The comment made Crawford’s smile grow. “I’m glad you like it. This gallery is my one true sanctuary. I probably spend more time here than at my actual home.”
“I can see why.” Coulter nodded, laying it on thick. “Oh, and you were right about something else, too.”
The other man gave an arrogant shrug. “Not surprising, but I’d love to hear more.”
Of course you would. You’re a pretentious, narcissistic prick.
“The first time we spoke on the phone, you made a comment about how you and I are the same.”
The silver-haired billionaire let out a pompous chuckle. “As I recall, you weren’t so convinced.”
“Yes, well . . .” Coulter grinned as a pretty brunette serving drinks walked past. “As much as it pains me to admit when I’m wrong, it turns out you and I have very similar tastes.”
Despite knowing the type of reaction he was bound to get, he purposely let his gaze follow the young server’s steps. When Alex attempted to jerk her hand free, as expected, he gave her a gentle but warning-laced squeeze.
She stopped trying to move away, but the gallery’s owner had other plans. With a tilt of his head, Crawford looked at her from across Coulter’s shoulder.
“And who is this lovely creature I saw you, ahem,speakingto a moment ago?”
Coulter’s grip tightened, his fingers curling around hers in an attempt to keep her in place but this time, Alex ignored the silent command. She shifted her delectable body out from behind his shielding form and held out her free hand.
“Mr. Crawford.” The stubborn woman smiled wide from her new place at his side. “Alex Webb. We met last week at my gallery in Charlotte. I was hoping for the chance to speak to you tonight.”
A look of surprise flickered behind Crawford’s light gaze before he took her hand in his.
“Alexandria.” The asshole lifted the back of her hand to his lips. “Of course. It’s so nice to see you again. And please, accept my sincerest apologies. I didn’t realize that was you with Mr. Morris.”
Come on, Alex. Don’t give me up to this douchebag.
Coulter looked at Alex as she sent the other man a friendly smile. His gut was tight, his lungs barely moving as he anxiously waited to see if years of the agency’s hard work was about to go spiraling down the drain. Worse than that was the concern that she’d say something to put a radar on her own back.
Coulter knew the risks the day he signed up for the job, but Alex? Her job was to paint. To create works of literal art to share her passion with the world. She wasn’t trained for this, and she sure as shit didn’t see the danger she was literally facing.
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” She held her smile steady. “And I know you’re busy, but I was wondering if you might have a moment to discuss?—”
“I have to know,” Crawford cut her off rudely. “How is it that you and Cole know one another? Not that it’s any of my business, it’s just with you being in Charlotte and him living in Manhattan?—”
“Manhattan?” Alex turned to him with a frown.
Son of a?—
Coulter gave an almost indiscernible shake of his head, and at first, he was certain she was going to blow the whole damn thing. But at the last second, the incredible woman began an improvised excuse.
“Oh, that’s right.” She let out a nervous chuckle. “Youdidtell me you lived in Manhattan. Sorry.” Her stunning gaze fell back onto Crawford’s with a look of chagrin. “I’ve been so caught up with your wonderful party, I totally forgot.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Coulter smoothly crooned. “After all, we did only just meet a few hours ago.” He turned back to Crawford. “As it turns out, Alexandria and I are both staying at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills.”
“The Maybourne?” Crawford bought the impromptu lie. “Well, I must say, you both made an excellent choice. I know the managing director there quite well.”
“Ah, yes. Stanley Davenport.” Coulter’s use of thehotel manager’s name was a flex to prove his knowledge of the well-known hotel. “Yes, Stan’s been quite helpful during my stay.”
“I bet he has.” Crawford’s light blue gaze slid back to Alex. “So tell me, did the two of you simply meet in passing, or were you introduced by one of our shared acquaintances?”
Without missing a beat, Alex responded with a confident, “In passing, actually. We were sitting at the hotel bar when he mentioned your party, and we realized we were both coming to the very same place.”
Well color my ass impressed.
The woman spun a fairly good story for being on the fly, and Coulter was tempted to see how far she could go. He’d never actually risk her like that, though. Would never put his own professional curiosity above her safety.
