Fine. I don’t even want to know what goes on in his head.
“Yes, you can have the idea. But I want it noted that I’m only giving it to you because I’ve already used it and you’ll look like you’re copying me.”
“That seems fair.” He starts up the foot massage again on my other foot.
“You should do a wine and artwork pairing. Have a sommelier describe the wine and pair it with the works in the collection and sell them as a pair. But that’s all I’m telling you.”
“Yes,” Gavin says, dropping my foot to get his phone and start making notes. “That’s perfect.”
“Now let me see some of these pieces.” I sit up, putting my feet on the floor, and scoot closer to his side to look at his phone.
“I don’t know...we’re enemies,” he says, a twinkle in those damn eyes as he exaggerates the wordenemiesand shifts to hide his phone screen from me. Clearly, he’s not taking this rivalry seriously.
“Only technically,” I parrot back at him. “I’ve earned this, for my help.”
He gives in and moves the phone back so I can see the screen. I cuddle closer into his side so I can see better as he flips through photos. Awkwardness from the kiss last night tries to intrude on the office we’ve made here, but work, being an amazing distraction, keeps it from coming into the space.
An hour later, my declaration to not help is a distant memory and we have papers spread throughout the library floor.
“The Warhol is light and fun...you need a prosecco. Or a rosé.”
“The Warhol is bold and elegant...it’s a cabernet sauvignon if it’s anything.”
“You’re wrong. More wrong than you’ve ever been in the history of your life, and let me tell you, you’ve been wrong a lot.” The words don’t have any heat despite their intensity, just my natural enjoyment of arguing.
Gavin is about to respond on the merits of an Andy Warhol painting as different wines when the door opens. And I’m glad he was interrupted because he has that furrow in his forehead that lets me know he’s going to be a pain in the butt about something.
“Hello, auctioneers,” Harrison says as he enters the library. “What are you guys up to?”
“Just some work,” I say with a smile.
“You guys are both devoted to your work, I’ll give you that.”
“What’s next on the schedule for the house party?” Gavin asks.
“We’re going on a horseback ride to one of the best picnic spots on the estate where we can enjoy a nice lunch.”
“That sounds lovely,” I say, surprised at how laid back the day’s itinerary is.
“I’ve also got to deal with a last-minute personnel issue.”
“I hope everything is okay?” I ask.
“It’s fine. But my guy who was going to take us hunting is sick, so we won’t be able to go this week.”
Oh no. However shall I deal with the disappointment of missing that? *Sarcasm intensifies.*
I’ll deal with a big smile; glad I don’t have to watch them take down adorable forest animals.
“If you need an event, I would love to plan one,” I offer. Any chance to show the man I can throw a great event and make him like me that much better.
“I will take you up on that, actually. For two days from now?” Harrison looks grateful.
“Perfect. I’ll have everything ready for then.” Once I figure out what I’m going to do.
“Let Sarah know if you need anything. She can get it or will know who can get it for you.”
“Let me know if you need me to fill some time as well.” Gavin tries to make himself relevant.
