Page 384 of His Virgin Romance Series

“The Muse,” I said. “The painting of the beautiful woman… it’s not for sale.”

“Then why the fuck did you want it on display?”

“Uh… because I wanted people to see it… but it’s my painting.”

“And it will still be your painting even after it’s sold.”

“Please, Gordon… it hasn’t been sold yet. Just put a sticker up there next to it, and no one can actually buy it.”

“Not a chance,” Gordon said. “I’ve priced that one at six thousand. It’s staying up until someone actually buys it.”

I gritted my teeth together. “Fine, put the sticker up, and I’ll give you your twenty percent.”

Gordon narrowed his eyes at me. “You’re taking it back?”

“Yes, and you’ll still get your cut,” I said. “Fair enough?”

“Fine,” Gordon harrumphed. “Seems like a silly decision to me. You could be making several grand out of that painting.”

“It has… sentimental value to me.”

“Next time I’m not going to be so accommodating,” Gordon warned me.

“Next time?” I asked.

Gordon smiled. “It turns out you’re quite a profitable artist for me and I am going to be putting on another exhibition in a few months.”

I shook hands with Gordon. “Here’s to an equally profitable working relationship.”

“I’m not a religious man, but… Amen.”

I smiled. “Oh, by the way… who bought paintings?”

“Oh… The River was bought by the Hammersmiths,” Gordon said. “And The Dreamer was bought by… I think it was the Danvers. Isn’t that similar to your last name?”

My eyes went wide with shock. “That is my last name,” I said, in amazement. “They’re my parents.”

“Huh… spending five thousand on their own kid’s work when they could get it for free,” Gordon said. “Never underestimate the length that proud parents will go to.”

I walked back into the thick of the gallery… feeling… I didn’t quite know what I was feeling. It was a mix of so many things that I couldn’t quite work it all out in my head. And before I could, I was approached by a beautiful couple who wanted to ask me about my work. I was talking to them when I spotted her.

She was standing by my collection with her eyes on me. She looked breathtaking in a white dress that made her look both sexy and angelic. My heart started to beat a little faster, and I excused myself quickly and walked over to her.

“Hi,” I said.

“Hi,” Gabby replied.

“You came.”

“Of course I came.” She nodded. “I couldn’t miss your big night.”

“Thank you for coming.”

“No, thank you,” Gabby said. “For my painting.”

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