Page 29 of Painted in Love

She’d judged Clay negatively merely from reading articles about him and watching podcasts. But now, after what Dylan had to say, after she’d seen how Clay encouraged the young man and truly seemed to believe in him, she had to throw out all those uncharitable thoughts. He’d been nothing but a stand-up guy since they’d met. Sure, he was hungry for the kill, wanting her to reveal San Holo. But he still managed to be a good guy, one of a kind. The people here in his warehouse had only incredible things to say about him.

He couldn’t do a snow job on everyone.

Honestly, she couldn’t think of him as a bad guy anymore. Yeah, there were a lot of people in the art world who sucked. But maybe Clay wasn’t one of them. She’d known him only twenty-four hours, and a final decision about him, good or bad, would take longer. But for now, Clay was getting a hall pass.

She couldn’t help saying to Dylan, “When I was your age and just starting out, I wish I’d had a studio space like this for my art.” Instead of the dirty garret she’d lived in with way too many artists.

Clay’s voice came from right behind her. “You’re an artist?”

Damn. She hadn’t heard him move up on her. Turning to him, her voice breezy, she said, “I used to be, but I wasn’t any good. I still do some of my own stuff.” She shrugged to add emphasis. “But I’m a better assistant than I am an artist.”

But Clay had latched on. “I’d love to see your work.”

She stepped back, waving him off. “Oh, it’s bad. Really. I’m a much better assistant.”

How could she have slipped up like that? It could literally ruin her life. Had she forgotten her experience with Hugo? While she’d just decided that Clay was actually a good guy, she absolutely could not tell him. Mentally, she zipped her lips. Don’t do that again.

Even if she was becoming totally enamored with Dylan. And with Clay.

Dylan finally saved her. Grabbing her arm, almost dragging her out of the studio as he said, “Oh my gawd,” with such exaggeration. “There are so many amazing artists here. I have to introduce you to everyone.”

She heard more glowing accounts of Clay in all the different voices.

“You know what? Honestly, I was living on the street.”

“I was doing the art, and Clay came and said, ‘I got a place for you to stay and a studio to work in.’”

“I was super suspicious at first, but he’s the real deal.”

Her head was spinning by the time Dylan had taken her the full length of the warehouse.

And she was ninety-nine percent sure Clay was the real deal.

Clay was almost jealous that he didn’t have Saskia to himself. Yet he loved watching Dylan’s hero worship just because the woman actually worked for San Holo.

It was, however, time to get down to business. “Maybe we should go to my office now to talk about the commission. I’m eager to hear what you think San Holo will say.”

With a smile in her eyes, she said without embarrassment, “Sure. But first, can I use that restroom I saw back there?” It wasn’t a question, since she was already heading down the aisle.

The moment she was gone, like any seventeen-year-old, Dylan spoke without thinking. “Man, she’s hot. And she knows San Holo.” He put a hand to his chest as if he’d entered a state of bliss. “I think I’m in looove.”

Dylan looked at him, one eyebrow raised as if he had some sort of sixth sense and could feel the connection between Clay and Saskia.

Clay found himself oddly defensive, barely keeping himself from snarking, She’s mine, punk. Of course he didn’t say it. That would be a dick move to a kid who was enamored.

Besides, Saskia wasn’t his.

At least not yet.

When Saskia returned, she pointed at Dylan. “You—” She gave him a sparkling look. “—need to get back to work on your masterpiece.” She held up a palm. “Get ready to put it out there. The art world will go crazy for it.”

Blushing to the roots of his hair, Dylan slapped his palm against Saskia’s in a high five. Then he grabbed his paintbrush.

As they turned toward the stairs leading to his apartment on the second floor, Clay had to say, “You’re really good with Dylan. I’ve been encouraging him. So has Gideon Jones.”

Before he could explain who Gideon was, she said, “Dylan told me all about Gideon’s foundation. You’ve both done wonders for him.”

“But hearing praise from you, someone he doesn’t know well, really builds his confidence. I believe he’ll put his work out there now.”

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