“But you didn’t quit,” I said matter-of-factly with a gesture at the painting. “This is not the technique of a man who hasn’t painted since childhood. You’ve been practicing this entire time anyway, haven’t you? Even as you’ve been out partying, you’ve been painting, too.”
Rafiq smiled and actually blushed. It was terribly endearing. “No… I didn’t quit. But I’m also not brave like you, Evie. I never had the bravery to fight for the life I really wanted to live. Instead, I just protested the one given to me like a sullen child, instead of fixing it to be what I wanted. You’re right to be angry with me. You’re twice the person I am.”
“Rafiq,” I said sadly, shaking my head. “Don’t talk like that about yourself.”
“No, it’s true,” he said. “And I’m not afraid to admit that anymore. I have to face the truth of what I am if I ever want to become more than what I am. You taught me that, Evie. I can’t keep running from my mistakes or the person I’ve allowed myself to become.”
“What are you saying, Rafiq?” My heart was bursting in my chest as I listened to him speak so boldly.
“I’m saying I want to change the way I live my life. I don’t want to hide from things anymore. I want to be like you—to face the world like you, Evie. You’ve inspired me.”
My cheeks flushed, and I had to look away from Rafiq’s handsome, intense gaze.
“I want you to have this,” he said, holding out the portrait to me.
“Are you sure?” I said, taking the canvas delicately.
“Absol
utely,” he said. “It was always for you. Take it.”
With a smile, I did, and tucked it along with the rest of my waiting possessions in the bedroom.
When I came back out, Rafiq was waiting, watching me with his arms crossed, and the most sad, sullen look I had ever seen on his gorgeous face.
“I know I don’t deserve this, Evie. You were right about everything you’ve said about me, and I don’t deserve it, but…would you…” he looked down shyly. “Would you consider staying with me tonight? Please? I want to feel you next to me one last time before you go forever.”
Softly, I walked up to Rafiq and stood before him. Meeting his eyes, I nodded with a smile, and wrapped my arms around his broad, strong shoulders. At first, he tensed in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected it, but soon he was melting under my touch.
Rafiq’s arms slid around me hungrily as I stood up on my tiptoes to kiss him. He bent down and met my lips with an aching fervor. My heart danced, finally feeling his soft lips on mine, and the way his arms enveloped me as he held me against his body.
Rafiq pulled away from the passionate kiss with a breathless smile. “I’ve been dreaming of that.”
“Me too,” I whispered. “By the way, I want to change my mind, too.”
“Change your mind? About what?”
“About your proposal, earlier today,” I said, tracing a fingertip down his firm chest. “I want to be your girlfriend, Rafiq. I really do. Is your offer still on the table?”
Rafiq’s smile became a big, beaming thing. “Evie, do you mean that?” He cupped my jaw gently in his hand when I nodded, and gave me a loving, passionate kiss. “Of course! Nothing in the world would make me happier.”
He pulled away to scoop me up in his arms, and I squealed in surprise and delight, wrapping my arms around his neck as he carried me to his bedroom.