Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
DANIELLE
" A little to the left," I direct, watching Derek stretch to hang the crystal snowflake ornament.His sweater rides up, revealing a strip of toned abs that I definitely don't notice."Your other left."
"Still bossy as ever, I see." But there's warmth in his voice that makes my chest ache.
Scout lies between us on the rug, head swiveling back and forth as we work on opposite sides of the tree.The familiar scent of pine mingles with sugar cookies and coffee, creating a cozy atmosphere I'm trying hard to resist.
"Someone has to maintain standards." I hang a hand-painted ornament of a snowy mountain scene I made in high school that makes me think of my gallery show."Even big shot business types need guidance sometimes."
"Speaking of..." Derek steps back to assess his handiwork."How's the art world treating you?I saw your work in that gallery showcase last spring."
My hand freezes mid-reach for another ornament."You saw my show?"
"Online," he clarifies quickly."I follow the gallery's Instagram."
Something warm and dangerous unfurls in my stomach.He's been keeping tabs on me?
"It's going well." I focus on untangling a strand of lights."I have a big show coming up in February.Mountain landscapes."
"Like the ones you used to paint in college?"
"More evolved. Darker." Like my view of love after you left.
He moves closer, reaching past me for an ornament.His cologne, still that same haunting mix of pine and spice, wraps around me."I'd love to see them sometime."
"Right. I'm sure you have tons of time for art galleries between hostile takeovers."
"I make time for things that matter." His voice drops lower."People who matter."
I step back, needing distance."How about you? Living the Manhattan dream?"
"Parts of it." He scratches Scout's ears, not meeting my eyes."The work is challenging, the money's good, but..."
"But?"
"It's lonely." He glances up."You seeing anyone?"
"Not that it's any of your business," I snap, though my traitorous heart speeds up.I won't tell him how every guy I've dated since him has fallen short.How they all grew tired of being compared to a ghost."But no, I'm single."
"Danny--"
"What about you?" I cut him off."I'm sure Manhattan's full of gorgeous socialites dying to land a successful Wall Street guy."
He's quiet for so long I think he won't answer.Then, "I tried dating. Nothing stuck."
"Let me guess – they couldn't handle your workaholic tendencies?"
"No one compared to you."
The ornament in my hand slips, but he catches it before it can shatter.His fingers brush mine, sending electricity up my arm.
"Still the smooth talker." I try to make it sound dismissive, but my voice shakes.
"Just telling the truth." His eyes lock onto mine with that intense hazel gaze I've never been able toresist."You've always been it for me,Danny.Even when I was too stupid to realize what I was walking awayfrom."
The air feels too thick, toocharged.Scout whines softly, sensing thetension.
"I should..." I clear my throat, steppingback."We should probably think aboutdinner."
"Danny--"
"I think I saw some pasta in the pantry." I escape to the kitchen, heartpounding.Because if I stay, if I let myself believehim...
I won't let him break my hearttwice.
Even if part of me wantsto.