Page 51 of Take Me Please, Cowboy
“You don’t have to go inside, but I want to see who Ansley Campbell is.And I’m interested in her art, purely from a design perspective, of course.”
“Oh, undoubtedly.Next thing you’ll tell me is that you’ll be hanging her art in your future clients’ homes.”
“Ifshe’s good, yes,” Josie sniffed.“But art is a very personal thing.What some might like might not be others’ taste at all.”
Rye fought to keep his temper reined in.He adored his little sister.He loved that she was warm, and funny, and full of personality.He was glad she hadn’t been beaten down by the situation at home, nor was she trying to find someone to rescue her from the situation like Hannah.“What do you want, Josie?Tell me, so we can get this resolved.”
“I just want to go in and do a little walk around.We don’t have to stay long… ten, fifteen minutes tops?”
He glanced through the window.The turnout was impressive.Lots of people were milling about and while he couldn’t see Ansley from here, he was certain it would be different once he entered the gallery.The thing was, he wanted to see Ansley.He very much wanted to see her, but he didn’t think it would have a good result.He didn’t think he’d leave feeling better about their situation.“Why are you doing this?”
Josie shrugged.“I’m curious.It’s obvious you care for her, and if she’s the right one?Why let her go?”She gave him an almost pitying look before marching up to the front door and entering the art gallery.
*
Rye was thelast person Ansley expected to see at the gallery’s cocktail party.
But even worse was seeing him with a very beautiful woman.For a moment, Ansley couldn’t breathe, feeling as if she’d been punched in the gut.Overwhelmed by emotion, she stared fixedly at the wall, as if studying one of the other artists’ works, when in reality she was trying to keep it together and slow the dizzying, sickening beat of her heart.
He’d said he was done driving until spring.
He’d said he wasn’t seeing anyone.
He’d said he wouldn’t, couldn’t, get serious with anyone.
And yet here he was on a Thursday night in Bozeman on what looked to be a very cozy date.
Ansley’s eyes stung and she swallowed around a stupid lump in her throat, hurt, and betrayed.She’d trusted him.She’d believed him.But apparently everything he’d told her was a lie.She felt like a fool.
She didn’t want Rye to see her, and she most definitely didn’t want to speak to him.In a panic, she slipped behind a screen that had been put up by the catering company to hide their prep area.She smiled apologetically at one of the catering staff who was behind the screen filling a tray with appetizers.
“I just need a second,” Ansley said faintly.“So many people.It’s rather overwhelming.”
The woman in the starched white jacket and black trousers smiled kindly.“I don’t like crowds either, and it’s pretty packed in here tonight.Marica has had a great turnout.”The caterer looked at Ansley more carefully.“But aren’t you one of the artists?”
“Yes, and you’re right, it is a great turnout.I just didn’t expect so many people.”
“Looks like a lot of your pieces have sold.Congratulations.”
Ansley forced a smile.“Thank you.It’s my first real show.”
“And obviously not your last.You should be out there celebrating, not hiding.Go meet your fans.”
There was nothing Ansley could say to that and hanging on to her smile by sheer strength of will, she straightened her shoulders and stepped back into the gallery, only to walk straight into the woman who’d been at Rye’s side just a moments ago.
Ansley froze, heartsick.“I’m sorry,” she murmured, hating how this beautiful night had turned sour so quickly.
But the gorgeous brunette wasn’t going to let Ansley escape.She faced Ansley and smiled.“I’m Josie Calhoun,” she said, extending her hand.“Rye’s youngest sister.I’ve heard so much about you.”
Ansley’s jaw dropped.Hissister?
Relief swept through her, so intense Ansley felt dizzy.“It’s nice to meet you, Josie.”Ansley shook Jose’s hand.“I have to say I’m shocked to see him here,” she said, glancing toward Rye who was making his way toward them.“What brings you to Bozeman?”
“I’m going to be attending Gallatin College next fall, studying interior design, but I’ve been selected for an internship starting in January.I had an interview this afternoon.”
“That’s exciting, congratulations.”
“Thank you.I’m thrilled.I love design, all areas of design, but as you might expect, I have a soft spot for barrier-free design.”
