The Art Dealer by Megan West Page B

already laid the paper down and made his way around the desk toward her.
     
    “Ms. Sutton!” He gave her the biggest smile she'd ever seen and extended his hand to shake hers. She still couldn't figure out his opinion of her. Judging by his smile, most people would think he was ecstatic to see her. But she knew he could put on one hell of a smile, genuine or not. 
     
    “Hello Mr. Harmon.” She managed to swallow the lump in her throat. She was impressed with herself after the words came out without a quiver or stutter. His handshake was firm, contrasting his smooth hand. She looked down at his perfect skin as he shook her hand. Of course his hands are smooth and impeccable she thought. This was a man that wore thousand dollar suites and wined and dined with celebrities and politicians. He used his wit, charm, and gorgeous smile to work his way up in the world not his hands. Her heart fluttered for a moment when she caught whiff of his cologne. A perfect balance of musk, sandalwood, and amber. It was very subtle, just enough to tickle the back of her nose. The smell was so faint she actually wondered for a moment if it came from him.          
     
    “It's a pleasure to see you again.” He said as he leaned against the front of his desk, still with his bright smile. “ Are you here about our upcoming show again?” His eyes squinted. He asked as though he were saying - haven’t you learned . Yet he still had a perfectly warm smile that eased Jen's nerves.
     
    “No, I've already accepted that your taste in art is lacking.” She said with her own charming smile. To anyone else this might have come across as a purposeful shot to his character and profession. But their conversations always had a strong playfulness to them. 
     
    “Well I couldn't see your lovely face here every week if I accepted you now could I?” He shot her a playful grin.
     
    “All you have to do is ask” She said with her perfect school girl smile and head turn. She hadn't tried to charm a guy since college 6 months ago. But she hadn't gotten rusty yet.
     
    “oh, well if it's that easy?” His booming smile faded to a slight smirk as his voice dropped an octave.
     
    “Ha! I'm only easy when I want to be.” She said as she took a step towards him. The same smell tickled the back of her nose again. It was intoxicating. Everything about this man made her heart pound with excitement. He gave a short chuckle under his breath.
     
    “Actually I came here to convince you to take me out to dinner.” She said as she mustered up every ounce of confidence she could. With her chin held high, and a huge grin, she looked as proud as possible. She had to convince him that she was a worthy girl for a type of guy like him.
     
    “Dinner!?” His face lit up. He put on an even bigger grin than what he had when she walked through the door.
     
    “Yes.” She said in a matter of fact tone. He looked at her as though he was pondering something. She sensed he wasn’t debating whether or not to take her out, but instead something else. Perhaps trying to figure out her ulterior motives.
     
    “That would be lovely Ms Sutton.” He said with his typical warm smile. This man could calm anybody with that smile she thought.
     
    “Please, call me Jen”
     
    “Of course, but only if you call me Rick. Pick you up at 7?”
     
    “That's perfect.”
     
    After they exchanged numbers Jen was gleaming with joy. She really didn't know if this was something she could pull off. Just as they said their goodbyes and she turned to leave, Rick said something to her that, in her mind, confirmed that he was on to her plot.      
     
    “Jen.” For a brief moment she caught him looking at her ass as she turned around. Her heart raced with excitement.
     
    “Yes?”
     
    “Next time you don't have to dress like that. Don't get me wrong you look stunning. But your an artist..be yourself. “ He said in a perfectly genuine voice. Despite her feeling