Caroline
“Magnificent, darling. You’ve done such an incredible job. Your paintings are full of passion and verve!”
Translation, there wasn’t going to be a single sale to his haughty clients.
I glared at Mr. Reynolds, controlling my emotions. While there’d been a significant amount of traffic in and out of the gallery in the last three hours, not a single person had expressed more than limited curiosity in my paintings. “Any interest?”
“Not yet, but we still have almost an hour before we close.” He tapped his watch then acted as if he was being called, squeezing my arm in a far too comfortable manner. “Flirt, my darling. That always works. You’re a beautiful woman. Use those skills to your benefit.”
I was angry with myself for accepting his ‘deal.’ I kept my smile, the one I’d practiced for years until he walked away, slumping and glancing around the gallery. The people mingling were only here for the free booze and catered food, all coming out of whatever commissions I might make. Suddenly, I needed air, or my lungs were going to collapse. I rushed into the back, flying out the emergency exit. If I was locked out, so be it. I hovered against the brick wall, folding my arms as I dug my high heel into the pavement. I was so determined to jumpstart my own life that I was making foolish decisions. That was going to stop right now.
When I heard the door opening, I cringed, expecting Mr. Reynolds to confront me once again, wagging his plump finger in my face as he reminded me for the fifth time that he was doing this as a favor to my father.
I loathed the man, but as a bestie of my father, the gallery selection had been the logical choice. I hadn’t initially understood what he’d wanted in return for hanging my pictures in his revered gallery; certain fringe benefits for him. No, thank you, I wasn’t modeling for him for any price.
Even the ten thousand dollars he’d offered me.
“You look like you just lost your best friend, girlie.”
Relieved, I grinned, turning toward my bestie. Audrey Taylor had been my roommate at college, turning quickly into my most trusted and just about only friend. She also knew all my dirty little secrets, the kinds told over bottles of cheap merlot and Thin Mints. As she handed me a glass of wine, she winked, the action remotely visible by the garish streetlight in the alley. “Why am I here?” I accepted the drink eagerly, taking a sip then a gulp. I knew my father would have issues with what he called ‘wasting my time.’ This favor was in exchange for being a good little girl at his announcement party. What he really wanted was for me to come work with him. For him. I would be nothing more than a glorified minion doing his political biddings. No fucking thank you.
“The man is a pompous asshole but at least you’re getting some visibility.” Audrey gave her infamous scowl, the kind that could turn men into ash.
“I need to sell at least a single painting, or I’ll be paying for the caterer for the next two months and that’s only if I manage to get an actual paying job. Did you see how much food there is? I have no idea who they were expecting.” Mr. Reynolds was certainly stuffing his fat face.
“But we’ll eat very well, my darling,” she said, laughing. “Seriously, cheer up. Your paintings will hang in this gallery for a week, right?”
“Four days.”
“Well, you never know who might stop by and simply need one of your paintings. Maybe that hottie from last night.”
Her sparkling laughter normally put me in a good mood. Tonight, I wasn’t certain anything or anyone could. I hadn’t been able to get Dominick off my mind, his rugged good looks and dominating manner more stimulating than I wanted to admit. If I wiggled the right way, I could almost feel the effects of his hand hitting my naked bottom. “Not a chance. I can tell the man is a bloodsucker.”
“Wow. What did Mr. Blue Eyes do to you?”
I huffed, tapping my foot against the pavement.
Audrey crowded closer. “Did something happen between you two that you’re not telling me?”
“Nope. Not a damn thing.” I was still miffed he’d treated me like a misbehaving child, expecting me to bow down to him like some innocent fawn. I was no expert, but men like Dominick required total power, my submission in every manner possible. I wasn’t that kind of girl.
“Listen to you. You need to act like you’re having the time of your life. That’s Marketing 101.”
“I never liked marketing,” I teased as I pushed my body against hers in a playful manner. “Thank you for being here.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. You really are talented.”
We stood quietly for a few minutes, listening to the sounds of traffic flying by. This wasn’t where I’d hoped to be in my life, nor was I certain how I would pay the bills by painting. My father had insisted I obtain a decent college education. Well, here’s to you, Pops. A lot of good it was going to do me.
The creaking of the door made us both cringe.
“There you are!” Mr. Reynolds said with excitement. “You have no idea what just happened.”
I was terrified to ask. “What?”
“A very influential man purchased every single painting.” The inflection in his voice held an air of animosity.
Audrey cleared her throat and inched closer. “What did you say?”
He snorted, waving his hand as if this was nothing. “I said that one man purchased every painting in the gallery and asked if you had any others. Evidently, he is a great admirer of yours.”
I was floored, my skin tingling and the hair standing up on the back of my neck. While the paintings were priced to sell and there was Mr. Reynold’s hefty money-grubbing commission, but I would still be able to get my own place across the hallway from my studio where I could live my own life. I’d calculated the income and expenses to the penny. Excitement surged through me but knowing Mr. Reynolds, caution was required. “Who is he?”
“I suggest you come and meet him. He’s… Well, let’s just say he’s not a man to be ignored. I recommend that you have a drink with him or even dinner. Whatever he asks, Caroline. That’s my strong recommendation.”
A slight tic appeared in the corner of my mouth. Sweltering heat rushed into my system. Was the asshole trying to tell me there were strings attached? “Who is he, Mr. Reynolds?”
“I have other clients who need me at the moment, darling. Just get in here.” The door slammed shut after him, forcing both of us to jump.
“What the hell is his problem and why do I have a feeling you’re part of this deal?” Audrey quipped, huffing as she lifted her middle finger.
“I don’t know, but that’s not going to happen. I don’t care how much money the man spends. I’m not for sale.” I lifted my glass, my eye catching the full moon. Butterflies pounded my stomach, creating an almost violent wave of nausea.
“Come on. Whoever this dude is, at least he has good taste. I’ll go with you. If you need me to kick him in the balls, all ya gotta do is ask.” She yanked the empty glass out of my hand, swearing under her breath.
I nodded, taking several deep breaths and smoothing my hand down the front of my dress. I’d purposely selected a shocking red and very clingy piece for the evening, a power color. The same color as the night before. I rolled my eyes, refusing to allow the disaster from the evening before to ruin tonight. You are in charge. You are an artist. As if the mantra was going to help. There was no second guessing now. I walked back into the gallery with my head held high, peering around the corner and attempting to identify any new arrivals.
“I wonder who he is.” Audrey grabbed my arm, tugging me forward. “Why don’t I get us both another drink? I have a feeling we’re going to need it.”
“Good thinking.” I took careful steps, making certain I didn’t fall on my face given the very high stilettos I’d purchased only hours before the opening. I weaved through the blocks of designs, smiling as a few patrons gazed in my direction. Then my blood ran cold.