Page 27 of For the Love of Art

Nathan’s brows raised slightly, a small smile playing across his lips. He looked at me with a glint in his eyes that told me he liked the idea of lighting a fire under me.

He turned his attention back to Lianne. “Tonight. I’ll stay at the gallery until six. If your client doesn’t come, I won’t bother her again.”

I swallowed. I didn’t know if I liked the idea of him never bothering me again.

Dammit.

This was it!

This was the curse of Nathan Manning and why Fifth Avenue is littered with broken hearts and torn lingerie.

“We agree to those terms. You better be where you say you will be, though. My client will be deeply disappointed if you let her down.”

Nathan raised his right hand. “I swear. “ He looked at me. “I hope to see you later, Isla.”

I gave him an awkward nod as he turned and left the store. I exhaled as his designer suit disappeared into the crowds on the sidewalk.

Lianne marched around the counter and grabbed my hands, pulling me to face her.

“You’re accepting the offer.”

I laughed, and she fixed me with a glare. I immediately closed my mouth, pressing my lips together.

“I repeat: you’re accepting the offer.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Why?” She let go of my hands and crossed her arms. “This is an amazing opportunity. Do you know how many people would jump at this?”

“So let them jump.”

I returned to the sample platter I was working on.

“What is your plan? To stay working here while living in an expensive neighborhood?”

“I have money from Don and more coming in the divorce.”

“That’s finite. I looked it up. You can make up to almost six figures yearly as a curator in this city.”

“I don’t need the money. If I can’t afford Manhattan, I’ll move.”

“To where? Brooklyn is pricey, too.”

“Lianne!” I slammed my hand onto the counter. “This isn’t your concern. It’s mine.”

“You’re my best friend! I can’t watch you throw away this incredible offer.”

“I can’t work for him!”

“Why? Because he has a history of sleeping around? Ninety percent of New York does that! Look at Frankie!” She gestured to the back of the store. “No one is asking you to fuck him.”

“I’m attracted to him!”

I instantly slapped my hand over my mouth as Lianne’s eyes widened.

“Oh my God. I wasn’t expecting you to admit it.”

“You knew?”