Love in the Balance
Copyright© 2025 by WittyUserName
Chapter 16
Romance Sex Story: Chapter 16 - Eight friends navigate love, friendship, and finance as they find their places in the world.
Caution: This Romance Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Fa/Fa Consensual Romantic BiSexual Heterosexual Fiction Light Bond Rough Spanking Group Sex Hispanic Female Anal Sex Cream Pie Facial Masturbation Oral Sex Petting Pregnancy Tit-Fucking Big Breasts
~Saturday August 02, 2025~
“Mommy!” Carter’s voice called out from the hallway as he knocked on the door. “Mommy, are you up?”
“Shit!” Megan hissed, shooting up in bed. She immediately reached over and shook Steven’s shoulder. “Shit, we overslept!”
“Huh, what?” Steven mumbled, slowly waking up and lifting to his elbows. Glancing over, he got a good look at Megan’s bare boobs, rendering him mute. “Uh...”
“Focus!” Megan whispered urgently. “You were supposed to set an alarm!”
“Mommy?” Carter knocked again, trying to turn the knob and discovering the door was locked.
“I’ll be right there, honey,” Megan called out.
“We must have slept through the alarm,” Steven reasoned groggily.
“Yeah, no kidding,” Megan grumbled. “Ah, quick, get under the bed!”
“Under the...?” Steven frowned.
“Just do it!” Megan hissed, tossing the covers off their naked bodies.
“O-okay,” Steven sighed, rolling off the bed with a complete lack of grace and sliding under it. “This is not comfortable.”
Ignoring Steven, Megan got out of bed and started tossing their clothes in the corner of the room. Carter knocked again, causing Megan to rush around the room, her boobs bouncing wildly as she removed any evidence from the previous night. Then the heiress slipped on a long robe so she was fully covered before heading to the door and opening it a crack.
“Good morning, sweetie,” Megan smiled, reaching out to hold the back of her son’s head as she leaned out and kissed his forehead.
“Are you okay, Mommy?” Carter asked, looking up at his mother with concern in his blue-gray eyes.
“I’m fine, I just overslept,” she replied, tousling his hair. “Why don’t you go downstairs while I get dressed? I’ll come down and make breakfast.”
“Okay!” Carter nodded, turning and rushing away.
“Remember to wash your hands!” Megan called after him. “And no whoopee cushions on the seats!”
“Can I come out now?” Steven groaned from under the bed when Megan shut the door.
“Yeah, you’re good,” Megan confirmed, removing her robe.
“Ow, my balls,” he winced as he shimmied out from under the bed and got to his feet. “Why couldn’t I have hid in the bathroom?”
“Huh. That would have been more comfortable, wouldn’t it?” Megan mused, snatching her bra up off the floor.
“Yeah, it would have,” Steven grumbled while watching Megan put away her huge boobs. “My balls got squished.”
“Poor, baby,” the heiress smiled warmly at Steven, taking any sting from the statement. “I’ll kiss them and make them better later.”
“That would be acceptable,” Steven nodded slowly.
“Gee, thanks,” Megan giggled. She placed her hands on her hips, giving him an even stare as she stood in just a bra. “Are you gonna get dressed?”
“Fuck,” he exclaimed softly, finding the view of Megan incredibly sexy. Her bra-clad breasts were perfect, and his eyes trailed down her flat stomach to her pubic mound.
“Staying naked?” Megan asked, sashaying over to him with those long, long legs. “As much as I’d love to watch you swing your cock around for me, we have to get downstairs.”
“It’s not my fault you look as good as you do,” Steven replied, his eyes flicking up to stare into Megan’s.
“You are certainly good for a woman’s ego, darling,” Megan said, kissing his cheek affectionately.
“So, do I sneak out the back door, or how are we explaining me here?” Steven asked, grabbing his boxer briefs off the floor.
“We’re on the fourth floor, dummy,” she laughed. “You can put it in my backdoor later, if you’d like, but for now we’ll just make Carter think you slept in the guest room.”
“I only have my suit in here,” Steven winced. “My bag is in the guest room.”
“Well, put your underwear on at least,” Megan instructed, picking up her panties. “I’ll keep Carter in the kitchen so you can get to the guest room.”
“Okay,” Steven agreed while Megan pulled up her underwear.
Steven put on his boxer briefs and gathered up his suit while Megan dressed in a pair of gray sweatpants and a t-shirt. Megan sent Steven a text from the kitchen that she was with Carter and the coast was clear. Rushing to his room, Steven sighed in relief when he made it safely. Or, at least, he thought he did.
“Ah, the walk of shame,” Kayla’s voice said from behind Steven, making him jump. “Always a classic.”
“Uh, hi, Kayla,” Steven mumbled, holding his suit jacket over his crotch.
“Did you have a nice night?” Kayla asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
The teenager was dressed in a knee-length sundress with thick shoulder straps and a box-neckline. The dress was white with blue flowers and looked both casual and cute. A pair of sandals covered her feet. She was leaning against the door frame, her arms crossed beneath her breasts as she smirked.
“I did, yes,” Steven admitted, uncomfortable with his state of dress. “Ready for the day a bit early, aren’t you?”
“I’m meeting Adrian at a cafe for breakfast,” Kayla answered, looking at Steven with interest. “Does it bother you that you had to sneak out of Megan’s room like a teenager?”
“No,” he shook his head. “Things are progressing with us, and I understand her not wanting her son to know just yet. I’m sure that’s going to be an awkward conversation.”
“I guess,” Kayla shrugged.
“Do you think it should bother me?” Steven asked, trying to keep his waist covered with his suit.
“I don’t know,” she replied. “I understand Megan having trouble with her young child knowing she’s involved with someone, but you two are basically a couple.”
“I know, we just don’t use the label,” Steven sighed. “I’m used to that.”
“Exactly,” Kayla responded. “She’s not being fair to you; you clearly want more.”
“And we have a date coming up next month,” he pointed out. “I’m hoping we can take things to the next level then.”
“A week in Fiji, how romantic,” she giggled. “Do you think you’re gonna become Carter’s step-dad?”
“We’re not that far just yet,” Steven smiled, loving the idea. He also felt weird knowing that Carter was Kayla’s half-brother, but he had to keep it from her.
“I just wanted to tell you that you’re a good guy and Megan’s a lucky woman,” Kayla smiled. “Don’t be intimidated; it’s just money.”
“Well, thank you,” he chuckled.
“You’re welcome,” she nodded.
“Uh, do you mind?” Steven asked, gesturing toward himself.
“Fine,” Kayla giggled, turning to leave before talking over her shoulder. “I enjoyed the view.”
Steven put on lounge pants and a t-shirt, then made his way down to the kitchen. Carter, Megan, and Steven said goodbye to Kayla before sitting down to a breakfast of pancakes. Steven was still distracted, so the whoopee cushion trap caught him, making Carter laugh.
The three of them cleaned up after breakfast and watched a couple of Saturday morning cartoons with Carter. Steven told Carter stories about setting his alarm to wake up early and watch cartoons. Megan and Steven described a few of the cartoons they liked when they were kids.
When Carter’s shows were over, Steven browsed a few streaming services to see if any of the old cartoons were available. Carter made a joke about being surprised something so old was still around, causing Megan and Steven to tickle-attack him in response. The six-year-old squealed, running away from the dancing fingers.
Steven and Megan each picked out a show so that Carter could try out a couple of episodes. Carter told Steven that his was great, but that his mother liked lame shows. Megan lifted his shirt so she could blow raspberries on his stomach. Steven chose not to take sides, letting mother and son fight it out.
Unfortunately, Steven had to leave not long after since he was spending the day with Theo and Noah. Sienna and Camilla were hanging out with Leslie and Conner, while Megan and Nell had plans to take Carter to a playground with a few of his friends.
In a cozy cafe in Greenwich Village, Kayla was sitting at a little corner table with Adrian Marino. Soft jazz filled the air as Kayla looked around, loving the exposed brick and wooden tables. Adrian looked very handsome in corduroy pants and a navy button-down. They flirted and exchanged friendly banter while sipping on coffees and eating croissants.
“Thank you again for agreeing to accompany me,” Adrian said charmingly. “I’m honored.”
“Triply honored? You’ve told me three times,” Kayla teased, a radiant smile lighting up her features as her dark hair framed her face.
“My apologies, it isn’t often I get to spend the day with such an exquisite creature,” Adrian replied in his light Italian accent.
“Smooth,” Kayla giggled approvingly. “Are you also going to tell me you’ve never met anyone like me?”
“Hm, perhaps,” Adrian nodded thoughtfully. “Since I’m an artist, I think offering to sketch you is also an important cliche to explore.”
“Yes,” Kayla nodded, remembering a sweet guy who once drew a picture of her. “I’d be so touched at how beautiful you saw me, I’d ask if that was what I really looked like.”
“I would confidently assure you that you truly were the most stunning woman I’d ever seen,” he explained.
“And then I go on about how deep and mysterious you are?” Kayla played into the script. “Maybe toss in a comment about you being tall, dark, and handsome?”
“Which leads to a romantic walk where I explain the importance of living in the moment,” Adrian continued. “I tell you about how the future doesn’t matter because we’ll always have this day, this one day out of our lives where only each other mattered.”
“At that point my panties would basically fall off,” Kayla said. “I’d let you do any dirty thing imaginable to me, and spend the next day glowing, thinking I was in love. A week later I’d be eating ice cream and crying because you never called. That’s how it ends, right?”
“I do not know. Perhaps you prefer chocolates to ice cream?” he joked. “In either case, I think I would be a fool not to call you, even if I never saw the wonderful secrets hidden under that sun dress.”
“So, you admit you’re thinking about what’s under my dress?” Kayla teased before taking a sip of coffee.
“I assure you, I only have the purest of intentions,” Adrian smiled before taking a bite of his croissant.
“And why don’t I believe you?” Kayla wondered, tapping her chin.
“I think because you have been hurt,” he answered seriously.
“I have, but I do have people I trust who I know would never hurt me,” she bit her lower lip. “My best friend would take a bullet for me.”
“I am sure they would,” Adrian said smoothly. “I hope we do not end up facing down the barrel of a gun today, but I assure you that I will do my best to keep you safe.”
“Ah, hoping for the ‘knight in shining armor’ cliche?” Kayla laughed.
“Hoping? No,” he laughed. “Although, I am enjoying the company of the gentle lady.”
“Gentle? You wish,” she stuck out her tongue. “I’d probably be protecting you. Or maybe you’d need protection from me.”
“Perhaps. We shall see how our day unfolds, milady,” Adrian inclined his head.
Kayla was enjoying the flirting, but she wasn’t sure where she wanted things to go. She was a beautiful woman who was also kind and friendly, so she was used to guys hitting on her. However, she had recently decided to be much more selective about who she got involved with.
Megan had even talked to Kayla about guys who were very, very skilled at faking an interest to get her into bed. The teenager could be a little naive in that regard, and had a couple partners she regretted. Noah had come on too strongly, making it obvious that getting her into bed was his only goal. Kayla liked him more when Noah started acting like a friend.
If Theodore Bauer hadn’t been so presumptuous and actually treated Kayla like a person instead of making it clear he saw her as three holes and two tits, she might have gone with him. Older guys could be really sexy. Yet, Theodore’s comments all came off as empty and meaningless.
Adrian seemed genuine, but so had her ex-boyfriend David, who had turned out to be a monster. David had fooled Kayla for months, so how well could she really know Adrian? Not knowing what to do was stressing Kayla out, so she decided to just keep her guard up and see where things went.
“Keep hitting me with that charm and I may be convinced of your desires,” Kayla smiled, her wavy raven hair framing her pretty face. “After all, many knights would love to find out what’s beneath a fair lady’s skirts.”
“Only a fool would not find you attractive,” Adrian proclaimed. “Yet, I will be quite content with the opportunity to show you the city through my eyes. I need nothing else.”
“Okay, then show me your city, good sir,” Kayla challenged.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“I’m ready,” Kayla nodded eagerly.
After breakfast, the two of them left the small cafe and walked to Washington Square Park. The beautiful park was known as the heart of Greenwich Village, and Adrian was excited to show Kayla all of its hidden secrets. Adrian took a picture of Kayla in front of the famous Washington Square Arch before leading her into the park.
The park was full of people, many of them milling about while others sat on benches and relaxed. A paved circle surrounded the famous fountain and there were a couple of hot dog stands set up. People walked their dogs on leashes, and Kayla could spot locals relaxing on the grass in the distance.
Kayla eagerly rushed over to the fountain, her sundress fluttering around her knees. Adrian handed her a coin and suggested she make a wish. Closing her eyes, Kayla wished for her half-sister to be born healthy before tossing the coin into the water, allowing it to sink to the bottom of the fountain.
The two of them walked along the paved roads, passing street performers, musicians, and painters. Kayla dropped a five dollar bill into the guitar case of a talented musician who turned out to be a friend of Adrian’s. He didn’t have time to talk, but he greeted them quickly before getting back to playing a catchy tune.
Neither of them knew who initiated the contact, but Kayla and Adrian were soon holding hands as they walked along the path. A few vendors had stands where they sold various merchandise, and Adrian introduced Kayla to a friend of his who sold handmade jewelry. Adrian insisted on buying Kayla a small bracelet, saying it suited her spirit. She blushed cutely before putting it on.
An entire section of the park was devoted to game tables. There were tables set up all over the place, allowing people to play chess, checkers, and other board games. With a mischievous grin, Kayla led Adrian over to a free table with a chess board. A quick check confirmed that they had all the pieces.
“I’m guessing you play?” Adrian asked while helping Kayla set up the board.
“I do,” she confirmed with a nod. “How about a little bet?”
“What stakes do you propose?” Adrian questioned.
“If you win, I’ll give you a kiss,” Kayla smiled prettily.
“I just might be willing to take a big risk for such a prize,” Adrian replied smoothly. “What would you like if you emerge victorious?”
“I want you to paint me,” Kayla answered simply.
“Hm, do you just want a smiley face on your cheek?” the artist asked teasingly. “Or I could give you whiskers and make you look like a cat?”
“Not paint on me!” Kayla laughed. “I meant like a real, professional portrait of me. Wait. Wow, that sounded vain, didn’t it? I just, I think you’re really talented and I’d like to see how you see me. Something for me to remember this day by. And to lean in to the cliche a bit.”
“You seem to really be playing up the cliche angle today,” he observed with a laugh.
“Considering all of human history, what isn’t a cliche now?” Kayla challenged.
“Everything, and nothing,” Adrian answered. “Even if something’s been done a million times before, it hasn’t been done by you. That makes it one-of-a-kind.”
“I like that,” she grinned. “So, do we have a bet?”
“We have a wager,” Adrian grinned, gesturing toward Kayla’s white chess pieces. “Your move.”
Kayla began with the king’s pawn opening, moving her pawn to the e4 space. Adrian chose the most common response, placing a pawn on e5. For her next move, Kayla placed her night on f3, threatening Adrian’s pawn. To protect the pawn, Adrian placed his own night on c6 before Kayla moved her bishop to c4.
“Did you know this opening is often referred to as the Italian Game?” he asked in his light accent.
“I did,” Kayla confirmed with a smirk. “Hm, if you know that, you must be quite skilled. Are you trying to hustle me out of a kiss, Mister Marino?”
“I would point out that you were the one to propose a wager,” Adrian responded. “Perhaps you are actually the hustler.”
“Who, me?” Kayla batted her eyelashes. “Couldn’t be!”
“Let us find out,” he offered, making his move.
Kayla and Adrian were both quite skilled at chess, and they were each determined to win. A woman with a good head on her shoulders was a big turn-on for Adrian. He couldn’t help but smile at Kayla when she managed to capture his bishop and snag an early lead. Kayla could tell Adrian was not going easy on her, and she liked that he respected her enough to know she didn’t need to be coddled.
They played aggressively, each attempting to take full control of the center of the board. Unfortunately, Kayla’s early lead made her overconfident, and Adrian was able to take her knight, leaving them tied on material. An exchange of queens followed a few moves later, leading toward Kayla making a mistake that cost her the game.
“Looks like I have a debt to pay,” Kayla observed, clearing the board.
“No need, I would not want to sully our first kiss with any ill feelings,” Adrian said. “The pleasure of your company is prize enough.”
“Oh, I know it is,” Kayla proclaimed with fake-arrogance as she got to her feet. “Yet, you have won a great prize; one you would be foolish not to collect.”
“A kiss from you would indeed be a reward I would be sure to remember for the rest of my life,” he inclined his head.
“Stand up,” Kayla instructed firmly as she stood in front of the table.
Adrian quickly complied, standing in front of Kayla and smiling at the gorgeous young lady. Reaching out, Kayla lightly caressed his cheek as she admired his handsome face, his green eyes, and his dark curly hair. Kayla stood on her toes and pressed her lips against his, lingering slightly before pulling away and smiling at him.
“Wow,” Adrian whispered, gazing into Kayla’s green eyes.
“That was because I always pay my debts,” Kayla said simply. “And this is for me.”
Kayla held Adrian’s face in both hands as she once again stood on her toes so she could kiss him passionately. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling Kayla to him as her tongue speared into his mouth. Time lost all meaning as they made out and clung to each other. They were both red-faced and panting when they broke apart and stared at each other.
The nearby tables had fallen silent, with quite a few people looking over at them. Kayla blushed and covered her face with her hands when she noticed everyone watching. A couple of older guys both gave a grin and a thumbs-up to Adrian as they gestured at the raven-haired goddess.
“Perhaps we should continue exploring the park?” Adrian suggested.
“That’s a good idea,” Kayla giggled, lowering her hands. “We’ve given everyone enough of a show.”
Leaving the Washington Square Park, Kayla and Adrian walked through the city until they reached the High Line. The High Line was an elevated park that had been built on an old elevated rail line. There were gardens and art exhibits, as well as plenty of opportunities to view the skyline and people watch.
The High Line weaved through various buildings, and they stopped at one with a colorful mural painted on it. Adrian wanted to learn more about the way Kayla thought, so he asked her for opinions on the mural. The two of them ended up talking about it for several minutes, both of them drawn to the artistic mural.
Lunch was at a rooftop garden cafe, providing fresh air and wonderful views. Kayla tried to order a glass of wine, but was carded and had to go with diet soda instead. Adrian decided to tease her by ordering an ice cold beer for himself to enjoy. She made a face and stuck her tongue out at him playfully.
It was about two miles to Central Park, the third park of the day, so they got on the subway after eating. Kayla teased Adrian about only taking her to parks, but he gave her an amazing explanation about the authenticity of parks and the city. There were people from all walks of life, there was romance and socializing, there were friends and artists, there was humanity.
And there was also Jane Silver.
“Jane?!” Kayla called out, heading for two women who had also just entered the park.
“Hm?” Jane turned to look at who was calling her. “Oh, Kayla! Hi!”
“Nice to see you!” Kayla grinned before glancing at Adrian. “Oh, this is Adrian Marino, he’s a friend of mine and an awesome artist! Adrian, this is Jane Silver, she works at Sphinx.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Adrian said with a charming smile.
“Likewise,” Jane replied politely. She was wearing leggings and a t-shirt while holding a frisbee. “This is Molly, my baby sister. Molly, meet Kayla Thomson.”
“Hi!” Molly waved eagerly, looking very similar to Jane. She leaned in toward Kayla, holding a hand over her mouth as she gestured toward Adrian. “He’s cute!”
Molly was slightly shorter than Jane, and her skin was more tanned, indicating an outdoor lifestyle or a lot of time at a tanning booth. The younger Silver woman also didn’t have the small mole above her lip that Jane had. Molly was twenty-five, three years younger than Jane.
“He’s not bad,” Kayla shrugged.
“I’ll take him if he’s not hot enough for ya!” Molly offered.
“I appreciate the compliment, but my affections are not so easily shifted,” Adrian inclined his head. “My apologies, Molly.”
“Ooooh, damn!” Molly giggled. “You’re a lucky girl.”
“Thank you,” Kayla smiled softly.
“Sorry about my sister, she rarely shuts up,” Jane rolled her eyes.
“Oh, shush,” Molly admonished her sister.
“Playing frisbee today?” Kayla asked, gesturing toward the disc in Jane’s hand.
“Ultimate frisbee!” Jane grinned excitedly. “With some friends I played with in college.”
“I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’ve never heard of it,” Adrian responded politely.
“Don’t feel bad; none of her friends knew what it was either,” Molly snickered. “She had to explain it to them, and one of them was convinced the rules were stolen from football.”
“It does sound made up,” Kayla giggled.
“It’s a real sport!” Jane whined sadly. “You two can join us if you’d like?”
“It’s up to you,” Adrian said to Kayla. “Sounds fun to me.”
“Let’s do it,” Kayla nodded.
Jane started excitedly explaining the rules, with Molly occasionally asking which sport ultimate frisbee stole each rule from. Kayla enjoyed Molly, and the three girls were quite friendly. Adrian was a good guy and got along well with everyone. Jane’s friends were nice as well, eager to let the two newbies join the game.
Kayla ended up on Jane’s team while Adrian played with Molly. The two teams were evenly matched at first, but Jane proved her worth and her team pulled ahead. Jane really was amazing at the game, having a great eye for the opponent’s strategy and how to disrupt it. Kayla was impressed.
Jane and Kayla also got to bond a little during breaks, talking about their lives. Kayla noticed Jane carefully asked a couple of questions about Steven and Megan, but quickly changed the subject, seeming like she didn’t really want to know. Kayla winced in sympathy, knowing a few of the details.
“Looks like you win this one,” Adrian said to Kayla after the game.
“Too bad we didn’t bet on this one,” Kayla giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck and pecking his lips.
“I would still be willing to pay the debt,” he replied. “Perhaps after dinner?”
“What debt would that be?” she frowned.
“Our original bet was for me to draw you,” Adrian explained. “You have a beautiful soul, one that should be put to canvas.”
“You’re gonna draw me?” she asked with a grin.
“If you would allow it, I’d love to paint you,” Adrian answered, reaching up to cup her cheek. “I won’t be able to finish tonight, but I can get it to you before your flight.”
“It takes that long?” Kayla frowned.
“Yes,” he chuckled. “An oil painting needs layering and drying time between coats. I’d get your main features tonight and finish later.”
“I’d like that,” she smiled softly.
“Okay, lovebirds, let’s go!” Molly interjected, wrapping an arm around each of them. “Save the kisses for later, I’m hungry!”
“Molly!” Jane hissed.
Molly, Jane, Kayla, and Adrian got food at a local burger stand so they could eat in the park with Jane’s friends. Then they had a quick dessert of ice cream before splitting off and going their separate ways. Adrian brought Kayla to his loft in Soho that was both his home and studio.
The loft had a huge open floor plan with large windows overlooking the street. The space was divided, with about half used for living and the other half for working. One side was covered in easels, canvases, and various partially-completed sculptures. The other side looked like standard loft living; there was a small kitchen in the corner, with another section containing a sofa, love seat, and large television. A loft bed required a ladder to reach, and a nearby door led to a small bathroom.
“Now this is a bachelor pad,” Kayla giggled, waking into the room with her purse slung over her shoulder.
“Well, I am a bachelor,” Adrian chuckled. “Can I offer you something to drink?”
“Sure, diet soda if you have it,” Kayla turned to smile at him. Her eyes went wide and she gasped. “Oh!”
Kayla immediately rushed over to the wall where the large painting was hanging. Shattered Embrace, the image of two abstract humans, one red and one blue, overlapping in purple. A smile lit up Kayla’s features as she admired the work, once again lost in its meaning.
“I brought it home after I saw your reaction to it,” Adrian explained, standing behind Kayla and placing his hands on her slim waist. “The way you lost yourself in the work made me realize I needed to see it more myself.”
“I love it!” Kayla breathed.
“It is inspiring me to create another image, one of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out,” Adrian whispered in Kayla’s ear, making her shiver.
“I-I’m ready,” Kayla stammered.
Adrian brought Kayla a soda to sip on while he got everything set up. He wanted to paint her in front of the window, with the natural light falling on her face. It was starting to get dark a little earlier, but they still had a little bit of time left. He had to hurry.
“Sit here,” Adrian requested, dragging a stool closer to the window. “The lighting is perfect.”
Kayla placed her drink on the table and walked over to sit on the stool, crossing her legs awkwardly. “Uh, do I pose? Put my hand on my hip, lift my chin? Smile?”
“Yes. Smile, beg for a treat,” Adrian teased as he walked over to Kayla.
“Ass,” she grumbled cutely as she squirmed on the stool. “I’m nervous.”
“Do not be nervous, just be you, be real. Just ... be. That’s all I need,” he explained with a smile.
“O-okay ... okay,” Kayla let out a breath before resting her elbow on her thigh and placing her hand on her chin.”
“Hm, almost...” he muttered, reaching out to brush a lock of raven hair behind Kayla’s ear, “perfect.”
Kayla felt the heat between them as she gazed into Adrian’s eyes.
“Don’t move,” Adrian whispered.
“Can I breathe?” Kayla asked as Adrian rushed over to his seat.
“Preferably, yes,” Adrian deadpanned, making her giggle.
They both fell silent as Adrian started working, his strokes creating scratches against the canvas. His brows were furrowed in concentration as he glanced between the canvas and Kayla. The sounds of the city easily reached them, yet the silence in the room itself made Kayla feel like she could almost hear her racing heart. There was an intimacy to the art session that she had not been expecting.
“H-how, ah, how long is this going to take?” Kayla asked, squirming nervously. “Sorry, it’s just intense.”
“Not much longer,” he promised with a smile. “Unless you keep fidgeting and add days to my work.”
“Hmph. Rude,” Kayla huffed before going still as she watched him closely. The intensity in his gaze made her heart skip as she felt butterflies in her stomach. “W-what are you looking for? My face doesn’t change.”