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“No, he’s in Paris right now.”
“Oh, too important to be at his own debut.”
I giggle. “It appears that way.”
His head nudges toward the other wall. “But not you?”
“Oh, I’m not as important as Carmichael. I think you know that.”
He grabs my hand and leads me over to the next wall. I don’t look at it. I watch his face instead as he takes it in. “Maggie, this is incredible. Your work always moves me.”
“Is it so incredible you’re planning to buy it?” I joke.
He doesn’t take his eyes off it and says, “Yes.”
I choke back a cough. “For a client?”
He jerks his eyes to mine. “No, for me.”
A ripple of sweat glides down my spine. He’s looking at me like the painting is not the only thing he’s interested in tonight.
He steps a little closer to me. “Join me for dinner next week.”
I pause, trying to read his facial expression. We’ve flirted for years but nothing has ever happened between us. “Is this a date?”
He smirks. “Would you like it to be a date?”
I roll my eyes. “Hugo, we’ve known each other for a long time. Can’t we just be straight with each other?”
“Fine, come as a business colleague, and we’ll see where it goes. No pressure.”
I swallow. I can’t date him – not really. Not right now with my deal with Declan. He studies my hesitation and says, “Just friends. Have dinner with me as a friend. I’d love to catch up.”
Someone catches his eye across the room, and I say quickly. “Sounds nice. Text me the details.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “Always good to see you, Maggie. Looking forward to dinner.”
I can’t get the exchange out of my head all night. I feel like I’ve just cheated on Declan, even though I’m free to go to dinner with anyone I want. Declan and I aren’t in a relationship. We aren’t dating. We just agreed not to sleep with other people during this arrangement – the arrangementIput into place.
As I’m pushing the door open to my apartment that evening, Declan pokes his head out of his apartment. “Hey, did you have a good evening?”
“Yeah.”
“Sell anything?”
“Yes. It was a good night.”
He walks across the hallway and kisses me on the forehead. “I’m so proud of you.”
I nod, and then yawn. “Sorry, long day.”
He nudges his chin toward my bedroom. “Go - get some sleep. Let’s catch up tomorrow. I’ll bring you lunch?”
“Sure.”
As I turn to leave, he grabs my wrist and says, “Your period hasn’t started, has it?”
My period was due yesterday. It hasn’t started yet. I’m not getting my hopes up because my period fluctuates a little. It’s never been completely predictable. If it doesn’t come by Monday, I will consider myself late.
