Page 100 of Second Shot

“I don’t think so. If he does, he hasn’t hinted atit.”

“I think it’s romantic,” Kiley says, giving me one of her raresmiles.

I hope Kane thinks thesame.

A server approaches, carrying a tray of champagne flutes. I take one, but when the server turns to Kiley, and asks “Champagne?” Kane nearly bites the man’s head off, grabbing the glass from Kiley’shand.

“She’s too young to drink,” he growls, sending the man scurrying off towards the next circle ofpeople.

Both Kiley and I stare at him in stunned silence for a brief moment, before she mutters something and hurries away, disappearing into thecrowd.

“That was a little harsh.” I raise my eyebrows athim.

He glares at me, but I see all I need to in that one look. His nostrils flare and he’s about to say something when Austin Branson approaches, blonde hair slicked back, cocky grin on his face. “Niceparty.”

“It’s not a party, asshole,” Blakesays.

“Well, it will be, won’t it?” He looks slightly disappointed. “Yousaid-”

“It will be,” I say, glancing up at the giant of a man. He makes Kane look small, but he’s still lanky and boyish. Two things Kane has never been. Not since I’ve knownhim.

“Will be what?” Kane comes up behind me and kisses me on the cheek, making Noah clap his hands and laugh. For some reason, he thinks it’s the funniest thing in the world whenever we kiss. “And what the hell are you doing here,Branson?”

Branson smirks, and gives the lie I told him and the rest of the Annihilators to tell if Kane asked them why they came to my exhibit. “Coach invited me. And I never turn down free food andalcohol.”

Austin plucks an hors d’oeuvre off a tray when a server walks by, then pops it into his mouth with a cocky smile, causing Blake to glare athim.

Kane frowns and whispers in my ear. “You want me to get rid ofhim?”

I chuckle softly. “He’sfine.”

I wanted his whole team here for what I have plannedlater.

My palms tingle withnerves.

“Nervous?” Kane cups my cheek, and Noah reaches out forme.

“Very.” But not for the reason hethinks.

“You shouldn’t be. But you should be mingling with the people who came here tonight to see your art, and not the ones who came for the free food.” He cocks an eyebrow at Austin, whogrins.

I kiss his cheek, then Noah’s. “Thankyou.”

“Don’t worry about us. I’ll keep these buffoons out oftrouble.”

Smiling, I start to leave, when Blake stops me. “Hey,Brynne.”

“Yeah?”

“Madden’s right. You shouldn’t be nervous.” I know his hidden meaning, and I give him a gratefulsmile.

“Yeah,” Austin adds, now holding two champagne flutes. “Your art stuff issick.”

“Thanks. Ithink.”

He keeps smiling, but his attention has already diverted to a pretty waitress that walksby.

I talk to a few journalists and collectors, answering their questions and trying not to stammer over my words, while conveying the message of each piece displayed. The theme is forgiveness and new beginnings. Each painting focuses on a piece of my ownlife.

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