Page 10 of Colors and Curves

Daisy raises her hand. “Sorry. Nothing for me. I don’t drink.”Oops. “But thanks anyway. Give me a second, and I’ll get some sparkling water instead. No toasting without me.”

“She’s so down-to-earth. With the reputation Mr. Ariti has and all those tattoos… she looks like a tough cookie, but she’s really a sweetheart, isn’t she?” Monica pours some bubbly for the two of us.

“She is tough, but if we disagreed on anything, she always met me in the middle. Though that didn’t happen much. I’ll be sorry to see her go once the exhibit is over. She’s been a blessing.”

“You didn’t need any extra blessings. I’ve had every confidence in you from the beginning. We’ve worked together for a long time and you’re like a daughter to me. You have quite a future ahead of you, Sky. And you’re only twenty-eight. Not many people have the knowledge and experience that you do at your age. You should be very proud of yourself.”

I wrap my arms around her. “You have no idea how great that was to hear. Thank you so much for always encouraging and supporting me.”

“Here I am!” Daisy pops back into the room. “Time’s ticking.” We toast to the evening and hope for the best. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom one last time, mostly just to give myself another pep talk before the test of my life begins.

When I enter the showroom again, I give everything one last critical look. Nervous energy is building, so I have to keep myself busy. I adjust a couple of the leather benches, even though they were fine like they were. I turn the beautiful floral arrangement on the bar to face in a different direction. It has white flowers and a little bit of green—not enough that it’ll take the attention away from the photographs. A matching arrangement sits pretty on the desk near the entrance.

“It’s time,” Monica announces, clapping her hands.

I pretend to fix my hair, then smooth down my strapless black taffeta dress that rests just above the knee. Jocelyn lent it to me from the large collection she has at her house. It’s classy but still has a smart business flair. Speaking of Jocelyn, she’s the first one to walk through the door. Following her is Christian, Sophia, and Drew.

“We’re so excited for you. You look beautiful. And that dress is perfect!” Jocelyn gives me a quick hug. “I know there’s a line behind us, so I’ll make this quick. Good luck, and we’ll talk to you later.”

I hug them all. “Thank you so much for coming. Now go drink some champagne before it runs out, and have fun.”

The next hour flies by, and people come and go. Just like I predicted,The Wavesold first.Take that, Mr. Ariti. Maybe you could learn something from me. I’ve spent the hour answering questions and trying to politely influence customers to buy the photographs. The crowd thins slightly, and I sip on a glass of water near the bar.

Monica comes by. “Skylar, can you please help the customer by photograph fifteen? I have to go in the back for a moment.”

“Sure.” I take a deep breath and leave the bar.

After several questions from the customer and a lot of convincing from me, the man finally caves and says yes. That was a tough one. I lead him to the front where Monica is handling the business end of things.

“Thank you, Mr. Stewart,” I say. “Monica will process your purchase. I’m confidentCurveswill look lovely in your office. Have a great evening.” We shake hands. Once the transaction is complete, I walk back and put a sold sticker next to the photograph.

“Impressive and convincing. You’ve done your homework. I would’ve bought it myself.” My stomach twirls like an ice skater performing a sit spin.It can’t be him. Nah.It’s just a man with a similarly chilling yet sexy voice. Why would I even remember his voice? I’m not going to let him ruin this night.Don’t let him see your excitement either… if it is him.I turn around slowly.

It’s him. Here in my gallery. He’s mouthwatering in a black button-down business shirt that’s cuffed at the elbows and black business pants that he fills out perfectly. He sure does like black and white things.

How and why is he here? Of all the places in a city with a population in the millions, he picks this gallery to come to. And on the most important night of my life.

We stand there eyeing each other, waiting to see who will speak first. His tight jaw ticks, but his eyes are warmer this time. His gaze caresses my body, and I’m reminded of the recurring dreams I’ve been having. My skin sizzles with heat and I squeeze my legs together.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he says. “Then again, you looked beautiful the other day too. Coffee, dirt and all.”

“Thank you?” I’m hesitant because I don’t know if he’s being sarcastic or actually paying me a compliment. Why would he be nice now and not the other day? Maybe he had a bad day. We all have them.

“You’re welcome,” he responds smoothly.

Sophia and Jocelyn appear behind him, waving at themselves like they’re hot. Jocelyn gives me a thumbs-up. This is not a pick-up joint. I ignore them and focus on his face.

“Why— How are you here? You’re the last person I expected to see tonight. Interesting coincidence.”

He looks around. “Oh. It’s no coincidence. I have an interest in black and white photography and I was invited, just like the rest of these people.”

“By whom, may I ask?”

“You.” He takes a few steps back. “Nice to see thatThe Wavesold so quickly. Interesting idea to switch its place withCurves.” And on that last word, he smirks, turns around, and walks away with his hands in his pockets. My mouth opens and closes like a fish. I follow him from a distance and then stop.

What in the ever-loving fuck? My thoughts scramble. My temples pound.Think, think!Did I invite him after I wanted to kill him the other day? I wouldn’t forget something like that. How does he know about the change in order of the photos? Where is Daisy? I scan the area for Daisy’s hair or tattoos.Damn, she’s talking to him now. Maybe she invited him. I don’t like how close they’re standing. Am I jealous?

He glances my way, but he’s still listening to whatever Daisy is saying. I shouldn’t stare because then I look like I like him, but my feet don’t seem to want to move. I haven’t been attracted to someone like this in a long time, and I almost want to claim that he’s mine.

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