Have you seen those shoulders? He’s looking right now. He’s interested. And he’s dripping in money.”
“He’s also a sleaze.”
His head pushed back. “He doesn’t look like a sleaze. And so what if he is? He’s a fucking sexy sleaze.”
“Remember I told you about that virgin auction house?”
He nodded. “I sure do.”
“He was there.”
“Oh. Really? He was buying?” Sheldon’s surprised glower made me chuckle.
I did wonder why a hot man like Blake Sinclair would need to buy sex. I could imagine plenty of virgins throwing themselves at him just for dinner and a sniff of that expensive cologne, which lingered flirtatiously, playing havoc with my senses.
“Well… let’s put it this way he was stepping in as I was leaving.”
“And so? People buy sex all the time.”
“I hate the idea of anyone I’m with buying sex.”
“You’re jumping the gun, aren’t you? You haven’t even unbuttoned that silk shirt that would pay my monthly art-supply bill.” He looked over my shoulder.
“What?”
“The way he keeps checking you out suggests you could at least run your hands down it. Mm… all the way.”
My tummy tightened, and a little fiery sensation traveled through me. “I want more than that. I want a boyfriend, not a one-night stand, even if he is gorgeous.”
“You’re an idealist, lovey.”
What Sheldon said made sense. And in any case, I had no right to judge Blake Sinclair. I didn’t even know him. But that burning gaze of his kept undressing me in a way that my body craved.
“He wants to buy my three panels. I thought I’d better speak to you first, because I promised them to you.”
“That’s sweet of you, but if he’s offering your price, you should take it.”
I was about to respond when Marius joined us. We both turned our attention to him.
“Penelope, Blake Sinclair’s offering a hundred thousand pounds.” Although he tried to remain cool, his words bubbled over with excitement.
My mouth dropped opened. I looked at Sheldon, who was equally shocked.
“Holy crap. Take it,” Sheldon insisted. “Don’t worry about me. I’m sure you can create something that will be just as good.”
Marius nodded in agreement. “Blake needs an answer. He also requested that you meet with him. He’s interested in getting to know you and your art. Privately.” His eyebrow lift spoke volumes.
Is it just art he wishes to buy?
I gaped at Marius as though he’d asked me to perform a lewd act in front of a crowd.
What does that amount of cash even look like? The thought of a studio, where I could live and paint, shook me back to reality. “Um… sure.”
Marius released a tight chuckle. “For a moment there, I thought you were going to refuse. You gave out a cold vibe, Penelope. I mean, if you want to survive in the art business, you have to smile when meeting a wealthy client. And Blake Sinclair’s in the Forbes top one hundred.”
Sheldon whistled. “That rich.” He stared at me as if to say, “What are you waiting for?”
I kissed Sheldon on the cheek.
Marius waited impatiently, his attention switching from me to Blake, who looked serious and disinterested, ignoring the attention his powerful, handsome presence attracted.
“Lead the way,” I said.
Blake Sinclair had his back to us, which made it easier for me. I could barely stand, let alone walk with his blue eyes smoldering all over me.
My heart pumped fast. What can I say? “You’re a sleazy, virgin-buying creep, but I’ll take your money anyway?”
He turned, and his beautiful face softened at seeing me. I let out a deep breath in a bid to relax my throat. By my side, Marius was all smiles. I thought he was going to kiss me. Blake Sinclair’s generous offer would deliver the hardworking curator a nice chunk of commission.
Taking his cue from my new benefactor, Marius left us alone.
My fingernails dug into my damp palm. I couldn’t look at him, because my eyes wanted to drown in those aquamarine eyes that kept changing from light to dark. Although he wore unaffected confidence as well as he wore his Italian jacket, I sensed a complex man.
“You’ll sell?” His deep voice resonated through my ribs.
I nodded. “I’d be crazy not to.”
He studied me for a moment, and his lips tipped up at one end, which was about as cheery as I’d seen him so far. “You’re reluctant to sell?”
I shook my head. “It’s not that.”
He waited for more, but I’d lost my ability to think. He gave me space, which I appreciated.
After I’d failed to elaborate, he asked, “How about