Page 81 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Callie stopped by the fire, glancing at the mantel where a picture of her and Nate sat in a frame by the other photos, before she turned away. “It means I’m tired. My inspiration’s gone. Even if I wanted to create, I can’t. I need an extended break. I thought a few weeks was going to be enough, but so far it’s not.”

Marion sighed. “I’m not quite sure what to say right now. You’re my biggest and brightest—probably the best I’ll ever have. We both know it. Your stunning talent brings in the money; your exceptional face brings the fame.”

Callie frowned, always finding herself annoyed when Marion brought up physicalities. What she looked like was never supposed to have factored into the success of her art. “And I’ve never wanted to let you down.”

Marion sighed again. “Let’s table this for a couple of weeks, but I’m going to need a date to work with and twelve pieces that fulfill our agreement.”

“And you’ll have them when I feel like I can make something worth sharing.”

“The most I can give you is until the first of the year.”

The pressure was back—the crushing weight on her shoulders, knowing she had less than three full months. “I appreciate your understanding.”

“Call me soon so we can get this moving forward.”

“All right. Bye.” She ended the call and closed her eyes as Nate walked through the front door. Turning, she sent him a small smile. “Welcome home.”

“Thanks. Marion?” He gestured to the phone as he twisted the knob on the dead bolt.

She nodded.

He unzipped his jacket and hung it next to hers. “How did things go?”

“About as well as I expected.” She walked to him, hugging him, needing him, smelling the outdoors and aftershave on his skin.

He returned her embrace, wrapping her up tight. “Do I need to kick some ass?”

She smiled as she eased back. “No. I handled it on my own.”

“Which means?”

“Which means Marion’s not entirely pleased with me. I completely understand. I’m heading into breach of contract territory if I don’t produce my twelve pieces by the first of the year.”

He sighed. “Shit.”

She shrugged with more ease than she felt. “It’s business.”

“What’s it going to cost you in the end?”

“Plenty of money. Probably a no-compete clause for an extended period of time.”

“Does she even care that you need a break?”

“I think she’s trying to, but ultimately Marion cares about dollar signs.”

Temper started heating Nate’s eyes. “What about the fact that a medical doctor has given his opinion that your health is at risk?”

She shook her head. “We’re going to talk again in a couple of weeks.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Is there anything I can do?”

“This is perfect.”

He ran his hands up and down her back. “I’m sorry, Callie.”

She stared at his handsome face, felt his tender touch—everything she needed. “Currently, I’m not.”

He studied her. “Yeah?”