Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 237(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Not even me.
But now, when I see him studying my paintings like they’re altering his entire worldview, I dare to think that I can actually succeed at this.
“I’ll pay you back as soon as I can,” I say breathlessly when I finally stop laughing.
He kisses my brow and sets me down on my feet, but his hands remain firmly on my waist, trapping me in his possessive hold.
“I’m not concerned about it,” he reassures me. “You’ll be able to cover the rent yourself in no time. Then you can look at buying a more permanent space.”
He’d offered to buy a property for my gallery, but I want to earn this for myself. Rental was a compromise until I can generate enough revenue to buy a place for myself.
It’s a small miracle that we were able to secure this place so quickly. It’s only been three weeks since we returned to Charleston, but Dane was single-minded in his determination to make my dream come true.
“I’ll spend the rest of the weekend helping you get set up,” he promises.
“You don’t have to do that,” I protest. “You should take some time to relax. You’ve been working crazy hours the last few days.”
He stormed out of the practice in the middle of the afternoon to save me from Billy earlier this week. I suspect he would’ve neglected his job entirely to keep an eye on me if I hadn’t insisted that he help Meadows. I don’t want my husband to lose what he’s worked so hard to build because of me.
He frowns. “I don’t like the idea of you being all alone in here. I’m going to help you.”
I cup his firm jaw. “We’re in the middle of town. I’m safe here.”
Until Dane tracks Billy down and deals with our lethal problem, I’ll be cautious. I don’t intend to isolate myself, so I’ve stuck to public settings when I’m not safely locked in our house. I can tell that Dane doesn’t like it, but he respects me enough to allow me my freedom.
The fact that we can track each other’s every move helps too.
His frown deepens to a scowl. “I’ll make sure of it.”
I wrap my arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer. “Let’s not talk about Billy. I want to celebrate.”
The grim expression finally melts from his handsome features, and his eyes glimmer with almost feral anticipation.
“How shall we celebrate, my queen? I have a few ideas.”
I lick my lips, catching onto his carnal mood. “Like what?”
He tips his head in the direction of the back room. “We could find out how soundproof the office is.”
My cheeks heat even as my core flutters. “Dane!” I scold. “I don’t want to scandalize the neighboring businesses on my first day in the building.”
His grin is wolfish. “Then you’ll have to be very quiet, pet. I’m sure I can figure out a way to gag you if you’ll be more comfortable that way.”
I scoff. “That’s not helping.”
“On the contrary,” he teases. “If you don’t want to bother your neighbors, I think a gag will be very helpful. Your panties will do nicely. Are they already wet for me?”
“Dane!”
“Abigail.”
I release a huff of exasperation, but I’m not really annoyed. Lust pulses through my veins, and I can’t deny the arousal that’s gathering between my thighs in response to his crass suggestions.
A bell rings, shattering the intimate moment. We both look toward the glass door in confusion. No one should be interested in entering an empty shop on a Saturday morning.
My stomach drops to the floor.
My mother strides into my new gallery like she owns the place, my father trailing after her with a bored expression on his weathered face. And—oh, god—even Uncle Jeffrey is with them.
Dane angles his powerful body in front of mine, instantly protective in the face of my relatives.
I gather my courage and step up beside him. I can’t cower behind my husband.
“What are you doing here?” My voice is clear and calm, and Dane threads his fingers through mine in a show of solidarity and pride.
His support bolsters me like nothing else. I’m able to square my shoulders and meet my mother’s ice blue gaze without flinching.
Her Botox-frozen features give nothing away, her expression unnervingly enigmatic. But her voice is all honeyed warmth when she says, “We came to see your gallery, darling.”
Confusion knits my brow. “How did you even know I’d be here?”
Her affable smile doesn’t reach her sharp, calculating eyes. “A member of my bridge club owns this building. She was so excited to tell me that you’ve rented the space for your little art project.”
Dane tenses beside me, and I quickly place a restraining hand on his corded forearm.
“We just had to come see it for ourselves,” she continues. “It’s been ages since Meadows’ wedding, and we barely had a chance to speak to you before you two ran off.” She makes a sound like a conspiratorial giggle, but it’s too sharp to be genial. “You’d think we scared you away.”