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“Oh darling,” Vivian said, approaching them. “Is this the new artist you told me about?” She glanced at Suzy. “Ah, we have met before.”
“Yes.” Suzy held out her hand. “In front of the gallery last week.”
“You looked like a love-struck woman.” Vivian chuckled. “I’m afraid you still do.”
Suzy’s face flushed.
“Suzy,” he muttered, waving his hand toward Vivian. May I introduce you to Vivian Cline, the ever-so-charming lady of the hour?” Also one of his biggest headaches.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Vivian said, taking Suzy’s hand. "It's also nice to see Daniel happy for a change. Did I mention he can be quite unpleasant at times?”
He cleared his throat. “I promised Suzy champagne if you’ll excuse us. Enjoy the show.”
“Of course, darling,” Vivian said, practically purring. “Enjoy each other.”
Daniel tugged Suzy away from her.
“So that’s Vivian Cline,” she said, glancing backward.
“The one and only. Sorry, she can be a bit dramatic at times.” He sighed. “And that is putting it nicely.”
“Of course,” she said with a grin, “and you being unpleasant, I can’t imagine.”
He swallowed hard. The gallery was suddenly too crowded, and he longed to take her outside underneath the city lights and faint stars and kiss her. Taste her sweet lips.
“Here’s the champagne, I promised.” He handed her a fluted glass. “A toast to Suzy Alexander. May this just be the start of many showings of your artwork.”
She beamed up at him like a light calling him home. If he didn't leave soon, he do something reckless and take her in his arms.
“I need to mingle with the other guests.” He abruptly walked away.
***
“Excuse me,” said a man, tapping Suzy’s shoulder.
She turned to face him. He was quite good-looking and looked wealthy. He had sandy blond hair and deep green eyes. He wore a lavish suit, a pinky ring with a large ruby, and a gold Rolex.
“Yes,” she said.
“Are you, by chance, an artist?” he said softly.
She nodded.
He flashed her a brilliant smile, showing off his perfectly white teeth. “Ah, I knew it. There’s an air about you, so refined and elegant. Can you show me your pieces?” He extended his arm. “I would love to see them. I’m sure they are as picturesque as you are with your gorgeous eyes.”
She wasn’t used to this type of attention, especially from such a handsome man. Nerves stung her in every direction as she lightly touched her stomach.
They linked arms. It felt strange and uncomfortable. He pulled her near. His aftershave tingled her senses, a masculine scent of musk and sandalwood.
They leisurely strolled to the gallery's center until they stood before her pieces. He looked at her like he was gazing at a fine piece of art and still hadn’t let go of her arm. Heat crept down her neck. Who was he? Did he truly find her captivating?
“I absolutely love it,” he murmured against her ear. “I simply must have it, and when I hang it, you must promise to come see it. You will, won’t you?” He squeezed her arm. “Promise me. I have the perfect spot for it. The blue flowers against the passionate sunset will go nicely in my bedroom.”
Her mind reeled at the thought of someone wanting to buy a piece from her. Words stuck in her throat. She should say something, anything, to thank him for buying her art.
Daniel had priced it high. Higher than she ever imagined. The sale would cover her next month’s rent. Her lips curled upward. She felt like a happy toddler in a toy store or a teenager driving their first car. Or a woman in love kissing the man of her dreams.
She glanced over at Daniel. What would it feel like to kiss him? He strode toward them, anger flashing in his dark eyes.
