· 7 min read
Brush Strokes of Desire - part 1
This is it.
Your new start.
You step into the buzzing community center, the smell of oil paint wafting through the air.
The room is alive with the sounds of brushes gliding across canvases and chatter between artists.
A burst of creative energy fills you as you make your way to an open seat at one of the long tables in the back.
The community center serves as a haven for local painters, where they gather to share their ideas, techniques, and inspiration.
It’s been two weeks since you moved to Bellbrook, seeking a fresh start and newfound artistic inspiration.
You glance around at the various paintings adorning the walls, each one showcasing unique styles and perspectives.
You can feel your creative juices flowing as you set up your supplies on the table in front of you.
The instructor of this painting class, Bradley Bradshaw, is a renowned artist and cherished teacher among his students.
He’s known for his ability to bring out the best in aspiring artists, with a keen eye for detail and an uncanny knack for understanding their needs.
As he enters the room, you can feel the energy shift; all eyes are on him.
Bradley’s presence commands attention.
He has a charming smile that lights up his face and a magnetic personality that draws people towards him.
His dark blonde hair is styled carelessly yet perfectly, and his blue-green eyes sparkle with passion and enthusiasm as he surveys the room of eager artists.
As Bradley begins discussing the day’s lesson on color theory and composition, you can’t help but be drawn to him.
His words are captivating, and the way he moves around the room, offering guidance and praise, is mesmerizing.
You listen attentively, taking mental notes of his advice and admiring his effortless mannerisms.
As the class progresses, you start working on your initial sketch.
The subject matter is a simple still life, but there’s something about it that speaks to you – it feels like a personal challenge to capture its essence.
You become engrossed in your work, losing track of time and space as you pour your heart into the piece.
Bradley makes his way around the room, offering tips and critiques as he goes.
When he reaches your table, he stops abruptly – a smile forming on his lips as he studies your work.
Your breath catches in your throat as his eyes meet yours, holding a moment longer than necessary.
“This is truly exceptional,” Bradley says, his voice low and soothing.
His fingers brush against your hand lightly as he moves it aside to adjust the position of one of the objects in your still life.
“You have a natural talent.”
Is he being professional, or is there something more behind his words?
Your heart flutters at the warmth of his praise and the soft touch of his hand.
You can feel the heat rising in your cheeks as you thank him for his kind words.
“How about some private lessons?” Bradley asks casually, leaning against a nearby table.
“I think with the right guidance, you could truly blossom into an exceptional artist.”
The prospect of having one-on-one sessions with Bradley excites you to no end – not just for the chance to improve your skills under his tutelage but also because it means spending more time in his presence.
Your heart beats faster as you eagerly accept his offer, trying to maintain a calm demeanor while inside you’re bursting with anticipation.
As the class comes to an end and everyone begins packing up their supplies, you can’t help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
This could be the start of something…
interesting.
You leave the community center with a newfound confidence, your heart pounding in your chest as you replay Bradley’s encouraging words over and over again in your mind.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” Bradley says, his eyes lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary before he turns to speak with another student.
The brief connection sends shivers down your spine, leaving you breathless as you walk out into the cool evening air.
You stand outside Bradley’s studio door, taking deep breaths to calm your nerves.
Your heart races as you knock gently on the wooden surface.
“Come in,” a deep voice calls from within, and with shaky hands, you twist the knob and step inside.
The studio is filled with natural light, casting a warm glow over the art supplies neatly arranged on a large table.
Bradley is busy preparing an easel near one of the many windows when he looks up and offers you a welcoming smile.
“Good to see you,” he says, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Thanks for having me,” you reply, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the intimacy of being alone in this space with him.
You’re not sure if it’s just your imagination, but there seems to be a palpable energy between you – an unspoken chemistry that makes you both nervous and excited at the same time.
Bradley gestures for you to take a seat at the table, where he has already set up materials for today’s lesson.
“I thought we could start with a still life,” he explains as he arranges various objects on a tray: a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit, and an intricately patterned scarf.
You nod in agreement, focusing your attention on the task at hand while trying to ignore the fluttering sensation in your stomach every time Bradley glances your way.
As you begin sketching out the composition, he moves behind you, his body uncomfortably close as he leans forward to study your progress.
“You have a great eye for detail,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky in your ear.
You feel a shiver run down your spine as his breath tickles the sensitive skin on your neck.
The combination of his proximity and praise creates an intense sensation that is equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming.
Bradley’s fingers gently guide yours across the canvas, helping you to refine the lines and shapes in your work.
“Remember, it’s all about capturing the essence of your subject,” he says softly as his hand brushes against yours.
The contact sends an electric shock through your body, making it difficult for you to concentrate on anything but the warmth radiating from where your skin touches.
As the lesson continues, Bradley remains close by your side, offering advice and encouragement while helping you to develop your artistic skills.
With each passing moment, the air between you grows thick with tension – an undeniable attraction that seems impossible to ignore.
“You’re doing great,” Bradley murmurs, his breath warm against your ear as he leans in for a closer look at your progress.
His nearness causes your heart to pound wildly in your chest, and you can feel the heat rising to your face.
You’re not sure how much longer you can maintain your composure with him standing so close.
As the lesson comes to an end, Bradley steps back to admire your work – a stunning still life that captures the beauty of the objects before you.
“This is truly exceptional,” he says, his eyes full of genuine appreciation and pride.
You can’t help but blush at the compliment, feeling a sense of accomplishment in having impressed him with your skill.
You gather your things to leave, still reeling from the intensity of your time together.
As you make your way towards the door, Bradley calls after you, “Tomorrow, same time?” His eyes lock with yours, conveying a sense of longing and desire that is impossible to ignore.
You hesitate for a moment, torn between the thrill of pursuing this connection and the fear of getting too close.
Ultimately, your curiosity wins out, and you nod in agreement.
“Same time,” you reply, feeling both excited and nervous about what tomorrow might bring.
As you walk away from Bradley’s studio, your skin still tingling from his touch, a single thought echoes through your mind: What am I getting myself into?