Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“I use one of the spare rooms for my art studio.”
Callan waits for me to take the lead, and as he follows me to the room, he says, “You have a lovely home, Lillian,”
The way he says my name makes goosebumps erupt over my skin.
“Thank you.”
When we step into my sacred space, I gesture at my collection. They’re all resting against a wall, and I watch as Callan moves closer to them.
He takes his time looking at each piece, making my stomach tighten with nerves.
Wrapping my arms around my middle, my eyes keep darting between my artwork and Callan’s handsome face.
After what feels like an eternity, his eyes flick to me. “You shouldn’t be working as an art conservator.”
What?
As a frown starts to form on my forehead, he adds, “You should be painting twenty-four-seven. Your talent needs to be shared with the world.”
A sense of pride and appreciation wells in my chest.
Callan walks over to the easel and looks at the piece I’m working on.
Stepping closer to him, I say, “It’s far from done.”
He glances around my work area, then a smile spreads over his face. “So this is who you are.”
I give him a questioning look. “I’m not following.”
“Seeing your apartment and art gives me a sense of who you are. You come from money, and you have an amazing talent. You're expressive and not as introverted as you come across at first glance.”
“I’m actually down to earth. I was just nervous tonight because I did something out of my comfort zone.”
He nods, then smiles at me again. “When you’re ready to sell your art, I want first pick.”
I let out a burst of laughter. “We’ll see.”
I’m just about to offer him a cup of coffee when he gestures to the door. “I better get going.”
“Right.”
I follow Callan to the front door, my eyes dancing over his broad shoulders and back.
The man looks devastatingly handsome in a suit.
When he opens the front door, he pauses to look at me. “Thank you for showing me your paintings.”
“You’re welcome.”
There’s a weird pull between us.
“When you receive the invite to the party, just send me a message. You don’t have to fill out an application again.”
“Okay.” My head bobs up and down. “Drive safely.”
I’m given a last smile by Callan before he walks to the elevator. It’s only then I remember I need to let him down to the lobby.
“Wait,” I call out before grabbing the keycard and rushing toward me. “Sorry. I need to scan the card for you to go down.”
I swipe the keycard, and when the doors open, Callan steps inside then turns to face me.
“It was nice meeting you, Lillian,” he murmurs.
“You too.”
Our eyes lock as the doors start to close, and I feel a punch in my stomach from the intensity of his gaze.
The connection between us is broken as the doors shut, and I let out a shaky breath.
Wow.
Just freaking wow.
A wide smile spreads over my face, and I almost let out a happy shriek as I walk back into my apartment. Shutting the door, I rest against it, letting out a sigh.
“That was perfect.”
Callan made me feel special, and it really felt like he saw me.
I’ll definitely make another appointment with him. Even if I don’t get invited to the party.
At least wait three days before you book him again so you don’t look desperate.
Shaking my head, I mutter to myself, “And don’t forget you’re paying him for his time.”
Chapter 11
Callan
Harper and I are busy reviewing the financials the accounting department sent to us when Easton comes in with our lunch.
“Time to eat,” he says, placing the pizzas on the round table we use for meetings.
“Thank God,” Harper mutters. “My stomach won’t stop growling.”
We move to the table and start to devour the pizza.
“Have you heard anything about the adoption?” I ask Easton. He went with his partner, Josh, to the meeting last Friday, and my PA has been on edge ever since.
His face lights up, and he nods as he swallows the bite he just took. “They called earlier. We’ve been approved.”
“Oh God,” Harper shrieks. She pats Easton’s shoulder. “Congratulations.”
“I’m happy for you both,” I say.
“We’ll meet our little boy next week, and then we’ll schedule visits until we get to take him home,” Easton informs us.
“How old is he?” Harper asks.
“Two.” There’s a flash of anger in Easton’s brown eyes. “Can you believe he was left at a fire station?”
“That’s so sad.” Harper shakes her head. “Then again, if that didn’t happen, you and Josh wouldn’t get to adopt him.”
“Silver lining,” I murmur.
“Yeah.” Easton glances at Harper and me. “What’s new in your lives? I feel like all we ever talk about is me and my shit.”
“Your shit is interesting,” Harper chuckles.
“Ellie is going to move in with me when she starts college,” I mention.