Toren
My cousin is a traitor, plain and simple. She’s fully aware of what’s going on here. Hell, Jett’s been trying to get me to show my face for a bit now. I stand firm, even with emails, messages, and the likes asking me to show my face. I’ve gotten more offers than I know what to do with—a private showing, a public showcase, and even high schools from around the country asking if I’d come to show their students my techniques. The last one was tempting, but I thought better of it. The work I need to get done, the way commissioned pieces are being requested, and having this block, it makes a man grumpy as fuck.
I told Jett to keep the schools that requested me on file. When I’m in a better place, I’ll give back. In the meantime, I sent a donation along with a few pieces for the art teacher to show to their classes. It’s gone over well so far, and with any luck, when life settles down, I’ll make a trip.
“They really weren’t kidding when they said first impressions are everything.” Christ, this woman is beautiful. She also has me thinking of breaking all my self-imposed rules. Sure, some of the people around town know what I’m doing. They’re mostly friends. They also know that I don’t want to be in the spotlight, which means they stick to the script. They commission a piece, and if by chance word of mouth gets out because they liked thepiece, well, I tell them to refer whoever it is to my website and go from there.
“One has nothing to do with the other. Not exactly sure how you found me, considering I made it my mission to be unfindable.” I run my hand through my hair while my eyes stay locked on Indy’s, and I watch as she swallows. My mind swirls with thoughts of her doing that in a different setting entirely. I’d love nothing more for her to drop to her knees, fuck the clothes she’s wearing; they’d be dirty, stained, and more than likely tattered to pieces by the time I’d be done with her. The knees in her pristine jeans would have holes, her shirt would be messed up from my hands and how dirty they are. I’d love nothing more than to see my greased handprint from cupping her breast while she swallows my length.
“Well, you weren’t easy to find, that’s for sure. I’ve been to two other locations. The first two had no idea who or what I was looking for. The last one sent me on my hunt here. It helped they had your forwarding address, and the rest, well, we can maybe work something out?” There’s a hopefulness in her tone, one I’m not sure I’ll be able to deliver on.
“Figures. I need to have Jett take care of that. Damn thing should have expired months ago.” The last house I was at, well, it was the first place I bought, a small two-bedroom, one-bath, carport, and about the size of a postage stamp. I’d outgrown it well before I had the need to store and create artwork. Then, when things got more hectic, it meant getting off my ass and finding a bigger place, and now I’m here. Still close enough to the downtown area of Whispering Oaks but out far enough that I don’t keep neighbors up when I decide to pull an all-nighter.
I watch as her teeth sink on her bottom lip. The flexing of my muscles captures her attention, and yeah, I’m cocky enough to do it more than necessary. I like what I’m doing to the beauty in front of me. Her blouse is a flimsy material, open at the collarand giving me an obstructed view of her cleavage. Her cheeks flame with heat, her eyes flutter closed, and she moistens her lips with her tongue.
Fuck me.
This right here is what the guys have, the instant attraction, the deep-seated need to have their woman by their side and to do whatever it takes to keep her there.
“So, about the gallery. Do you have a minute to talk about potentially doing a show in Seattle?” That takes me aback. I knew Indy wasn’t from around here, but she’s a long way from home. And luck would have it, that the first woman who’s got my attention would live on the other side of the country.
“We can. Not right now, though. I’ve gotta finish this piece. It’s due by the end of the week. I figure you’re staying at Oak Haven?”
“I am. Sweet owners, nice place, better than a lot of hotels I’ve had to stay in for work,” Indy replies. I’ve knocked her out of the spell where she was thinking about me much like I am about her. A damn good thing I’ve got on a pair of loose jeans, or I’d lose circulation with the way my dick has perked up being near her.
“That they are. I’ll pick you up around six. We’ll grab a bite to eat at Twisted Oak. You can talk shop, and I’ll listen. Not giving you any guarantees, though.” I shrug my shoulders. I’d keep her here longer, but the sun is high in the sky, and she’s got nice clothes on, ones you don’t want to sit around, sweat, and potentially get a spark sent your way. Plus, the high heels, while they look sexy as hell, I can’t help but think they’re not something you want to wear for long periods of time. Though, gotta say, what they do to her body is fucking phenomenal.
“I’ll take my chances. Mind if I watch you work?” She shocks the shit out of me. The only place for her to sit on is a stump. Never did purchase any patio furniture. Probably should do that.Probably won’t considering when I’m outside, it’s to work on my art or do yard work. I don’t have a view like Jace. Got a grill on the back porch, and that’s about it. I purchased this place for the pole barn, the massive living room, and bigger bathroom. I could have renovated the last place; except I’d have put more money in it then I’d get out. Equity and all that shit.
“Not at all. Won’t be able to hear you, and you might get bored. If you’re thirsty, hungry, or need a break from the heat, the side door is over there. Make yourself at home.”
“Wait, you barely know me, and you’re opening your house up to me, a stranger?” She sounds distressed. I guess Indy doesn’t have a lot of experience with life in a small town.
“Yeah, you gonna rob me blind? Only got a television, laptop, food, and a few pieces of art inside the house. Everything can be replaced. The most expensive shit I own is sitting in the driveway and right here in front of me.” I quirk my eyebrow. She devastates me with a smile that nearly drops me to my damn knees. It lights up her whole face, eyes sparkling with amusement, and when she realizes what I’ve said, I’m greeted with the sound of her laughter.
I’m about ready to sayfuck it, forget the art piece I’ve been working on, this one another wall art design for a friend. It’s giving me a hell of a time getting the orange blossom right. I’ve had to sand more shit than ever before. It’ll be worth it in the end, but damn if I’m not over it.
“No, don’t think I’ll make a run for it wearing these heels in this heat.” She lifts her foot, dainty and encompassed in gold straps across the top. While it’s hot as hell, not sure how she walks in the pointy heel thing.
“Saw you walk just fine in them. Something tells me you could pull it off.” I grab my gear, slowly and methodically putting it on, all while she comes up with something to say.
“Thanks, I think. Am I allowed to photograph you to send this to my boss?” I shake my head. “Promise, no shop talk, and I’ll make sure you’re geared up, no address or landmarks in the background. It’s just if I don’t give her something, she’ll call me non-stop and maybe hop on a plane herself. It’d really be doing both of us a service.” I can tell she’ll continue her case, plus Indy’s boss sounds like a piece of work. I’d much rather deal with her than some uppity woman trying to throw cash at me in order to get her way.
“Yeah, cherry, you can do that.” I flip my helmet down and go about lighting my torch. I don’t hear her response. What I do is keep an eye on her until she’s settled on the wood stump, drops her purse to the ground, digs around in it for a minute, and comes away with her phone. That’s when I get to work. The faster I get this done, the more time I can spend with her, and while she may want me for work, I want her for something else entirely.
5
Indy
Iwait until Toren’s deep into his work before I pull my phone out of my purse. The fact that he’s not wearing anything beneath the apron is all the hotter, even if I know from my own research that it can hurt you when an ember meets your skin. Still, the free show I’m given is enough to spark my imagination and is definitely fueling fantasies of my own. Something I would have never allowed myself until I met him in the flesh.
I’m still reeling on how wrong I was. I can usually read a person online or in person without a hitch. It seems my streak has officially ended. I snap a quick picture and attach it to the text to Miranda.
Me: I’ve found him, here’s the proof, and that’s the good news. The hard part will come later. I’m forewarning you now, he’s going to be a tough nut to crack.
I’m about to put my phone away and enjoy watching Toren create his art piece when my phone vibrates in my hand.
Miranda: At least he’s the real deal. That being said, I don’t care what it takes. I want him here, in Seattle, as soon as possible.
