes dancing with that infectious joy she radiates. My heart swells, and I'm struck by how much I want to be a part of her colorful world.
"You know," I say softly, "I'm really glad the blizzard brought us together."
Gia's expression softens. "Me too, Luke. Who knew being stranded could lead to something so... unexpected?"
As we kiss, I look forward to tomorrow. Whatever challenges we face, I'm ready to journey with Gia by my side.