His Destructive, Toxic Love (Jasper and Eliza)

Eliza froze.

He figured out she had given him the painting only after she had 'died?'

What a joke.

"I've recently developed an interest in painting, and having you as my teacher is a great honor. If you think the pay is too low, feel free to name your price," he said calmly, eyes fixed on her face. "Don't worry. I can afford it." "Aaron told me that you took some design courses, so you're not exactly a novice, right?"

"Design and painting are quite different," he replied, offering her a cup of coffee. "I ground it myself. Give it a try."

"Thanks, but I don't drink coffee." She didn't take it.

He held it for a moment, then set it aside.

"Ms. Valerie, you seem to have quite a few opinions about me. Is it because of what happened in the restroom last time?"

Eliza didn't want to waste words with him; she just wanted to finish teaching and leave.

"Shall we get started?" She looked at him, signaling for him to bring out his tools.

"Please, Ms. Valerie, lead the way," he said with a shrug.

Eliza set up the easel, arranging her brushes and paints neatly. As she painted, he stood behind her. He was so close she could feel his body heat.

She uncomfortably pushed the painting board forward. "You need to draw this line first, then add color based on the light and shadows, like this..."

close, his lips almost touching her face. She jumped back, startled. "What

watching the painting." he

keep painting; I'm going to..."

Meanwhile, Aaron called.

back in Oak Falls in a few days.

rarely spoke with such gravity. "What's

It's not

over the phone.

was anxious yet

I see you in

talk when you get

"Okay, wait for me."

up, Eliza was lost in thought for a

"Ms.

"

The bathroom door

cra and Casper called

"Could you bring me

the

a glimpse at the neatly folded bathrobe. "Can't you get it yourself?" she

I'll just step out," he warned.

must have lost his mind. Eliza unwillingly fetched the bathrobe and approached the bathroom