This chapter was betad by Sunflower Fran and NanStew. Thank you ladies! :)
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Stephanie Meyers.
Chapter 11
"I amuse you." It's not a question, but an observation. If that's where the infatuation lies, then I definitely can remedy this.
"No." He grins, shaking his head at me. "Children are amusing. Clowns, comedians, performers..." He trails off. "You're a work of art."
"Something to put up on a wall to be viewed every once in a while."
"Something to be admired. Have you ever actually viewed artwork, Bella?"
"Yeah, I've looked at a few here and there."
"Looking is only physical," He tsks, but quickly follows it by saying, "Now seeing...that's something special. That takes time and attention. Once I see you, Princess..." he pauses and glances over at me, my eyes already fixed on his face, practically hanging on his every word. "I'll be able to tell your story better than you can."
Chapter 12
Bella POV
"What are you really saying?" I ask, but he doesn't respond.
"I'm going to take you to a gallery one day, and I will enjoy the hell out of seeing you fall in love with a painting. Then and only then will you understand why you are so closely related to art."
"Explain now." I push for him to talk, finding that his passion is such a turn on.
"Impossible." He replies with a small grin, shaking his head.
"Try."
He glances at me for a second and his grin widens. Then with a deep breath he finally speaks.
"When I view art, I follow the steps as my father once taught me, that way I can fully appreciate the experience. I learned to believe and understand that it's possible to have an ongoing relationship with a piece that is unchanging."
"Now, I'd say that is impossible." I blow out a puff of air and shake my ponytail in the wind.
"Many would. However, my father is an artist so I've had the good fortune to be surrounded by his world my entire life."
"So how do you do it?"
He contemplates my question, proving how genuine and unrehearsed his words truly are.
"I take the time to see the art. No glance can capture the real meaning of a piece. So with a blank mind, I become transfixed. I live and breathe for one purpose only, forsaking all contrary thoughts."
"What happens then?"
"I fall in love and find that it's necessary in my life." He pauses and chances a glance at me. "Now do you see yourself as clearly as I do?"
I don't respond to him, I don't even speak because honestly what can I say to that?
Instead, I speed up my run, needing the darkness to reestablish itself around me, around my heart to continue to fight off this man.
Glancing out of the corner of my eye I see that he sped up as well, and he doesn't seem to be over exerting himself one bit.
He opens his mouth to speak, and I think back to what we were talking about only moments ago and stop him in his tracks. My heart can't take his words or his passion. I'm barely able to withstand his presence.
"I'll race you," I say before taking off down the beach with him hot on my heels.