“3D rendering. Our artists struggle to translate 2D into something with depth, and they don’t have to do it with fabric.” Chet’s tone was warm and his enthusiasm felt genuine. His gaze never dropped below my neck.
I let the appreciation seep in. “3D rendering fascinates me. There’s so much potential in the art form, and we’re right on the cusp of crossing the uncanny valley.”
“Maybe my team will the first.” He grinned. “I won’t keep you long, but when I realized you were here, I wanted to tell you in person, I saw what you posted on your pages this afternoon.”
My gut turned itself inside-out. “Oh?”
“It was brave and bold. I’m furious on your behalf that people are doing shit like that. To anyone, and especially to talented artists like you. You have my support.”
My heart dislodged from where it was stuck in my throat. “Thank you.” I poured my sincerity into my reply.
He gave me another warm smile. “I’ll let you get back to mingling, but good luck. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“Same.”
And then he was gone, melting into the crowds, like everyone else we’d talked to tonight.
“Do you know who that was?” Jax asked, suddenly by my side again.
“Chet?”
He chuckled. “Charles Stanford. He’s Senior Vice President of Art for KaleidoMation.”
Dials and knobs clicked in my head to draw an association. “The 3D rendering company?” One of the biggest. Even Rinslet bought their assets—CGI models and objects to be used in video games. “Wow. He was a nice guy.”
“That’s what I hear.”
Grayson joined us too. “Do you want to get out of here?”
Was it that late already? “Don’t you have to stay until things wrap up?” I looked at Jax. I didn’t mind the mingling.
Jax shook his head. “I’ve done what I need to.”
“I’ll rephrase the question.” Grayson dropped his hand to his pocket, and let a hint of black lace peek out. “I keep brushing against these.” He dipped his head close to my ear. “Someone’s going to notice soon that I’m a walking hard-on, and I’d rather we take you back to our place than hang out here.”
Oh. “All right.” Any witty reply I had evaporated, but intense, throbbing desire had replaced it.