With Every Breath (Slow Burn #4) - Maya Banks Page 0,2
an exhibition for you, may I remind you that we only became friends because of your art? I was interested in your work and could see the potential in you as an artist before I knew anything about you. Our friendship was the result of your talent, and furthermore, friend or not, and you of all people should know how ruthless I am when it comes to business, I wouldn’t sink this kind of capital into launching you if I wasn’t one hundred percent certain that I was making a sound investment.”
True, Joie de Vivre was one of many things Wade dabbled in. One of his many legitimate business interests. But he hadn’t lied. He did enjoy art. Good art. And Gracie was a very talented artist.
The two had met when he’d seen a sample of her work when she had come in, looking for the world like someone who had lost her way a long time before. Perhaps he’d seen a kindred spirit. They’d both known pain and disillusionment. Gracie’s story, however, was worse than most.
He’d sought to protect her when the source of her anguish had stormed back into her life, but over time, he’d come to realize that Zack Covington, her husband, had been just as betrayed as Gracie. Zack had mourned the loss of his childhood sweetheart for over a decade and had never stopped in his search for her. The two had overcome insurmountable odds and even their reunion was fraught with peril. But finally, the two were happily married, and the art exhibit that Wade had planned for Gracie before things had gone straight to hell was back on the schedule with just a few days left until the big day.
“It must seem like I’m fishing for compliments and want you to kiss my ass,” Gracie said with an unhappy sigh.
Wade put a finger over her lips to hush her before she could continue.
“You are one of the most humble, genuine people I know, Gracie. No one would ever think you were fishing for compliments. Now, if the paintings are arranged to your liking, perhaps you can give me a list of your guests for the big night? It will be open to the public, of course, but I am extending personal invitations to several potential buyers I believe will love your work, and anyone you’d like to attend, I will also send a personal invitation to.
“Cheryl has been working with a publicity firm and we have an extensive marketing campaign already launched, with newspaper, magazine, internet and television advertising. I dare say you’re going to make quite a splash in the art world, sweetheart.”
Her lips rounded to an O and her eyes widened as she stared back at Wade. Then her nose wrinkled, her expression becoming one of doubt and dismay.
“That sounds awfully expensive, Wade! I could never afford anything like that.”
He shook his head and sighed. “It’s called an investment, Gracie. One I think will net me rather large returns considering I’ll demand exclusivity on your work and will receive commission on every painting sold. See? If I were doing this out of friendship or charity, then I wouldn’t be such a bastard by demanding exclusivity and commission. The way I see it, you’re going to make us both a lot of money.”
She laughed, some of the tension easing from her rigid stance. “Maybe you should be my manager as well. Lord knows I don’t know a thing about arranging, well . . . anything. If I am even moderately successful I won’t have the first clue how to handle my own affairs.”
“Which is why you have me,” he said. “You paint. I do everything else. I think we will have a mutually beneficial arrangement. Now, all I need from you is your guest list and you’re done. I’ll expect you to go home and practice that gorgeous smile. You’re going to be an absolute hit, and I’ll get credit for having discovered the next big thing in modern art.”
She donned a pensive look. “I don’t have many. Everyone at DSS. Oh and especially Eliza.” Wade stiffened at both the mention of Eliza’s name and the instant anxiety that was reflected in Gracie’s features. “Do you think she’ll come, Wade? Everyone is so concerned about her. She needs to get out more.”
“What’s wrong with Eliza?” Wade demanded, though he disagreed that she needed to get out more. If anything the fool woman needed to stay in for once. Rest. Recover. Process the