“I’ll keep that in mind in case things don’t work out with my company.”
“I have a feeling you’ll be in business for decades to come.”
His stomach dropped. For the first time since he’d started King Development, he wasn’t convinced that statement held true. A perfect storm of too many things going wrong at once might sink him and his beloved company.
She finished up at the gardens and they returned to the car. As he rolled back the soft top, she blurted, “No way.” Grinning, she spun her phone around to show him. “I heard from Gerard.”
Her hand trembled, so he took her phone.
“Savannah,” he read out loud. “Thanks for the text. I’m waiting at the airport for my flight and showed my wife your website. She loves your work and thinks you’re the right photographer for the job. I’ve looped my GM into this text. Emily can sign your contract and you two can set up a time to meet. I’ll be back in a week. Look forward to working with you.”
Savannah’s eyes glistened and she swiped away a tear. Then, she cupped Zander’s face in her hands. “Youare a genius.” She leaned in. “Zander.” Her voice came out in a breathy whisper and her cheeks flushed. “I want…” She swallowed hard, then drifted backward, releasing him. Pulling her sunglasses from the top of her head, she slipped them on, and cleared her throat. “I want to thank you for helping me.”
Dammit, woman.
He wanted to haul her into his arms and cover her beautiful face with kisses. Instead, he held out his hand. “Congratulations.”
When she slipped hers into his, he ignored the adrenaline surging up his arm. After a single pump, he let go. He hated pulling away. He handed her back her phone and they climbed into the Jeep.
“I was hoping to make a personal detour,” she said. “I’vealways wanted to visit Canyon Road.”
He checked his watch along with the destination. “We’ll fit it in.”
After entering their new stop in his map app, he drove out of the gardens. “What’s on Canyon Road?”
“Art galleries.”
Ten minutes later, they street parked and sauntered down the sidewalk. Savannah paused in front of a window display to appreciate an artist’s work. She turned, her eyes alight with energy. “I love the vibe here. These artists are successful enough to open their own brick and mortar locations. I can’t even imagine.”
He stepped close, temptingly close. Her sweet scent wafted upward. “Maybe youshouldimagine.”
She chuckled. “Yeah, right. The Savannah Morrissette Art Gallery.”
They continued on to the next one. ‘Scott Brady Art’ was emblazoned on the window in gold lettering. “I assisted this photographer right after college.”
“Let’s go inside,” he said.
They walked into the pristine art gallery, the space bright and open. Pictures lined the walls, a small table with chairs hugged the far corner. Other than a group of four chatting in the corner, the store was empty.How do these artists make a living?
One of the men glanced over. “Welcome. Let me know if you have questions.”
Zander tossed him a nod while staring at the photograph of a flock of geese flying in perfect V formation.
Savannah sidled close, rose on her tiptoes, then laid her hand on his shoulder. Her soft touch sent a heady mix of desire and warmth tumbling through him.
“Check out the price,” she whispered in his ear.
He glanced at the tag. “My God, I hope that includes the frame.”
He loved her laugh and turned in her direction. She didn’t remove her hand from his shoulder and she didn’t step away. The air grew electric. Blood whooshed through his veins. He wanted her to back up. If she didn’t, he’d kiss her. How in the hell was he supposed to behave appropriately when she stoodthisclose?
“Zander, I really—”
“Savannah, is that you?” A man with shoulder-length hair wearing a grungy T-shirt and tattered jeans stood there smiling. “Hey, itisyou.” Before she could detach from Zander, the guy leaned in and gave her a half-hug.
“Scott, hey, it’s been a while.”
“You look fantastic. Love the hair.”
