be willing to do something else if he'd like. I obviously don't have a business card, so he told me to call him when I'm back from vacation and he'd be happy to come down and view my work."
"How much was he offering to pay for Brianne's portrait?" Kaito asked. The size of the piece was a good 12x16. It surely may go for a few hundred since it was hand-drawn and painted.
"Uh. I think he said five-hundred-"
"Isn't five hundred low?" Kaito interrupted.
"Five hundred thousand," Finnick finished, which left us speechless. He laughed and scratched his head with a sheepish grin. "The technique I used is one only a few people can. My dad taught me, but I never implemented it until now. You have to be in that mood to draw or it doesn't work. When I saw Brianne leaving and the rays of the sun were bathing her perfectly, it motivated me to switch projects and that happened. That's why he probably wants it. I still have a lot to do to get better, so we'll see."
"You declined five-hundred thousand?!" I gasped. "Finnick! You'd be rich!"
"What's money when I'm losing something as valuable as that?" he replied. "It's not every day I get to see Red in a sexy bathing suit looking like a descended angel with red hair."
"Orange and gold," I corrected and even glanced back at the painting to make sure he painted my hair correctly.
He laughed at my observation and kissed my temple. "I wouldn't mistake that, Red."
"Thanks, Finnick," I whispered, feeling moved by his actions and rejection of money. It really meant a lot. His painting was beyond magnificent and to have it as a gift only made it more important to me.
I pulled him down for a passionate kiss until he broke it to give me a curious look.
"Note to self. Have to paint more images of Brianne to get amazing kisses."
I laughed and slapped his chest. "Shut up."
Finnick chuckled and kissed me again before giving me a tight hug. "Go get changed. We'll wait for you here. Jax and Connor will be here any minute."
"Okay!" I replied. "I'll be back."
He nodded while Kaito smiled, and I began to walk to the changing room section of the beach.
With a big smile, I thought of the painting once more, the thought making my heart flutter while the anticipation of going out to party ran through my mind.
Despite a few bumpy blondes, today has been spectacular.
Dance With Three And Grow Stronger
"Mhmm." My hips were moving to the beat of the music while my lips were occupied with Connor’s. Jax's hands remained on my hips as we moved in sync, his hot breath tickling my flesh.
There had to be something in the air that made me feel as free as a bird. It could have been someone's perfume or cologne, or the pumping atmosphere that begged us to be happy and leave any burdens at the door.
Kaito and Finnick were truly missing out on this epic venue because it was mind-blowing. I owed Connor and Jax big time for finding me the perfect short but eye-catching dress. The colors shifted from neon orange to gold, and it matched some expensive, exquisite heels. It was the first time I’d really dressed up to this level of elegance, and I couldn't help but FaceTime Mia and Miya to confirm I looked decent.
Wasn't sure if it was allowed, but it was quick, to the point, and gave me the reassurance to finish the look by curling my hair and applying a touch of makeup.
I had to thank Mia and Miya for the blessed setting spray they gave me because my makeup had surprisingly survived the intense heat of the club, even with my body dripping with sweat from the two-hour dancing session we were still enjoying.
Our hotel ID passes got us access to the seven-star hotel’s club, and I was thankful I looked over twenty-one dressed up and standing in between Jax and Connor, who'd made sure they were up to the level of sophistication needed to even enter this place.
Not only did we get to enjoy a five-course meal and buffet of dessert, but there was also an open bar and the drinks here had something that gave you the urge to enjoy more. They had to have put some addictive stuff in there, like the salt they put on popcorn to get you to buy a drink at the movie theatre, because we couldn't help but get