Page 48 of The Last Date

I dropped his hand immediately as the gallery door opened, and we turned to see an older gentleman in a light gray suit striding in with a very worried look on his face.

“Good morning, Collin,” I said brightly. “I didn’t know that you were dropping in today.”

“I got a call from your father,” he said, glancing at Oakley suspiciously. “He said something about a big, scary man lurking around the gallery. He was worried about you.”

“Collin Brightman, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend Oakley Eastman, whom my father hates for completely illogical reasons.”

Oakley shook his hand politely. “I’m terribly sorry that you were disturbed, sir. I assure you, my only interference here is to drop off breakfast for Sasha when I can.”

Collin instantly smiled, shaking his hand warmly. “Eastman? Are you enjoying those new paintings?”

They both took a casual stance, as if they already liked each other, allowing my heart rate to settle down.

“To be honest,” Oakley chuckled, “I’m opening a new restaurant and have barely had time to pop by the new offices for more than an hour. But the artwork does look incredible there.”

“Our Sasha does have a very talented eye,” he smiled. “Please be sure to let us know if any of your other spaces need brightening.”

“Absolutely. And I hope that Sasha will call me if you need hors d’oeuvres for any of your show openings.” Oakley shot me a wink. “If it’s an artist that Sasha really believes in, I’ll send the catering over at cost.”

My eyes grew wide. “Wow, thank you.”

I turned to Collin. “My father is having a meltdown. I’m really sorry that he bothered you.”

“I won’t get in the middle of family issues,” he said, holding up his hands. “But let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and by the way,” Collin said, “Someone gave an amazing online review the other day about the remarkable saleslady who helped him pick out the perfect painting for his wife’s birthday. Apparently, she was over the moon about it.” He shot me a grin. “He happens to be the new CEO of a top insurance firm. Well done, Sasha.” Collin gave us a wave and left quickly.

“Is he marr

ied?” Oakley asked. “His ring looked silver but it might have been platinum.”

“Yes, his wife Rebecca is lovely.”

“Send me his email, and I’ll set them up with a complimentary night at Nurture this week,” Oakley smiled. “It’s the soft opening, so we’re inviting friends and acquaintances for their honest feedback.”

“Wow, thank you. He’ll love that.”

Taking his hand again, I asked, “I’d really love to check out your restaurant. Would it be weird if we went?”

He shook his head, the dark waves of his hair rustling slightly. “Not for a month or two. I’d be dragged away from our table every ten seconds.”

“That makes sense.”

Oakley wrapped his arm around me, tipping my chin up as his fingertip dragged softly along my skin. “Are you still with me, baby?”

“Yes,” I said without hesitation. “Absolutely.”

His lips brushed across mine in a feather-soft motion that was barely a kiss. His teasing was so sexy. My belly fluttered, instantly missing his heat as he stepped away, blowing another kiss as he walked out. His sculpted thighs and butt caught my eye as he left. I couldn’t believe that such an incredible man seemed so infatuated with me.

Perhaps Oakley picked up on my realization that he was completely the right man for me. At the end of the day, as I was running the duster over everything, my phone rang. “Hello?”

“Good afternoon, Sasha,” Oakley said rather formally. “I would like to request the pleasure of your company for a date this Saturday night.”

My legs stiffened as I choked down a gasp. “That would be lovely,” I said, forcing my voice to sound steady.

“Wonderful. May I pick you up at seven?”

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