The reduced inventory represented weeks of nose to the grindstone. Keeli had put her heart and soul into this collection. Soldering and manufacturing jewelry in the heat of summer was less than ideal and she tried to avoid it as much as possible, stockpiling her inventory in the depths of a Chicago winter instead. She reminded herself to be grateful that she had work and that she welcomed it.
Still, a weekend off might make a nice break right about now.
With the perfect weather, crowds were larger than the huge numbers that experts had predicted. The lakefront setting was one of her favorites, the music carried from the band shell across Grant Park, the trails, tourists and locals whizzed by with their distinctive blue Divvy bike rentals or stretched their arms far to take selfies with Buckingham Fountain in the background. Parents checked out the fair on their way from Millennium Park to the Aquarium, dragging tired, whiney children in tow, stopping when they begged for popcorn or cotton candy.
The atmosphere was festive and complete. It filled Keeli with joyous energy. If she could just see Wyatt, the day would be ideal. It was after three already, and the crowds were thinning. The background of general noise and bustle faded out while Keeli alternated between scanning the crowd for a particular sandy-haired gentleman and pretending to read “Anna Karenina”.
Just when she gave up hope of seeing him, Keeli swore that she could sense him watching her. She knew when she looked up she would see him but a discreet scan of the crowd revealed nothing. Her disappointment was tangible. She was so sure, and yet…
There he was, coming down the row of booths, sun casting an aura of light around his head. His sunglasses were hiding his eyes, but he was heading straight for her with a smile on his face and two iced drinks in his hands. He wove through the slow-moving throng and Keeli popped up from her corner to greet him.
Smoothing the wrinkles from her dress and the curls from her hair, yet again, she coached herself not to appear too anxious. If only she could control her heartbeat. She licked her lips nervously, smoothing her curls one last time.
“Hi Keeli,” he spoke before he reached her. “I figured you guys don’t get too many breaks so I brought you an iced tea.” He hesitated as if unsure what to say next until she offered him her brightest smile. She was trying not to fidget from head to toe, but unconsciously she was digging the toe of her Ked into the soft earth.
Seeing that, and checking her out from head to toe, his voice was stronger and more confident as he put the tea on the glass display and stretched a hand toward her.
“Wyatt Howe, I bought a ring a last month, brought you tea a few weeks ago. Remember me?” He was all boyish charm.
He is definitely flirting with me. This is not wishful thinking. This is real.
She took the ice tea, feeling the warmth of his fingers and the cold of his hand where the cup rested in it. An unusual spark flew as their fingers touched. Keeli was unnerved by the sensation. He affected her too much. Keeli looked in his eyes to see if he felt it too, but those damn glasses hid everything.
He held her hand a big longer than necessary but released it to reach into the pockets of his linen shorts. He emerged with Stevia in one hand, sugar in the other. He put sugar on top of the second iced tea, while passing the sugar substitute to Keeli.
“Thanks, again. You are turning into my private catering company.”
“Service with a smile.”
Keeli reached for the Stevia with a grin. “You must be clairvoyant cause I really needed this. It is so thoughtful of you. Again.”
“Just trying to help,” he said, oozing charm. “Have tea, we deliver. The other is for your friend in the next booth, the sculptor. I noticed you two talk back and forth all the time. I figured she might need something too.”
Can this guy be real?
Keeli called over to Clarice and made introductions. Clarice accepted the tea with sincere appreciation and dumped all the sugar in her cup. She took a quick sip before giving Keeli a conspiratorial look and disappearing behind her side of the canvas.
Keeli was awkward now that she was aware of how much Wyatt had been watching her. He knew she drank iced tea, not soda, and that she and Clarice were friends who often had booths next to each other. He knew about her books and who knew what else. Keeli felt overwhelmed, excited and intensely hopeful.
Could a man like Wyatt really be interested in little ol’ me?
Keeli took a long draw on her straw. She was trying to collect her scattered thoughts so she could make scintillating conversation. She knew it was hopeless.
Wyatt saved her from berating herself. “Wow, this is a huge crowd, huh? I heard it was much bigger than they were expecting. I believe it. I had to circle like ten times before I found a parking space.”
“Yeah, it’s been bad for parking but great for sales,” Keeli said, relieved to find her voice. “The weather and the setting seemed to be the magic combination cause all of Chicago showed up and most of them bought something.”
“How long have you been doing these?”
“Over a year, all of last season and again this summer.”
“Is Gold Coast where you do best? I know it has a history of generating huge sales and attendance.”
“It is one of my best. Hey, is it my imagination or do you attend a lot of these?” She didn’t admit that she had seen him all of last summer, and of course the elevator incident still went unmentioned. She was looking for answers to this enigmatic man a little at a time. Today she was trying to uncover whether he thought this was a great place to bring a date or if it was really about the art.
Of course, he IS alone today. Thank you, God.
“I own a lot of buildings that need artwork,” he explained without bragging. “And I scout for the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Lyons Howe Museum sometimes. I am on the board of one, acquisition committee for the other. And of course, there is my private collection.”
“Of course,” Keeli mocked, her mischievous smile taking the sting out of the sarcastic retort. “Must not overlook that private collection, now must we?”
Wyatt’s brief laugh left her breathless. How could she forget that rich, low and throaty sound? It was oh so sexy, and right now, it was directed at her. Keeli’s legs went weak and she rested her hand on the top of the display case for balance. Wyatt saw the move and reached for her arm to steady her not realizing that the feel of his strong fingers intensified her longing.
“The heat’s not bothering you?” He still had hold of her arm, his thumb moving lightly, reflexively back and forth over her skin. He looked at his hand seemed to realize what he was doing, and slowly withdrew it.
“Nah.” Keeli offered no explanation for grabbing the display case. She was consumed by the warm glow moving through her body at the feel of his hand on her arm. He created a heat in her that started in her belly and crept up from there. He aroused her, causing her to move her eyes to his lips, longing for that elusive kiss.
Forcing her view back to his hidden eyes, Keeli stubbed the toe of her sneakers nervously in the grass and reminded herself where she was.
Get it together. Time to find out where he stands, once and for all.
“Speaking of buying art, how is your girlfriend enjoying her gift? It really is a beautiful ring, if I say so myself. One of my best pieces.” She was fishing, but could not help herself. Unfortunately, she figured he knew exactly what she was doing.
When Wyatt hesitated to answer, she peered up at him from under her lush lashes provocatively even as she braced herself to hear his response. Instead of a disappointing answer, Wyatt removed his sunglasses, and looked her straight in the eye.
Their gazes locked and Keeli was quickly lost in the savage gray-blue blaze. Keeli’s heart hammered in her chest. Her breathing turned shallow and she moistened her suddenly dry lips watching as Wyatt’s eyes riveted to the movement.
Oh my, oh my.
“Girlfriend? She is not my girlfriend,” his voice was husky, his teeth caught
his bottom lip. His eyes drank in her face. “She is my baby sister, Missy. I adore her. I would have bought her ten rings.”
The words sank into Keeli’s lust-fogged brain and her face broke into a wide smile.
“Really? Your sister?” She sounded robotic, dazed.
Earth to Keeli. Snap out of this. If this is your reaction when he talks to you, how will you survive a kiss? Mmmmm, a kiss would be fantastic right now. OK, stop it. Get it together.
The fog lifted and intelligence returned to Keeli’s voice as she broke eye contact.
“It would have been okay with me if you bought her ten rings.” She made the remark a snappy not greedy one, or at least she thought so. “Bring all your sisters. Bring cousins, aunts.”
She was smiling at her little joke but Wyatt had that pained look on his face that she had seen flit across his face two weeks ago at the Culture Center. Something she said must have hit a nerve. “You know I am joking, right? I just want your sister to get the same pleasure wearing the ring that I got making it.”
“She does, believe me,” he offered. “So you consider your work a labor of love?” The pained look had disappeared. The question may have been innocent but the look Wyatt gave Keeli now was anything but. The heat between them was combustible, the air thick with tension. She was sure he must feel it when his hand started to idly stroke hers, sending shivers up her spine.
Keeli’s palms grew sweaty, her breath dry in her throat.
He is here, he knew about me, he is flirting and touching me. Oh honey, this man is definitely interested in more. The 64-million dollar question is: are you prepared to let him break your heart?
Two potential customers entered the tent at that moment saving her from any decisions. She excused herself, barely hiding her disappointment that their interlude had to end. She expected him to fade into the crowd, frustrated that she would not even get to say goodbye or thank you or make plans, perhaps.
Miracle of miracles, he stayed put. He stepped back enough to allow the women access to the display cases and engaged them in conversation. They asked to see first one pair of earrings, long hoops in yellow gold, then shorter hoops in white gold. Wyatt jumped right in, giving his opinion on how they looked, suggesting a larger hoop with small, inset turquoise stones for one, large hoops with opals for the other.
Keeli was annoyed that he shamelessly flirted with the two women. She recognized that she was not special with a sharp pain in her chest. He flirted with every woman, dated supermodels. He could have any woman. He could have every woman.
He flashed her a conspiratorial wink as the women reached for more jewelry. The pain soared from her chest and began pounding. She realized that the charming rogue was helping her close the sale! This man overwhelmed her senses and she could never think clearly when he was near. Worse, she knew she was falling under his spell just as easily as the two middle-aged women he was bewitching.
Both women decided to make purchases. Sure enough, Wyatt managed to convince them both to buy the more expensive earrings. Keeli completed the transaction, thanked them and handed them her card.
“You are a shameless flirt. Believe me, I appreciate it, but you are. You totally talked those women into spending more money – a lot more money. Perhaps you should work with me and charm all my customers.” Keeli’s eyes flashed with humor.
“Only the devil could separate women from their cash the way you can. You, sir, are totally evil.“ She stuck her finger into his chest for emphasis but the upward tilt teasing her lips gave lie to her words.
“Guilty as charged,” Wyatt responded with a bow and a devilish grin. When a lock of hair fell onto his forehead Keeli fingered it back into place without thinking. He took her hand as she went to remove it, placing a light kiss in her palm and sending her pulse racing. She felt the heat of that kiss travel up her arm and settle deep in her belly. She wanted desperately to feel the warmth of his sun-kissed skin on hers, feel his strength as he pulled her tight against the broad chest she was admiring under his pale button down shirt. She pulled her hand back reluctantly, fisted and flexed her hand a few times, resisting the urge to run her hand all over him.
She was enthralled by the long strong column of his neck, the smattering of light hair revealed by the deep V in the open neck of his shirt. When he caught her staring, she quickly adjusted the Wayfarers tucked there, as if they were her purpose all along. His knowing smile told her he knew exactly what she was doing.
Ooh girl, you have it bad.
Carefully placing her hand by her side, Keeli took a deep breath to slow her racing heart. The more she watched this man, learned about him, the more she desired him. Sure, he was really good looking. Okay, she admitted to herself, outrageously good looking. The frank way his eyes bore into hers and the brilliant smile that came so easily as he chatted had her wanting to know him better. He had already shown her kindness and consideration, indicated respect for her work and for his sister. Everything she saw, she liked.
Except he is playing cat and mouse with me. I cannot be the next in his long line of women and I cannot have him on my terms. Not this man.
She kept reminding herself that he was a player, that he might have a little fun, but then he would break her less experienced heart. Her head understood all of this, but Keeli’s heart was ruled by that strange pull. Her body responded to a deep longing for him. She was putty in his hands; he set her on fire.
She was barely resisting the urge to reach up and run her hand through his hair here and now, while she was supposed to be working. Her eyes returned repeatedly to the lush promise of his lips as she watched him speak and smile. She hungered to pull his head down so that she could taste a kiss.
And that damn confidence. The man looks like he owns the world. Oh, shit, you idiot, he probably does. Is there nothing wrong with this man? Oh yeah, he travels in the stratosphere, the world of museums and private collections. I travel in the world of second hand clothing stores and discount shopping.
Pulling herself together and trying to forget the electricity still warming her palm, Keeli gave herself a mental shake and tried to understand why Wyatt was toying with her. For that had to be what it was. Keeli gave herself a quick, very necessary scold to regain her composure, feeling her self-preservation instinct kick in at long last.
“Well, Sir Evil One, I appreciate the help and the tea, both were extremely thoughtful of you, but I am sure you have places to be, and I should be paying better attention to my customers.” Keeli was proud of the cool efficiency in her voice. They both knew there were no customers at present though, so he had to be getting a very rude message that she was kicking him out. That was harsher than she had intended but her clouded brain was unable to conjure up a better line.
“Yeah, I guess I have overstayed my welcome.” Confident, powerful Wyatt managed to pout like an 8-year-old boy, already melting some of Keeli’s newfound reserve.
“I did not mean to rush you away,” she quickly reversed herself, “but I figure you must have lots of other artists to see and…” she let the sentence trail off, looking down the long row of tents instead.
“Yeah, I guess I should keep moving. You’re right.” He was drawing out his words, following her gaze down the long rows of white canvas but not moving.
“I suppose you will be exhausted after being here all day…” his tone a bit softer, his handsome face reserved, “ but maybe we could grab a coffee when the show ends, or a tea, rather. Or maybe a drink?” Wyatt was stumbling over his words a bit now and she found it totally endearing. “You could consider it my sales commission.”
“I have take down around six and it will take me a couple hours but…”
He is asking me out. He is asking me out. He is asking me out.
Her heart was doing flips, hammering in her chest loud enough for him to hear.
So much for self-preservation.
She struggled to formulate a response that said yes but did not sound too anxious.
“…And it is Sunday night. Getting together at nine or ten might be an imposition.”
Shut up stupid, we are adults here. It is not like it’s a school night. Just grab the guy already, before he thinks this through and changes his mind!
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that…” he began as a snake of disappointment uncoiled in her belly. She was an idiot not to accept faster. Had she lost her chance?
Her regret must have showed on her face because he was quick to continue, “But if it’s not too late we could still grab that drink? Would it help if I did take down with you, make it go faster?”
“That is absolutely not necessary,” her face flooded with embarrassment thinking he might have thought her fishing for help. “But a drink later would be nice.”
“Where do you live? I can pick you up around nine or ten or you could text me when you were ready? Whatever works for you.”
Wow, he sounds anxious too. This is fantastic!
“Why don’t I meet you somewhere?” Keeli responded, kicking her toe in the grass again nervously. She could not believe she was making a date with Wyatt Howe! She was working to sound calm but she felt like she could faint dead on the spot.
“I don’t mind coming to get you, really.”
“Well, I live in Logan Square, so I am sure that is out of your way, and I don’t want to be any trouble, since it will already be so late. Besides, I figure you want to go someplace down here…” Keeli stopped babbling to catch a much needed breath.
Shut up before he thinks you are insane and reconsiders.
Wyatt gave her a reassuring grin saying with finality, “I have a new toy and I love an excuse to drive it. I will pick you up at 9:30.” He gave her his cell number then stood over her like a schoolteacher until she texted him her address. Before leaving the booth, he took her hand and deepened his already low voice. “See you in a few hours then. I’m looking forward to it.” His voice was a sweet caress.
Bedazzled (The Beguiling Bachelors Book 1) Page 6