Mismatch - By Nana Malone Page 0,31

stuck. And of course, his brother was nowhere to be seen.

She exhaled. “Maybe this was a mistake. I don’t think I can represent you. Because I can almost guaranteed that this”—she pointed between the two of them—“will get in the way.”

He shot his hand out and took hold of her arm. “Okay. I hear you. But just come and see my work. If you’re not interested in working with me, I understand. But look at my work first. And remember we have a contract.” It didn't matter how attracted to her he was, he'd promised to help Samson move his career forward. His little brother could use a break for sure, and Jessica Stanton was the one to give it to him. For that, Eli could ignore their attraction.

She stared down at his hand, and the two of them remained locked in that frozen pose. Eventually, Eli let her go and took a large step backward. “Sorry. Right this way.”

He led her down the hallway to the large, open studio. Suddenly, he worried whether he should be covered in paint. If he'd been Samson and had been working, shouldn't there be paint everywhere? Luckily she didn’t seem to notice, because immediately, she gasped.

“Your work is extraordinary.” With brisk steps, she found one of Eli's personal favorites, a dark painting with bold lines of a woman's profile. There was just enough of a hint of her to see that she was beautiful, but not enough to be able to recognize her. Blood smeared her cheek.

Eli knew it was their mother, but like hell he was going to tell Jessica.

“God, this is stunning. Who's the model?”

Eli smiled, trying to think of something to say. “I never reveal my muses.” Great, now that sounded cliché.

But she nodded absently as she'd already moved on to the next painting. The canvas, with smearing bold colors splattered every which way was Eli's least favorite painting of his brother’s. It reminded him too much of what an acid trip must be like. A constant reminder of how he'd almost lost his twin.

She wrinkled her nose. “I hope you don’t take it personally, but I'm not a huge fan of this one.”

“Fine by me. It takes a lot to offend me.” At least that was the truth. Since he'd been clean, nothing bothered Samson these days. He was perpetually high on life. Maybe it was time to cut him some slack. But as much as Eli would love to, it didn’t make sense to ease up on someone he loved.

Jessica wandered around, examining each painting. She paused at one of the exhibition pieces. “This is amazing. Literally amazing. I don't know how you do this.” She flushed. “Never mind. I do know how you do this. I just uh...”

Her voice trailed off, and Eli coughed out a laugh. “What’s the matter? You’re not a fan of my performance art?”

“Oh, I’m a fan. It’s riveting and evocative. I just prefer these quieter ones.” She moved excitedly from one painting to another. “Oh, Samson, your work is exquisite.” She moved briskly from piece to piece, only pausing to lean in and examine a few. “Honestly, I'd heard of your work, and I’ve obviously seen how you make some of this, but this is amazing. You should have no problem getting a gallery opening.”

Eli coughed. Pride welled in his chest. He wasn't responsible for his brother's masterpieces, but he knew what Samson had battled to accomplish them. If Jessica could get Samson a big gallery opening, he'd be a household name in no time. “I'm glad you like them.”

“I more than like them. These are raw. I like it. They need a specific clientele though. I might have the contacts to help, but you never know.”

“From what I’ve heard about you, you have the contacts I'm looking for.”

She stalked toward him slowly. She looked like a fairy on a mission with her blue-streaked hair. “Can I ask you a question?”

She paused right in front of him, and he had to fight the instant temptation to inhale. If he did, he'd smell that tempting perfume. Then he'd think about the last time he smelled her perfume and what had happened as a result. Then he'd definitely kiss her and do all manner of inappropriate things with her. She was going to be Samson's agent. For now, he had to keep his pants on.

Clearing his throat, Eli leaned away from Jessica as much as he could. “Shoot. Ask me whatever you want.” As