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She took some time to center herself and get her feelings back under control before she picked up her paints and went to work on her latest commission.
CHAPTER THREE
“SO, YOU ARE A PAINTER?” Konstantin asked Emma when he tracked her down to a glassed-in porch that overlooked the back courtyard, which she’d clearly turned into her studio. She’d always wanted to pursue her art. “Good for you.”
She had a paint-splattered apron over her clothes, her shoes were kicked in a corner and the image she presented reminded him so much of old times, he sucked in a breath as emotions he did not do assailed him.
Emma looked up, her expression unfocused and a little startled, like she’d forgotten she had a visitor. A far cry from the days when she hung on his every word. He missed the way she used to look at him because he was pretty sure he still looked at her like she was the most desirable woman walking the planet.
“Painting small commissions is a way I supplement my regular income.”
Her parents had refused her an education at a fine arts college, insisting she get a more practical degree. When they’d been together, she’d been working on a BA in business.
He looked at the canvas on the easel. It was a painting of downtown Santa Fe. “That is very nice, but not the art I remember you doing.”
Five years ago her art had been splashy, vibrant colors filled with emotion.
She shrugged. “It pays the bills and I still get to put my stamp on the artwork.”
“I see art still has the same effect on your attitude. You seem much calmer.”
“Art and meditation. I spent the first ten minutes in here meditating.” She said it with no apology. No embarrassment.
This woman no longer struggled with marching to her own drum. When they’d been together, she’d hated disappointing her parents, or being singled out as different.
“You meditate?” he asked. Fascinated.
“At least twice a day, more if Mickey is even more active than usual. I do yoga too. Trust me, single parenting takes every ounce of patience and calm I have and then some. So, I augment.”
“In pretty unique ways.”
“Not around here. Santa Fe is very proud of its be different vibe.”
“Mirrus isn’t exactly backward, but I don’t know if we even have a yoga studio.”
“You probably do, but since you don’t use it, you wouldn’t know.”
“You’re saying I’m oblivious.”
She shrugged. “You will take my words the way you want.”
“You sound very Zen.”
“Mickey is going to wake soon. He’ll be glad you kept your promise.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t?”
“I didn’t think about it. Worrying wouldn’t change your actions, only my anxiety levels.” And she smiled.
Art and meditation. A winning combination for Emma’s peace of mind. He would remember that, make it easy for her to do both whenever she felt the need.
And that smile? Went straight to his groin. Not the reaction she was looking for with her sound bites of wisdom, he was sure.
“I’ve been looking for you for the past several months.” He’d been on the verge of hiring a private investigator, or swallowing his pride and asking his new sister-in-law for help.
“Why?”
“I’m sure you know Lady Nataliya is now the Princess of Mirrus. I think my brother is going to make her Queen on their anniversary.” Which wasn’t the real answer to Emma’s question.
