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I laughed, the sound bubbling up before I could stop it. The art was striking, but I didn’t think I’d want a depiction of a penis hanging on my wall.

“So, are we supposed to place bids on the art? And then the proceeds go to the artists?” I asked, realizing how little I knew about tonight’s event. I’d accepted Colton’s invitation without much thought, caught up in the excitement of being with him.

If that were the case, maybe I would buy something. Something to take back to New York, a tangible memory of these two months, a keepsake of Colton Stone and the effect he’s had on me. The hidden meaning would be my little secret.

The thought of Colton becoming just a distant memory made my chest ache. I lifted my free hand to rub it away, hoping to dull the sudden sting.

I was wearing the dress he’d chosen for me, the roses waiting back in my room, and this beautiful necklace resting against my skin. Each item was a piece of this night, a piece of him, something I would treasure long after.

“Yes,” Colton said, guiding me to the next display. “The money will go to the artists. Tonight, it’s all from up and coming artists, no big names. So, the bids start low and tend to stay that way.”

I nodded, thinking how unfair it was. Just because they weren’t well known didn’t mean their art held less value. If I liked something, I’d spend whatever I wanted, regardless of their novice status.

“Oooh, now this one,” I said, stopping in front of a painted canvas.

It reminded me of the views here in Wyoming. The orange hues blended seamlessly into shades of yellow and red, evoking the warmth and beauty of the landscape. It tickled my chest and brought a surge of joy I hadn’t felt in a long time, a joy that seemed to have returned over the past few weeks.

“This one is hard to beat,” Colton said, his voice filled with admiration as he stood beside me, gazing at the canvas. His grip on me tightened, pulling me slightly closer to him. I rested my head against his bicep and stood to take in the piece in front of us a little bit longer.

I leaned forward, pulled a number from the pad, and slipped it into my purse, securing my claim for when we returned to the front to place our bids.

Colton spun around, which caught me by surprise. Quickly, he tapped a woman on the shoulder as she passed by. She turned, her deep blue cocktail dress catching the light, her partner standing close behind.

“Sorry for the interruption,” Colton said, slipping his phone out of his pocket. “Do you mind taking a photo for us?”

I kept my expression neutral, though confusion bubbled beneath the surface. I wanted to arch a brow or ask what he was up to, but the woman smiled warmly and nodded.

“Absolutely! You two look striking together.” She took Colton’s phone, handing her purse to the man beside her before stepping closer.

Colton gently guided us to stand slightly off-center so the painting behind us would be visible. His hand rested low on my waist, and I instinctively leaned into him, resting my head against his rock-hard bicep. With a playful touch, I kicked one leg out, my smile growing wide.

I glanced up at Colton, silently hoping he was smiling too. His scowl might’ve been his signature look, but when he smiled? It was a treasure.

To my delight, he held a close-lipped smile as he looked into the camera, but my eyes were on him.

The woman adjusted angles, snapping a few photos before her face lit up with satisfaction. “Perfect,” she said, stepping forward to return the phone.

“Thank you,” I said warmly, offering her a small nod. She nodded graciously in return before taking her partner’s arm and disappearing into the crowd.

Turning to Colton, I crossed my arms, curiosity knitting my brow. “What was that about?”

As always, Colton shrugged like it was nothing, sliding his phone back into his pocket with practiced ease. But the twist of my heart told me it was far more meaningful than he let on.

“I wanted something to remember tonight,” he said casually, his tone deep and steady. “I don’t go out often. Especially not with a gorgeous woman on my arm.”

My breath hitched as his words sank in, a warmth spreading through my chest. He winked as he reached for my arm. With effortless charm, he led me to the next painting, leaving me speechless.

COLTON AND I had made it halfway around the gallery when a worker in a suit jacket approached, informing us that food was being served in the adjacent room.

Thank God. My stomach felt like it was about to start eating itself.

Before heading over, I needed a quick bathroom break. Handing my purse to Colton, I said, “I’m going to freshen up. Can you hold this for me?”

He nodded, taking the clutch from my grasp. “I’ll be right here.”

“No, don’t wait,” I replied. “Go ahead and grab us a seat. My feet are killing me in these heels, and I’d hate to have to stand any longer.”

Without protest, Colton nodded and turned, walking off toward the dining area.