Page 73 of Built of Illusions

He knocked and called through the door to her house before opening it with the key she’d given him. He never wanted to scare her by slipping in unannounced. Not after all she’d been through.

Josie smiled at him when he entered, but it was shaky. He locked the door and crossed to hold her. “Hey gorgeous. You look nervous.”

Her laugh was shaky too. “That’s what I get for falling in love with a profiler.”

He kissed her hair. It wouldn’t have taken much training to spot the nerves today. “It’s a good day and it’s going to be even better soon.”

“What if it’s a flop? What if no one comes? What if I ruin Shane and Ang’s reputation?”

That had him laughing out loud. He leaned back and cupped her shoulders in his hands. “Do you honestly think Shane and Ang would host this if there was even the slightest chance it wouldn’t be a success?”

He saw the doubt flicker and kissed her. “It’s going to be wonderful. Even if absolutely no one walks through that door tonight, it will be a success.”

When she shook her head, he kissed her forehead and squeezed her. “Your work is incredible. It’s powerful and meaningful. It’s already a success because of the messages you’re sending.”

She sighed and snuggled into his arms. “Thanks. Do I have time to seduce you or do we have to get dressed?”

His body fired up instantly. “I need a shower. Why don’t we be energy efficient and shower together? You know, to save water.”

Josie laughed and followed him.

Shower sex with Nico had been the perfect way to help Josie relax. She now felt calmer and stronger. She’d had art shows before but nothing that ever meant so much to her.

Nico shot his cuffs and she had to grin. The man looked like a sexy millionaire, but that wasn’t what she’d fallen in love with. It was the man beneath the surface who’d caught her heart.

He looked at her and the heat they’d just satisfied showed again. “You’re gorgeous. Love the dress. You look every inch the incredible artist you are.”

She laughed and twirled in her favorite thrift-store find. “And it cost less than a couple of coffees.”

He grinned and took her hand. “Shall we go show you off to your adoring public?”

Laughing she reached up to kiss him. “With you in that suit, no one’s going to look at me.”

He rolled his eyes and they headed out to his car. It didn’t take long to reach N20. She laughed again when Nico pulled into the lot and a space with a sign in front of it. Reserved for the artist.

She would miss Shane and Ang along with their gallery, but she knew she’d stay in touch.

They walked to the front door, where a discreet sign announced the gallery would open in an hour for a special showing.

Her showing.

Josie blew out a breath and squeezed Nico’s hand. He opened the door for her and ushered her in with his hand on the small of her back.

A small chime sounded in the back as they entered the foyer and Shane appeared immediately. His face lit up with a smile. “I’m glad it’s you. I thought I’d have to shoo out more people.”

He leaned down and kissed Josie on the cheek and shook Nico’s hand. He twinkled down at Josie. “It’s all set. Are you ready for this?”

“I think so.”

Ang arrived and raised an eyebrow as he leaned down to kiss her cheek as well. “Not acceptable. You’re the artist. You’re supposed to be confident and snooty with an edge of superior.”

Josie laughed. “Not a chance.”

Ang shook Nico’s hand then winked at her. “Then I guess you’ll just have to be yourself.”

Shane squeezed her hand. “You’ve outdone yourself with these pieces, Josie. It’s going to be a wonderful evening. Come on in and appreciate the brilliance of our setup.”

Nico’s laugh behind her had her smiling too. Confidence was not something Shane lacked.

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