Frostbite

She smiles when her lips leave mine.

“Go home and get some sleep, Raelyn.” I press my lips to her forehead. “I’ll call a car to take you home.”

“I’ll get an Uber.” She looks into my eyes. “Thank you again for all the art supplies, Calder.”

I nod. I should be thanking her for every kiss she’s given me tonight.

“I’ll see you later.” She winks. “Since it’s already tomorrow.”

I watch her walk out of my studio, taking a little piece of my heart with her.***Two hours later, I rub my forehead as I sit at Raelyn’s workstation. I took a shower and chased sleep by getting into my bed. It didn’t come, so I’m back in my studio, staring at the broken shards of an exquisite work of art.

I’ve tried to piece it back together. I’ve realized that it’s impossible, but what I’ve managed to connect has shown me that Raelyn paints from her heart. The ornament scene is of a mountain with a fresh stream flowing from the snow-peaked caps.

It’s not as simple as that, but the purity of the brush strokes is flawless.

She created this in the span of a couple of hours. It’s incredible.

A sound behind me draws my gaze over my shoulder. It’s nearing three a.m., so unless that’s Raelyn strolling back into my studio to spend the night with me, I’m not interested in who is behind the door sliding it open.

William, Bauer’s older brother and my best friend shoots me a smile as he enters the studio. He pockets the keys he used to enter.

It’s the middle of the night to the rest of Manhattan, but William looks like he just left the tailors. He’s wearing one of his custom-made three-piece suits. His brown hair is cut to perfection, and the wool overcoat draped over his forearm is likely Italian made just for him.

“Calder!” he calls out. “You need me.”

Pushing to my feet, I laugh at that. “Like hell, I do. Why are you here?”

“Bauer said you met someone.” He drops his overcoat on a chair near the studio door. “Raelyn. Tell me about her.”

“Why?”

“So I can help you not screw this the fuck up.” He perks a dark brow.

William’s job is to help men. He’s an advisor of sorts. He counsels wealthy men in New York to become the best they can be. I may not be hitting the nail directly on the head. William’s always been vague about what he does to earn a living.

“Don’t you have a woman to charm?” I ask with a smile. “They must be lining up to jump all over you.”

“They are,” he says with a straight face. “We’re not talking about who wants me. I’m here because you want someone.”

“She wants me too.”

His brown eyes narrow. “You know this how?”

“We kissed.”

A smile perks the corner of his mouth. “That’s a good sign. You like her, don’t you? Bauer said there’s a spark between you two.”

“Bauer may feel something, but he’s not my type,” I deadpan.

“A joke and a smile.” He pats me on the cheek. “I already like this woman. Don’t drive her away, Calder. If she’s good for you, break down those walls and let her in.”

“I need those walls to create sculptures,” I half-joke.

I’ve always used my inner demons as fuel for my work. Most of that is related to my grandparents’ deaths and my regret that I didn’t see them more when I had the chance. I’m not holding tightly to any of my past pain, but I’ll dive back into it if I need the mood shift to find my muse.

“You need a hammer, some metal, and a few other tools.” He points out. “Let her goodness seep into you, Calder. There’s inspiration in that.”Chapter 18RaelynI carry my entire wardrobe with me as I travel the world. Usually, if I buy something new to wear, I’ll donate an older piece to charity. Today, I’m looking at what I have available.

Calder has already seen me in the red jumpsuit, so my choices are limited to a black dress, a red dress, or a white one. Because it’s the dead of winter, I opt for the black one.

It has a plunging neckline, and the bottom hem falls just below my knees.

Paired with my black heels, I’ll look elegant. That’s the look I’m going for tonight, even though Calder didn’t mention where we’d be dining.

There’s a knock on the guestroom door. Before I can say a word, my sister wanders in dressed in what looks like pink pajamas.

“I came to see if you wanted to make popcorn and watch a movie, but it looks like you have a date.” She eyes me from head-to-toe.

I could lie, but where the hell would I be going dressed like this besides a date?

“I have a date,” I affirm with a nod.