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Finding the courage in myself, I stand to my feet and walk towards the seat directly across from him. “Can we talk?”
His eyes slowly lift to meet mine, a single brow rising in question as he lays the papers back onto the table. “About what?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug. “Perhaps about this client and the project?”
“I have a meeting planned with the client for tomorrow. After the meeting, I’ll take you to the building to view the space.”
I hesitate. It’s good news, but the way he is talking to me, it’s as if I’m just some task to complete.
“That sounds good,” I reply softly, my eyes drifting towards the window as I sit quietly.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, just thinking,” I say, turning my attention to him once more. “Out of all the artists out there, why did your client want me?”
My work was widely known, but I couldn’t help but wonder how the client selected me. And then Dante just happened to know me? It just doesn’t make sense.
Dante is quiet for a moment, his eyes on me like steel as he seems to ponder over his reply. The silence is almost deafening before he finally opens his mouth. “He asked about having some art done, and out of the artists I do know, I knew that you would give him what he wants. Not to mention, you have a reputation for creating works of art that people didn’t even know they needed in their lives until that moment. That’s what I’ve heard, at least.”
“Oh.” I didn’t expect any praise fromtheDante Lewis. To hear that he thinks I’m better than other artists out there made my stomach flutter in a way I didn’t expect.
“Yeah,” he nods. “Now, I have to get this paperwork done. We will be landing soon.”
* * *
An hour later, Dante ushers off the plane and into a sleek black sedan that is racing into the city towards our next destination. The address to the place I’m staying was sent over via email just like he’d said. The moment we pull up to the massive, towering apartment building, I can’t help but be blown away.
“This is where I’m staying?” I ask the moment we step out of the car. The doorman helps the driver with my luggage.
Dante glances up from his phone to look at me. “Yeah, this will be your new home away from home for the next couple of months until the projects are complete.”
“You mean, since you don’t trust my choice in how the paintings are transported?” The corner of my lips turn up into a smirk as I watch him roll his eyes.
“I never said I didn’t trust you. I just want to protect the investment.” He places his phone back into his pocket. “Let’s get you upstairs so I can show you around.”
It didn’t take long to get upstairs, the elevator speeding us towards one of the many floors that held penthouse apartments suited for luxury. Hesitation fills me. I knew he was going to get me a place, but never in a million years did I think it would be this. It has to have cost a fortune.
Even the hallway from the elevator reeks of money. Sleek white marble flooring with cream and black runners going down the hallway. White walls accented with neutral-colored decor and abstract paintings. I halt my steps as I admire them.
“Dante…” I mutter, turning to where he had been standing only to realize he was further up the hallway from me. “Are you sure this place is okay?”
He stops at a dark wooden door and turns towards me. “Is it not up to your standards?”
“No, that’s not it,” I say in a rush. “This place looks really expensive. I didn’t expect something like this.”
He chuckles, shaking his head as he unlocks the door. “This isn’t even the start of the extravagance.”
I don’t know what he means, but the moment the door swings open, I stare open-mouthed at the lush environment around me.
The apartment is huge. Stepping into the entryway awed by the dark wood flooring, sleek granite countertops, and endless amounts of space. The complete minimalist lifestyle I have always wanted but never could seem to accomplish.
Everything around me was designer, some brands I recognized and others I didn’t. Though, just by looking at them I can tell they cost a fortune.
The living room is an open concept that flows seamlessly to the kitchen. Everything is so pristine, and the moment my eyes take in the floor-to-ceiling windows on the far side of the room, I gasp.
The view of the city is absolutely breathtaking. We’re so high up, while looking down on millions of twinkling lights, that it almost makes me dizzy.
I feel Dante’s presence before I see his reflection in the window. Our eyes meet but I don’t turn around.
