“It’s spectacular,” Rose whispered as she stepped beside him and linked her arm in his. “You must be so pleased.”
“My feet haven’t touched the ground for the past hour.” He kissed her temple. “Thanks for all you did to make today a success.”
“Teamwork,” she returned.
Her head pivoted again toward the painting he’d done of her.
Community members would take a look at the portrait then quickly glance around until they spotted him or Rose and offer knowing grins.
But with her cozied up against his side? It was obvious they were together. One man nodded approvingly, while his wife sighed, romance written all over her face.
“You’re going to be accosted everywhere in town after this,” Chance warned. “They’ll all be asking what you’re doing with the transplant.”
“Good thing you didn’t paint a scene from our actual first meeting, or they’d know in great detail one thing I’m doing on a regular basis with you.”
Chance laughed out loud, checking her face to appreciate the flush that made her cheeks glow with happiness. “I might paint that sometime, but not for a public showing.”
“I might be willing to pose,” Rose teased softly.
He shook his head vehemently. “You in the room while I’m working on it? Naked? It would take forever to finish the portrait.”
“Are you in a rush?” she asked.
Not really. Not anymore, except for the need still beating deep inside.
She hadn’t said it. The I love you part. She’d been sweet and demonstrative and affectionate, and he knew she had to feel it—
But she hadn’t said it.
The gallery was now open, and they both should have less work, at least for a while. They could go back to officially dating, with more time together than stolen moments at the end of each day before they went their separate ways totally knackered.
The brand-new keys in his pocket were a heavy reminder that days had passed. Maybe there was a new goal they could aim at together.
Walking across the floor took time, with him pausing to chat with visitors. Answering questions about sale prices and future shows. At some point, Rose gave his hand a squeeze and went to greet someone who’d called her name.
He watched her go as he listened to the question.
Although he might not have done a great job because suddenly a weight landed on his shoulder while a chuckle rang in his ear.
Chance glanced up to discover Luke Stone stood beside him, arm around a petite, slim, dark-haired woman.
“Sorry. Distracted,” Chance offered.
“Is that what staring at Rose’s butt is called?” The woman grinned widely.
“Kelli,” Luke scolded.
“Calling them the way I see them,” Kelli returned. She looked Chance up and down before nodding. “He passes muster. Especially after the way I saw him drooling after my girl.”
Luke gave Chance a thumbs-up. “Thank your stars, because if the girls’ night out crew didn’t approve, you’d be in no end of shit.”
“Fair play to you.” Chance tipped his head at Kelli. “I hear you’re in charge of the next ladies’ gathering. Pick a date, and I’ll arrange a night in the studio for you to do whatever artistic endeavor you choose.”
“Perfect.” Mischief danced in her eyes. “Charcoal sketching of nudes sounds like fun.”
“Hey, now,” Luke interrupted, a crease between his brows and all amusement vanishing. “Just who are you volunteering to be naked?”
Kelli gestured toward Chance. “Well, it is his studio—”
