Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Piper
The second I approach Origin Hall I know something isn’t right. It’s not like I’ve ever been to a private showing for a celebrated artist before. I haven’t.
I’ve been to my fair share of gallery shows in Denver, but those painters and sculptors were typically friends from school or on a rare occasion, a well-known artist’s exhibit would pop up in the city and I’d be one of the first in line to see it.
Tonight, there’s no crowd gathered on the sidewalk outside the venue. From where I’m standing, I can’t even tell if the lights in Origin Hall are on.
I glance down at the invitation in my hand once more. I’ve been clinging to it since I left my apartment. I’m wearing my favorite little black dress and four-inch heels, so I decided to come in an Uber.
Jo caught me just as I was exiting my apartment.
She was the one who arranged my ride for me since one of the regulars at her diner drives people around Manhattan in his sleek black Mercedes.
I’ve never been in such a luxurious car and even though it cost more than the subway, it was well worth it to avoid the trip here in these heels.
The time printed on the invitation is clear. The event definitely starts at eight o’clock. It’s five minutes past now which means I should see at least a few other people approaching the building, but there’s no one.
Just as I’m about to reach for the doorknob, the door swings open.
I jump back when I see who is standing on the other side. In my wildest dreams, I thought there might be a slim chance that I’d get to meet Sem Jansen, but I wasn’t holding out hope. He’s notoriously private and is nowhere to be found at his own exhibits.
He’s dressed in white pants and a white button-down shirt. His gray hair is slicked back from his face and his black eyeglasses are perched on the tip of his nose.
“Piper Ellis?” Sem holds out his hand.
I glance down at it, wondering if I’m dreaming all of this. This can’t be my life, can it? A few weeks ago I was still in Denver. Now, I’m about to shake the hand of one of my idols.
I reach forward to rest my hand in his. “I’m Piper Ellis. You’re Sem Jansen.”
His green eyes sparkle when he smiles. “Now that we’ve established who we are, you should come in. I’ve been waiting for you.”
I don’t hesitate when he urges me forward by my hand. I follow him into a darkly lit corridor. I don’t hear voices or see anyone.
“Is everyone else already here?” I ask as I look back at the door. “I’m not the last one to arrive, am I?”
“You are the last to arrive.” He smiles as he stabs the call button next to an elevator that I didn’t notice before. “My exhibit is on the second floor. My other guest is waiting there for us.”
One other guest? That’s it?
My hands tighten around my clutch purse. It has to be Beck or Bridget. They must have arranged this and didn’t tell me. That’s the only reasonable explanation for why I was invited.
“Our ride awaits.” Sem reaches for the small of my back when the elevator doors open. I step in with butterflies dancing in my stomach and an overwhelming desire to hug the person who set all of this up.
I stand frozen in place inside the elevator even though Sem has already stepped off. A part of me wants to hit the button that will take me back to the ground floor.
I know I’m staring. Who wouldn’t?
Griffin Kent is standing less than ten feet away from me with a sexy grin on his face and two glasses of champagne in his hands.
He’s dressed in a tuxedo, complete with a black bow tie.
“You look incredible tonight, Piper,” he says in a throaty tone. “Come and join us.”
Us.
Sem Jansen and Griffin Kent.
I have no idea what the hell is going on. Griffin was the last person I expected to see tonight.
He must sense my hesitation because he closes the distance between us with several sure steps. “You can’t stand in that elevator all night, Piper.”
I look down as if I need confirmation that I haven’t moved an inch. I step forward tentatively unsure if my weak knees will support me.
As soon as I exit the elevator the doors slam shut behind me.
Griffin pushes a crystal flute into my hand. I take it and immediately swallow half the glass of sweet liquid. It’s delicious. It’s also the first taste of champagne I’ve ever had.
It does nothing to calm me down. I’m sure both men can see my heart thumping in my chest.
“Griffin has shown me your work, Piper.” Sem moves to stand next to me. “You have raw talent. With some time and experience, you’re going to give me a run for my money.”
I down what’s left in my glass. I can’t tell if I’m freaking out because Sem Jansen just gave me the biggest compliment of my life or if it’s because Griffin can’t take his eyes off of me.