The Gallery (Contemporary Reverse Harem 4)

But I didn’t have to wonder for long.

She teetered in her high heels. “Hi, I’m Avril!” she exclaimed, grasping my hand in both of hers, then introducing herself to Chase and Gio.

“Hey there girlie, don’t knock my brothers over.” Blu gave her a stern look and straightened her up.

She shook her head, which seemed to slightly clear the cobwebs. “Sorry. I guess I’m a teeny bit buzzed.”

I ran my hand across her shoulder and reached for the long hair behind her back. She watched me pull a handful of it to her front, where I strategically let it drop, fanning over her left breast. When I let go, her gaze floated from my hand up to my eyes, where we stared at each other for several seconds. I hadn’t seen dark eyes that beautiful since—well—ever.

Blu watched the whole thing, unsure of what to do. He was usually happy for us guys to pursue a beautiful woman, but he was clearly protective of this one. I could respect that. I sort of felt the same way, and I barely knew her.

“What do you think of our club, Avril? Do you like it so far?” Chase asked.

She looked down for a second, then back up at us. “I do. It’s kind of shocking at first, but then you get used to it. It’s beautiful to see people enjoying themselves like this.”

Yes. She got it.

“Right?” Blu asked. “I mean, I could give a shit about straight sex. In fact, it’s kind of gross, if you ask me. But there’s something so sexy in the air at these parties.”

“Not to mention the money to be made, right Blu?” I added quietly.

He nodded.

“C’mon, let me show you around.” I extended my arm for her to hold. “Guys, do you mind excusing us for a bit?” I asked.

“Not at all Sum, you crazy kids go have fun. I have some meeting and greeting of my own to do.” He blew us both a kiss and scooted off, followed by Chase and Ash, totally comfortable leaving Avril in my qualified hands.

“We’ll catch up later, Sum,” Gio said, amused, watching Blu skip off into the crowd.

Avril and I walked to the second floor of the venue where Kink Lab was being held for the last time.

“It’s a shame you can’t use this place again,” Avril said. “It’s just perfect.”

“It is. It really is. But the building’s being turned into condos.” I turned to her, holding her arms. “But Ash told me he visited your gallery, and that it was the perfect alternative.”

Even in the dark, I could see her turn several shades of pink.

“Oh. Ash told you he came by?” she said, like she’d been caught doing something nasty.

I had to nip any concerns like that in the bud, and quickly. “He also told us he bought an amazing painting. And that he kissed you.”

She pulled out of my grasp and started to walk away.

“Avril, please. Wait.”

She whirled around. “Yes, Sumner, I kissed him.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“I just don’t appreciate him telling you that. I’m going through a lot right now, and I don’t like being gossiped about.”

“He likes you, Avril. So do I.”

“Huh?” she asked.

I led her to a sofa in a quiet corner.

“Ash would like to date you. And I would too.”