I was flirting with a brunette at a bar when Kade entered my line of vision. He was a few feet away, eyes locked on me, a faint smile on his lips. Doing nothing but observing me.

My starved artist eyes cataloged his appearance instantly: dressed in jeans, simple white button-up shirt, and a fresh short haircut. Spiked and messy hair suited him well, and he had a nice tan that contrasted well with his crispy white shirt. I found myself wishing to undo two more buttons of his shirt to enjoy that contrast more. He was more handsome than the last time I saw him, and my fingers itched to draw him, to get acquainted with his bodylines again.

I tried to focus on the brunette, Becca, but with my eyes constantly flicking back over to him, it was a lost cause. The smug bastard knew it because the next moment he approached us.

“I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have to steal Evan away.” Kade directed his most charming smile to the brunette.

“As long as both of you come back.” She winked back.

Kade took my hand and pulled me towards the door. Just like that.

I realized I didn't have any drawings of him in motion or of his back turned to me. How did I miss that? I had him standing, sitting and lying in various positions and states of undress, however I was still missing so many moments. My collection was far from complete.

Which position would show off his toned back the best? He'd have to be shirtless for full effect. Hands above his head, resting on his neck or propped against his torso? I'd need to work on lighting to cast a striking shade and emphasize his toned muscles.

When could I start? Was he busy tomorrow?

Somebody brushed past me in passing and brought me back from my zone. We were a couple of tables away from the door. I presumed Kade wanted to talk outside, and something told me I wouldn't be hearing the good news I waited for all this time.

“What, no hello and how are you? I’ll probably need to report this to your mom,” I joked to break the silence.

Kade's pace slowed to a stop, and he turned to me. A shiver ran down my body at his intense, pinning look. He hugged me tightly instead of giving an answer. I stood there looking at the door, people coming in and out, feeling relieved and happy. The bear hug felt like coming home.

I didn't know how yet, but at that moment, my gut told me we’d be okay.

My fingers were overjoyed from tracing his back again, busy memorizing muscles beneath the shirt, cataloging the new changes. His back felt hard and amazing, muscles more defined. This meant Kade had increased his workout in these past months while we were apart.

I wanted to capture that dip between his shoulder blades so much! The ripple of trapezius if he held his hands behind his head would look spectacular on paper. I swallowed down a shiver.

Damn it, how soon could I draw him?

“I missed you,” Kade murmured into my ear, hugging me tighter. “I missed you.” Desperate words were replaced by shallow kisses on my jaw, ear, and temple. “So much, you stubborn fool!” He took a deep breath and loosened his grip to look me in the eyes.

Full of determination and passion, ready to fight for what he believed in and wanted—this was the man standing in front of me. My heart rate went up just by looking at him, his guarded pale grey eyes steadily looking back at me, expecting to be challenged any moment. Yet I could do nothing but smile, feeling utterly happy.

My muse and friend, I had missed him as well.

I don't know how long we stood there, merely looking at each other. The logical part of my mind eventually voiced itself, reminding me that I had to put distance between us, set some clear boundaries. I should … however, my starved eyes and hands enjoyed his body too much to do anything about it. Letting him go so soon was out of the question; my fingers needed more time!

His expression shifted, and I watched tenderness seep in and replace that stubborn determination. Instead of worrying about it, I felt relaxed and excited at the same time. I closed my eyes when Kade rested his forehead against mine.

One new thought teased my mind at that moment: Did I or did I not want to kiss him?

He definitely wanted it, and I was curious too. My heart quivered at this new trail of thought, and a pleasant tingle pooled in my pants.

“I want you.”

Damn, it was empowering to hear him murmur those words to me. To have the raw need in his voice directed towards me instead of some random stranger.

I felt his stirring desire for me and was humbled, knowing I held that much power over him. My own jeans were getting snug in response, but I didn't mind the influence my muse had on my body.

“You can't have me.” I was proud I could rely on logic at such a crucial moment.

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