Page 16 of Announcing Love
Quince:It’s no problem. She’s a sweet lady. I’ll make sure the trip doesn’t stress her out too badly.
“There. Your girl is safe.”
Fuck. He could love him. Artem already felt possessive and infatuated, but he could actually love him. “Who is Quince?”
“He’s the foreman at my ranch.”
“Damn. He got here quick.”
He felt Tip shrug. “I put him on a flight, and he arranged the truck and trailer on the way. That’s what I pay him to do. I told you I’m pretty hands off, so I need someone capable.”
“You keep talking about the ranch in New York like there’s no one there but employees and horses. I thought your family lived there.”
“That’s a different farm, but it’s close by.”
Sometimes, well, all the time, Artem felt very out of his depth with Tip. The financial divide was more like a ravine. “Damn. What do you see in me, again? In fact, why did you even ask me to dinner that first time?”
Tip didn’t answer right away, which did nothing to help Artem’s anxiety. Finally, he cleared his throat. “I don’t want to answer that.”
Artem rolled his eyes. “If your answer is that you just wanted to fuck me, it’s fine. I’m pretty sure that’s how ninety-nine percent of relationships start.”
“There’s not a single time I ran into you by accident outside of our first meeting.”
Artem’s mind froze.
Tip’s phone buzzed again. He growled as he opened it. “I need to turn this fucking thing off. If I hadn’t been waiting to hear from Quince.”
Tamara:I’m blown away by the video you sent me. When can I meet the artist?
“Well, it’s all just coming out tonight.” Tip cleared his throat again. “So, um, how do you feel about meeting the owner of Art and Artistry in New York?”
Artem was on his knees in an instant. He spun so he could hold Tip’s stare. Artem had a bad feeling he knocked at least one dessert on the floor. “What?”
“That video I took of your paintings. I sent it to the owner. She wants to meet you.”
“I don’t want professionals critiquing my work. I don’t want to hear people say they hate it.”
Tip pulled Artem closer until Artem straddled his hips. “Have you seen your work, gorgeous? No one could hate it unless they’re blind and an idiot. You deserve this. This could mean you making a living from your paintings alone.”
Artem swallowed. It hurt for some reason. He hadn’t even bothered to dream he could paint for a living. It was such an impossible dream out of everyone’s reach except a small few. “Don’t put that thought in my head. I’m easily crushed.”
“So don’t think about it. Just meet with her.”
He couldn’t believe this. Artem couldn’t say no. “Will you be with me? I don’t know anything about New York.”
A sweet smile touched Tip’s lips. “I’ll be at your side the entire time. You can visit Ginger while we’re there.”
Artem swallowed again. “Okay.” He dropped his forehead to Tip’s shoulder while Tip responded to the text. Artem couldn’t watch. He might take it back. “I haven’t forgotten the whole not an accident thing.”
A sexy laugh caressed his ears, making Artem breathe easier. “Of course not. It’s pretty self-explanatory. I met you and you mesmerized me, so I stalked you, hoping you’d notice me too. But you, being you, never pay attention to your surroundings. I had to literally plow you over to get your attention.”
On some level, Artem recognized that was absolutely crazy. That didn’t explain why Artem couldn’t stop smiling, and Tip’s confession made him the happiest man alive. He really was as strange as everyone accused him of being. Artem had no clue why he hadn’t seen it before now.
Chapter Eight
ThetriptoArizonapassed in a blur. His boss was more than a little agitated about Artem needing more time off only two weeks after Arizona to go to New York. This one was for his future, though. Artem had to take a risk. He had dodged being alone with Baba for two whole days. Artem was convinced it was some sort of record. He was equally sure she saw right through him, and that terrified him. Artem spent all his free time painting and only going downstairs for meals.
He felt Baba’s stare boring into the side of his head. It was possible coming for meals was a mistake. They always sat next to each other, but that usually left her focused on Sacha across the table. Not tonight. His reprieve was over.
