seemed to whisper, “He’s not for you.” She’d learned in the past that it was usually a good idea to listen to that voice.
Chapter 12
Kristen had been sitting cross-legged on the floor of her studio for hours. The light was gorgeous all day, and the time had flown by. When the light changed, she started to notice her muscles growing stiff and an uncomfortable gnawing in her stomach. She hadn’t eaten since early morning. She yawned and stretched and assessed her work. And then she smiled. It had been a good day. Her latest painting was done, and she felt goose bumps as she looked at it. Now and then, what she envisioned matched what ended up on canvas, and it was both thrilling, and deeply satisfying.
She stood and went to the bathroom to wash her hands. And laughed when she saw her reflection in the mirror. She looked a fright. Her hair was in a tangled, messy ponytail and she had a smudge of blue paint on her cheek. She scrubbed it off and was debating between jumping in the shower and eating something, anything, when she heard a knock at the door.
She ignored it for a moment, wondering who it could be. The only people who would drop by were her sisters, and Sean, but it was rare for any of them. Given how her last conversation with Sean went, she doubted it was him. It was probably Kate, and Kristen was sure if she checked her phone, which was charging in the bedroom, that she probably had a few missed calls. Maybe Kate would want to go grab a bite to eat. Kristen felt ready to celebrate the finishing of her painting, and she was starving with no food in the house.
She opened the door with a smile that faded as soon as she saw Andrew from the art gallery, standing on her doorstep. She hated that he was seeing her looking such a mess and was equally irritated that he hadn’t called first.
“I’m sorry to just drop by. I called several times first, but you didn’t answer. I was in the area and thought I’d try. Maybe you didn’t get the messages? I’m not usually so rude.” He looked as though he was regretting his impulse, and Kristen guessed her irritation was evident. She’d been told that her face was an open book. He looked so uncomfortable that she softened, her irritation faded, and she felt bad for him.
“It’s all right. I didn’t get any calls today. I’ve been working and had my phone charging in another room.”
He looked even more uncomfortable. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your work. I’ll let you get back to it. We can set a time for another day. Or I can just call again, whatever is easiest.”
Kristen opened her door wide. “Come on in. I’m done for the day. You just caught me, actually. I was debating whether to get in the shower or make something to eat, but the shower was winning.”
He laughed. “I promise I won’t keep you long. I met with my car guy, and he said the damage is really minimal, just a few hundred dollars.”
Kristen looked around for her purse. “I can write you a check now.”
“No, no, that’s not what I’m suggesting. I was serious when I said I’d like to feature a couple of your paintings.”
“Oh, okay. And you’ll be sure to deduct the money out of my commission then?”
He hesitated for just a second. “Yes, of course. Did you have any paintings in mind? If you have anything ready, that is.”
“I have a few in mind, but I just finished one today, that you might want to consider. It turned out pretty well.” She wasn’t one to brag, but she was excited by her newest painting and eager for him to see it. It felt like her best work yet.
A look came into his eyes, curiosity and a keen interest. “I’d love to see it. To see anything you have that’s ready.”
Kristen laughed. “I have a whole room of paintings. Follow me.”
She led him into her studio and first took him into a side room where she kept her completed works. At least twenty paintings lined the walls. She let him look around and pointed out the two that she had in mind. He nodded in appreciation. “Those are lovely. I’d happily take any of these though. You’re amazing.” He sounded so sincere that Kirsten felt herself blush a