Page 18 of Colors and Curves

His jaw ticks again. Don’t hate me, but he’s so hot when he does that.

“Did I interrupt you? It looked like you were busy,” he responds dryly.

My head jerks back. “And what exactly are you insinuating?”

“Do you always have half-naked guys in the gallery?”

I prop my hands on my hips. “That’s none of your business.”

“It is when my work is hanging on those walls.”

“Seriously?” I snap. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. You’re surrounded by naked women all the time. Have I complained about how you conduct your business? If anything, I’m promoting it.”

A group of people come up behind me. We step to the side so they can move around us. I should lower my voice anyway.

“Look, we’re getting nowhere with this conversation, and I don’t need this right now. If you aren’t going to tell me why you’re here, then I’m going back inside.” Seconds pass in silence. Only the noise of cars zipping by and the conversation of random pedestrians fills the air. I’ve had enough of this. “You’re a man of few words, Julius. It’s always a pleasure. Bye, Chance.” I turn to leave.

“Wait— Please.” I freeze just before I open the door. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

I turn around. “For what?”

“Do we have to do this out here?” Just as he says this, Lacey and Will come outside.

“Sky, is everything okay?” Lacey asks cautiously. Will stands behind her, warning Julian with a mean stare.

“Yes. We’re fine. Talking business. Let me introduce you. Julius, this is my sister, Lacey, and herboyfriend, Will. Guys, this is Julius, the photographer of this exhibit.”

They shake hands. “It’s nice to meet you. I love your work,” Lacey says.

“Thanks. Nice to meet you too.”

“Sky, something’s come up. We need to go. I’m sorry it was such a short visit. At least we’ll see you at the barbecue at Jocelyn and Christian’s in August. I can’t wait to meet Sophia’s sister and parents.” She embraces me and whispers, “He’s hotter in person. Does Will have to kick his ass, though?”Will wouldn’t stand a chance.

I shake my head and giggle. “Get out of here. Talk to you soon.” Will shakes Julius’s hand again, and we say goodbye. Julius’s body relaxes a bit. Is it because they’re gone or because now he knows Will isn’t my boyfriend? Why would he care either way? It kills me to admit it, but I know I’ll be disappointed if he has a girlfriend.

“So are you coming in?” I open the door. “If you are, leave the attitude at the curb. I’ve had my limit for the day.”

A little smirk grows on his face. “What about Chance? Can I bring him inside?”

“Dogs aren’t allowed.” I tilt my head and look down at the little charmer. “Will he sit still if I let him in? I’d hate to see the new floors scratched. Monica would have my head.”

“He’ll behave. I have some treats in my pocket.”

I glance at his pockets, then quickly at what’s in between. “I’m sure you do.” He cocks his head. “Come on in, tough guy. I want to hear this apology. It’d better be good.”

Chapter 10

Julius

I saw where her eyes hovered, and it’s good that it was a quick glance. No need to embarrass myself by showing her what she does to me. She holds the door open for us to go through.

“Let’s go back to my office,” she says. “I’d rather Chance hang out back there.” Once we’re inside, she locks the door.

Chance roams around, sniffing the floor and benches spread throughout the showroom.Please don’t pee on anything, dog!I remove my sunglasses and hang them on my shirt collar.

“It’s amazing how big this place is without people in it,” I say to fill the silence. Skylar stands next to one of the leather benches with one knee propped on it.

“I’m surprised you’re here—the gallery is closed on Sundays. I was only here because Lacey and Will were stopping by. You’re lucky you came when you did. A few minutes later and I would’ve been gone.”

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