Page 13 of Artful Deceit
The woman who’d been flirting with Flynn earlier stood barefoot and swinging a skipping rope in a circular motion at her side.
Nearby, the unkempt guy she’d seen in the cafe looked on with a troubled expression.
“Not like that,” he said to the woman, before his eyes darted to Lily, then quickly away again.
“Hello!” the woman said. “Are you looking for Gideon?”
“Yes,” Lily replied. “Is he here?”
“I don’t know, but I can help you check.”
“Thanks,” Lily said while the woman passed the rope to the guy.
“He’s been teaching me flow rope.”
“Flow rope?” Lily echoed.
“Yes. It’s a sort of exercise that involves swinging a rope. Silas says it has a lot of health benefits.” She fell silent as the guy swung the rope while walking away from them. His movements were practised and graceful with the rope and his body moving in perfect synchrony.
“It’s quite hypnotic when he does it,” the woman said, then turned to Lily and thrust her hand out. “I’m Saffron, by the way.”
Lily introduced herself and glanced over at the house. “Are you here on a retreat?”
“Yes. It’s so much fun.”
“You’re an artist then?”
“Not a good one,” she said with a grin. “I just love the romance of it. An opportunity came up for the ten-day retreat, and it seemed too good to turn down.”
“Are you staying in the house?” Lily’s gaze went to the building, which was comprised mostly of glass.
“No. That’s Gideon’s studio and gallery. He also has private rooms upstairs. We have accommodation over there.” She pointed to what looked to be a converted barn. “It’s actually nicer than I expected.” Her eyes flicked to Lily. “Are you a friend of Gideon?”
“No. I don’t know him. I’m interested in looking at his artwork.” Her cheek twitched. That excuse wouldn’t get her far. “I also have a friend in London who’s thinking of doing a retreat here, so I said I’d check it out for her.”
“I can definitely recommend it. Do you live on the island then?”
“Yes. I just moved here six months ago.” Not even that long actually, but it felt like longer.
“Jealous!” Saffron giggled. “I’ll bet it’s an amazing place to live.”
“I like it.”
Saffron patted her arm. “Let’s go and see if Gideon is around. Otherwise, I can give you a tour.”
Lily followed her through the open patio door and into a huge room with white-tiled flooring, and timber support columns dotted throughout. The far end of the room was more cluttered, with cupboards and a sink, and a range of seating.
“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Saffron said. “It’s such a lovely space to paint in. The lighting is fantastic.”
“It’s great.” Lily’s eyes went to the spiral staircase in the centre of the room.
“Come on,” Saffron said. “Gideon is probably upstairs.” She led the way up the twisting stairs to an upstairs room about half the size of the downstairs. On the far wall, paintings were stacked vertically, and on the other wall, a door was surrounded by bookcases.
“The windows are amazing, aren’t they?” Saffron said, moving to look out.
“That’s a lot of glass,” Lily remarked, marvelling at the way the slanted roof was almost entirely windows.
“This is Gideon’s personal studio. His living rooms are through here.” Darting around an easel, Saffron knocked loudly on the door.
