Page 34 of Finding Out

“And what are we telling Avery? She almost…” Wren shut her eyes.

“She didn’t.” My chest tightened at the dread in her tone. “And honestly, we don’t have to tell her anything.”

Anger flashed in the deep black depths of her eyes, like maybe my response was not what she was hoping for.

“I don’t mean ever. But for God’s sake, Wren. I don’t run out and tell my daughter every time I sleep with someone.” I winced at the harshness of my tone. Snapping at her was the last thing I wanted to do.

Eyes narrowed, she lifted her chin. “The difference is that she’s my best friend, and I usually do. So I’m not sure this can be a thing.”

A retort lingered on my tongue, but I swallowed it back, determined to smooth things over.

“I understand that.” Even though my heart took off at a sprint at the idea that this was over before it had even begun. Was it possible that while this felt so right for me, it didn’t for her? “If this was just a fun fling for you…” My stomach soured. “Then we can leave it at that.”

I lifted my hand from her leg.

“That’s not…” Her words trailed off, but I couldn’t look at her. I needed a few seconds to compose myself first, otherwise she’d see that my chest now had a gaping hole in the center of it.

“I don’t think Avery would understand.” She let out a slow breath. “And my parents definitely wouldn’t.”

A wave of guilt washed over me at the reminder of Heath. I might not tell him everything, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to hide a relationship with his daughter from him for long.

With a clipped nod, I locked my own emotions away and turned back.

Her shoulders were pulled back, her fists clenched. She was posed for an argument, but there was no part of me that wanted to fight with her. Three days ago, I’d told her to stop me if this wasn’t what shewanted. Now, that was what she was doing, so I’d respect her and pull back.

“We can keep things strictly business, then.” Even saying it felt like a blasphemy. “All we’re doing is touring the museum so that you have an understanding of what I’m working to build.”

She straightened beside me. “What?”

“Your new project.” I cleared my throat. “I asked Erin to assign you to my account so you can help me build a collection and find a space to start my gallery.”

Between one blink and the next, the woman who had me in knots stepped aside and the businesswoman came forward. “You’re looking for a curator?”

For some time, I’d hoped Erin would take the role, but her heart was at the auction house. She loved the challenge that came with buying and selling. The thrill of a good bidding war. She cared little for matching up collections or showing off the art in a setting that could speak to people. Until this weekend, I wondered if I’d ever find a person who loved pieces the way I did. Who was passionate and knowledgeable. Someone I could trust with my vision.

“No, Wren. I’m not looking. I’ve found who I want.” In more ways than one. Even if she wasn’t ready for me yet. “So if you’re interested, I’d love for you to work with me.”

She opened her mouth, as if to speak, then closed it again.

“Erin knows I’ll be taking more of your time, especially in the offseason, and she’s fully on board.”

She shook her head once, scrutinizing me, but she didn’t respond.

My heart lurched. An hour ago I was confident that not only did Wren want me but that she’d want this job.

But suddenly I wasn’t sure she wanted either.

“I didn’t know you wanted to open a gallery.” Head lowered she picked at a piece of lint on her skirt. Fidgeting, I’d learned, was a nervous tic of hers.

“Until I get better security, I’d rather the extent of my collection remain between me and a select few people I trust.”

“That makes sense.”

“How do you feel about curating and running a gallery?” For now, she could do what I needed while still maintaining her position at the auction house, but two years from now, when I was ready to open, she’d be too busy to do both. I’d assumed that she’d be interested in running her own place, but I’d also thought she’d be interested in pursuing a relationship with me, so clearly, I couldn’t read her as well as I thought I could.

“That’s my dream job.” Her voice was soft, but my body reacted as if she’d yelled it. The words buzzed through me, lighting me up from the inside.

I hadn’t been wrong after all.

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