The glamourous, the glitzy and the avant-garde crowded The Art Guys’ London gallery showing. The Art Guys were a trio of art brokers who had gained celebrity fame for their elite clientele and their obsession with art, and they even boasted a short-run television series currently filming its third season. Not to mention they were handsome, charming and oh, so sexy.
While her best friend, Maeve, receptionist for The Art Guys, chatted up a client, Lucy Ellis scanned the room. Modern art appealed to her—but her eyes landed on something more enticing.
Tall, the man’s shoulders appeared wide enough to sling a woman over. A long, lean posture. Thick, bed-tousled chestnut hair. I care about how I look, but I don’t have to make an effort with it. And a gorgeous tan. Couldn’t spend much time in drizzly London. A traveler perhaps? Who liked abstract art?
Teasing her tongue along her upper lip, Lucy imagined he would kiss like a dream—when he suddenly turned and looked right at her. Eyes brightening, his smile teased with a sexy curl, higher on one side.
Mouth dropping open, Lucy’s heart thumped. And when he winked…her insides sparkled. Had he…? Was that smile meant for her? No, couldn’t be.
Maeve, back from schmoozing, leaned in. “See something you like?”
Lucy abruptly turned away from the sudden life-encompassing fantasy of kisses, sex, marriage, babies and, after so many fulfilling years, geriatric handholds. Something she liked? “Maybe.”
“Ooh. That’s Conor Gavin. Host for tonight’s exhibit. Good man. Has oodles of cash.”
Lucy decided “good” and “oodles of cash” went well together.
“Go talk to him,” Maeve encouraged her. “You came here tonight because we agreed you needed to take some time for yourself. So…indulge.”
“I can’t.”
It had been a minute since she’d dated. As a beauty influencer, life was all about the clicks, likes and follows. Always recording makeup tutorials, editing, posting, seeking the one reel that would go viral and increase her sponsorship. She had no time for romance.
“Just the other night, Lucy, we both confessed that we want to fall in love. He’s single,” Maeve singsonged.
Lucy wondered if she could do it—dive in for romance. Dare to make herself vulnerable beyond the screen. Touch…real love.
Yes, she did desire love. Who didn’t?
“Go.” Maeve nudged her.
A wanting flutter in Lucy’s chest urged her cautiously forward.
***
Conor had gone in search of the beautiful woman with the updo who reminded him of a movie star. The sight of her across the room had wrecked his plans to ditch out early—but she no longer stood before the canvas that had sold for two million quid.
He navigated around a large, intrusive plant and walked right into her.
“Oh!” A burst of surprise animated her face.
Conor caught her by the upper arms to prevent a full-on collision. Warm and soft, she smelled like something delicious that he wanted to taste. “I was looking for you…” Get it together, man! “I mean…”
“Same.” She studied his grasp.
“Sorry.” He let go of her and instantly regretted the lost connection. It wasn’t often he got to be near a woman without dodging paparazzi flashes. Tonight’s soiree had been invitation only, no media allowed. “Conor Gavin.” She shook his hand. Their reconnection revved through his veins. “Art lover, entrepreneur and”—his heart intruded—“smitten.”
Her mouth opened in an enticing O. Color rose in her cheeks. “Lucy Ellis. Influencer, art explorer and…” Her eyes brightened with a secret he wanted to discover. “…interested.”
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