“Oh damn. I was going to offer to blow you in the back room,” she pouts.
I look down at my watch. “If you keep talking like that I may have to leave my client to fend for herself in front of the judge.”
A laugh bubbles up from her. “I’ll let you go this time.”
I let her lead me by the hand to the back of the gallery where three of her sketches are now hanging next to Bridget’s portraits. “You’re taking up more real estate back here I see. Your boss knows what’s selling.”
Her gaze scans the frames. “Bridget’s the best. She offered to give me more space for my work. I jumped at the chance.”
I look at the sketches. They’re all uniquely beautiful, but one stands out. It’s a woman. The angles of her body are compelling. She’s been drawn from her side, her hair down around her shoulders, partially obscuring her face. It’s a larger piece than the others that I’ve purchased, but it would look amazing in my apartment.
I point at it. “That one.”
“This one?” Her finger skims the edge of the frame. “It’s more expensive, Griffin. You don’t have to buy it.”
“I want to buy it.” I inch closer to get a better look. “I want this in my home. You can have it delivered there, can’t you?”
“Of course,” she answers quickly. “I’ll arrange that today. I can have the delivery person call you to confirm the best time.”
“I have a doorman.” I turn to face her. “He’ll hold it until I get home so anytime will work.”
“I’ll need your address.”
I tug my wallet from my pocket before I shove my credit card and driver’s license in her hand. “I’ll wait here and admire my girlfriend’s work.”
She laughs. “I’ll ring it up and be right back.”
I stop her by the elbow before she can move, tugging her closer to me. I press my lips against hers for a deep kiss. “You’re everything, Piper. You’re becoming my everything.”
Her breath races over my skin as she tilts her head back to look into my eyes. “You’re becoming mine.”
Chapter 45
Piper
“If Bridget wouldn’t have given me the chance that she did, I would still be back in Denver teaching art class at a community center.” I smooth my tongue over my top teeth hoping to catch any wayward pieces of lettuce that may have settled there.
Beck nods as he chews. “When she first showed me your work, I was impressed. She said she got a recommendation from one of your professors?”
“Sally Dorman.” I fork another piece of lettuce but don’t bring it to my mouth. It’s been tough to eat. I’m too nervous. “She had reached out to Bridget a couple of years ago to purchase one of her portraits and they kept in touch.”
“I asked you to come to dinner because I want to talk about your future.” Beck rests both his elbows on the table.
I take a deep breath. “What about my future?”
“Each year I do a new artist showcase in Boston.” He looks to the table next to us where a woman is eating dinner with her daughter. We were witness to their warm exchange when the daughter arrived.
“I know all about that.” I smile. “Last year one of the artists was Newton Castroni. I’d already been following his career up until that point, but the exposure from your showcase made him a household name.”
“Newton’s incredibly talented.” He grins. “He’s almost as talented as you.”
I don’t know if he’s teasing me or not. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say that you’ll be in Boston for the unveiling of your sketches in the showcase.”
I stare at his lips. “Can you say that again?”
He chuckles. “Your work is going to be included in the showcase, Piper. Six of your sketches. We’ll choose them together.”