Chapter 10 #2
Alex hummed in understanding, and nodded, knowingly. “That doesn’t surprise me. I wouldn’t put anything past that man. But it isn’t your apology to make. It’s his.”
I was speechless and so fucking grateful that someone was finally listening to me.
Why hadn’t Lloyd been like this?
Maybe I wouldn’t feel so bad about turning down his offer of dinner next Thursday if he’d shown an ounce of empathy. But he hadn’t. And if I was honest, I didn’t feel bad about turning him down at all. He was an asshole who was more than willing to fleece me of five grand.
“I wish everyone thought like you,” I found myself saying.
“There’s people in this world who thrive on causing drama and misery for everyone around them.” Alex turned to Lloyd. “Isn’t that right, Lloyd?”
Lloyd nodded, even though he was the type to be at the front of the crowd when drama was happening, and Alex’s comment was clearly aimed at him.
“Don’t let it upset you, Emma.” Alex reached out to stroke the side of my arm in comfort. A gesture that left goosebumps on my skin and made my spine tingle. “They’re only words, and it was just an article that’ll be forgotten about tomorrow.”
I swallowed, the heat from his touch still smouldering on my arm.
“I hope you’re right. But I don’t think S.K.A.M. sees it that way.”
Alex frowned, narrowing his eyes as he asked, “What makes you say that?”
“He emailed the newspaper.” I didn’t want to admit that the email was sent directly to me. “He wasn’t happy about what was written, to put it mildly.”
“He’ll get over it.” Alex shrugged. “He knows how things work in this world. And he knows Gold, too. Him emailing was probably a knee-jerk reaction. Nothing more.”
“He was pissed off, though. I don’t think he will get over it soon.”
“And that bothers you?” Alex regarded me closely, like he couldn’t believe I was so bothered by this.
“Yes.”
“But you can’t please everyone all the time.
Especially when you weren’t in control of the words that were put out there in the first place.
” He paused, then added, “It’s like the art you chose on Friday.
A piece of the shattered heart. You feel torn, but it’s out of your control.
How someone else reacts and what they feel is for them to worry about, not you. ”
He made sense and I appreciated his kind words and how he was trying to ease my guilt. It wouldn’t change how I felt, though.
“I guess you’re right,” I said to bring an end to the discussion. I still wanted to find a way to apologise to the artist. I didn’t want to be anyone’s reason to doubt themselves. And I certainly didn’t want to be on his shit list or receive any more emails. But that was my problem to deal with.
We stood gazing at each other, an electrically charged tension in the air as we both got lost in our thoughts, until Lloyd broke the silence.
“I have to say, I’m surprised to see you here today, Alex. Are you here to oversee the deliveries of your most recent purchases?”
There was a mischievous glint in his eyes as Alex took a deep breath, shrugged, and said, “I woke up and decided I’d like to oversee things myself. I don’t know why.” His eyes found mine again. “Call it a hunch.”
Did he know I would be here?
“A hunch about what?” Lloyd asked. He really didn’t know when to be quiet.
“That is something I’m still trying to figure out.
” I noticed the way Alex’s mouth twitched as he gave me a half smile, then he turned to Lloyd, and whispered, “But don’t worry, your work ethic and diligence is not in question here.
I know you always do a first-class job at handling my purchases.
Maybe your customer service and training on damaged items could do with a brush up, but we won’t dwell on that. ”
Lloyd gave a fake laugh. But you could tell he was slightly fearful.
I bit my lip and frowned, as Alex looked at me, and suddenly, his eyes darkened, like he was imagining something wicked.
I freed my lip and held in a gasp.
Was it hot in here?
It certainly felt hot with him looking at me that way, like he wanted to devour me.
“I have a proposal,” Alex suddenly announced.
Lloyd looked as intrigued as I was, but this proposal wasn’t addressed to him.
“I don’t usually share my art collection, but lately, I’ve been thinking maybe I should.
Perhaps that’s something you can help me with?
I’d love to have you in my home, Emma, to show you my art, and maybe you could write an article for me. ”
Lloyd jumped in, saying, “That’s a fabulous idea.” But Alex ignored him.
“Come to my home in Wintshire. You can take photographs of my collection and write something for your newspaper that you feel proud of. Something you’re happier to publish. I don’t usually give interviews, but I’ll make an exception for you.”
I bit my lip again, I did it without thinking, and he stared at my mouth, his nostrils flaring as he took a deep breath.
“I wouldn’t want to put you out,” I mumbled nervously. This man had a way of knocking me sideways. He heightened every one of my senses and tilted my world on its axis at the same time. But I kind of liked it. It was exciting.
“You would never put me out. And I have the largest collection of S.K.A.M. art in the country, if that helps to sway you. Maybe a stellar review of the work I own could get you back in his good books. Right the wrong you’re so intent on righting.”
“Okay,” I said. I really didn’t need swaying. And the way he beamed back at me, like I’d made his year, was infectious. It made me smile, too.
“Let’s hope Gold doesn’t rewrite that one,” Lloyd scoffed, and I wanted to tell him to fuck off.
Why was he still here?
“He wouldn’t fucking dare,” Alex snapped. “He wouldn’t want to piss me off.”
“I’d be happy to write a piece for you,” I cut in, wanting to grab Alex’s attention again.
I was curious and excited to see behind the curtain of his life. To find out more about this man. But at the same time, I was thankful he was giving me a chance to redeem myself. This was a golden opportunity to write a piece that reflected my writing and gave the artist the review he deserved too.
“Good. That’s settled then.” Alex slipped his hand into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. “I’ll get my assistant to call and make the arrangements, but until then, here’s my card.”
I reached to take the card from him, and for the briefest moment our fingers touched, and I felt it again, that blissful jolt of electricity.
But when he lowered his hand, it was gone. The flicker of a flame that I didn’t want to extinguish. It felt too good.
I glanced at the card I was holding, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw him flex his hand by his side, as if the memory of my touch was affecting him, too.
“Thank you,” I said, “I really appreciate this.”
“It’s been lovely to see you again,” he said, his voice deep, yet gentle and sincere.
“We’ll sort a date out soon.” And with what looked like regret, he put his hand out again to shake mine, reigniting the sparks I already missed.
“I’m so sorry I have to leave you, but I’m late for a meeting. I really must go.”
“Goodbye, Alex,” I said, as he dropped my hand and turned to leave.
I watched him walk out of the gallery, but still felt the ghost of his presence lingering, his cologne floating in the air like a memory I never wanted to forget.
“You do realise what just happened, don’t you?
” Lloyd whispered, ruining the moment and coming to stand too close to me.
“I don’t think anyone has ever been invited to Sunford Manor, at least, not since the Duke and Duchess died.
He’s always shunned visitors and he never entertains.
When the Duke and Duchess were alive, they were always hosting events.
” He nudged his arm into my side and smirked. “I think he likes you.”
“He just wants people to appreciate his art collection,” I replied, trying to fight the blush that I knew was spreading across my cheeks.
“Be careful, though,” Lloyd went on. “S.K.A.M. is unpredictable. He’s someone you don’t want to upset. And if you do go to Sunford Manor, and write another piece for your newspaper, you need to make sure it’s right.”
“I’ll bear that in mind,” I replied, forcing myself not to give the eye roll I wanted to.
“So, about that dinner...” Lloyd started, but I shut him down right away.
“I’m so sorry, but I don’t mix business with pleasure. Thanks for the offer, though.” And while holding Alex Kingston’s business card firmly in my hand, I turned and walked away, leaving Lloyd to stand there in shock and gawp at me as I left.