“It hurts to stand on my ankle, but I’ll survive. Thank you, thank you so much for your help. You have no idea what it means to—”
“You’ve been drinking, too, haven’t you?” he cuts in, cocking his head, assessing me with that razor-sharp gaze. “C’mon, let’s get you home.”
“Please. I just had one glass of wine because that loser insisted on going to a bar before we got here—”
He rolls his eyes and huffs out a breath. “Sure.”
Okay. Woof. So maybe he’s a dud knight in expensive shining armor if he’s calling me a liar.
I shrug. “Look, I don’t care if you believe me. I’m here to celebrate my new dream job at Brandt Ideas and I’m not leaving until I’ve had a little fun. This is my favorite place in the world, and I’ll be damned if I let a twisted ankle or creepy date keep me from celebrating.”
Crankyface stiffens, his royal jaw turning up, regarding me with wide eyes like I’ve spontaneously turned into Bigfoot in front of him.
“What did you say?” he asks slowly, his voice pure smolder.
“Umm—I said this is my favorite place in the world and...let’s celebrate?” I venture, unsure why he’s so freaked out.
“No. Your new job, where is it?”
“Brandt Ideas. The most incredible architecture firm in the city,” I say with a smile. Does this mean he appreciates art like I do?
He shakes his head, answering my question, and it’s not a happy head shake.
I don’t get it. Does he have some beef with them?
How could an art admirer—one who ended up in the architecture exhibit, no less—have anything against Beatrice Nightingale Brandt?
“Have you seen their work? You must know how talented she is,” I say, stepping closer, trying not to go all giddy.
“Who?”
I smile up at him. Surly or not, the way he towers over me is kinda hot.
“You wouldn’t have reacted like that if you knew how talented Beatrice Nightingale Brandt is. Have a look.”
I take his hand. After the way he picked me up off the floor, the motion feels natural. Smooth and soothing, unlike the clammy hand locked around mine earlier.
Then I step forward and almost stumble before I pick my foot up and shake it out with a wince.
“This isn’t necessary. I’m...quite familiar with Mrs. Brandt’s work,” he tells me. “It’s probably best we get you home.”
“Oh, I’m fine.” I take another step. Dang.
I’ll admit it, my ankle hurts, but I’m not going to let anything ruin tonight. I limp along to the 3-D model he has to see to get how big of a deal this is.
I realize I’m being a little weird and imposing after what just went down. But God, is it a crime to try to get someone to appreciate a sliver of my life?
Soon, we’re standing in front of a scale model, a towering glass office building. I take it in slowly and point to the iconic Arboretum Office she made her home base.
“See how the lights are chandeliers? Every fixture, inside and out, is high-end handcrafted glass. I think the most beautiful part is probably the white flowering ivy hanging from the ceiling. It’s an office and a greenhouse. That’s what makes her work so special. It’s art people use in their daily lives, a place that’s functional and organic and just...so beautiful.” Trying not to squeal, I point to the roof. “It’s solar-powered and grows oxygen-rich plants. Beatrice is so brilliant. It’s environmentally sustainable on top of high-end, classy, and unique. And she gets to work there every day.”
When I turn my head, he looks a smidge less freaked out. Maybe my little spiel is working.
“I see.” He gives me a slow, almost knowing smile.
“I didn’t know grumpy gods smiled.”
“Grumpy gods?”
Frick. Did I say that out loud?
“You’re passionate, I’ll give you that.” He chuckles and quirks a thick eyebrow. “Let’s get out of here.”
He’s said it a couple times now.
I thought he was just being a buzzkill at first, but I’m not so sure anymore. Having a drink with this guy or some takeout might be a great way to salvage the night.
“You’re right. We should grab a bite and head to my place.”
“No food, and you don’t need another drink. But we should get out of here.”
“Oh, straight to my place then?” I wink. “Even better, you devil.”
I lean into the back of the leather seat.
I haven’t been in a Tesla since Brina’s fancy wedding. It’s a smooth ride. Of course, I might be enjoying it