“What about Stephon and thecontract?”
Lily rung her hands. “I’m going to use the money I get from this, if you still have a need for the picture, and I’m going to hire an attorney. I want out for good. I don’t care if it ruins my career, or if I can never sell another painting. Even if I have to work a desk job and can only paint for myself, it’s worth it. I won’t let him have anymore control over me, so I’m going to fight. My only concern is for you. I won’t do this if you’re worried about how it will affect your company. Stephon can beunrelenting.”
“You’re worried about me and the company? Not about what he’ll dotoyou?”
“Of course.” Lily stared at him for a moment as if it was a stupid question then toed the carpet with her shoe. “I would never want to hurt you. I know we haven’t been dating long, but I care for you. Deeply. I don’t want to cause you anytrouble.”
He searched through his memories, yet he couldn’t remember a single woman who had ever offered to sacrifice her needs or her wants to protect him. They had only taken from him, never given. In that moment, he knew that Lily was the most perfect woman he’d ever met. He closed the rest of the space between them and swooped her into his arms. Taking her lips with his, he kissed her as if it were their last kiss, their first kiss, their everything kiss. A kiss that left them both panting and clinging to eachother.
“I can’t believe you’d take this risk.” He glanced at the picture and knew how much she cared for him, how much courage it had taken for her to paint it and bring it here. “Lily, thank you. Not for the picture, but for trusting me. And I want you to know, I think I’m falling in love with you.” He kissed her again and again until someone cleared their throat behind them. He broke away and turned to find Mr. Gregory atthedoor.
“Excuse me for the interruption, but I thought we had anappointment.”
“We do,” Josh managed between short breaths. “My apologies, sir. This is my…girlfriend. She’s the amazing artist who created this piece for your campaign.” Josh proudly stepped aside, and Mr. Gregorygasped.
“Oh, my. That’s magnificent. Even better than the original.” He stepped forward, analyzing the drawing. “Um, isthatyou?”
“If you don’t like it, I can change it whatever you wish,” Lilyoffered.
“No, no. It’s perfect. It’s exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you. Now, where do I sign so we can get this campaign moving?” Mr. Gregoryasked.
“Allen has the contracts ready. He just needs to make a fewtweaks.”
Just then, Allen walked in. “If you’ll come with me, Mr. Gregory, we can get started. I have some fresh coffee made. Would you likeacup?”
“I’d love some, thank you.” Mr. Gregory paused at the door then glanced over his shoulder. “That’s brilliant work, my dear. It’s going to be a classic campaign, used foryears.”
Josh waited for the man to step outside, then he swooped Lily into his arms again and kissed her with all the passion and love hecould.
When their lips parted, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him tight to her. “I was scared to come here, but now I never want to letyougo.”
“You never have to. I’m not leaving your side. There’s no reason I can’t continue work from the beach if that’s whatyouwant.”
“No, I’m coming back to New York. It’s time for me to stop hiding and start facingthings.”
“What aboutConnie?”
“Oh, she’s already out looking at apartments,”Lilysaid.
Josh pulled her into him and held her tight. Even if they still had to deal with Stephon and his threats, no matter what, he knew they would stay together. If he ever doubted it at all, he only had to look at the drawing to know how she felt about him. Even if she hadn’t said it yet, he knew shelovedhim.
