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But I was disappointed.
Other than the spontaneous night at the MET, he’s barely touched me since we returned from our weekend getaway in Newport. The night I lost my virginity in the most heavenly way possible.
I thought Declan would be eager to repeat that night together, but he seemed perfectly content to hold me against him and watch the second silly romantic comedy I’d selected for the evening.
I know I’m partly to blame for the continued distance between us. I’m the one who wanted space after the bombshell Myles dropped on me regarding Antony’s death. And while I’m now doubting my fiancé’s involvement in that scheme, there’s no denying there’s something Declan isn’t telling me. I can’t be sure, but my gut says the two are connected. And that once I figure out what he’s hiding, all the other pieces will fall into place.
At least, I hope so.
“Hello, earth to Cat?” I look up from my phone and do a double take when I see Ashley standing in front of my desk, watching me with a curious expression. What’s even more surprising is that she wears a pair of black leggings and a loose, wide sweatshirt with oversized sunglasses. She looks like a pop star trying to hide from the paparazzi.
“Ashley.” I tuck my phone away. “Hi. You’re early.”
“Only by half an hour.”
I look at the massive, gold-framed clock hanging on the wall by my desk and confirm she’s right. I spent more time in the storage room than I thought. “Oh, wow. Okay. No problem. Have a seat. I’ll go ask Nolan if he can get our food early.” I start walking towards the front door when Isaiah steps out of the hall in the back of the gallery, where his office is located.
“Everything okay out here, Cat?”
I spin around on my heel. “Hi. Yes. Everything is fine. Ashley is here to have lunch with me.” I motion to my best friend. The pair have met on more than one occasion, typically when Ashely decides to crash one of the events I run at the gallery.
“I see. Good to see you, Ashley,” Isaiah says as he continues his approach, stopping just a foot away.
“You, too.” She returns coolly, with no hint of flirtation in the words. Which is odd for my overly flirtatious friend.
I clear my throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go speak with one of my bodyguards. I’ll be quick.” I turn to resume my path to the front door, but I’m stopped by a firm hand gripping my elbow.
“Hold on.”
I look over my shoulder and give Isaiah a questioning look. “Yes?”
His throat bobs as he swallows. “The buyer for the swan sculpture is due at any moment.”
I stiffen. “Oh.” My eyes dart to the door as if the man or woman is about to walk through the door. “What would you like me to do?”
“Go to my office.” He motions to the hall behind him. “I’ll take care of it.”
Relief floods me. “Thank you, Isaiah.” I look at Ashley and wave her over to join me. “Come on, Ashley. I’ll just text Nolan.”
My best friend nods and moves to my side. Walking as quickly as my heels allow, I make my way to my boss’s office.
There’s little chance that just because the buyer sees me means he or she will identify me as the artist behind the custom piece they commissioned, but I don’t want to take any chances. I’ve worked too hard to keep my identity a secret to have it ruined now.
The office door is open when we arrive. I step inside and immediately motion for Ashely to have a seat on the leather couch situated against the far wall, positioned between two tall oak cabinets that hold the paperwork for the various pieces of art in the gallery.
Ashley sits without a word. I don’t comment on her odd behavior. Instead, I take out my phone and text Nolan about Ashley’s early arrival.
His response is immediate.I’m aware. I’ve already left to pick up your lunch.
You’re the best.I add a smiley face.
I’m aware,he repeats.I smile and shake my head in amusement.
I tuck my phone away and look up and find Ashley’s eyes pinned on me with an odd intensity.
“Hey. Sorry about that.” I wave a hand in the air. “Hopefully we won’t have to stay in here for long.” My high-maintenance friend likely loathes the idea of eating in the small, crowded office.
“It’s fine.”
