C4 Chapter 4

The footsteps drew closer and I slowly turned, meeting a pair of chestnut eyes from the man behind me. Dimples flashed over tan skin as Jules held out an arm in greeting, walking towards me with a bemused grin. He stopped a foot away, brushing his hand softly against mine.

“Fancy seeing you here, Katherine.” His deep voice rang out. His gaze wandered briefly to my lips before reaching my eyes, fixing me with unwavering focus. “I didn't realize you were in Matt's group.”

I tucked back my dark hair, feeling flustered at his sudden appearance. “I-I'm not. My roommate, Nelly, dragged me into this.”

Jules took a step closer. “Then I owe her my thanks. I was hoping to see you again.”

Shaking my head, I laughed softly at his unabashed words. The guy didn't have a shy bone in his body. “I didn't think we’d run into each other again.”

“All the more reason you should’ve called me.”

“Anyone tell you how bold you are?”

“All the time. I don't believe in wasting chances.” A breeze drifted past, catching a long strand of hair across my face. Jules lifted his hand as if to brush it back.

“You two know each other?” Nelly chirped, stepping over and throwing an arm around my shoulder. She flashed me a wide-eyed glance, her usual way of alerting to the presence of attractive men.

“Nelly, this is Jules. Jules, this is my roommate,” I introduced.

“So you're The Jules.” Nelly squealed and grabbed his hand, shaking it profusely. “I've been wanting to meet you. You sure did have Kat all worked up that afternoon.”

“Did I really?” Jules smirked, flashing those dimples again. I think Nelly swooned a little. “I was afraid I might have scared her off.”

“Oh no, not at all. She's just shy. Why, she fretted all day on whether to call you back.”

I jabbed an elbow at her, none too gently. “Jeez Nelle, thanks for that.”

She shrugged and slanted another side-eye. I could mentally hear her berating me for passing up on such a looker.

Jules turned back to me, those deep eyes sparkling with mischief. “Maybe you should give me your number instead. At least one of us isn't shy.”

“Great idea,” Nelly agreed. But before I could reply, Matt waved for Jules' attention.

“We'll catch up later, yeah?” He said, then with a lingering look, turned and headed over in Matt's direction.

I watched him leave, his tall silhouette haloed by the sun. His shirt molded over the defined lines of his back and down a tapered waist, and training shorts showcased a pair of cut thighs.

Nelly gawked at his retreating form before swirling around. “Holy smokes!”

I nodded in agreement.

“I can understand your hesitation – he’s very intense.” Nelly turned back to gape. “But Kit Kat, you're a knockout yourself. Don't fault the guy for playing all his cards.”

“He hardly knows me, so it doesn't make sense for him to be interested.”

“Some guys are like that, they don't waste time. I read it's like a Neanderthal thing.”

“You did not.”

“Yes I did. BuzzFeed said so.”

Shaking my head with a laugh, I gave Nelly a half hug. “You're hopeless, Nelle. And shouldn't you be focusing on surfer hottie over there?”

“Oh I know, isn't he gorgeous? I just want to sink my fingers into all that hair.”

Said man let off a piercing whistle, signalling the group to gather around. Nelly and I rejoined the others crowding around in a half circle with Matt and Jules in the middle. The pack had doubled with the arrival of Jules' team. Some members were brimming with zeal from their meditation, while others seemed half disoriented. I sneaked a peek at Jules, only to find his gaze aimed my way. Quickly averting my eyes, I ducked my head as a flood of shyness crept over me.

“I hope everyone enjoyed their meditation, or in some cases, a good nap.” Matt began with a boyish grin. “Now that your heads are clear, there’s no better time to practice reading oracle cards. Remember, you must keep an open mind here. This is all about connecting with nature and the energy surrounding us. There is wisdom should you seek it. Guidance should you accept. And answers await should you ask the right questions.”

Jules took a step forth, holding out a knapsack brimming with packets of cards. “Everyone should pair up and grab a deck here,” he gestured to the bag. “You'll take turns reading each other's card. The key is to take your time, to look up the meaning of your chosen cards and figure out how it relates to your circumstances. But most importantly, remember to have fun.” He spoke with the confidence of a natural leader, comfortable in commanding the crowd's attention. They watched him with captive eyes, and when he flashed his dimpled smile, a collective sigh rose from the females at the back.

The group cheered at his words and rushed forth, eager to grab a deck. I loitered behind as Nelly picked her way through the crowd and came back with the cards.

“I can't wait to see my future,” she held them up like it was a trophy.

I shuffled through the deck, admiring the illustration on each back. “Healer. Envy. Indecision. They are very creative with these.”

“It's called wisdom,” Nelly said. “And I'm a genius for signing us up.”

“Can't argue with that,” came Matt's voice from behind. I turned to see him and Jules approaching us while the rest of the group scattered to find secluded spots. Jules carried a deck in one hand, shuffling the card between his fingers. The tendons of his arm flexed with each swipe, and I had a sudden urge to trace the sinewy peaks and valleys.

Matt flashed Nelly a playful grin. “You were asking me to read your cards last time. How about we do it now?”

“You will?” Nelly perked up, but then quickly deflated when she looked over at me. “I came here with Kat though, it won't be fair if she has to sit out.”

“No I don't mind,” I quickly offered, knowing just how badly Nelly wanted to spend time with Matt. Heck, she was practically bouncing on her toes like a kid. “I'll just watch you two and get a feel for what this is about –”

“I'll be Katherine's partner,” Jules' voice interrupted. He held out his cards, those dark eyes twinkling with mischief. “I can walk you through the process.”

His intense gaze focused on me again, making me tongue tied and befuddled. Before I could refuse, Nelly clapped her hands like the issue was settled.

“Well this is perfect. Aren't we lucky to have an even number?” Without wasting a second, she linked her arm through Matt's and began pulling him away. Matt grinned at her indulgently and followed along as she directed them to a spot near the creek bank. Nelly looked back over her shoulders and gave Jules a mock glare. “Go easy on my Kit Kat, yeah? It's her first time.”

Jules’ hand brushed mine when he handed me the cards. “I'm your first, eh?”

A blush warmed its way over my face, so I pretended to be busy fiddling with the deck. His words were innocent enough but the husky note in his voice was anything but. Yet for all his easy flirting, there was a poignancy to his attention that made me feel like I was the only person in the room, and I secretly revelled in his intensity, unable to stay away. And so, with a flustered head and pink cheeks, I followed him past the clearing and into the forest where we gleaned a secluded spot nestled between overhanging trees. Finding a clear swath of grass, we settled side by side under a canopy of leaves.

Jules leaned back on his hands, the sun streaming through the branches to caress the side of his face. He sighed with a relaxed smile and closed his eyes, as if savouring the quiet forest air. I took the moment to drink in the sight of him, for it was the first time we were alone together. Even while sitting down, his tall form loomed over my small frame. His skin was burnished under the sunlight, glowing liked an Adonis in the woods. He tilted his head back as if to drink in the wind.

The artist in me knew he’d be my secret muse for many drawings to come.