Dreams Claimed (Warfield's Landing, #1) Read Online Free
Author: Adeara Allyne
Tags: Contemporary Romance, romantic suspense, maryland, American Romance, contemporary art
the process of preparing several new canvases. She’ll probably be delivering them next week.”
That got his attention. On a hunch, he asked... “Was that who you were just talking with?”
At her nod, he knew what his strategy needed to be. From the sound of the conversation, Stevie and Nic were friends. He’d need to impress Stevie so she’d give him a good recommendation with Nic.
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’ll like to look around here and then maybe I can talk with you about any new paintings the artist will be bringing in?”
She beamed at him. “I’ll be at my desk. I’ll call Nic back and get more information about when she plans to bring in her new work.”
“That would be great!” He smiled warmly. She left the room and he was free to look his fill.
If anyone had mentioned ballet pictures to him before this moment, he’d have imagined fluffy pink tutus, candy box pretty dancers, and toe shoes with ribbons.
Now, he was engrossed in the raw power of practice clothes, sweat, and looking at a close-up sketch of damaged feet... bloody and brutal.
He took his time, looking at paintings and sketches. He found everything riveting.
As he finished his circuit, he did a quick glance around, calculating the purchase prices. He made a very good living and hadn’t had any expensive hobbies... until now.
He, Luke, and CeeCee all had trust funds, but in high school, they’d made a pact not to be typical Trust Fund kids. As a result, his trust fund had been sitting there and growing. He knew the same was true of Luke and CeeCee’s.
Now he knew what he wanted to spend it on.
He loved every Nic Bannerman drawing and painting on display, but he was smart. He didn’t want to scare her off. He figured he’d buy enough to make a strong statement and get an introduction.
“Stevie,” he called as he walked over to her desk. “I’ve picked out a few pieces I want to buy.” Her eyes brightened. “Is it possible to have them delivered?”
*****
A n hour later, he walked back to his office. Two small, framed drawings were under his arm and he had an appointment to meet the artist next week. The other paintings would be delivered tomorrow. He made a mental note to tell the concierge at the condo to expect the delivery.
His life had changed in the last few hours and he planned to enjoy the sensation. He’d get these drawings hung this afternoon so he could see them every day at work.
He hummed, mentally rearranging the furniture in his condo. It had all been placed to make the most of the large windows and the cityscape they framed. Now it was going to be set up so these paintings could be enjoyed. Too bad CeeCee was in New York for the next few weeks. He knew she’d love to help him play interior designer.
CHAPTER 5
Next week, delivering paintings in Washington, DC
N ic pulled up behind the gallery, putting her venerable mini-van into park. She was feeling rushed. She’d had to stop painting in order to deliver these paintings on the schedule she’d promised. Now all she wanted was to get back to work.
She was on time, but that wasn’t because of her organizational skills. In fact, it was pretty much dumb luck.
The drive from Old Town Alexandria into Washington, DC had been pleasant. She’d cruised up the George Washington Parkway and crossed the Potomac on the Fourteenth Street Bridge. Traffic had been light on this bright clear summer day. The middle of June, the summer heat was not yet oppressive and, better yet, the humidity was still bearable.
Nic hopped out, rang the bell beside the blank metal door and opened the van’s sliding door. It caught and she had to tug it open. She shook her head... she knew... someday it was gonna stay stuck.
Coming directly from her studio, she was in paint clothes — a large white man’s shirt fell to mid-thigh. The sleeves were rolled up and simple black shorts peeked from beneath the shirt hem. Her newest pair of canvas slides had been decorated
That got his attention. On a hunch, he asked... “Was that who you were just talking with?”
At her nod, he knew what his strategy needed to be. From the sound of the conversation, Stevie and Nic were friends. He’d need to impress Stevie so she’d give him a good recommendation with Nic.
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’ll like to look around here and then maybe I can talk with you about any new paintings the artist will be bringing in?”
She beamed at him. “I’ll be at my desk. I’ll call Nic back and get more information about when she plans to bring in her new work.”
“That would be great!” He smiled warmly. She left the room and he was free to look his fill.
If anyone had mentioned ballet pictures to him before this moment, he’d have imagined fluffy pink tutus, candy box pretty dancers, and toe shoes with ribbons.
Now, he was engrossed in the raw power of practice clothes, sweat, and looking at a close-up sketch of damaged feet... bloody and brutal.
He took his time, looking at paintings and sketches. He found everything riveting.
As he finished his circuit, he did a quick glance around, calculating the purchase prices. He made a very good living and hadn’t had any expensive hobbies... until now.
He, Luke, and CeeCee all had trust funds, but in high school, they’d made a pact not to be typical Trust Fund kids. As a result, his trust fund had been sitting there and growing. He knew the same was true of Luke and CeeCee’s.
Now he knew what he wanted to spend it on.
He loved every Nic Bannerman drawing and painting on display, but he was smart. He didn’t want to scare her off. He figured he’d buy enough to make a strong statement and get an introduction.
“Stevie,” he called as he walked over to her desk. “I’ve picked out a few pieces I want to buy.” Her eyes brightened. “Is it possible to have them delivered?”
*****
A n hour later, he walked back to his office. Two small, framed drawings were under his arm and he had an appointment to meet the artist next week. The other paintings would be delivered tomorrow. He made a mental note to tell the concierge at the condo to expect the delivery.
His life had changed in the last few hours and he planned to enjoy the sensation. He’d get these drawings hung this afternoon so he could see them every day at work.
He hummed, mentally rearranging the furniture in his condo. It had all been placed to make the most of the large windows and the cityscape they framed. Now it was going to be set up so these paintings could be enjoyed. Too bad CeeCee was in New York for the next few weeks. He knew she’d love to help him play interior designer.
CHAPTER 5
Next week, delivering paintings in Washington, DC
N ic pulled up behind the gallery, putting her venerable mini-van into park. She was feeling rushed. She’d had to stop painting in order to deliver these paintings on the schedule she’d promised. Now all she wanted was to get back to work.
She was on time, but that wasn’t because of her organizational skills. In fact, it was pretty much dumb luck.
The drive from Old Town Alexandria into Washington, DC had been pleasant. She’d cruised up the George Washington Parkway and crossed the Potomac on the Fourteenth Street Bridge. Traffic had been light on this bright clear summer day. The middle of June, the summer heat was not yet oppressive and, better yet, the humidity was still bearable.
Nic hopped out, rang the bell beside the blank metal door and opened the van’s sliding door. It caught and she had to tug it open. She shook her head... she knew... someday it was gonna stay stuck.
Coming directly from her studio, she was in paint clothes — a large white man’s shirt fell to mid-thigh. The sleeves were rolled up and simple black shorts peeked from beneath the shirt hem. Her newest pair of canvas slides had been decorated