Giving In To Love (Strong Brothers 2)

"Well, I was thinking of a community arts center. A place where young, unknown talented artists could create their art and sell it."

My gaze shot up to his and I'm sure my expression was one of shock.

“I envision building individual rooms in such a way that captures the light but gives them their own little art space. They'll have a place to create, but also, they can display and sell it. We could also host art shows and other events here.”

My heart was beating so fast at the wonder of him. At the same time, I felt a bit guilty for not recognizing this side of him sooner.

“My plan is to fund it primarily through the Strong Foundation, and because I know artists don't make a lot of money at first, we can have a vetting system to determine their need so they wouldn't have to pay rent. Everything they earn here will be theirs. Of course, when they become rich and famous, they have to give up the space for another talented newcomer." He looked at me. "What do you think?"

I was almost too breathless to speak. "I think it's wonderful."

“There's only one space that no one else gets to have, and it's upstairs. Want to see it?"

My head nodded so fast I probably looked like a bobble head. "I'd love to."

He walked me towards what looked like a freight elevator and we got in taking it up to the second floor. Like the first floor, it was mostly open, except over at one end where some drywall had recently gone up. He led me to that area of the and through the doorway.

Inside, the room had large windows on three sides, letting the sunlight in from everywhere. The artist in me swooned.

Unlike the rest of the building, this room was filled with furniture and art supplies. There were easels and a table filled with paints and brushes and pallets. On another side there was another empty table near a window and not far from that was an old-fashioned, Victorian-looking couch. In the corner there was a small kitchenette.

"This is your place, Natalie. A real artist needs a real studio."

Again, my head whipped around to look at him. "My place?" I looked through the room again. All of this was mine. "What's the couch for?"

He shrugged. “It seems like a lot of old paintings always have a naked woman on the couch."

I arched a brow. "I don't normally do that kind of art, but maybe we could swap out a man."

He frowned. "No man."

I laughed. "Only you Hunter." And because once again I couldn't help myself, I launched myself into his arms holding him close. "I love it, I love it, I love it. And I love you."

"I'm glad to hear it. There's just one more thing."

I couldn't imagine what it could be. I was at my limit for wonderful surprises.

He took my hand and walked me over to one of the windows. Looking out, I could see the ocean in the distance.

"Light plays an important part in art, doesn't it?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Through it. You can see all the different sorts of textures or facets

, right?"

I was wondering where he was going with this. "Well, yes."

"So, what would be your artistic impression of this?” He pulled out a small velvet box and flipped the lid showing a lavender hued diamond.

My breath whooshed out of my lungs as I looked up at Hunter for an explanation.

"I imagine after everything that I've put you through, my reputation, and the short time that we've been together in this new way, that this will seem too much too soon, but while I'm a man who is cautious with his heart, I'm also a man who will reach out and grab something that I want. And I want you Natalie.” He took my hand, and squeezed it like he wanted me to be sure I was hearing all that he was saying. “I was a fool before. I fought myself and what I was feeling, but the truth is that I love you and I want to build a life with you."

I swallowed hard as his words and gifts overwhelmed me. "Is this art studio and art community something you did just so I would say yes?”

He shifted nervously. "I want you to say yes because you love me and want to be with me. But I also know that what I'm asking is a bit crazy, and you probably see me as a risk based on how I behaved before, so I thought maybe this would sweeten the deal."