Page 141 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“I want to be here—to support Julian. I’m lucky enough to call him a friend. Those are rare in this business, but that doesn’t mean exhibitions don’t get boring.”

He took a step back and looked her up and down. “I think you’re forgetting that I get to stare at you all night long. That could never get boring.”

She grinned. “We’ll find Julian. I can’t wait for him to meet you. I think he might get a little jealous.”

He frowned. “Of me?”

She shook her head. “Of me.” She fixed his tie. “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you this, but Julian and I grab a cappuccino every once in a while at this amazing little bistro on 95th Street—right across from this gym with big, full-length windows. We pretty much ogle the men while they lift weights and run on the treadmills and stuff.”

Nate lifted his brow.

“Julian and I have very similar tastes.” She gave his tie a tug. “And you and I have already established that you’re definite eye candy.”

He sent her a pained look. “Jesus, Callie.”

She struggled not to laugh as she hooked her arm through his and started into the crowds, loving that she’d thrown Nate off balance. He was always so sure of himself. It was fun to mess with him every once in a while. “Julian looks like he’s pretty busy, so we’ll mingle for now.”

She introduced Nate to several people—fellow artists, buyers, and fans who wanted to say hello—all while keeping her eye out for Marion and Gemma. They were going to have to talk eventually. The two weeks Marion had given her were officially up. She had yet to spot her agent, which made Callie more nervous. Several minutes later, Callie and Nate stepped away from a small group of guests.

Nate narrowed his eyes as he studied her.

She touched her earrings, then brushed at her hair self-consciously. “What?”

“All this time we’ve been together, I thought you were shy.”

She shrugged. “I know most everyone here.”

“You know how to work a room.”

She shrugged again. “That’s part of my job—entertain, engage. That’s how you sell art.”

“Do you want a glass of champagne? I’ll go snag us a couple.”

“Sure.”

He winked. “Be right back.”

“Okay.” She glanced at one of the paintings on the wall—Julian’s trademark vivid splashes of color—before she caught Julian’s eye as he headed her way—a could-be blond underwear model with Black Roland Square glasses.

“You made it,” he said as he enveloped her in a long hug.

She kissed his cheek and hugged him back, breathing in his high-end cologne. “I couldn’t miss all of this.”

“I’ve been trying to get over to you since I saw you walk through the door. Who’s the hottie?”

She grinned, happy to brag. “That’s Nate.”

“He’s delicious.”

“I know.” She sighed as she studied Nate’s tough build as he grabbed their drinks. “He’s in law enforcement—wears a gun and blue jeans nearly every day.”

“And handcuffs,” Julian added.

Callie grinned.

“Is it okay if I hate you a little?”

She laughed. “You can hate me a lot.” She moved closer to Julian’s side. “Everything about him makes my toes curl,” she confided to one of the very few people she trusted.