Page 102 of Angel

‘Of course, beautiful,’ I said, sliding my credit card out. ‘I’ll pay full price today.’

I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her temple.

My attention shifted to a smaller, textured piece hanging right beside it, a chaotic canvas of shadowed acrylics and strokes that also resembled music notes.

‘You know what? Wrap that one up too,’ I said, pointing to the second surface. ‘I’m putting it in the downtown recording studio.’

Roxy let out a soft laugh. ‘Honey, you’re wiping out my inventory in one afternoon.’

‘I like what I like, woman,’ I said.

We sauntered back to the counter where I handed my card to one of the starstruck assistants behind the desk. ‘I happen to love your work.’

I signed the receipt, and then I pulled Roxy into my chest and gave her a slow squeeze.

‘See you tonight, gorgeous,’ I murmured, kissing the crown of her head before turning toward the glass doors.

I prowled out into the afternoon heat, leaving her staring after me with a massive beam on her face.

I’d made her day, and that was all that mattered.

It hit me that making her smile was becoming a freakin’ priority for me and that Roxy, despite it all, was growing on me.

Maybe if I opened my heart to the possibilities, we’d find what we shared was deeper than we both thought.

Serendipity soon knocked on my door when Mason called us into a meeting at the studio later that afternoon.

‘We’ve got an opportunity to amp up the new album; we’ve been asked to headline the Cannes amFAR ball.’

‘Dawg?’ Reign drawled.

‘Indeed, even better, the label’s covering the cost and wives are welcome,’ Mason added, giving Jude a pointed look.

‘Sweet,’ Jude grinned, for he hated traveling anywhere these days without his woman.

‘Oy, I’ve got a wife too,’ I groused. ‘Can she come?’

Mason huffed, ‘Wasn’t sure, man, whether you’re open to traveling with her given -.’

His voice trailed off as I arched my brow.

‘I’m game, and I’m sure Rox will be too,’ I murmured to everyone’s surprise, even my own. ‘Brothers, yes, we’ve had quite the journey, but she’s amazing.’

She was.

Maybe this was a chance for Roxy and me to re-explore our connection.

‘So you’ll bring her?’ Bishop pushed.

It hit me then: I really wanted her with me.

‘Hell yeah, if she wants to come,’ I drawled, hoping against all hope she’d agree.

ROXY

The night after Angel visited my gallery, we ate dinner together on the patio.

The cool Nashville evening air was redolent of the rich aroma of roasted garlic, seared lamb, and charred rosemary.