Page 13 of Colors and Curves

Skylar

So much for no unexpected surprises. He probably thinks he’s slick with the comments he made about switching the photographs. In a way, I feel like Daisy must be playing a practical joke on me, but no. She’s wouldn’t do that. I’ve always wanted to meettheJulius Ariti, and here he is—supposedly standing in front of me. But the only person I see is the guy I met in Central Park. And the man in my dreams. My love/hate emotions are themselves fighting for control. How can the guy in the park and this amazing artist be the same person? I take a deep breath, determined to behave in a professional manner.

He extends his hand for me to shake it. I stare at it like it’s a foreign object. Why am I afraid to shake it? What if I react to his touch like I did in my dreams? Would it be obvious?

“Skylar?” Daisy says delicately. “I realize this comes as a big shock. I didn’t know he was going to make a surprise appearance.”

“Well, I wanted this night to be a big hit. I guess it’ll be even more now.” My voice lacks the enthusiasm the words should have. The thrill I thought I’d have if I met him in person is not here.

I step toward him, reaching out my hand to place it in his. My heart pounds like a rabbit’s. Inside, I start to tremble in anticipation of what will happen once our skin touches. Will it be explosive? Will scintillating energy plow through my veins, finding its way to the most sensitive parts of my body? My mouth waters.

“Skylar?” Daisy cuts through the dense air.

I glance at her and then him. Then we all look at my hovering hand. What is wrong with me?

“Daisy and Skylar, are you in here?” Monica calls, her footsteps coming closer to the door. I pull my hand away without touching Julius’s. She peeks her head in the office. “Oh. There you are. Sorry to interrupt. I need some help out here.”

“Monica, we have a last-minute surprise for you!” My voice overflows with excitement, mostly because I’m happy about the distraction. The focus is now on Julius.

Her face lights up. “Really? What’s going on? Is this handsome gentleman buying all the photographs?” She chuckles.

“Wouldn’t that be nice?” Julius chimes in.

I motion to him. “This is the one and only Julius Ariti. He’s decided to crash the party tonight.”

Her cheeks blaze. “Wow. How amazing! It’s so great to finally meet you, Mr. Ariti.”

“Please, call me Julius.” He shakes her hand. Her face is positively scarlet. I should fan her with a piece of paper.

“I’m—we’re big fans of your work. We’re honored to have your bodyscaping collection as our first exhibit.” Monica continues to shake his hand vigorously with both of hers now. “It’s a little late, but can we introduce you to the crowd?”

“Um—” Daisy jumps in.

“Yes. That’d be great.” I intercept before either can decline. He shows up with no warning, he’s going to do what we say. “I’ll make a short introduction. We need to take advantage of him being here.”

“Two reporters are still here,” Monica adds.

“If I can—” Daisy raises her hand.

“I’ll do whatever you’d like. I showed up unexpectedly. It’s the least I can do.” It’s hard to believe this is the same man I met the other day. Something’s shady.

Monica’s smile grows from ear to ear. Daisy’s eyes are the size of saucers. And then there are Julius’s amazing eyes, staring only at me. And I’m getting lost in his pools of rich cognac. Boy, could I use one right now.Damn him!

“Okay.” I clasp my hands together, ensuring I won’t be touching him. Something tells me that things will never be the same if I do. “That settles it. Monica, can you please lead Julius to the front? I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Great. Can the reporters take pictures?”Probably not.

Daisy raises her hand again. “That won’t be—”

“A problem,” Julius interjects.

“Julius,” Daisy warns.

“Splendid. Please come with me then. I just can’t believe you’re in this gallery. You never attend your exhibits, but here you are. What a perfect night!” Monica babbles delightedly as they leave the room. She sees dollar signs.

“Daisy, can you stay here for a second, please?”

She turns in my direction, but doesn’t come any closer. “I’m sorry, Skylar.”

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