Page 22 of The Art of Loving You

Marie waited patiently.

“He’s been amazing. For me, for Bess. She adores him. And his mother—Elizabeth—was wonderful when we visited New York. But…”

“But?”

I exhaled slowly. “I overheard something while we were there. Elizabeth warned Lucas about his father. She didn’t go into detail, but it was enough to make me wary. His world—it’s so different from mine, Marie. And I have Bess to think about. I can’t afford to get caught up in something that might hurt her.”

Marie squeezed my hand. “I understand. You’re right to protect Bess. But don’t let fear be the only thing holding you back. From where I’m sitting, Lucas looks like someone who genuinely cares—for both of you.”

I swallowed hard. “It’s not just fear. It’s the unknown. I don’t know if I’m ready to open myself up to something that might not fit into the life I’ve built for Bess and me.”

Marie smiled gently. “Take your time, Ella. No one’s rushing you. But I think Bess would love having someone like Lucas in her life. And maybe you would, too.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Marie gave my hand one final squeeze before standing. “I’ll let you have a moment,” she said with a wink, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As the door clicked shut, I glanced at the photo again. Bess’s laughter echoed in my mind, mingling with Lucas’s warm voice.The Circus Riderwas here, a professional triumph, yet my thoughts kept drifting to something far more personal—and terrifying.

The door creaked open, and Lucas stepped inside, his presence commanding the space. He had a way of filling a room, not with arrogance but with quiet confidence. His crisp, warm, spicy cologne sent a spark of awareness through me.

I tensed, forcing composure. “Lucas,” I said, offering a polite smile.

Before I could say more, he crossed the room and pulled me into a hug. For a breath, I allowed myself to sink into it, warmth wrapping around me like a cocoon. But reality quickly settled back in. This was my office. I stepped back, smoothing my blazer.

“You’re early,” I said.

“I couldn’t stay away.” His tone was teasing, but his eyes held something deeper. “I wanted to see your reaction in person.The Circus Rider—Ella, this is huge. You’ve done it.”

“It’s not just me,” I said. “Without your help, none of this would have happened.”

He tilted his head, his expression soft. “I’m just glad I could be part of it.”

His gaze flickered to the photo on my desk. “That day at the Met—that was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. My mom hasn’t stopped talking about you and Bess.”

Hearing him mention Elizabeth made my heart clench. “Bess adored her,” I said. “She’s been asking when we’ll see her again.”

Lucas chuckled. “That’s good to hear. My mom said it’s been ages since she’s seen me this happy.”

His sincerity chipped at my defenses, but then I remembered Elizabeth’s warning.

“She was wonderful,” I admitted. “But your world—it’s overwhelming, Lucas. It’s a lot to take in.”

Concern flickered across his face. “Ella, I don’t want you to feel that way. I know my father complicates things, but I’m not him. And I’d never let anything from that world hurt you or Bess.”

I nodded, wanting to believe him. “I know. And I appreciate that. But I have to think about what’s best for Bess. She’s my priority.”

“You think I don’t understand that?” he asked gently. “That’s part of what draws me to you, Ella—your strength, your dedication. I just wish you’d let me in a little more.”

My throat tightened. I forced a small smile and changed the subject. “We should check onThe Circus Rider.”

Lucas straightened, clearly reluctant to let the conversation end there, but he nodded. “Lead the way.”

I could feel his gaze lingering on me as I reached for the door. His words echoed in my mind.

I just wish you’d let me in a little more.

The cool, sterile air of the museum storage room greeted us as we stepped inside. The hum of overhead lights filled the quiet space, broken only by the muffled voices of the team unpackingThe Circus Rider. My heart skipped as I caught sight of the crate, edges still sealed with reinforced tape. This was it—the moment I’d worked toward for months.

“This is something, isn’t it?” Lucas’s voice broke through my thoughts, tinged with admiration.

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