Undeniable by Abby Reynolds Page B

serious.”
    He didn’t ask for details. “I’m glad to hear it.”
    “Well, I should probably go.” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, suddenly feeling nervous.
    “Me too.” He stepped around me. “Wait. How’s your truck?”
    “It’s running good. I haven’t had any problems.”
    “Good. But I really think you should upgrade.”
    “Never. I’ll drive that thing until I can’t afford to fix it.”
    “Why are you so attached to this truck?” he asked. He stared at my face, his eyes lingering on mine. He used to check out my ass and chest whenever he looked at me, but he stopped doing that. Now he always looked at my face, his eyes never wandering.
    “It was my grandfather’s.”
    He nodded slowly. “So it has sentimental value to you?”
    “It was his first vehicle when he came to the United States from Chile. I can never get rid of it.”
    “You’re Chilean?” He seemed interested.
    “Yeah.”
    He kept staring into my eyes. “Well, I’m glad we could save your truck before anything permanent happened.”
    “Yeah, that makes two of us.”
    He stepped away. “I guess I’ll see you later, then.”
    “Yeah.” I needed to head home and get ready, but I was distracted talking to Ash. “I’ll see you around.”
    He headed down the hallway as I stepped inside the elevator. When I waited for the doors to close, I stared at his back, noticing the muscles of his shoulders and arms. I’d never noticed them before.
    When the doors were closed, the image was burned into my mind.
     
    I wore an olive green dress because I thought highlighted my skin tone. I tried to wear brighter colors because of my dark skin. It really brought out my eyes even though they were brown. My hair was curled and I pulled it over one shoulder. The bracelet my grandfather got me was on one wrist. After I deemed myself worthy enough to be seen in front of other people, I left my apartment and drove to the gallery.
    I was nervous and I wasn’t sure why. I didn’t need to make a speech or even acknowledge I was an artist at all. I could pretend to be a spectator just hanging in the back. But I guess I feared no one would like my work. Just because no one knew the photographs belonged to me didn’t mean I wouldn’t be insulted if they criticized them.
    When I arrived at the building, I stayed in the truck for a moment, trying to gather my bearings. I wished Jace were there. He didn’t care about my photography and would probably be bored the whole time, but it was better than being alone.
    I finally got out and walked inside with as much grace as I could muster. It was crowded with people. Waiters carried trays of champagne and wine. People mingled near the walls, examining a sculpture or painting. Classical music played overhead.
    I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, so I moved through the gallery and examined other pieces. It was probably a good thing that I didn’t have money otherwise I would buy a lot of artwork. I didn’t even have enough space on my walls to include everything.
    I spotted Livia standing in front of a painting. It wasn’t hers, but she looked inspired while she stared at it.
    “I like your dress.” I came beside her.
    She smiled when she looked at me. “Oh my god, you look beautiful.”
    I felt my cheeks redden. “Thanks.”
    She wrapped her arms around me and embraced me. “Don’t be nervous. I can tell you are.”
    “It’s my first time.”
    Scotty appeared and handed her a glass. “Champagne, babe?”
    “Thanks.” She sipped it while she grinned at him.
    Scotty smiled at me. “You look nice.”
    “Thanks.” Her boyfriend was so polite.
    “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked.
    His question just made me depressed. I was here—alone. My boyfriend never pampered me the way Scotty pampered her. I never received a look like he gave her in my life. “No, thank you.”
    “Are you sure? I don’t mind.”
    “It’s really okay.”
    An older couple approached