Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Suzie
I set up my studio on the second floor of Jack’s cabin, on the raised back deck, with a perfect view of the orchard below. The rows and rows of apple trees stretched before me, with Forrest and Adalynn’s cabin on the opposite end.
With my easel propped high and a tall stool, I could see over the deck railing without the wood slats getting in my way. The deck was also covered, so I didn’t have to worry about rainy days, but honestly, I hoped we’d get one soon so I could capture it in a painting.
Once I began sketching the other night, it was like I turned on a faucet to the creative part of my brain, and the ideas flowed out. Today, I planned on starting my first painting with hopes it’ll be complete by tomorrow.
All my other projects have been put on hold, but it was worth it for my best friend.
Her brother? Not so much.
I was still hurt and pissed off by what he said. It took every ounce of strength in me not to create a fake profile on Mountain Mates just to fuck with him. Instead, I snitched about his to Adalynn. Now she could give him shit about his dating life, and I could secretly laugh.
At least the laughter would cover up the truth—my stupid crush on my best friend’s older brother wasn’t going anywhere, even after he insulted my career.
You know what? It’s time to get Jack out of my head once and for all. I’m going to make my own profile and go on a date.
There. My decision was made.
I picked up my paintbrush and buried any feelings left for Jack Miller.
* * *
When I heard the sliding glass door behind me open, my brush stopped mid-stroke, my body frozen in anticipation.
Instantly, I knew it was Jack, my body reacting in a way it didn’t around anyone else.
I dropped my brush and scrambled to my feet, almost knocking over my easel in the process.
“Don’t stop on account of me.” Jack’s deep voice washed over me in a way it hadn’t before, and I swallowed hard. How could I feel more attracted to him after what he said? Stupid, traitorous body.
“Did you need something? I prefer to work alone, without someone watching over my shoulder. Surely, you understand?” I replied with a sharp tone, placing my hands on my hips and popping a knee out.
“A little feisty today, hmm?”
“Well, excuse me if I’m not up to talking to the person who thinks my career as an artist is a joke.”
“I never said it was a joke.”
“Don’t placate me, Jack. We all know exactly what you meant. Now, if you’ll please go, I’d like to get back to my work.” I dropped my arms and turned back to my easel.
“Can I see?” His voice was closer.
“No. It’s not done yet.”
“What is done is beautiful. I’ve been watching you and?—”
I spun back around. “You’ve been watching me?”
“I was curious and wanted to watch you work.”
I huffed out a breath. I couldn’t stand how I was turned on and irritated at the same time.
He watched me work?
My heart soared. My brain short-circuited. My blood boiled.
Jack moved another step closer, and I froze on the spot. Why did he have to keep doing that? I needed space between us to keep my head on straight.
“You know, Suzie Q, this side of you does something to me.”
It was the first time Jack flirted with me without a snarky joke behind it. I wasn’t sure how to react, and it totally threw me off my game. My sarcastic retort was nowhere to be found. “This side of me? I’ve always painted, Jack.” I swiped a loose piece of hair out of my face and prayed I didn’t have any paint on my face like I did on my hair.
“But the way you paint my apple trees…” His voice was low and growly in a way I’d never heard before, and it did something to my insides. Twisted them up and spun them around like a blender on high speed.
When I looked up again, his face was mere inches from mine. I sucked in a breath, and my blood pounded in my ears.
And then he did the last thing I ever expected from Jack Miller.
He kissed me.
My body reacted first. I kissed him back, all the fantasies and thoughts of wanting to kiss him for so long pouring forth.
I lost myself in the passion, in his hands on my hair, one grasping the back of my head as we devoured each other’s mouths, tongues exploring and searching like a hunt for long-lost treasure.
But then my brain caught up.
I pushed him away, our kiss broken, the moment gone, as I gasped for air, my chest heaving. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and glared at him.
“What the fuck was that for?” I snapped.
Then I turned and stormed off, ignoring his voice calling me back.