Painted On My Heart

“That’s not a problem. Is someone scheduled to hang the pieces?” Arik asked, turning his attention to Sara.

“Yes, sir. They’ll be here early in the morning. I’m meeting them at six. We should have it all together by the time the gallery opens,” she said, adjusting the purse strap on her shoulder, clearly heading out for the evening.

“It’s cutting it close,” Gregory replied.

“He said he had some vandalism to his delivery vehicle.”

“And he couldn’t have called?” Gregory’s irritation brought out his New York accent, making his tone harsher, which seemed to startle the locals. Arik reached out and placed a hand on his GM’s arm, indicating he’d take it from there.

“I didn’t ask. Gage didn’t seem concerned,” she responded somewhat defensively. A loud clap of thunder followed by a quick flash of lightning lit up the front lobby, intensifying the critical arch of her brow as she stared straight at Gregory.

“Does he know to pull to the front?” Arik asked, drawing her attention to him.

“Yes, sir. I was telling Gregory, I have a Dallas Chamber meeting tonight, but we should keep the doors locked now that his work’s here. I’m actually already late. Gage wanted me to ask if you wouldn’t mind letting Kellus in when he arrives. He says you and security both have a key. The drive’s too far for me to come back and forth,” she explained, reaching for the umbrella in her purse.

“Absolutely,” Arik nodded.

He honestly couldn’t believe he’d missed Kellus’s arrival since he’d scouted the gallery for most of the day and evening. Waiting to let him inside easily guaranteed another meeting. Resisting the urge to grin and offer Sara a job well-done handshake, Arik schooled his features and slid his hand inside his pocket, the file all but forgotten under his arm.

“I better get going. It’ll take a while in that.” Sara pointed to the rain outside the front windows.

“Have the valet get your car,” Arik suggested. He received a clear look of relief from Sara and an astounded look from Gregory.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” She was professional, friendly, seemed well equipped to do her job, and when she turned back with a wave and an appreciative grin, he grinned in return and lifted a hand. Seconds later, he headed to the security desk.

Kellus Hardin would be back sometime tonight. Arik’s focus had been divided all day, his curiosity piqued. This was bordering on new ground for him and a strange place to be. He should leave for the night, go home, get some rest, and be ready for tomorrow.

“Are you listening at all?” Gregory grumbled irritably, causing Arik to turn in the direction of his voice.

“No, what?” he asked. Gregory walked the several feet to catch up to him.

“Will you be around or do I notify security to be on the lookout?”

“I’ll be here. I’m headed to security to have them call me when he arrives.” His decision now made. Even though he knew he should leave for the night. He couldn’t, he had an artist to meet, or better yet, he had an artist to impress.

What was wrong with his head right now? He was as bad as his under-performing staff. Gregory came closer, his facial features hardening before he began to scold Arik.

“You’re being inconsistent. You made an impression with that meeting today about getting this place in order. You can’t waffle now. Valet shouldn’t have gotten her car. That place should already be ready to open. You’re sending the wrong message.”

Gregory was probably right, and he truly didn’t understand what was going on with him, but the kinder, gentler side of his personality had taken over his actions at this very moment. He nodded to Gregory, acknowledging he’d heard his words, before continuing on his course.

If Arik were smart, he would move to the backburner any man who garnered this much thought during a particularly critical time. Common sense dictated he wait to pursue Kellus Hardin. Luckily, Arik had never been top in his class on common sense. He always followed his gut, and it had proven right every time. Arik straightened his tie and rolled down his shirtsleeves as he stepped in front of the security stand.

“There’s an artist arriving tonight. You’ve probably seen him a few times. His name is Kellus Hardin.” He waited for any sign of recognition, when he got a firm nod, he continued. “I’ll be in my office. Call me the minute the delivery vehicle pulls up. He’ll need help unloading, so please have everyone on standby.”

Only in the privacy of his office did he steal a glance in the mirror. Quickly he finger-combed his hair. Maybe he was just star-struck. That had to be it. He didn’t have too many people he admired, but Kellus Hardin was one of them. Being sexually attracted to the man was just the icing on his fan-boy cake. He took one last look, then went for the breath mints in his desk drawer. He hoped Kellus arrived soon.