Page 20 of Too Enchanting

“Have you ever watched the show?”

I shook my head. That was a negative.

“Well, there’s a host, and the key people they have in charge of each area, like carpentry and design. Those people meet with the family to get an idea of what their dream house looks like, then come up with a plan. I don’t think we’ll come in until that plan is ready to be implemented. I’m sure we’ll be doing mostly grunt work, but I think it’s worth it for the free publicity.”

“Is it pretty popular?” Zoey had seemed to think it was, but she admitted to never having watched it herself.

“Yeah, people love it. It’s been on for about five years now, so it’s pretty established. The host has been on magazine covers and talk shows and stuff. She’s the one who gets the most attention, but the work they do is pretty fantastic. A little main stream, maybe, but nice all the same.”

“I’m sure it’ll be great. I have a lot going on right now, with the opening of the gallery right around the corner, but I think it’s worth it to fit this in as well.”

I took a sip, closing my eyes as I savored that first, spicy taste, then opened my eyes to see Jed watching me. Ignoring the tingle that ran through me at the bright-blue gaze, I narrowed my eyes and asked the question that had been plaguing me all week.

“So, are you going to let me showcase your river table, or what?”

Jed leaned back in his chair, all casual with a cocky, and dammit, sexy grin on his lips.

“I’ve been thinking about it, and I will … for a price.”

“How much?” I asked, mentally calculating how much the gallery could afford in the budget.

“You let me buy your painting,” he replied softly, and my heart stopped.

“Why?” I asked, hoping my voice didn’t tremble.

I gave my paintings to family members, and I had a few in my home, but not only had I never shown my work, I’d never sold it to anyone either.

“Because it makes me feel something, isn’t that what art is supposed to do? It makes me think. It speaks to me,” Jed leaned forward, placing his forearms on the table and hit me right in the gut when he added, “I need it.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, not verbally anyway; my body, however, was responding by getting heated. I could feel a flush on my skin.

It seemed so personal to think of my painting hanging somewhere in Jed’s home. Somewhere where he could look at it whenever he wanted to, to perceive it however he wanted to.

It was hard to get the words out of my throat, but I really, really wanted that table in the gallery, so I croaked, “Okay.”

“Yeah?” Jed said, sitting back up with a massive grin on his face.

I nodded, unable to say anything further.

“How much?” he asked, and I looked around to see if anyone was watching, or listening. “Sorry, is it uncouth to ask out loud? Should I email you?”

I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not, but didn’t reply to his questions. Instead I said, “It’s not for sale, but … you can have it.”

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