Page 83 of Fresh Canvas
Val dodged the pillow I chucked at him before grabbing a fleece blanket and dimming the lights. Then he nestled behind me and enveloped me in his arms. Laying my cheek against his warm bicep, I found Stella’s tattoo a few centimeters from my face.
The whirring dishwasher, the theme song ofWhisper Harbor, and the quiet darkness almost made Val’s apartment feel like home. My full belly and his breathing chest against my back began to convince my eyes to flutter closed. Before I drifted off, I cracked one eyelid and was again met with Val’s inked promise to love Stella forever.
I squeezed my eyes shut.
twenty-two
AMANTHA
Afew days later, Blythe’s frazzled curls poked out her office door. “Amantha? Can you come in here? I’d like to chat before we all leave for the weekend. Close the door on your way in.”
A stab of fear froze my typing fingers. Close the door?
Does she know about the painting? Or is this about Val?
Either way, I felt criminal.
Kate’s worried expression followed me as I crossed to Blythe’s office.
The heavy door clanged shut. Were it not for the rising trepidation, I would have laughed at the fresh layer of sticky notes wallpapering Blythe’s desk. With all the blood pooling in my cheeks, I may as well have one stuck to my forehead with “guilty” written on it.
“Have a seat.” Blythe’s usual jubilant expression had changed to stone.
I sat.
“New information has come to my attention concerning your professional relationships here.”
Blood froze in my veins as Val’s phantom lips crushedagainst mine, the illicit taste of him burned in my memory forever.
“What information?” I blinked innocently.
“It seems your relationship with—” Blythe puffed a blonde frizzy strand off her cheek. “Stirling was a huge factor in him choosing us for his first exhibition.”
The rivers of ice in my body resumed their liquidity. “What do you mean?”
“He told me that after only a few meetings with us, your personal concern for his art was why he felt so confident partnering with the museum.” Her stoic expression softened, and her eyes began to twinkle from her ruse. “You genuinely care about his success and he can tell. Weallcan tell. So when Stirling asked if you could be put in charge of his account, I wholeheartedly agreed.”
“What?!”
Blythe’s smile broke like the morning sun as she beamed with pride. “You’rethe new lead of Stirling’s account.”
Shock garbled the words bouncing in my brain. Laughing, Blythe warded off my stuttering protests with a wave of her hand.
“I’m still going to be listed as the curator, so I’ll get my fifteen minutes of fame. But you’ll be in charge of the opening soirée. I’ve already approved it with Kendra.”
“I get to plan Stirling’s opening soirée?”
Blythe nodded with a laugh, her animated freckles dancing. “The whole enchilada.”
“Oh my gosh! Thank you!” I jolted to my feet and flapped my hands excitedly. “I won’t let you down. Thank you for the opportunity!” I rushed around to hug Blythe.
Blythe laughed openly, patting my arm. “You’re welcome, Amantha. I’ll announce it to the department on Monday.”
I hadn’t even made it to my desk before texting Val.
AMANTHA: Blythe made me head of Stirling’s account!
From my chair, I spied through the panes of Val’s office. His rugged face split into my favorite smile, crinkling his eyes. He risked a glance toward me before he typed.
