Etching Our Way (Broken Tracks 1)

“Hmmm, I can see what you’re saying,” he replies.

I take a moment to look at him. His dark brown hair sticks up in all directions, almost as if he’s been running his hands through it constantly. The paint splattered black t-shirt and jeans that he’s wearing makes him stick out like a sore thumb; if not that, then the white Converse also covered in paint certainly makes him noticeable.

Harmony looks over at me quickly as if checking that I’m still here before turning to face Oliver. Her back goes rigid and her hands fly up to cover her mouth as a small gasp escapes her.

“You’re…. you’re him… I mean… Hi!” Her face flushes red under the lights.

Oliver grins and looks around. “Hi back.” He studies her and his eyes follow her hands when she drops them. “You’re a painter.” He says it like a statement.

Harmony frowns. “I am, but… how did you know?”

He reaches out and takes her hand in his which has my nostrils flaring and my feet moving closer to her.

“Your hands, you still have paint here.” He grazes the side of her hand with his finger and my fists clench. Calm down, Tris. “Is this your husband?” he asks, turning his attention to me and dropping her hand softly. “I’m Oliver,” he says, holding his hand out to me—although I already know that from seeing his photo in the paper after one of his paintings was placed in a gallery in Rome.

I place my hand in his and shake it, giving it an extra squeeze. His grimace lets me know that he felt it.

“No, we’re… friends?” Her comment comes out like a question as she looks at me. I keep my gaze fixed on hers for several seconds before nodding reluctantly. “This is Tristan Carter, my friend.”

Oliver frowns as he looks off into nothing and then his eyes widen. “The Tristan Carter?” I open my mouth to reply but he cuts me off before I manage to say a word. “You own Carter Enterprises?”

“I do,” I say, my voice deeper than usual.

“Ahh, man! I can’t believe you’re here looking at my art. Your software is the best on the market.” He opens his arms wide and spins around in a circle. “You see all these lights? They’re running off your Pearl software.”

I raise a brow and look around. “They are?”

“Yep,” he says, bouncing from foot to foot. “I have so many ideas for some new—” He stops abruptly and winces, turning back to face Harmony. “Sorry, you’re out with a friend.” The way he says friend makes me think he can feel that there’s more to it. “Can I call you and set up a business meeting?”

“I—sure.” I shrug. “Call the office and we’ll get you in sometime.”

He holds his hand out, only this time when he shakes my hand, he’s full of enthusiasm. “Thank you, thank you.” He shakes Harmony’s hand who is still standing there staring at him like he has two heads. “Nice to meet you…?”

“H—Harmony,” she stutters out.

He smiles before wandering off, fist pumping the air.

“Well… that was… surprising.” I chuckle.

“You… you just made arrangements to have a business meeting with the Oliver Hunt. Oliver Hunt is using your software.” She turns toward me, her eyes wide. “That’s amazing. My mind is officially blown.”

I snort and shake my head. “It’s nothing.” I shrug it off, but even I know that it’s a big deal. Having someone like Oliver using our software will pave roads for us that could change my whole company. “Have you seen all the paintings?” I ask, changing the subject.

“I have. He has an incredible mind, I’d love to have one hanging in the studio.” Her gaze flits back to the first painting before she shakes her head. “Maybe someday.”

I study her for a beat before saying, “I’ll give Edward a call.”

Taking her empty glass from her, I place it on one of the tables that are scattered around along with my empty glass. I start to walk away but her heels clicking on the floor behind me have me coming to a halt as I turn around to face her.

“I’ll come with you, I could use some fresh air,” she states.

I smile and nod, holding my arm out for her. She tucks her hand into the crook of my elbow and we walk through the vast space and out into the cool night air.

Pulling my cell out, I shoot Edward a message telling him we’re ready for him to pick us up. However much I don’t want this night to be over, I know that I’d be pushing my luck if I asked her to dinner or for a drink. We’re trying to get to know each other all over again, and it means that I need to tread carefully so I don’t get too far ahead of myself.

When I pocket my cell, I lift my head and see her standing under one of the lights as it pulses to the beat of the music, which I now know is running off my company's software. Her eyes twinkle and I can’t help but get caught in her stare. She’s always had a way of pulling me in like no one else ever could.

My feet are moving toward her before my mind even registers it, her chest rising and falling as her breaths become faster the closer that I get.