“True.”
“I am trying something different though.”
“I like it.” His smile is small. “Buy the painting.”
I don’t even think when I answer him. “Okay.”
His smile grows. “And after you buy the painting, we can go to lunch.”
“You want to go to lunch with me?” I’m frowning. If we do this, if I go with him, it could change the dynamic between us.
It could change my entire life.
“Yes. Do you want to go to lunch with me?”
My nod is slow, my heart beating heavily. “Yes,” I whisper.
“What do you think of the exhibit, Miss Beaumont?”
The spell broken by the gallery assistant, both Crew and I turn to find Kirstin standing in front of us with a smile on her face.
“It’s wonderful,” I tell her. “I’m having a hard time deciding which piece I want.”
“Oh, so you’ll definitely be making a purchase? I’m excited to see which one you choose.”
“She’s thinking about this one,” Crew says, indicating the painting we’re standing in front of.
Kirstin laughs. “It’s very striking, from her use of color to the name. I think the artist wanted to shock a little bit with this exhibit.”
“It’s the color,” I say, glancing over at the painting yet again. Realizing that Crew is watching me very carefully. It’s almost unnerving, how he’s staring at me. “I love the green.”
“It’s beautiful,” Kirstin says wistfully, her gaze now on the painting as well. I can see it in her eyes. She wishes she could own it. Own all of them. It’s why she’s working here. She’s most likely an art history major, a woman who wants to surround herself with art that speaks to her soul. Pretty things that make her feel like she’s going to burst.
I know the feeling.
“I’ll take it,” I say, and I can see the approval on Crew’s face with my choice.
“Wonderful. I’ll go write up the bill of sale,” Kirstin says before she turns away and heads for the front of the building.
“Great choice,” Crew says after she’s gone.
“Thank you. I do love it.” I stare at the painting—my painting—my chest growing tighter the longer I look at it. “I don’t know where I’m going to hang it though.”
“At your house?”
“I suppose. I just don’t want it in my parents’ collection. This one is mine.” My gaze finds Crew’s once more. “All mine.”