“We used to work together,” Stoni replied.
Addison and Hawk joined the group.
“Addison, how are you?” Stoni asked.
“It’s great to see you,” Addison replied. “Have you been busy writing?”
“Always,” Stoni replied.
“But we did sneak in a great vacation to Florida,” Johnny added.
“Golf?” Z asked.
“Of course,” Johnny replied.
Addison regarded Brit. “This is my favorite author, the one I was telling you about.”
“Oh, so you’re the reason I had to move out,” Brit said.
“Brit,” Addison scolded.
“What do you mean?” Stoni asked.
“I walked in on my sister and her husbandenjoyinga scene from one of your novels.”
When Stoni and Johnny stopped laughing, Hawk said, “I’m definitely a fan.”
“Thank you,” Stoni replied. “I’m glad you’re readingtogether. Speaking of being a fan, we found a painting of Britain’s that we love. Addison, can you help us choose one of yours?”
“I’d love to,” Addison replied.
After they told Z which painting of Brit’s they wanted, Stoni and Johnny headed toward the salon with Addison and Hawk.
I didn’t think anyone would show, but they bought one of my pieces.She smiled.That’s pretty cool.
She swept her gaze across the room in search of her target. When she spotted Rebel, he was waiting, his eyes locked on hers.
A zing flitted through her, then he flashed that killer smile, and her jitters melted away.
Liliana had ponied up right next to him, with Honor in tow.
Why is she even here?
Brit sidled close, her attention focused on Rebel. Even though they had no future, she couldn’t just stop her feelings.
Love isn’t a switch I can turn off.
“Britain, you’re very talented,” Liliana said. “It’s such a proud moment for me.”
Smacked back to reality, Brit’s stomach lurched. Liliana had no right to claim pride. She had nothing to do with any of this.
After her mom had left, Z started taking her and Addison to DC museums. He told them it was important to learn about the past. Plus, he always took them to lunch at a nice restaurant. She and Addison loved their daddy-daughter Saturdays. When they visited the National Gallery of Art, something had clicked for her. Addison too. When her dad enrolled them in private art classes, it was as much Brit’s passion as it was her escape.
When Liliana went to hug her, Brit tensed. She accepted the hug, but she didn’t return it. She would be polite, but she wouldn’t betray her own feelings.
Brit slid her gaze to Honor. “Hi, Honor. Thanks for coming.”
“This is fantastic!” Honor said. “The gallery has such a cool vibe.”
