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I glance down at the simple black clutch purse. It’s plain, but the only one I thought was appropriate.
Magdalene steps forward with one of her more designer bags. “Here, take one of mine. Tonight is special and you deserve that extra pop to really set off your look.”
I stand there for a moment in shock looking at the Chanel purse dangling in front of me. I know for a fact the handbag is more than my month’s salary, and I’m not so sure I should take it.
“Are you sure?” I ask, nervously holding out my hands.
Magdalene nods as she hands the expensive purse to me. “I’m positive. It’s not like it’s getting much use sitting with me, so take it for tonight and enjoy.”
“Thank you so much,” I say. “You’re right, it really does set the whole outfit off.”
The Chanel purse has a gold chain strap, and I drape it over my shoulder before taking one last glance of my improved look. After saying my goodbyes to Magdalene and Jacob, I grab my keys and head out the door.
Despite the circumstances, I’m glad Magdalene is spending more time with Jacob.
I’m hopeful things will work themselves out for Magdalene and Heath. If nothing else, I hope they can at least reach common ground for Jacob’s sake.
My heart pounds in my chest as I reach the bottom floor, and suddenly I feel like I have a mouth filled with cotton. I’ve gone on several dates with Asher at this point, so I’m not sure why I’m so nervous.
The doors open and there he is with a big bouquet of red roses. As usual, he’s dressed to kill in his custom-fitted clothes with his beautiful dark hair slicked back.
He smiles and hands me the roses. “I didn’t think it was possible, but I swear every time I see you, you somehow look better.”
I wrap my arm around his and lean in for a much-needed kiss. “Thank you, Mr. Jordan. You are looking handsome, but you look amazing every time I see you.”
Asher closes his eyes and shakes his head. “None of that Mr. Jordan business tonight. I need to keep my blood flowing to my brain and not the other direction. You should at least wait until after the art exhibit, otherwise I can’t promise I’ll be able to keep my hands off you.”
We share another kiss as we walk to the car. Ed smiles and tips his hat as he reaches to open the door.
“Ms. Sinclair, it’s nice to see you again,” he says.
I smile and slide into the car with Asher right behind me.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my promise,” he says, his voice low and heavy in my ear.
“What promise is that again?” I ask, sliding my hand up his thigh. “I could have sworn you promised me a spanking.”
He puts his hand under my chin and brings my face up to meet his. “You’re right, I do owe you a spanking. I have an idea, let’s just skip the exhibit altogether and go to my place instead.”
“No,” I say, playfully slapping his thigh. “I’ve been waiting to see this exhibit ever since you told me about it, but I’ll make you a deal, if you can keep your hands to yourself for a couple of hours, I’ll let your hands explore as much as they want for as long as they want afterwards. How does that sound?”
Asher pulls me in close and sighs. “You have yourself a deal, but let me just say, I’m a reluctant participant in this deal.”
I laugh and return my hand to his thigh, drawing little circles with my fingertip. A few minutes later we arrive in front of the gallery before Ed gets out and holds the door open for us.
“Enjoy your evening,” he says, tipping his hat again.
Asher opens the door to the gallery for me and I find myself stepping into a sea of color. My mind is blown away by the mixture of colors and shapes throughout the room. The artist has created sculptures that stand tall in the middle of the room while the walls are covered in large canvases which boast as much color.
“This is beautiful,” I say as Asher moves next to me, his hand finding the small of my back.
“You’re right, but it’s not nearly as beautiful as you,” he says before planting a gentle kiss on my temple.
Together we walk over to a podium that’s off to the side with a rather severe-looking woman standing behind it. She’s tall and wiry, her long arms hanging at her sides like branches on a tree. I try to focus on her face, but the blunt-cut wig on her head is slightly askew, and completely distracting. Her skin is a milky white hue that reminds me of the Japanese geishas I saw on a documentary not too long ago.
