She shoots me a very confused look.I swallow.“I mean, maybe.Sure.Except I think a piece got put up there by mistake.”
“What?Italome picked them herself,” Linda says.“There are no mistakes.”
Theo smiles, and it’s so smolderingly hot that I swear to god Linda whimpers a little, like a puppy.
Then he levels the smile at Lacey.“I’d also like to make a donation.I saw a pamphlet out front that says we can make a donation to the Sand Dollar Art Collective to ensure you can keep providing free classes and seminars for the public.”
“Yes.We’d be happy to accept a donation, Mr.Richard.”
“Theo,” he says.“But first, can someone help me with the piece I’m interested in?”
“Right.Lola, how about…” I glare at Lacey, and she blinks and rears her head back an inch, like I took a swing at her.Metaphorically, I kind of did, I guess.Her gaze shifts to Linda.“On second thought, Linda is one of our most dedicated volunteers.She can help you out and get that picture you offered.”
His face falls, but only for a second.His eyes move to me, but I look away.“Sure.Sounds great.Let me show you what I’m interested in.”
Linda and Theo disappear back into the main room, and I sag against Lacey’s desk.She shoots me a look.“What’s up with you and the hockey hunk?Oh my God, he’s not the stalker you mentioned, is he?Did he vandalize your car?”
She looks genuinely fearful, but I shake my head.“No.He’s saved me from the stalker a couple times though.Theo is a great guy.He’s perfect, actually.”
“And he was making bedroom eyes at you,” I smile at her use of goofy archaic language, but I shake my head.“No.He was, Lola.I thought he might cry when I sent Linda off with him instead of you.”
“He’s not interested.I mean, we…” Do I tell my new boss about my situationship?Probably not the best idea.Lacey is sixty and has been married since she was twenty, so I don’t think she’s familiar with the term or will be able to relate to it.“We have shared moments, but he’s made it more than clear that he isn’t interested in anything serious.With me.”
“Are you sure?Because those bedroom eyes say different.Plus, he’s buying your artwork.”
I smile.“He’s buying my artwork because heismy artwork.”
Delia appears at the door now, looking guilty, and I frown.“What happened?”
“He snuck up on me, as I was taking it off the wall, trying to make sure it didn’t rip.”She throws me a soft smile.“Well, at least you made a sale.”
I am dying.I swear to God, embarrassment is strangling me.I cover my face with my hands.
“Oh!He’s buying those body pieces you did?”Lacey says, and then.“Oh!Wait, is that… is ithisbody you drew?”
“Oh my God, did my brothers see?”I drop my hands and stare at Delia.
“No, I don’t think so.”She says, but I push past her and out into the still-bustling exhibit.My eyes scan the room, and I find my brothers and Grady in the corner opposite the student wall, talking to Italome.
Phew.I beeline for Theo, who is still with Linda, who is holding the 8x10 piece I did.A side profile in charcoal of a torso.The arm and shoulder, all muscled and toned, with a wide, strong hand reaching out.There’s a distinct scar across the bicep.And then there’s also the outline of a muscled ass.A perfect, round, thick, hockey ass.
When I reach them, I lay a gentle hand on Linda’s arm.“Let me handle it for here, Lin.”
“Sure thing,” Linda smiles at Theo and reaches to shake his hand as I take the drawing from her.“Thanks for the picture.My husband is going to regret not coming to the show.”
I watch her disappear back into the crowd around us, and then I force myself to look at him.Damn, he is so hot.He smiles, and it hits me how much I’ve missed him.I’ve been keeping busy with work, and Randie and stuff, and I’ve refused to let myself dwell on his absence.But now, as I look at him, I feel it.
He looks down at my drawing and back up at me, and the glint in his eye gets a little bit cocky.I sigh.“Yes.Fine.I drew you.I didn’t expect the artist to choose it for the show.I didn’t even know she was going to include student pieces, so I wouldn’t have drawn it.I would have drawn, like Randie’s little hand or something.Sorry.I should have said no and not put you on display.”
“Lola, I shower naked in front of people just about every day.I’m not shy,” he says, and his dark eyes drop to the artwork and back up to me.“What am I reaching for?”
“Me,” I whisper and then hand it to him.“It’s yours.For free.I can’t charge you for a drawing of yourself.Have a good night.”
I turn to leave as soon as he takes the drawing from me, but his big hand circles my wrist.“We need to talk.”
“Why?Your actions have made it pretty clear where I stand,” I reply.“And I’m working.”
“Okay.Come over after the show.I’ll meet you outside when it’s over,” Theo says, and it’s firm, like he’s not asking.“I don’t want you walking to your car alone anyway.”
