Page 26 of Colors and Curves

I nod.

“Good. If we go to dinner, can we stop by my apartment first? I’d like to change clothes and shoes and drop off my laptop.”

“Sure. Whatever you want. Is it far from here?”

“Only a couple of blocks. I live close enough to the gallery to walk to work. It’s a dream, really.”

“It’s nice to be close to work. My studio is in the same building as my apartment. I’ve done a few projects at remote locations, but most of my shoots happen in the studio.”

“In the same building? I don’t know if I’d likethator not. I need a little distance and to get some fresh air once in a while, I think.” She shrugs. “Can you wait a few minutes while I close things up for the day? Go check out the walls to see which photographs have sold since you were here last. You should be so proud of yourself.”

I shove my hands in my pockets. “Take your time. I’m in no rush.” And that’s true. Chance is with Daisy, so no worries there. I have the whole evening to spend with Skylar. I still need to tell her my real name and that Daisy is my sister. I know I should’ve told her that already. It’s just a name, but I feel bad that I haven’t said anything. Like I’m lying. Daisy has purposely put some distance between her and Skylar so I could get to know her.

“Okay. I’m ready. Let’s get outta here.” There’s the accent again.

“Are you from Boston?”

“You heard that? My accent sneaks out here and there.”

I follow her out of the gallery and wait while she locks up.

“Are you embarrassed to have an accent?”

“Not really. Especially here where half the people you meet have accents. But I do notice mine more when I’m at the gallery. I grew up in Boston—lived there my whole life till a couple of months ago.”

“Well, I think it’s sexy.”

“Sure. Sure. That’s what they all say,” she jokes, then her handbag falls off her shoulder with a thump, jerking her arm down. Between that and the sweater and the laptop she’s juggling, we’re about to have another accident.

“Here,” I say. “Give me your laptop. I can carry it for you.”

“As much as we drop stuff around each other, you think that’s safe?” She laughs and hands it over. As she does, someone pushes past us and shoves her into my chest.

I hadn’t realized how crowded the sidewalk was or that we were holding up traffic. I’ve got my free arm around her now, though, so I’m not going to complain. In fact, I might take advantage of it.

Her lips are inches away. I reach up and caress her cheek with my thumb. Seconds tick by like nothing around us exists.

Another jostle from the crowd and she pulls away. “I like how you feel against me, but we’re in the way. Come on, Mr. Camera Man.”

We walk the few blocks to her apartment with her chatting about her day and how many customers came to the gallery. It’s been busier than they expected, apparently.

“Monica and I were thinking it’d be best to wait awhile to hire someone, at least until we see if the gallery’s a success. Now, I don’t want to wait because then I’m working all the time. What if I get sick or need a day off? There’s no one to back me up.”

She stops and pulls some keys out of her bag. “This is my building. Wanna come up? I have to warn you, my place is a mess. If I knew I’d have company, I would’ve straightened up a bit.”

“I’m sure it’s not too bad, but youarefrom Boston. You never know.”

She slaps my arm. “Real nice. Something tells me that you’re Mr. Orderly and everything is sterile in your place. Nothing out of order. I can’t even imagine what your equipment or storage room looks like. You seem to need to be in control, to have everything your way. No surprises. Like with your photo displays. It’s your defense. I bet the only thing that gets away with being messy is Chance.”

I’m speechless because she’s right. She turns to look at me.

“So? How did I do? Am I right? Especially for someone who doesn’t know you very well? I’m good at reading people, so beware.”

She steps backward to the door behind her. I follow until she’s pressed up against it. I plant my hands on the sides of her head and lean in.

“I’ll confess that you’re one hell of a surprise. And I’ve survived so far.” I lean in closer as my eyes memorize the curve of her face. “There’s no controlling you, but I don’t want to. And I still keep coming back.” Our lips are dangerously close. Her breathing increases. “I want to kiss you,” I say softly. She lifts her chin in encouragement. “But not against this dirty door.”

She huffs and presses her hand on my chest. “You’re such a tease. Who would’ve thought you’d be so playful.”

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