Page 70 of Alpha Varsity

It’s not like the gallery visits went well for me.

“Well, no…”

Asher shrugs. “I’m just thinking it might be another way to get your stuff out there. I mean, in addition to galleries and what-not.”

“Um, yeah. I mean, I don’t have the slightest idea how to go about that, but I should figure it out.”

“Yeah. Or I’ll figure it out, and you keeppainting.” Asher folds the two-page list of paintings into squares and tucks it in his back pocket. “Also, I have a surprise for you.”

“You do?”

“Yep. It’s at Sweet Treats.”

“Aren’t they closed?”

“I have keys. Meet me in the back alley in fifteen minutes.” Asher ushers me out the door of the studio into the hall.

“I’ll beat you there,” I tease him.

“No chance of that, swee–Ms. James.” He winks at me, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone’s still around. “See you soon,” he mouths before jogging a few steps ahead and slipping out the door in front of me.

I pretend not to watch him start up his motorcycle as I walk to my car, but the entire time there’s a low happy buzz in my chest.

I’m loving this new level of comfort with Asher. It seems he’s finally forgiven me for getting his dad banished. I still don’t know how things are going to work for us–especially when he’s my student for the rest of the school year, and I want to leave Arizona when it’s over–but it’s starting to feel like the insurmountable problems are worth solving.

Maybe I’d be willing to stay. I don’t know.

My phone buzzes, and I glance down, thinking it might be from Asher.

It’s from Andy, though.

Andy:

I’m in Phoenix. Come swim at the resort–they have a lazy river.

My stomach twists. Even texting feels like an infidelity toAsher.

Me:

Not interested.

Andy:

Meeting at the gallery is tomorrow evening. You can tag along to my meeting.

I suck in a breath. My wolf says this is a bad idea. Artist me says sacrifices have to be made. Not with Andy–fuck that, never that–but I need to use the connections I have. I’m not afraid of saying no to Andy–even if he does seem to be acting illogically attached to me. I’m a shifter. No human man could ever force his will on me. Asher would hate me meeting with him, especially if he knew how much Andy has been up my skirt, but I’ll keep it short and business-like. End of story.

Me:

Send me the name and address.

Andy:

I’ll pick you up.

Me:

It’s not even remotely on the way.

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