by Ciara Knight
Lily dipped her chin to her chest then looked up at him again. “I know I’m out of practice, but aren’t we supposed to get to know each other on a date? Unless…” She lifted her chin a little higher.
“Yes, I guess I’m out of practice on dating, too. I’m not sure I have a favorite movie.”
Lily bit her bottom lip as if to stifle a laugh. “Sure you don’t.”
“He likes Fargo and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, but he’ll never admit it in public,” Allen said.
Josh smacked himself in the forehead. “Thanks a lot.”
“Hey, I like Bill and Ted’s. I’m not a Fargo fan, though.” Lily used her free hand to brush hair from her eyes. He’d noticed how pretty her eyes were the first time they met, but in the soft candlelight they were even more so. A green with gold flecks in them. “Your turn. Ask me something.”
Josh thought for a minute, not wanting to ask a generic question. “What’s your favorite artwork?”
She lit up. “Oh, I don’t know if I can choose. Have you heard of Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq?”
Josh smiled. “Rembrandt? More commonly known as The Night Watch? Yes, I’ve seen it.”
She leaned into him as if to reward him for his answer. “You did? Like in real life and not just in an art book?”
“Yes, when I went backpacking in Europe. Actually, I love architecture and art.” Across the table, Josh noticed Connie shift closer to Allen. They were getting chummy quick.
“I wouldn’t have guessed that. I have a feeling there’s a lot we don’t know about each other,” Lily said. Her thumb swiped over his hand, and he thought he’d lose all conscious thought if she did it again. His body heated. How did such a simple touch make him short of breath and his pulse quicken?
He took a steadying breath. “I know an easy solution for that.”
The soup arrived and Lily had been right. It was the most delicious bisque he’d ever eaten. They talked about work, home, places they’d traveled and places they still wanted to visit. All while Connie and Allen were nose snuggling and cuddling on the other side of the table. That was how it had been with Natalie. They had an instant connection, but things got boring and by the end of a year he was exhausted with her drama.
They stretched dinner out as long as they could, chatting long after the waiter had brought their check. He was sad to end the night so soon. He was trying to think of a way to stall when Connie said, “Let’s take a walk on the beach. It’s gorgeous this time of night.”
For the first time since arriving in Florida, Josh was eager to feel sand between his toes. “That sounds like a great idea. And this time I don’t have to worry about a sunburn.”
They’d held hands under the table throughout their meal, even though he had never eaten with his left hand before. He reluctantly released her, and stood to pull out her chair. To his surprise, she stood and slipped her hand back into his, walking side by side with him as they left the restaurant. She seemed to fit perfectly next to him, her long, beautiful legs matching his strides easily.
“So, you’ve really been to all those museums? I can’t even imagine.” Lily swung their hands as they walked down the path to the beach.
It was like one of those old black-and-white movies he used to watch with his mother growing up. The moonlight, the sea breeze, and the amazing woman at his side. “I’m surprised you haven’t been. From what I read online, you’re an incredibly successful artist. Some of your pieces sold for more than what I’ve made in two years at my company.”
“Perhaps, but I never saw most of that money. I worked for Stephon. He commissioned the pieces for me, and I made a percentage of the sales price. When it was all over, he said he had to reinvest my percentage to keep his gallery open because I’d cost him so much in advertising and event costs trying to sell my stuff. He claimed he was in debt and it was all my fault.” Lily stopped swinging their hands and the lightness in her faded.
“You know that he lied to you, right?”
Lily shrugged. “Yes, but by that point it wasn’t about money. It was about gaining my freedom again.”
Connie cleared her throat. “I tried to get her to sue him, but I soon realized she had so much more to gain by leaving him. A lawsuit would’ve only tied them together in a legal battle. That was something she didn’t need. She didn’t need any ties to that man.”
“In case you haven’t guessed, Connie didn’t like him very much.” Lily said with an eye roll.
He loved her playful side and appreciated her trying to keep the mood light despite how hard it must be for her to talk about the past.
Connie tugged Allen down a fork in the path. “I’m going to go show him the lookout.”
They disappeared up the hill and around the sand dunes before Lily mumbled, “You mean the makeout.”
Josh dropped his shoes to the ground along with Lily’s and they walked to the edge of the water. “It’s beautiful here.”
“It is,” Lily whispered.
He released her hand and tucked her hair behind her shoulders to see her face. “You’re beautiful, too.” Her lips parted slightly, and she took in a quick breath. He loved the way he affected her and how she affected him with the slightest of touches. “I admire you. Even after all the things that man did to you, you don’t seem to hold any resentment. I must confess, though. The fact that man shattered your confidence in your talent makes me want to punch his lights out.”
She smiled. “Nicest thing a guy has ever said to me.”
He brushed her soft cheek with his thumb, longing for some connection with her. To kiss her. To hold her tight and make all her troubles go away. “I want to kiss you. More than I’ve ever wanted to kiss anyone in my life.”
She placed her hands on his waist and stepped closer, looking up at him.
“I’m not going to, though.”
She went to move away, but he kept hold.
“I won’t kiss you because he is still here.” Josh place a finger over her heart. “Your ex. He still has a hold on you.”
She shook her head but didn’t protest.
“You know it’s true. I might not have your gift for reading people, but I can tell he’s the reason you can’t let yourself paint or sketch the way you used to. He stole that from you, and I want you to get it back. To get yourself back.”
She closed her eyes and leaned into his palm. “That’s what I want, too. To find myself again. You’re right. As much as I don’t want to admit it, he’s still here, still haunting me. He made me feel like I’d lost everything. That I’d never be able to create a piece of art anyone would want again. But I’m tired of giving him that power. I’m going to finish that sketch for you.” She pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth, and he thought he’d go insane. The hint of pressure stole his breath and he rethought his words, but before he could react she pulled free and walked away in the moonlight.
Chapter Eleven
For a week, Lily worked on her sketch, tearing up version after version, only to start over again. Each day, Josh arrived with laptop in hand and they worked side by side. It felt easy, right, and she began to believe in herself and her art again, but something was still holding her back.
She shaded the arching floral limb that draped down above the couple’s heads. She’d made it further this time, closer to completing the couple. She took a long breath, then lightly outlined the woman’s hair and face. Her hand tightened as she moved to the man’s head, his frame. She squeezed the pencil so hard that she lost control and it slid too far, leaving a deep, dark groove across the page. She tossed the pencil down and wadded up the paper. “No good. It’s no good.”
“Shh.” Josh scooted his laptop to the side and took her into his arms. “It was better. Each one you draw is better than the last. The emotion, the depth. It’s perfection. You’re perfection.”
She swallowed her disappointment. “I…I’m still unable to draw the people. Why?
”
“Maybe because you’re still unable to let go of what that man did to you. He took your confidence and I’m guessing your heart, too.”
“No, it’s not that. I promise it isn’t him.” She sighed and leaned into Josh. “I want to do this. I want to get myself back. I want to save your company and return to New York and restore my reputation.”
“I know, but maybe you’re trying too hard. You need to relax.” He spun her around to face him and rubbed her shoulders. She closed her eyes as the tension subsided.
“I hear you can build a fire on the beach here.”
“Mm-hmm,” she managed between sighs.
“Do you want to take a walk on the beach at sunset today? I was thinking we could light a fire and hang out and watch the stars.”
She lowered her chin to her chest, still keeping her eyes closed. “Sounds perfect.”
He cupped her cheeks, lifted her face and kissed her forehead. One of the ten spots on her head and face he constantly paid attention to, but never her lips. They still hadn’t kissed. If this continued, she’d throw him down on the floor and go in for a lip lock.
“Don’t you have to head back to New York again on Monday?”
“For a meeting, yeah. I’ll be back on Wednesday, though.”
She shook her head. “Doesn’t your company need you? Aren’t you sick of this sleepy little beach town?”
“You trying to get rid of me? Allen’s keeps things running smoothly. Besides, I’ve grown to love the ocean breeze, even the sand. I don’t mind it anymore.” He retrieved his laptop and slid it into his bag. “Did I see firewood on the golf cart earlier?”
“Yeah, but I washed the blanket, so grab that from on top of the dryer. I’ll grab some fruit and bottles of water.” She retrieved some supplies from the fridge then met him at the golf cart. “Do you think Allen and Connie want to join us?”
“No. He took her on a date, just the two of them. I think they’re getting pretty close.”
Lily started the golf cart and backed out of the garage. “Allen’s a good guy, right?”
“The best. I’ve known him since college. Why? You worried about your sister? He isn’t a player. Nothing like me.” He laughed, but she didn’t think it was funny.
She drove down the road and crossed the main highway to the beach where they took the path down to the very tip of the peninsula. “You’ve dated a lot?”
“I was just kidding.”
“I know, but I’m still curious. I know everything else about you. When and why you left your father’s business, why you started Raymond Advertising, where you went to college. I know all of that, but nothing about the type of women you’ve dated.” She parked then turned off the cart. “We walk from here. Grab the firewood.”
He hopped down then quickly blocked her path. “Listen, I dated. I’ve had relationships, but most of the girls threw themselves at me to the point where I lost interest quickly. But you’re nothing like them. You’re the first girl I’ve ever had to chase, literally. You’re unique and special. I can’t explain it.”
“I see. So, how long will it take until you’re bored of me?” She stepped around him, leaving him with his mouth hanging open. “I’m not supposed to tell you this,” she continued as she walked ahead of him, “but Allen already informed Connie about your reputation. I know about Natalie.”
He ran after her and held out his free hand. “Stop. Talk to me. You’ve heard a warning, but not the whole truth. Not even Allen knows the real reason I broke up with Natalie and kicked her out of the apartment.” He sighed and ran his free hand through his hair. “I’d hoped that she wasn’t like the others, approaching me because of my family’s wealth, but she was far worse. She ran up a huge amount of debt in my name. All she ever cared about was money. She pushed me to take over my parents’ vacuum cleaner company even though she knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. She saw it as a free meal ticket. It didn’t matter if I was unhappy as long as she wouldn’t have to work or contribute to our lives. The minute I realized who she truly was, I wanted nothing to do with her. I didn’t break up with her because she didn’t interest me anymore. I broke up with her because I had gotten to know the real her, the side of herself she’d kept hidden for ten months. The one that lied and stole from me.”
Lily lowered her head in shame. “I’m sorry. I thought—”
“That when you finished the drawing I’d bail? That I’d use you?” He shook his head and backed away, his eyes scanning the path around them. Then he looked to the sky. After a moment, he turned and walked ahead.
“Wait. I’m sorry,” Lily said as they exited the path onto the beach.
“I’m not looking for an apology. It just makes me wonder if you’ll ever trust me. I’ve never lied to you about anything, Lily. Ever. You know why I’m here. I’m not Stephon. I won’t manipulate you to get what I want.”
“I know. You’ve been nothing but honest. You’ve put up with my treatment. Yet I…I can’t finish the artwork. What if I can’t finish the picture in time? You’re whole company is riding on this one deal.”
He dropped the wood and closed the distance between them. “You will. You need to. But don’t do it for my company. Don’t do it for me. Do it for yourself.” His gaze danced from her eyes, to her nose, to her lips. She couldn’t breathe or speak. Finally, his lips pressed to hers—soft, light, gentle. The sound of the surf faded, the moonlight faded, the smell of the ocean faded. Everything faded until only he existed. His smell. His touch. His kiss.
Chapter Twelve
That night on the beach was magical. The stars overhead twinkled brighter than Josh could ever remember. Somehow, the sea smelled intoxicating. The air turned chilly as the fire dwindled down, and they snuggled closer on the blanket. When the firewood was all gone, it was time to head back to the cottage, but he didn’t want to move from that spot.
They walked back to the golf cart hand in hand. While no words had been spoken, promises were made. The promise that each of them would stick around to see where this was going. The promise to commit to each other. Yet deep inside he still feared she couldn’t let go of her ex’s words, that she’d never be free to heal. But when she kissed him, he dared to believe in anything.
“Do you want to fly to New York with me on Monday?” he asked. The idea of leaving her for even two days was unbearable.
“You want me to go with you?”
He couldn’t see her face well in the dark, but he could hear her smile in her tone. “Yes, I do. I could take you out to dinner after my meeting. And maybe you can check out gallery locations, if that’s what you want.”
“Even with the money your company is paying me for my artwork, it won’t be enough to start a gallery, but I think I have an idea. Something Connie had mentioned, but it’ll take a lot to pull it off.”
They crossed the main road and headed the last two blocks to the cottage. “What can I do to help?”
“Do you know of any places we could rent that would be a good spot for an event? And do you know how to fill the place?” She sighed. “I don’t have any connections like that. I just create the art. I don’t sell it. Connie has some of that talent, but not the kind of New York connections we need.”
“You’ll be happy to know I can advertise anything.” He turned into the driveway, but there was a car blocking the garage. “Expecting someone?”
“No.” She saw Connie’s car already parked. “Maybe Allen rented his own car so he didn’t have to keep sharing with you.”
Josh ignored the thought that if she was right, his assistant would have told him about it. He drove the golf cart through the grass and around the car into the carport. He got out and took the blanket. “I’ll shake out the sand.”
She grabbed their trash, dumped it in the outside can, and headed inside. He followed a minute later, still suspicious of the unknown car in the driveway. What if there was someone unknown inside the cottage?
“Allen?” he called
out, but only silence greeted him. He rounded the corner by the kitchen and stopped short, seeing the man from the gallery seated at the kitchen table. The one he’d asked for information about Lily. The one who’d shattered her confidence. His skin pricked with the desire to punch something, but he managed to keep his cool. After hearing about all the awful things this man did to Lily, Josh could barely stand to look at him.
“What are you doing here?” Lily glared at Stephon across the table, her stance unyielding. “Never mind. I don’t want to know. Leave.” To his surprise, her voice sounded solid, steady, with only a hint of strain.
Connie and Allen stood a few feet behind the man. “I tried to send him away, Lily. I’m so sorry.” Her face twisted with obvious bad news.
The man lifted his cleft chin and pushed his shoulders back. “It’s time for you to leave this hovel and come back to New York. I’ve finally been able to resurrect your career. It took great effort, but I have a show scheduled for two weeks from now.”
“That has nothing to do with me. I’m washed up, remember? You said so yourself. That I’m done, talentless,” she said, her tone bitter and cold. Colder than Josh had ever heard her speak. Good. If he couldn’t deck the guy, the next best thing was a front row seat when she told the man what to do with his offer.
“Yes, well, I found some of your old pieces and decided to use those to rebuild your reputation. If the show in two weeks is a success, I believe I can help you after that. It’ll take a lot of work on my part, but I’m willing to do it to save your career.”
“Why, how generous of you.” Josh stepped forward to join Lily, making sure she knew he’d stand by her.
“Oh, I see you found her. I hear you’re trying to commission her to do some sort of greeting card.”
“It’s not a greeting card. It’s a major department store advertisement,” he grunted.
“Oh, really? How sad. Advertisement art. How humiliating. Well, no need to worry, Lily, my dear. You don’t have to lower yourself to doing advertisements now that I’m here. I will save you from this.”