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Her fingers paused on my chest, then she shifted so she was propped up on her elbow, looking at me with that piercing gaze. "We have time, Austin. All the time in the world."
23
PAISLEY
Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden hue. I blinked lazily, my body deliciously sore and intertwined with Austin's. His steady heartbeat under my ear was a comforting reminder of the night we shared, and for a moment, all was perfect.
But reality has this uncanny way of interrupting perfection. The memories of the past night, the intense connection we shared, were juxtaposed against the realization that Austin had secrets. Secrets he hadn't shared. My heart wrestled between the bliss of the night and the unease of the unknown.
He stirred beside me, his hand caressing my bare back, sending shivers up my spine. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.
I lifted my head to meet his gaze. His blue eyes twinkled with mischief, and a cheeky smile played on his lips. “Morning,” I replied, my voice equally soft, the weight of our previous conversation momentarily forgotten.
“Hungry?” he asked, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my skin.
I smirked, pushing myself up to straddle him. “Depends on what’s on the menu.”
He laughed, a deep, hearty sound that sent warmth coursing through me. But before things could escalate, a thought struck him. His gaze turned serious, and he took a deep breath. “How about we do something different today?”
“Like?” I inquired, genuinely curious.
He hesitated for a moment, searching my eyes. “Let’s set up that art gallery. The one the mysterious benefactor left you. Fill it with your beautiful creations.”
For a moment, I was taken aback. The gallery! Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and the intimacy we shared, I had almost forgotten about the unexpected deed that had come my way.
The idea was enticing. A space of my own, a place where my art could breathe and find an audience. It was a dream I’d had for a long time but had pushed to the back of my mind due to practicalities. And now, here it was, being handed to me on a silver platter. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.
I bit my lip, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. "Austin, that's... I mean, I've never done anything like that before."
He sat up, wrapping his arms around me. "That's the beauty of it. We'll figure it out together. Think about it, setting up the place, choosing where each piece goes... It'll be our little project."
My heart fluttered at the word 'our'. The idea of sharing this experience with him, of molding a blank canvas into something beautiful, was tempting. "Alright," I whispered, burying my face in the crook of his neck. "Let's do it."
The excitement was palpable as we got ready. The gallery was in the heart of Valle di Sole, a stone's throw away from the vibrant town square. As we approached, I could see the potential. It was a quaint, two-story building with large windows that allowed natural light to flood in—perfect for displaying art.
Austin held the door open for me, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, a vivid reminder of our unspoken tension.
We stepped inside, and I was instantly in love. The gallery had an open floor plan with pristine white walls and polished wooden floors. It was a blank slate, waiting for an artist's touch.
"We can set up some easels over there," he pointed to a corner by the window. "And maybe a cozy seating area in that nook over there?"
I nodded, excitement bubbling inside me. "This is perfect, Austin. I can't believe it's mine."
As I took in the bare walls of the gallery, ideas bubbled to the surface. I wanted colors that echoed the art that would be housed within, but also shades that added their own charm to the space. The first order of business? Painting. The off-white walls were just begging for a fresh coat of something vibrant.
"Alright, Mr. Helpful," I teased, glancing over at Austin. "Any ideas on colors?"
He raised an eyebrow, feigning thoughtfulness. "Hmm... how about something bold? Maybe a deep teal?"
I laughed, playfully swatting his arm. "That's a bedroom color, not a gallery color! We need something neutral yet inviting."
Austin's grin widened, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Neutral yet inviting, huh? Sounds like a challenge."
Before I could reply, he scooped me up in his arms, spinning me around. I shrieked, clinging to him. "Put me down, you brute!"
"Not until you agree with my color choice," he shot back, his tone playful.
I rolled my eyes. "Fine, fine! We can paint one wall teal. Happy now?"
