Chapter 1
Diane
Standing back from the eight-foot outline, Diane planted her hands on her hips and scrutinized her work. It was her first day bringing to life her newest mural, and her biggest job to date.
“Look at that,” a familiar voice said behind her.
She turned to find the owner of Johansen Design, her boss Trevor Johansen—the man who also happened to be her dad.
“I didn’t know you were stopping by,” she said brightly. She tucked her loose hair behind her ears. Where had that darn ponytail holder gotten to?
“I just had a progress meeting over at the hair salon project, so I figured I’d stop in and see how things were going here.”
“Well, what do you think?” She gestured at the outline on the entrance wall of Weiss Enterprises, one of the largest investment firms in New York. It was a dreamy scene, featuring a tree growing from the palm of an outstretched hand, roots winding through fingers and around the wrist.
The theme of the piece revolved around reaching high and dreaming big. After the company had reached out to Johansen Design, Diane submitted a number of ideas for approval. She’d been surprised this was the one they’d gone with, as it was kind of spiritual and abstract for an investment firm.
But what did she know, really? She was an artist through and through; investing seemed a world away.
“It’s great.” Trevor smiled proudly at the outline. “When will you start painting?”
“I’ve almost got the outline finished, so Monday.”
“Great.” Her dad pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time. “Shoot. I gotta run.”
“Almost five,” Diane noted.
Five p.m. Which meant her mom’s caretaker would be off the clock in just over thirty minutes.
“I gotta run.” He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze.
“Good luck.”
He would need it if he planned on making it from Manhattan’s financial district to Brooklyn’s Sunset Park in thirty minutes at rush hour.
Her dad darted out the door, and Diane took another moment to examine her piece. What she’d done so far was good. If it turned out as intended, it could end up being one of the best things she’d ever done. The thought of seeing the black lines filled with vibrant colors sent energy coursing through her.
She almost wished she could stay and work all night, but the offices would be closing soon, and that meant she needed to pack up.
“Wow,” a deep, male voice said.
She turned around again, except this time the sudden appearance had her blinking in surprise. A man was coming through the glass double doors that led to the front desk, his gaze trained on the mural.
Which was nice because that allowed Diane to steal a minute to drink him in. Tailored black suit. Tall. Broad shoulders. Wide chest. Wavy black hair. Piercing blue eyes.
She gulped, abruptly weak in the knees.
“You’re the artist, I presume?”
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “Diane. Nice to meet you.”
“Kai.” He offered his hand, and she shook it. His touch was warm and comforting, hard to let go of.
“It’ll be a while before it’s done,” she explained. “I’m only just getting started.”
“I can see where it’s headed.” He nodded appreciatively at the wall.
“Thanks. That’s certainly a good sign.” She opened the flap on her art supplies bag and started tucking away her tools.
“Are you finished for the day?” he asked.
“I am.”
“Hm.” He blinked and paused. “What would you say if I asked you to come have a drink with me?”
Her jaw dropped. “Um…uh…”
His smile was tight. “It’s okay. No worries. I understand if—”
“No!” Her shout was so loud it echoed in the narrow entryway.
She forced an awkward-as-hell smile and tried again. “Sorry. What I meant was I would love to have a drink with you. Sign me up.”
Sign me up? Where had that come from?
“Wonderful. There’s a bar right on the corner.”
“The one with the lion statues by the front door?”
“You’re familiar with it?”
“Never drank in it, but I have a good memory.”
His eyes lit up, and he cocked his head. “You certainly do. What do you say to meeting me there in twenty?”
Her heart pitter-pattered. “I would love to…Kai.”
Man, it felt good to say his name.
“Great, Diane.”
It felt even better when he said her name.
“See you soon.” His gaze on her, he took a few steps back before turning and heading for the elevator.
A smile stretching her face, Diane finished packing up. Talk about a lucky day! Things were going great with the mural, and she was about to have drinks with a cute guy.
Wait till she told