Chapter 10 Unwanted Thoughts

"I can't believe this," I murmured while pacing around the studio.

How did meeting a conceited billionaire, whose name I didn't bother to learn, bother me so much? Thinking about him made my hands turn into fists as I remembered his stupid blue eyes and how he treated me as if I didn't matter. I was unfamiliar with feeling that way, as if I was small. However, I found myself going over the entire situation repeatedly in my mind like a repetitive tune.

Was I seriously this cheap? To become overly excited about a man whose only attractive trait was his resemblance to a GQ model? I felt my blood boiling while I continued to pace, attempting to get rid of the memory of his smug expression. It was not functioning.

I should've been focusing on something that actually mattered-like raising money for Lila. She was the one that needed me, not...whatever this was. Instead of focusing on something else, I found myself preoccupied with Mr. Tall, Cold, and Infuriating. I didn't know his name, and I found him unbearable. Still, I found myself here, allowing him to occupy a much larger portion of my thoughts than he should have.

Breathing heavily, I seized my sketchpad and sank into my seat, resolved to accomplish something worthwhile. The studio felt empty, and it made everything worse. The space was meant to be a sacred refuge for me, a place where I could immerse myself in my artwork. However, today served as a mere indication that everything was deviating from the original plan.

I gazed at the empty sheet before me, my pencil suspended, yet no matter my efforts, I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't stop thinking about him, about how his fingers held onto my wrist, the intense emotions that had arisen between us - anger and something I didn't want to admit.

Ugh, stop it, Eva.

The door creaked open behind me, and I glanced up to see Lucas strolling in, his usual carefree grin plastered across his face. "There's my favorite artist," he announced, kicking the door shut behind him. "What's got you looking like you're about to murder someone?"

"Nothing," I snapped, way too quickly.

He raised an eyebrow. "That 'nothing' sure does sound a whole lot like something.

I let out a groan and reclined in my chair. "Believe me, it's best as you don't know."

As always, Lucas walked over to the table and leaned against it, folding his arms with a smirk that revealed he had no intention of going anywhere. "Oh, I absolutely want to know. Spill."

I dropped my pencil and sighed deeply. "Fine. But don't laugh."

"Cross my heart," he said, tracing an 'X' over his chest jokingly.

"There was this...guy."

"Oooooh, a guy?" His grin widened, and I glared at him.

"Not like that. He was...he was just-ugh!"I covered my face with my hands, already feeling remorse for initiating this conversation. "He was the most unbearable person I had ever come across. His arrogance and impoliteness exuded a sense of superiority as though he possessed the world.

Lucas leaned in, clearly enjoying this way too much. "But here you are, still pondering over him.

I scowled at him while peeking through my fingers. "Please don't make it worse ."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," he said, but his teasing tone gave him away. "So, what happened? Did he insult your art? Spill coffee on you? Declare himself king of the universe?"

"Something like that." I crossed my arms, trying to stay vague, but I knew Lucas wasn't going to let me off that easy. He never did. "I might have unintentionally collided with him, and he dared to behave as if I was to blame. He had the nerve to request an apology, acting like he was doing me a favor just by recognizing my existence.

Lucas emitted a soft whistle. "Sounds like a real charmer."

"Oh, yeah, he was great," I said dryly. "Definitely the highlight of my day."

"Did you punch him?"

"I wanted to."

Lucas threw his head back and laughed. "Now that would've been a sight to see. I'm sure no one has ever confronted him in the past. Probably used to everyone kissing his feet."

I snorted. "Yeah, well, I wasn't about to start."

"Way to go," he exclaimed, giving me a pat on the back. Though, I gotta say, this guy's got you all worked up. That's not like you, Eva."

"I know," I mumbled, despising the reality of it. "I'm not sure why he's affecting me".

Lucas cocked his head, examining me closely. "Perhaps he is not the issue."

I frowned. "What does that mean?"

He gave a nonchalant shrug, showing his lack of concern. "You have a lot going on right now." Lila's situation, the art promotion...maybe this guy just hit a nerve because you're already stretched thin."

I hated how right he was. "I guess," I murmured, playing with my pencil.

Lucas's expression softened. "Hey, it's alright to feel angry, you know? You've been keeping it in for a while now, but it's alright to release some of that pressure.I arched my brow. Besides, you know what always helps?"

Raising an eyebrow in confusion,"What?"

"A distraction," he replied playfully, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's go have some fun, come on."

I groaned. "I don't have time for fun, Lucas. I have-"

"You have me, and I'm way more fun than sitting here sulking about some jerk in a suit." He seized my hand, pulling me up from my seat. "We're going outside."

"Lucas-" I protested, but he was already dragging me toward the door.

"Nope, no excuses. You need this. "Lucas firmly stated, "I won't accept a no as an answer."

Shortly after, we were outside of the studio breathing in the fresh air as Lucas led the way to the park. We participated in a fun frisbee competition with a lively group of determined kids. Their infectious excitement caused me to erupt into uncontrollable laughter, a feeling I hadn't felt in ages.

I fell to the ground, gasping and tired, but feeling wonderfully relieved. The anger I felt disappeared, replaced by the comforting feeling of having Lucas as a friend. He was right-I needed this. Recognizing the significance of releasing control, even if just for a moment, I permitted myself to relax.

I saw Lucas smile while he glanced at me, his chest moving up and down with every deep breath. "See? Told you I'm fun."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, okay, you were right. "But don't expect it to become a habit," I warned.

"No, I won't," he responded, getting up and brushing off his jeans. "But you're buying me ice cream next.

I laughed again, shaking my head. "Deal."

As we made our way back to the studio, I felt...better. Lighter. Maybe Lucas was right. Maybe I was just letting everything pile up on me. However it happened, I was determined not to allow a stranger to occupy my thoughts any more.

I sat at my desk in the studio, looking through my sketches. I was fully committed to concentrating on the important things-Lila, the art promotion, and the things that would have a real impact.

I refused to let myself be distracted any longer.