Page 7 of For the Love of Art

CHAPTER

TWO

Iopened my mouth, but no words came out. Sweat formed on my forehead as I took in his handsome features. I knew he was good looking; I just didn’t want to say it out loud to Lianne. Standing in front of him, his looks were disarming, as evidenced by my inability to put words together.

“Okay,” I squeaked.

He tilted his head and smiled. “Maybe this isn’t the style you were looking for?”

“N-no.”

He raised an eyebrow. “We do have other art. Are you looking for realism, impressionism, art nouveau?”

“None,” I answered, then shook my head. “What I mean is, I’m not really looking to buy. I just love art, and this piece–” I gestured to the large canvas. “This piece is beautiful and powerful. There’s so much said in each stroke, and I’d be honored to hang it in my home.”

I instantly felt my cheeks redden as the corner of his mouth turned up into a smile. “Interesting and astute.”

He crossed his arms across his crisp black shirt, but his eyes remained soft.

“The use of texture is what really makes the painting stand out. The level of detail is astounding and like nothing I’ve seen from what I’m assuming is an amateur artist.”

I don’t know why I kept talking. He hadn’t asked me to elaborate, and yet I couldn’t stop.

I was still looking over my shoulder, too afraid that if I faced him, he’d see my uneven breathing, sweaty forehead, and flushed cheeks.

“I’ll let the artist know that she’s already being well received by the public.”

“Good.”

A few seconds of silence followed, and I used it to try and pull myself together. I could see why women fell under Nathan’s spell. I despised who I knew him to be and had no patience for someone like that, yet his deep and velvety voice was hard not to find alluring.

“I’m Nathan Manning.”

A hand appeared in my peripheral vision, and I realized I had no choice but to face him fully.

I took his hand in mine and replied, “I know.”

Nathan let out a small chuckle as our hands dropped to our sides. “I guess my face has been around New York.”

As well as your penis.I pressed my lips together.

“You know, we’re having a grand opening for this location soon.”

Nathan reached into a black portfolio and pulled out a card. I took it from him and looked down at the eloquent writing.

“I see. Get people in the door so they know this place exists before your first show.”

“Exactly.”

I quickly scanned the invitation to feign interest but stopped at a particular name.

“One of the featured artists is Victoria Manning?”

“My sister.” He looked behind me at the painting we had just discussed. “This is actually hers. I’m putting together her first show.”

“Oh. Convenient for her.”

My cheeks reddened. Had I really just said that out loud?