Page 69 of For Your Love

“No. You’re deep in concentration reading an art theory book. That’s not something a high school student does during her summer vacation.”

“I wanted to learn more about how works of art are studied, so I checked with the librarian at the public library and she recommended it. I thought it was a good book to—”

Finn laughed quietly.

“Did I say something funny?”

“You proved my point. You’re a scholar, Colleen. And you kept this part of yourself hidden.”

“No, I didn’t. I made the Dean’s List every semester, that wasn’t a secret.” It might not have been a secret, but she did downplay the honor with her friends.

Finn gave a slow shake of his head. “You also wanted to be the most popular girl in school.”

“A girl can be smart and popular.” Being popular at a school with wealthy kids had been essential to her at the time. Popularity got you access to new friends and future contacts. It was never too soon to start networking. A lot of good that did her in the end.

“Learning is important to you.”

She tucked a lock of loose hair behind her ear. “That strategy didn’t work out so well,” she muttered. “I’m now an art historian with no Ph.D. and no job.”

“You’re a scholar who should be teaching what you love. Maybe it’s time to start thinking outside the box.”

Colleen met his warm smile with her own. “Maybe it is.”

He took the book out of her hands. “Now let’s get back to you and me.”

Colleen burrowed into the pillows, giggling as Finn tossed the sheets aside and placed kisses down the length of her body.

****

He took a sip of wine and pushed his now-empty dinner plate forward. “What’s your favorite thing about teaching?”

She considered the many faces of the students she’d taught over the years. Not all students enjoyed art history; many were there to fulfill an elective requirement and sleep in the back of the class. The most rewarding moments were when she detected a spark of interest in a student’s eyes. They would sit up straighter, lean forward, or maybe even ask a question in class. If she made a connection with a student, it would open up an entirely new world for them. “I like creating a lecture that introduces students to something unexpected; a work of art that challenges their expectations about what art is and isn’t. Art is around us all the time. My job is to get them to notice it. Even if it’s something they don’t like, it’s worthwhile to consider what the artist is trying to convey to the viewer and not just dismiss it out of hand.”

“Hmm,” Finn said, nodding. “Like Thomas Kinkade, for example?”

She threw her napkin at him. “I mean real artists, not trained artists who sold out to a media corporation that sells their paintings as prints.”

“Not everyone can afford original works of art. People want affordable art that makes them happy.” He tilted his head and gave her a smug smile. “Am I right?”

“Touché.” Colleen raised her glass in a toast, amused by Finn’s reference to her objections of Jasper Grayson’s overpriced paintings.

“What is it about his paintings that bothers you?”

She took a look at the stone cottage print over the fireplace, considering Finn’s question. “The world he creates is a place I don’t trust.”

“Why not?”

“It’s too perfect.” She turned back to Finn, his expression expectant as he waited for her answer. “I don’t belong in that world.”

“Yes, you do.” Finn said, taking her hand, his deep voice hushed into almost a whisper.

After cleaning up in the kitchen, Colleen curled up on the couch with Finn.

He ran his fingers through her hair. “Happy?”

Colleen turned in his arms to face him. “Very.”

He gave her a warm smile. “I don’t want you to get bored with me.”

---