22. Luke
“Where are we going, Luke?”
“I told you. It’s a surprise. No matter how many times you phrase the question and try to pry the answer from me, baby, I’m going to say the same thing.”
Olivia pouts. It’s supposed to charm and soften me up, but all I can feel is the nervous thump of my heart, even more intense than when I first took her and Riley to the Hamptons. I wasn’t even nervous during our first date, which was the real determining factor of how our relationship would progress.
But I know why I’m nervous now, and I can’t help that it’s making me tenser as we keep driving. Finally, we park in front of a building, and I note her surprise as she reads the sign.
“You’re taking me on an art museum date?”
“Yes.”
She turns to me and smiles. “Then it’s a lovely surprise. I love places like this! It’s perfect for an artist to appreciate other artists.”
I nod and remain silent while I usher her inside, where we immediately gravitate toward their most popular areas. As expected, she absorbs every piece of information like a sponge, then lingers in some areas to scrutinize whatever catches her eye the most. When we end up in a risqué sculpture gallery with the sculptures mostly naked and some in questionable positions, she makes appreciative noises.
“The quality of the craftsmanship…it’s insane. I’ve always been fascinated with sculptures and have considered taking it up, but it’s so time-consuming and I just don’t have the time. I know some people can’t just stop and start whenever they feel like it. It consumes them, and I have a feeling it’s the same process for me.”
I had no idea she felt that way about sculptures, so I rub a hand over her back.
“You’ll never know until you try. Why not start on a small sculpture? Something as basic as an animal? I’m not saying basic is easy, but…”
She purses her lips. “I’ll consider it…in the future. Not now, though. I’m happy with the mediums I’m using and want to keep improving on them. But maybe when I have more time, I’ll add some animals to the mix. Who knows? Maybe Riley will enjoy sculpting, too.”
My nerves thrum again at the mention of her favorite mediums, but I tuck it in and take her hand. “Come on. Let’s move to the next gallery.”
She shoots me a teasing look. “Why? Is it as erotic as this one? It’s a good thing we didn’t schedule this visit in one of Riley’s playdates.”
“We can come back with her, but without viewing that gallery. Anyway, I think you’ll like this next area.”
I hope. I really fucking hope because if she doesn’t...
Olivia keeps teasing me until we reach the next area, where paintings cover the walls, similar to the setup in her art room. But this one space is bigger and wider, housing more paintings, and the ongoing theme tugs a gasp out of her.
“Oh, my. They have a garden art room? This is so neat!”
I bite back a smile, reminded of Riley’s enthusiasm as Olivia’s giddiness picks up along with her steps. But I hang back a bit, the tension knotting my muscles as she tries to take in everything at once…that is, until her gaze finally lands on one painting.
Silence ensues. Unable to stand it, I clear my throat.
“This was the surprise.”
“This…Luke, this is my painting.”
Puzzled eyes meet mine. I shake my head. “No, it’s a replica, just like in your online portfolio, since the original’s in your house. They’re all replicas.”
“All?” Then she looks further and her puzzlement turns into astonishment. “Oh…oh. How…?”
Understanding what she’s trying to ask, I gesture. “I know the museum owner. She’s a good friend of mine, actually, and I recently met up with her and her husband to discuss a property I’ve been eyeing in the city. I thought it was a good idea to show her your online stuff since she’s really into art, and I’m not lying when I tell you that she got so excited over them and kept telling me how they would be perfect for her gallery.”
Silence. The apprehension is killing me, wondering if she thinks I crossed a boundary. Maybe I did and didn’t realize it.
Did I cross a boundary? In my increasing horror, I prattle on.
“So this is the other idea—to place the art replica here to blend with the theme, so people will appreciate them and get interested. Then they will ask questions and my friend can direct them to your online portfolio, where they can find your other stuff, too.”
“Luke…”
Is she angry? Is she offended? Why the hell can’t I tell?
I’m sweating bullets and I never sweat like this. Like an idiot, I keep charging with something akin to panic.
“Listen, I swear I didn’t mean to step on your privacy when I attempted this. And I’m not trying to show off my connections to you or something like that. I’m definitely not looking down on your paintings by offering this opportunity…”
Shit. I’m messing this up. I close my eyes and gather my panic, then exhale loudly.
Before I can speak, though, Olivia cuts in.
“I never thought you looked down on my paintings. The first time you visited my art room says enough about your appreciation, but this…it’s too much.”
My stomach sinks. “I’m sorry, Liv. I apologize for?—”
“No, you misunderstand. When I say it’s too much, I mean it’s everything. I love it.”
Her tone…it’s not angry. It’s not offended. She sounds happy.
I look at her—really look at her, my blurred vision clearing as my panic clears, too. I can’t believe I missed the smile on her lips and the twinkle in her eyes, so warm and meant just for me.
“You love it?”
She nods, her smile widening. She takes my hand and squeezes it, a quiet assurance filled with excitement. “Yes. I love it. I’ve always been happy selling my stuff online, but seeing it in a museum along with other paintings, even if it’s just a replica, it’s amazing. I didn’t realize how amazing until I saw it with my own eyes, and I have you to thank for that. So, thank you.”
She kisses my cheek. There’s a shyness to her now that’s so endearing, but I don’t want that. A giggle escapes her lips when I wrap my arm around her waist and tug her closer, drawing her out of that shyness and into a more open affection toward me.
Yeah, I’m an ass who doesn’t want the praise, but I want the hug she gives me and the next kiss. Our third kiss is on the mouth, lips fusing and bodies softening to each other as we move closer. She breaks away from the kiss first, still giddy and with a note of hopefulness.
And I bask in everything: that hopefulness, her joy, and the contagiously positive aura she exudes.
“You’re more than welcome, baby.”
“Can we re-enter this area? I kind of want to see it with new eyes now that I know my art pieces are on display here.”
I chuckle at her request and take her hand this time, already pulling her back to the entrance. Then, I give her space and let her enter first, following at a distance to let her enjoy her moment at her pace. Those critical eyes take everything in again, and I do the same, but from a casual watcher’s perspective.
And one thing is very clear to me.
“Your talent is insane, Liv. I don’t think you know that.”
She smiles at me. “I mean, I have to have something to be able to paint and sketch to begin with.”
But I shake my head, wanting her to understand. “No. I mean, your talent is insane. It’s beyond excellent. You have such a good eye for detail for organizing work files, but when it translates to art, it becomes otherworldly. It’s the type of talent that I think you should keep pursuing, not doing as a side thing.”
Her smile fades when she realizes how serious I am. The appreciation for my honesty is visible on her face, but I can tell my words make her nervous, too. That last part puzzles me until she speaks.
“That was the dream.”
“The dream?” I echo.
“At one point in time. But it didn’t stick because I had so many other dreams, like helping people. And now, the dream is to provide a good future for Riley.”
“You can do that while still achieving yours.”
“And being a medical assistant is still one of the dreams, Luke. I love working with doctors and being a part of the field that makes people feel better, that makes them healthier. It’s fulfilling, you know? And I’m good at it.” Then, her expression changes as she looks at me more closely. “I guess you’re saying that I’m good at art, too. I get that.”
“More than good.”
She softens. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you’re saying that.”
“But?”
“But it’s not the priority now. Maybe someday, when our future is secure, I can just sit back and paint as much as I want without having to worry about income and expenses.”
I open my mouth, about to tell her that income isn’t a problem, before reality slaps me back down to humble me. I’m rich, so I can say that without worry—and here I am, insisting on it and not seeing it from her side.
And yes, assuming she will accept whatever money I offer, even though Olivia is far from that. She has her pride and will never take things for free because she survived being so independent this long.
And it’s not like we defined what this relationship is for her to be more comfortable with the fact that whatever she asks me, I will do. I will provide and help, no matter how big it is.
I bite that last one down and look her in the eye.
“Just don’t give up on it. That’s all I’m saying, Liv. And when the time is right in your mind, then chase it with a smile and without worries.”
Silence. Then she smiles, bright and brimming with hope, and it sends an arrow right through my heart.
“I will. Thanks for the encouragement, Luke.”
I smile back and kiss her again. “Anytime, baby.”
We meet the museum owner, Jennifer Lane, and her husband, Jacob Lane, both of whom are very excited to talk to Olivia. Olivia becomes animated as Jennifer gets into the gist of her artwork, and Jacob and I leave the two behind as they delve into art lingo. Jacob’s adoration is clear as he eyes his wife.
“She’s crazy about stuff like this.”
I tilt my head in curiosity. “Stuff like this?”
Jacob nods. “Discovering new artists. Dissecting their minds. It’s why she knows all the art pieces in her museum and has met all the artists. She doesn’t have the talent, but she admires it so much and wants the public to admire it with her.”
“Then she’s doing them a great favor.”
“She is, but she doesn’t see it that way. She sees it as a privilege for her to share it.”
If I’ve ever seen a man in love, Jacob fits that description perfectly. I look at Olivia, feeling at peace at how she flows from one emotion to another: happiness, shyness, giddiness, and a general sense of awe, nerves, and excitement. I don’t know what Jennifer is telling her, but whatever it is, I want Jennifer to keep telling her that because Olivia is a fucking delight when she’s this happy.
I want to keep her like this forever—happy. But I know that’s not my call, so I don’t say anything and let Jennifer do the talking until we’re out of the museum and back in the car. Olivia grins at me, her eyes still sparkling.
“Jennifer’s amazing. Jacob, too. They want me to keep my artwork in their museum even after that area’s exhibit is over. In fact, they want to keep my artwork until they sell out.”
“They will.” I’m certain of it. “Are you okay with the arrangement?”
In response, she takes my hand resting on my knee and squeezes it.
“More than okay. It’s perfect. Thank you, Luke.”
I smirk. “You already thanked me.”
“Is there anything I can ever do to repay you?”
The playful way she says it turns my imagination wild, but I don’t bite. While I want to touch her and make her feel so good no matter how many times I’ve touched her already, there’s something that I’ve wanted for so long but have just been hesitant to ask—mostly because despite how things are developing between our little unit, I still know my boundaries and respect hers.
But maybe it’s time to bring it up now.
“Are you sure about that question?”
She winks. “Yeah. Tell me what you want.”
Fuck. I want to stop this car and turn that wink into a moan while we fog up the windows. I want to take her to my apartment, bend her over my couch, and give her pleasure right there until it’s all I will ever think about whenever I look at that couch.
Focus, man.
“I want to take Riley to and from school, Liv. If you’ll let me.”
Silence. The twinkle in her eyes disappears as she regards me seriously, then thoughtfully. Still, her face is mostly unreadable, and it’s a good thing there’s a red light because I don’t think I can focus on driving anymore.
Finally, she clears her throat. “She takes the bus to school. To and from. It’s easier since I commute to work, and her bus has a reliable route.”
It’s a reasonable answer, but I brace myself for the next part: rejection. I know it’s coming?—
“But sure, Luke. I see some students taken to and from school in cars, so you can do that during your free time. But you have to let me know when so I can inform the bus driver.”
And I’m floored when it doesn’t come.
I finally turn my head, allowing myself to fully gape at her. A small smile tugs on her lips.
“Liv?”
“Hmm?”
“You have no idea how excited I am about our upcoming carpool karaoke and car discussions about why Moana is so much better than Frozen.”
Olivia laughs. Then she smirks.
“Somehow, I think you’re going to lose more than you think you are when it comes to our daughter trying to convince you which is better.”
Our daughter. Shit. It sounds so good.
I laugh along with her.
“We’ll see about that.”