Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
I chuckled and flipped the sausage as he watched over my shoulder. I was done with everything in a few minutes and plated the food, giving him double the amount of what I gave myself. We sat down at the table with coffee and ate quietly. We were both hungry, and I watched as he inhaled the food. I did that just a bit slower, and we washed the dishes together before moving to the couch.
We watched TV and cuddled, sharing long kisses before Ryder reluctantly pulled away. “I need to pack my shit. We’re taking a red-eye after tonight’s game.” He kissed my jaw as I closed my eyes. “Fucking hockey.”
“You love it,” I murmured happily at this moment. I didn’t want him to leave, but I needed to finish up things for the art show and focus on that. When I was with Ryder, I just wanted him any way that I could have him. “I’m going to watch your games.” He invited me to tonight’s game, but I had a meeting with Tori at the gallery to fine-tune the details for the night of the show.
“I hope so. I wish you could be there tonight.” He pulled me close, and I smiled against his chest.
“I know. Everything is just happening so fast.” He kissed my cheek and slowly pulled away. We headed back to his room, and I slipped into my clothes from last night. Ryder walked me to the door, making sure I had everything I needed before he kissed me breathless at his door.
I stumbled to my car and slipped into the seat, taking a deep breath. That man was dangerous for me, but I couldn’t walk away. The weeklong break would be good for me, but I’d miss him so much. I started the car and headed home to finish the last few paintings for the show before dinner with Tori, followed by the meeting.
Chapter 12
ELYSE
I TUGGED AT THE flowing sleeves of the deep green dress that I was wearing as Tori drove us to the gallery. We’d had some sushi for dinner, but I was too nervous to enjoy it. She tried to get me to drink saké, but I told her that she was insane. I was a light drinker at best and needed to have my wits about me.
We pulled up, and I looked at the beautiful building with huge windows in the front and soft lighting throughout. It looked small from the front but went far back and split up into a few large rooms. I couldn’t believe that I was going to be showcasing my work here the following weekend.
“Let’s go, pretty girl,” Tori said as I gazed with wide eyes at the building, rooted in my seat. “It’s going to be great, Elyse. Don’t worry.” She hopped out and walked around to grab my hand and lead me inside.
“I’m so nervous,” I murmured as she tapped on the door, watching as a tall blond man walked over to unlock it. He gestured for us to step in, and I smiled as Tori introduced him after explaining that he was the manager of the gallery. We’d dealt with the owner up until now, but he was out of town for a couple of days. This man was as tall as he was built and looked like a Viking to me.
Lucas showed us around, explaining that my paintings would be in the front rooms. There would be an open bar set up in another for opening night with catered appetizers. The lighting would allow guests to make their way around safely but highlight my work, making the paintings the focal point in the rooms.
I followed him as he spoke, gesturing around the rooms. It was great in here, not stuffy like some galleries could be. I could see it now and smiled at the image of the people walking around, talking, and laughing. There was soft music playing now, something indie. Lucas told me that it would be background noise so as not to distract anyone from my work.
Some of my paintings were already here, and I glanced around, not seeing them. “Looking for your work?” Lucas asked as I slowly nodded. “We have it locked up in a secured room until the day of the show. We wouldn’t want anyone getting an early look.” His pale blue eyes caught my gaze, and I blushed. “It’s great work, by the way. You’re talented, Elyse.”
“Thank you.” My voice was soft as I looked at Tori. She was smiling at me, and I shot her a quick, dark look.
“If artists do well here, we sell their work after their showing. I think you’ll be on that list.” This man was charming, and I smiled and nodded, looking away.
“Thanks.” Tori took over, and they nailed down the event as I watched. She was so classy but flirted constantly. He seemed to enjoy it, but his eyes kept moving to me, and I felt heat wash over me.