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“It’s a deal,” he kissed the palm of her hand.

“Can we get together tonight,” Ryan asked. He knew they monopolized her time. She went to her office to work but all her other times they filled.

“There’s a new artist at that gallery you two like,” Annabel said. “I thought we’d wander through. Maybe stop for dinner and drinks and then go home.”

“We have meetings until seven,” Andrew frowned.

“I talked to the owner. While they normally close at eight tonight, I scheduled a private showing for half past.” Annabel informed.

“Really,” Andrew said.

“You did want to see this new artist,” Annabel said.

“We’ve seen his work,” Ryan grinned. “I didn’t know you liked his work.”

“I’ve not seen his work,” Annabel admitted.

“You did this for us,” Andrew felt touched by her thoughtfulness.

“I did,” Annabel turned her attention to the server as she brought plates of food. “Thank you.”

Andrew and Ryan exchanged a look of sheer surprise and joy at the gift she gave them.

CHAPTER FIVE

They walked through the gallery. Annabel watched her men discuss the merits of the paintings.

“I like the movement,” Andrew said. “It doesn’t have to be anything specific. I just like the movement.”

“The colors are brooding,” Ryan rolled his eyes as he debated with Andrew.

“Brooding is good,” Annabel said. “Sometimes we all need the dark and brooding before we can appreciate the light.”

“We all need time to wallow in our own thoughts,” Andrew stated.

“You need time to brood,” Ryan patted Andrew’s shoulder. “You always have.”

“But he likes the light when he’s done,” Annabel said. “I like my own time for my own thoughts.”

“Have we crowded you,” Ryan worried they demanded too much of her time.

“No, I’ve not needed as much since we started,” Annabel admitted. “I still need quiet and alone but I’m finding I don’t need as much.”

“I don’t mind alone,” Ryan said.

“Yes, but your alone usually involves music at top volume,” Andrew teased. “No one can think with it blaring.”

“He can,” Annabel smiled. “But he also knows to tone it down for the rest of us.”

“True,” Ryan said. They turned a corner in the gallery. “Oh wow. Now that’s…”

“Chaotic,” Andrew said. “Wild. Crazy. Chaos personified.”

“Yeah, it’s got energy and vibrance,” Ryan grinned. “We should get that for our lobby or somewhere.”

“No… definitely not,” Andrew objected.

“It’s very you,” Annabel linked her arms with Ryan. “You didn’t tell me this artist did sexy.”

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