Page 78 of And Then Came You

I can’t tuck away my feelings and I sure as hell can’t watch Sam’s delicious mouth traveling over some exotic beauty’s skin, right under my nose. Knowing that he’s fooled around with countless women in the short few weeks since our kiss is enough to bring me to my knees.

I’m in love with Samuel Bernard, and that’s exactly why I can’t be anywhere near him.

Not that the pull isn’t there. That he’s mere miles away instead of the thousands that generally lie between us is not making my decision easier.

The concept tears at my heart, but let’s be real, my heart has been julienned by Sam. One day, many moons from now, I’ll look back and laugh at how foolhardy I was, running after a top model, and creating a storybook ending for a tale I’d never see played out.

Today isn’t that day. Today I fake the happiness.

“Imagine seeing you here.”

Turning on my heel, I smile at Gianni, his beaming grin warming my frosty interior. “Ditto for you. What a wonderful surprise. How areyouhere?”

Kissing both my cheeks before embracing me, he chuckles, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “This is my gallery.”

“I didn’t know. It’s lovely. So, you’re the infamous owner that all these folks are chattering about.”

Gianni smiles, nodding toward a group of people. “Likely complaining about my fees. Is Sam with you?”

Unexpected punch in the gut. “I haven’t spoken with Sam recently. He’s so busy. I’m here to support my friend.” I gesture toward Damian, who is scowling in our direction.

Lovely. Let’s hope it’s unrelated. Or that Gianni wasn’t kidding when he spoke about his fees.

“Is Damian a friend or afriend?”

“We’ve been out a few times, but I don’t know if you could call it dating. We’re not serious. Not yet, anyway.”

“I doubt that will happen.”

“Why is that? Is Damian a player and I’m unawares?”

“You’re in love with Sam.”

Gianni’s words stop me cold. “I’m… I’m—” I flounder to create an excuse, but why bother? “You must think me quite silly.”

“Not at all. I surmised he was in love with you, too. I saw his face that day at my house. He believed something was happening between us, and was not happy in the slightest. Nothing arouses a man’s jealousy quite like love.”

“I assure you, he’s not in love with me. I’ve made certain of that fact. The many women he’s bedded in recent weeks also cements my theory.”

Gianni nods, a look of understanding passing over his features. “His loss. Let me get us both a drink and then, I shall give you the grand tour. No jealous boyfriend to interfere this time.”

Giggling, I watch him wander off, turning to examine one of Damian’s paintings. It’s a vivid mixture of blues and browns. A striking piece, even if it’s not my typical style.

“Aren’t you friendly and flirty tonight?” Damian hisses at my elbow, making me jump.

“Damian, you startled me. Your show is wonderful. I hope you’re selling everything.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

Gianni strolls back over before I get the chance, two glasses of champagne in his hands. “Damian, wonderful showing so far. I’m impressed. I’m stealing our friend and taking her on a tour.”

“Really?” Damian’s jaw twitches, his eyes darkening as he glares at me.

“The tour at my house was cut short, so I’m taking advantage now.” Without waiting for a reply, Gianni whisks me off to a far corner, eager to show off his prized collection.

I try to focus on Gianni, but my gaze keeps slipping to Damian, his glower intense on me. A cold sweat breaks out over my skin. Trying to shake it off as paranoia, I blow Damian a kiss, but earn only a scowl in return before he storms off in the opposite direction.

Wonderful. Now, I’ll have to deal with his crap later.

---