The Hesitant Model

Click here to view the image that prompted this story.

She turned to face the artist and pouted. “Is this better?”

He frowned and placed his brush down. “No, not really. Can you turn to the window there? And part your hair, please.”

She did as requested, and a blush slowly crept up her cheeks. Warm sunlight poured through the open window, painting her uncovered body with orange streaks. She looked toward the mirror in front of her and caught his eye. “You didn’t tell me I’d be on display like this.”

He smiled mischievously. “You didn’t ask.”

Her eyes fell and he saw tears welling up in her eyes. He stared at her in awe, trying to memorize her soft features as her emotions switched quickly in the moment. Was she embarrassed? Annoyed? Angry? Everything at once? He took up his brush once more and started to paint quickly.

She stared at the mirror as he worked away at his artist’s pad. Through his flitting glances, she saw his fiery passion and reeled her feelings in, knowing how it could be when inspiration struck him. So she continued to stare blankly at her reflection, until she felt a pair of arms hold her close.

He felt her relax in his arms, and he smiled.

–
Image source: reddit.com/r/Art/comments/7pc4he/salome_watercolor_16_x_16/
First written January 10, 2018.
#101