Mismatch - By Nana Malone Page 0,39

mean do you ever get tempted to copy one? Just to see if you can do it again?”

Eli narrowed his eyes at the asshole. Shit. Sam’s cover was blown. Eli didn’t know how, but Michael Fenton knew about Sam’s past. Worse, he seemed to be goading him, probing to see if he was still forging. Was Samson tied up with Fenton somehow? Could Sam be involved in his current con schemes? Eli wracked his brain trying to think of the cities Vince had rattled off and the years. There had been some overlap as Samson had tried to get his career started again. Was it possible?

Eli steered the conversation in another direction and had Jessica pick up the slack for him as the group started discussing the upcoming shows.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket under the table and sent Vince a quick text: Looks like I found your con man. I’ll call you as soon as I leave the dinner.

As he slid his phone back into his pocket, Destiny Shane, another artist manager sidled up to him. Immediately, Eli’s gaze found Jessica. She was across the room engaged in a conversation about her gallery with one of the other artists.

“You know, you’re a very difficult man to get ahold of,” Destiny said.

“Well, I have a show to prep for, so I spend most of my time painting.” Sam had mentioned she’d called the studio several times, wanting an appointment. “I take it there’s something you want to discuss with me?”

“Of course, silly.” She placed a hand on his arm, and he glanced at it as she massaged his forearm. He wasn’t a fan of random strangers touching him. “I was just saying to Michael that I would love to do some work with you. Something, anything. Introduce you around definitely. He suggested just today that we could perhaps work together on a small project or something.”

Eli frowned. Michael’s suggestion, was it? “You know I’m represented by Jessica, right?” He stared down at her hand pointedly.

She immediately removed it. “Of course, and I wasn’t trying to tread on your business relationship. I just think, in the world today, you can’t have too many people working in your corner.”

“Right. I’m just one of those kinds of people who likes things a little clear cut, so tell you what? Why don’t you call Jessica, and you guys can brainstorm some ideas, and she’ll discuss with me. If I’m interested, the two of you can work it out,” he said with a smile meant to convey that he would only work with Jessica directly. Poaching of clients happened all the time in the art world, and he didn’t plan on doing that to Jess.

“Yeah, uh, that sounds like a plan,” Destiny stumbled. “I uh, actually have a benefit I’m doing at the end of next week. Maybe you both will be in attendance?”

“Sounds like something fun. Just give Jessica a call.”

Destiny didn’t look particularly thrilled that he’d given her the brush off, but she would have to get over it. She was clearly trying to steal him, and he wasn’t a fan of her tactics.

His train of thought stumbled as the light in the living room caught on Mia’s gold bracelet. Michael absently fingered the delicate piece of jewelry.

Staring at the jewel, Eli murmured, “Mia, what a beautiful bracelet. Where did you get it?”

She beamed. “Michael gave it to me as a present.”

“It’s been in my family for years and years.” Michael draped an arm around his fiancée’s bare shoulders.

Bullshit. Eli had seen that bracelet before. It was a near perfect match for the one he’d seen in Vince’s file. It was possible he was wrong. Jessica’s mother wasn’t exactly the kind to pull off a jewelry heist. But her slick fiancé—he was trouble. Eli just had to find a way to tag him.

Jessica leaned in. “I’ve had enough for one night, if you’re ready to go.”

Eli’s body tensed in anticipation. It didn’t matter that he knew it was a bad idea, he wanted her. “Yeah, I’m done, too. I’ll be right here.”

As she went to get her purse, he stepped away from the crowd to answer his buzzing phone. “Vince, I can’t talk right now.”

“Dude, just tell me what the fuck is going on.”

Eli lowered his voice. “Look. I’ve got eyes on your con man. I still need his real alias.”

“Are you sure it’s him?”

“Affirmative.”

“Hot shit. Can you get a photo?”

“Yeah, I’m on it.”

“This could finally be the break we’ve been