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?Spencer? He’s already got his technique down pat. He can’t fault me for getting in a little practice.”
For some reason the topic of Spencer’s love life irritated her. How many other girls had there been? She decided to change the subject.
“Are you sure I can join the class now? Isn’t it the middle of the course?”
Grace shrugged. “It doesn’t matter because it’s not for credit or anything—they’ll prorate your fee. He’s the most popular teacher at the Art Academy. You’ll understand why when you meet him.”
Emily decided she wouldn’t mind a little eye candy. But she wasn’t going to be swept off her feet by any guy, no matter how suave and debonair. At least that’s what she told herself before she actually met Asher Denning.
He greeted each student by name as they entered the classroom. His blond hair was a bit too long, but it suited his face, which could only be described as beautiful. His eyes were a brilliant blue and his jaw was strong. Emily couldn’t stand a guy with a weak jaw. His face had a few days of stubble on it, giving him a laissez faire appearance. He was about six feet tall and tanned, with the broad shoulders and chest that came only from hours of lifting weights. His athletic build was at odds with his artistic bent and smooth mannerisms. He looked good, and he knew it. No wonder he didn’t date any girls in the class, he was probably in love with himself. Then he spoke to her and she was lost. He had an English accent—he was her dream guy.
“Hello. Who have we here? I know we haven’t met, for I could never forget such a lovely visage.”
She felt her face heat up. “I’m Emily Best. This is my first night, but I’ve painted before.” That sounded so stupid. Why hadn’t she thought of something clever to say?
“Well, Emily Best, I can’t wait to see the results of your efforts tonight.” He raised her hand and turned it over to examine her long slender fingers. “Such beautiful hands must do beautiful things.” He pressed his lips to her hand before releasing it, and Emily giggled nervously. What was wrong with her? He was way too old for her, and she didn’t trust him. But as he gazed at her through half-lowered lids, she felt a little thrill. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy a little flirtation. After all, he didn’t date his students anyway.
Grace elbowed her. “Told ya.”
As the two-hour class progressed, she was engrossed in her work. There was a lamp burning on a table in the center of the room. Each student was painting the lamp, with particular attention to recreating the glow emanating from the bulb behind the silk shade. Emily jumped as she felt someone touch her elbow.
“That’s absolutely smashing.” Asher breathed the words into her ear. “You’ve not only captured the glow, but you’ve revealed how the light illuminates the objects nearby.”
Emily couldn’t help but preen at his praise. “I’ve been painting for a long time.”
“It’s obvious. This class may be a waste of your time. I do provide private lessons as well.” Then he leaned to whisper in her ear, “Perhaps we could meet for coffee and discuss the possibilities.”
“But, I thought you didn’t date your students.” She spoke in a low voice, glancing to see if anyone could hear their conversation.
He raised his eyebrows in feigned innocence. “I only want to discuss your future educational opportunities, but I’ll let you in on a little secret.”
He moved closer to her ear. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. “I only say that so I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. There’s no policy here against socializing with students. I’ve simply not met a student who captured my interest before.”
Emily blushed as her heart sped up. Asher Denning had turned down every other girl, but he was interested in her. She couldn’t help but thrill at his attention.
“What do you say? Thursday night?”
“I don’t know...”
“I promise I’m not a dodgy chap—totally above board. We’ll just have a friendly chat.”
Thursday night. She was supposed to go to a jazzercise class with Becca. And she’d told Spencer she’d get pizza afterward. She could go with Becca the next Thursday and make up some excuse for Spencer. She felt a little pang of guilt. It’s not like she was doing something wrong. She and Spencer were only friends—they weren’t dating. But she couldn’t tell him about going out with Asher, since she’d declared she wasn’t interested in dating anyone. She’d better not tell Grace either. Anyway, it was merely a chance to discuss her artwork. Ha—it was a chance to ogle Asher Denning and let him stroke her ego a little. She knew she was playing with fire, but she could handle it.
“Okay. But only coffee, right?”
“Yes, well it’s a little place that has coffee and other beverages as well. There’s a great new jazz trio playing on Thursday. I think you’ll love it.” He spoke a little louder. “Yes, that’s great work with the light, Emily. Outstanding!”
“So what was Asher Denning saying to you during class tonight? I saw you turn red.” Grace questioned Emily as they walked together toward the subway station. Her voice was teasing, but insistent.
She was grateful the darkness hid her fresh blush. “He was complimenting me on the way I used light. That’s all.” She felt a little bit guilty over the partial lie. It was true he’d been complimenting her technique. Grace didn’t need to know he’d flirted with her and asked her out as well. Anyway, it was nothing. Just coffee. She wasn’t really hiding anything, was she?
“I have to admit you’re really good. Have you had a lot of lessons?”
She laughed. “No, not at all. But I read a lot of books about it and practiced religiously. I had a lot of finished watercolor paintings that looked like mud, but I kept plugging away. It’s an escape for me.”
“Wish I’d known about that when I was younger. With a bossy big brother and three whiney little sisters, I could have used an escape.”
“But I think you’re pretty good. Haven’t you been painting for a while?”
