I still have no clue who she is. Nick starts to shake, then coughs, covering his chuckle. “Shannon runs an online blog,” he explains to me.
“Oh, that’s interesting.” I try my best to sound sincere, which is a waste of breath. Her eyes cut to Nick, and she crosses her arms defensively.
“It is hardly just an online blog. It’s a social entertainment platform covering the most popular and exclusive events in Miami. I have thousands of followers who rely on my news coverage.” She stops short of stomping her foot.
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Shannon.” I try to pacify her oncoming hissy fit. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
Her eyes slice back to me, clearly still offended by the ‘blog’ comment.
“Yes, nice to meet you, too. I’d love to chat with you further.”
I stupidly assume she’d like to discuss the gallery, seeing as it is why we’re standing here. “Sure, call me on Monday and we can schedule a time. I have a full calendar of upcoming events and even a sneak peak into next year.”
Her face twists uncomfortably as she processes my words. Then she starts to shake her head with a cynical laugh. “Oh, that’s fine, but I’m more interested in your relationship with Nick Bennett. My followers are going to want to know exactly how you landed Sexy Six.”
Nick goes stiff beside me, a low growl escaping him. “Shannon, Grace is a respectable business owner. She’s not going to be a sleazy piece of gossip for you. Our relationship is private. Our personal lives are personal. Leave it alone.”
She glares at him, and her lips tilt in a scary grin. “Whatever you say, Sexy. See you around.” She leaves without another word to me and struts outside.
“Sweet Peach?” Nick cups my chin, bringing my face to his. “You okay?”
“She’s a piece of work.”
“She’s a spoiled little rich girl whose daddy has bankrolled her hobby in order to keep her happy. He’s a prominent CEO in banking and doesn’t know how to say no. He uses his position of power to keep her happy. I’ve had many run-ins with her little act, and it’s easier to ignore her than tell her to fuck off. I did that once, and Shaw almost had a coronary.”
“Why, does Shaw like her?”
“No, he hates her ass, but it was poor timing on my part. I was about to do a public bullying campaign with a few other players, and it looked shitty to have me telling a woman to ‘fuck off’.”
“I think I’ll conveniently forget I offered to chat with her, and I’ll explain it to Logan to stay away, too.”
“Probably a good idea.”
He’s about to say more when we’re interrupted by another couple. This time Nick knows them and steps away from me, embracing the woman gently. There are a few words exchanged before Nick turns to me and introduces me to one of the team doctors and his wife.
Like with Shannon, Nick introduces me as his girlfriend, but this time, there is no judgment, only smiles of approval as he keeps me close.
I glance over my shoulder to see Logan eying me with a supportive smile. He raises his glass in appreciation, and I tip my head in acknowledgment.
Every bit of apprehension I’ve been carrying around dies.
I can do this.
Scratch that. We can do this, and we can kick ass every step of the way.
Chapter 12
Nick
I hold tight to Grace’s hand the entire drive back to her place as she replays the events of the night. It sounds like she and Logan had an extremely successful evening. I’m not surprised when she mentions she had to remove her glass sculpture from the display because of endless inquiries to purchase it. She tries to act blasé about it, but I can hear the tinge of excitement, knowing others loved the piece as much as she does.
“I told you it was incredible and one of a kind,” I remind her.
“Yes, it’s surreal, though, that people may actually want to buy my work. I’m sure every artist goes through this.”
“You’ve never sold anything before?” This piece of news surprises me. She may not have made a lot of money, but I’d think she’d have sold something in her own gallery.
“I have, but not a glass piece. Since it’s my passion, it’s where I’d like to focus once I’m comfortable.”