Chapter 3
Iris
I'm lost in thought as I sort my art supplies and put them in the solarium for later use when I hear a noise that seems to come from the back of the property. I go to the edge of the window and see the most beautiful man I've ever seen in my entire life.
He's shirtless, sweaty and looks good enough to eat. His back muscles are a work of art as he chops wood with a huge axe. I wasn't told there would be a caretaker around the property, but they have gone above and beyond with the fully stocked fridge.
I ogle the man for several minutes before knowing exactly what I'm going to do. I let my hair down so it cascades down my back and check myself in the mirror. It doesn't hurt to look good in a situation like this. So I go outside and walk around the main cabin.
When I'm close enough, I feel like I've been caught, so I stop to watch him once again. His movements are fluid and sure, like he's done this a thousand times or more. From this short distance I can see the rivulets of sweat going down his back and arms.
My body is overwhelmed with excitement now. What I've been feeling so far about being in this place is nothing to what I'm feeling now that I've found him. I want, no I need to paint this man. He stops what he's doing and jumps when he sees me.
"Oh, hi. I'm sorry, was I bothering you with the noise?"
"Not really, are you the caretaker?"
"Yes, I'm Harrison. I live over here. I hope that is okay."
"I guess. It wasn't mentioned, that's all. Is that wood for me?"
"Some of it. I'm sorry, has anyone ever told you that you've got the look of an angel?"
Oh dear, is he hitting on me? I mean, it's fine, but not ideal for what I'm about to propose to him.
"Harrison, this is your lucky day."
He gives me a smile bright enough to light up any room.
"I already knew that, finding you here in front of me, looking so beautiful."
"Slow down there, cowboy, I was hoping you could help me with something."
"I'm at your service. I'd love to know your name, though."
"Oh, I'm Iris."
I offer him my hand, and as we shake, I feel a zap of electricity go through my hand. I've never felt that before in my life. Did he have the same feeling? What does it mean? I'm getting off track here, so I look up into his eyes. Big mistake, he's got sapphire eyes that twinkle with mischief.
Can I handle a man like this? What if he says no? Calm down, Iris. You can do this.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Iris. I'm sorry you had to meet me when I'm all sweaty and yucky. I promise I'll make it up to you."
"I'll keep that in mind." I hesitate. "Harrison, I need your help on one of my projects. You see, I came here to work on my art, and I think I've found the perfect subject."
"I'll help in any way I can, Iris. Just let me go change and I'll be with you."
"No! Don't do that."
"What?"
"I mean, I'd like to take a couple of pictures of you chopping wood first, if you don't mind."
"What kind of project is this?"
"I'm a painter and I'd love to feature you in my next collection."
The man's cheeks pinken, and I don't think I've ever seen a grown man blush. In order to take pressure of him I take out my phone and take a couple of shots the way he is standing leaning on the axe.
"Can you chop a few more pieces of wood, so I can take a picture?"
He seems unsure about what to do.
"Please?"
Finally, he smiles at me and does as I ask. I take pictures from several angles, but I know this won't be enough for what I need from him. I need him to pose naked for me, and I'm not sure how I'm going to ask him to do it. Once I've taken enough pictures I signal for him to stop.
"Did you take enough pictures?"
"No, I still need you."
"What?"
Oops, I've got to be more careful about what I mutter out loud.
"Would you like to have dinner with me? I can tell you more about my project then."
"Can you give me thirty minutes? I'd like to shower and change."
I'd love to paint him sweaty like he is right now. He looks like he's been oiled for a weight lifting competition. I can't get enough of his chest and arms. Calm down, Iris.
"I'll see you at the house in thirty minutes then."
I run back to the house and start getting my supplies in order once again. I bring out my sketchbook and start to put down some thoughts on the paper. It's like my hands have been energized and given a whole new set of instructions. They move on their own as I hurriedly draw Harrison from memory.
Good thing I got the pictures. I scroll through them now and compare to what I've drawn in the sketchbook.
It's a start. A good start. I hear the soft knocking on the door and go to open the door.
Did thirty minutes pass already? I look at the time and it really has. Time does fly when you're having fun.
"Hey Harrison, come on in."
I move to the kitchen and he follows me. I've already brought dinner for tonight and there's plenty for both of us, so I take out the lasagna mom made me and put it in the microwave to reheat.
"I hope you like lasagna."
"I love it, but I need to warn you. If you feed me, I'll be yours forever."
I laugh at his joke, but he looks serious about it.
I hurry to set up the table with plates and cutlery, and glasses.
I bring out a jug of water that was in the refrigerator and when the timer hits on the microwave I go to take it out.
Harrison is ahead of me, though, and he takes the dish out of the microwave and sets it on the stove.
He helps me serve us both, and then we're off to the races. How am I going to tell him I want to see him naked? We make small talk for a few minutes, and then I just can't help myself.
"Harrison. I can't wait any longer. I need to see you naked."
Harrison spits out his food in surprise, and a look of shock appears on his face.