Painted On My Heart

The startled speaker stopped midsentence and Arik didn’t bother looking back as he left the room.

He quickened his pace the closer he got to the front lobby. With all the activity, it was silly to think he could hear the art talking to his soul, but he did. He rounded the corner, his focus centering only on the piece he’d waited so long for. Even though there were people in the area, he didn’t bother with pleasantries, going immediately to the art now hanging in the dead center of the most pivotal point in the lobby. It was the perfect piece. For Arik, everything that had gone wrong had just been iced over. His world was set right. The colors, the contrast… Everything about it spoke directly to his heart.

As he walked forward, he decided if the artist lived local, he needed to know him. He also needed to move forward on contracting his services. He wanted matching pieces, a running theme throughout the resort. He stopped about twenty feet from a guy holding the remains of a box big enough to have held the picture.

“It’s stunning,” he said, his eyes taking in every curve of the design as he moved in closer to inspect the piece.

“Even if it is upside down.”

Arik barked out a laugh and turned toward the guy. As focused as he’d been on the art, his attention shifted to the man standing in front of him. How had he missed him? The man was tall, muscular, and mouth-wateringly handsome. He’d bet a million dollars the guy was born and bred here in Texas. Something about Texas men seemed to draw his attention, make him take notice. This one more than most.

“Arik Layne,” he said and stuck out a hand. He watched the delivery driver’s eyes widen. A faint blush hit his cheeks before something masked across his face. There was a pause, but the guy did finally reach out a hand, giving a firm, bold handshake.

“Nice to meet you.”

“How’s it look?” Gage called out, drawing his attention to his cousin. “I’m pretty sure I just won best cousin on the planet.”

“That you did. It’s magnificent,” Arik praised, giving his cousin his moment to shine. As much as he wanted to get up close and personal with the art, he hesitated and turned back to the hot delivery driver. Arik made a full turn all the way around and only caught sight of the retreating form as the man lifted the back door to the truck and tossed the cardboard inside. His eyes narrowed until Gage slapped him on the shoulder.

“He did good. You owe me.”

Arik listened halfheartedly. He hadn’t gotten the guy’s name. Someone like him would most definitely make moving to Dallas worth the effort. Homegrown Southern boys were a distinct advantage. Arik turned, focused back on the moment, but he made a mental note to explore the delivery company that had brought his magnificent art.

“It’s really perfect.”

“Yeah, it is. I called a break to come see. I’ve gotta get back to the meeting. I’ll catch you later. Thanks a lot, Gage.” Arik turned toward the front drive in time to watch the truck pull away. Now that he had the art, he’d explore the other later. He smiled, thinking how he liked a challenge.

~?~

Heat flooded his face as Kellus hoisted himself inside the cab of the truck and started the engine. When his hands went to the wheel, they were trembling. He closed them tightly around the leather, trying to catch his breath. He really liked the way Mr. Layne had responded to his self-deprecating sense of humor. No one ever laughed along with him like that. Instead, they always tried to make sure he knew how great they thought the piece was whether they truly appreciated the art or not.

Oh, who was he kidding?

This weird reaction had very little to do with his ability to joke and everything to do with his traitorous dick that ached on a level only a man who hadn’t had sex in almost a year would understand. Arik Layne radiated everything he found sexy in a man. From the way he carried himself to the air of power that made Kellus want to drop to his knees and submit to Arik’s authority. In that brief exchange, Kellus’s visceral response had shocked him. He’d taken in every gorgeous feature—the perfect, dark blond hair that he was positive would look even more amazing tousled after a night of unbridled passion; those amber eyes he was certain held many secrets; the full lips made for sinful kissing. Not to mention that rich, deep tone of voice that seemed to caress his skin with every word.

A knock on his window scared the shit out of him, jerking him from his trance. He had gotten so lost in reliving the memory of that voice, he’d forgotten not only where he was but that he was in the middle of a fast getaway. Quickly, he rolled down the window.