Page 12 of Colors and Curves

But I’ve hidden my identity for so long. Do I really want to expose myself like this now? For her?

It’s crazy, but the answer is yes.

I hope I don’t regret it. I’ve kept our secrets buried for years. No one needs to know what a fucked-up past Daisy and I have. I also hate pity.

The line is gone outside the entrance, but the gallery is full. As I open the door, a woman welcomes me and hands me the pamphlet Daisy made for this event. I scan the layout of the showroom and notice right away that the photographs are out of order. Daisy knows to instruct the manager to hang the photographs in the exact order I request. But then I see thatThe Wavehas already sold, and I bite back my anger.

Where are the pictures that have been moved? Following the layout of the gallery along the freshly polished wooden floors, I check where each one hangs. Daisy seems to be nowhere around, which I’m happy about. It’s time to blend in for a little while and try to cool off. Then I skid to a stop, possibly scuffing the floor. Skylar is there, talking to a customer, facing away from me. I don’t see her face, but I hear her voice. It’s slightly higher in tone than the other day and enthusiastic. Her hair is up in a sexy bun, exposing the shimmering skin that I admired and yearned to touch the other day. My fingertips tingle just thinking about it. I shove my hands in my pockets. The dark dress hugs her hourglass figure, and her strappy heels emphasize her toned calves, leaving few secrets behind.

I inch closer to hear what she’s saying. The customer asks good questions, and I know immediately which photograph he’s talking about. It’s the one that should’ve been whereThe Waveis. I’m blown away as I listen to how she describesCurves, explaining the positions of the models and how they formed rolling hills. It’s as if she was in my head when I did the photo session for this specific theme. This is coming from her, not from the information we provide every gallery about each photo. I want to be angry, but everything about her piques my curiosity.

After a few minutes, she finally convinces the man to buy the photo. He was tough to break, but she did it. She walks him to the front, and I watch her graceful moves from afar. She returns and puts a sold sign on it without noticing me.

“Impressive and convincing. You’ve done your homework. I would’ve bought it myself.” Her back stiffens, then she turns around. Silence follows. “You look beautiful tonight. Then again, you looked beautiful the other day too. Coffee, dirt and all.”

“Thank you.” She seems leery with her delayed response, and there’s no sign of getting a warm welcome.

“You’re welcome.”

“Why—” Her eyes focus on something behind me, and then suddenly freeze on mine. “How are you here? You’re the last person I expected to see tonight. Interesting coincidence.”

I look 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?” She rests her hands on her perfect hips.

“You.” Her eyes narrow and I take a few steps back. “Nice to see thatThe Wavesold so quickly. Interesting idea to switch its place withCurves.” I smirk, then walk away. I don’t bother looking back because I know she’s watching me.

After I’m out of sight and have a chance to breathe, a cold hand grips my elbow and squeezes. “What the hell are you doing here?” Daisy asks, pulling me into a quiet corner with her back facing the crowd. “Start talking now,” she demands through gritted teeth. “You’re putting me in a very awkward position. This is so unprofessional. I can’t pretend like I don’t know you. If you aren’t going to divulge who you are, then I want you to leave immediately.”Just like I figured.

I look over her left shoulder. “I’m—” Daisy almost turns in the direction my eyes are focused. “Don’t turn around,” I say through tight lips. Skylar stands on the other side of the room next to the bar, and she doesn’t hide that she’s watching me. Once again her effervescence illuminates the room like she’s the reason people are here, not my photographs. Two women walk up to her, then she disappears out of view.

“I don’t need to know who you’re looking at,” Daisy seethes. “It was Skylar in the park, wasn’t it? She’s the one Chance knocked over.”

“How do you know that? Why didn’t you say something?”

“I should be asking you that. Are you here because of her? When do you ever think twice about any woman? You are not going to screw up this night for her or yourself just because of your sex drive. Or for me, for that matter. Skylar’s become a friend, and I want this opening to be a success for her and you.”

“Keep your voice down. I don’t want to ruin anything. Since you said I have to attend that other opening, I thought this would give me an idea of what I’d be dealing with. Get my feet wet.”

“I call bull. I’m so furious with you right now, but I can’t show it.” She glances over each shoulder, then back to me. “Youwillstay until closing. I’ll introduce you as the photographer, and youwilllet the reporters interview you.” She inhales deeply. “Youwillmingle with the crowd too. Now stay here so I can find Skylar. By the way, she doesn’t know you’re my brother. Let’s keep it that way or at least until after closing. Where’s Chance?”

“Cameron and his boyfriend are watching him at our place.” Her eyebrows rise. I rub my temple. “I know. You don’t have to say it. I’m a complete mess.”

Daisy shakes her head and walks off. I remain in my spot like an obedient puppy. A few minutes later, she waves me over, then leads me to an office in the back of the gallery.

“Skylar,” Daisy calls out as she steps inside.

When I walk through the door, Skylar’s jaw drops and her eyes widen.Ouch!What the hell just stung my neck? My fingers quickly rub the spot, then I notice a rubber band is stuck to my shirt. Did she shoot a rubber band at me?

“Sorry.” She’s giving me a taste of my own medicine. I don’t like it, but I deserve it.Maybe you could stop being a dick.

“Thanks for the warm welcome,” I say, removing the band from my shirt. “I think this is yours.” I reach out my hand and drop it onto her open palm, deliberately avoiding physical contact.

Daisy clears her throat and fiddles with the collar of her dress. Will Skylar really be that angry when she finds out who I am? “Skylar Vitale, I’d like to introduce you to someone. From what he says, you’ve met before.” She pauses—for effect or out of fear? I don’t know. Then she says it.

“This is Julius Ariti.”

Chapter 7

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