He held out a hand.

  “Collin.”

  She extended her own, the warmth of his hand radiating up her arm.

  “Thank you, Everleigh.” He said, soberly, her hand still lightly gripped in his. When she felt heat upon the back of her hand, she looked down to see that he’d now enclosed hers in both of his.

  “I really appreciate the offer. But you’re my guest. My paying guest, at that. We will serve you.” He gently let loose her hand. “For starters, let’s see what we can do about that painting of yours.”

  Ushering her toward the door, he escorted her out the room and followed her to her seat. Once she was seated, he placed one hand on the back of her chair and leaned close to her in order to avoid interrupting the evening’s teacher, who was in mid-explanation.

  “I’ll be right back, going to put out whatever fires have come up since I left the floor. Then I’ll give you some one-on-one attention, alright?” He gave her a small smile. “How’s that sound?”

  “Collin. It’s okay, really. You’re busy.”

  He nodded. “True. And it’s also true that I’ll be back.”

  With that, he rejoined the fray with his staff; and Everleigh marveled at how expertly Collin juggled directing his staff while fielding questions, refills and the flirtatious cooing of tipsy and non-tipsy patrons, alike.

  Within minutes, the floor had reclaimed the fragile equilibrium that Everleigh had previously taken for granted.

  The corner of her lips volunteered themselves to raise upwards when she spotted Collin look her direction and head over to her.

  “Now,” he said in a conspiratorial whisper as he slid into the unoccupied seat beside her. “Let’s see what we can do about this masterpiece-to-be.”

  Chapter 2

  It really wasn’t half bad, if she said so herself. Angling her head to one side, Everleigh regarded the unframed canvas that was set upon her low bookshelf, and now leaned against her living room’s exposed brick wall.

  It was still hard to believe the resulting portrait it bore; particularly considering the scene’s wobbly start that night, a week ago.

  Though only for just over a handful of minutes, Collin had skillfully guided her through simple stroke and coloring techniques that’d transformed the picture into something, admittedly, desirable. And in as little time, she’d become enamored with the way his eyes crinkled in the corners when he was busy teasing her…or being teased.

  “You’re really good at this,” she’d observed, aloud, that night. “But that makes sense, of course. Being the owner, and all.”

  A smile crept up Everleigh’s lips at the recollection of how Collin had chuckled, in response. “Actually, I’ve just managed to pick up quite a bit since I started the business,” he’d admitted. “After a few years of nightly lessons, and a lot of questions being directed your way, you learn a few things.”

  To her surprise, she’d had the honor of observing a light blush slowly bloom up his neck as he scratched his bearded jaw. “You should have seen some of my first paintings, though.” He’d shaken his head, “Nevermind, I’d be ashamed to show you.”

  Like she did, then, Everleigh found herself now laughing in response to the memory.

  Collin had been so friendly, she could have almost forgotten how incredibly attractive he was.

  A low grunt escaped her. “Nah,” she confessed, turning away from the portrait in order to finish putting away her groceries.

  If she were honest with herself, those clear blue irises of his had haunted her dreams, both day and night. She could still see those eyes, framed with long, sooty lashes so dense, Everleigh could have sworn she felt a breeze with his every blink. She could see his ready smile flash at her, displayed above a strong jaw. She could even recall how the roll of his casually bunched up sleeve strained against his toned forearm each time he reached in front of her. And how his nimble, skilled fingers and bedside manner had deftly added life to her painting and to her night.

  She groaned.

  Talk about a work of art!

  “God is good,” she said with a chuckle after having organized the last of her groceries.

  It’d been a long day at work, and she was so glad to finally be home to have the chance to stretch her legs and cuddle up with her cat, Whiskers, and a good novel.

  She’d have to set aside a bit of time to do a little online window shopping, too. Her parent’s 51st wedding anniversary was coming up and she wanted to give them something meaningful. Every year she had the same problem: what do you get for people who seem to have everything they could need or want?

  She was heading into her bedroom to change into her nightwear when she heard her phone buzz. Returning to the living room, she grabbed the device. She squinted at the unfamiliar phone number and wondered if she should chance yet another robo-call from some spammer.

  Hitting the “Deny” button, Everleigh proceeded to her bedroom where she changed out of the clothes that marked her work day. Seated on her bed, she picked up the phone to check if whoever had called had left a voicemail.

  Indeed, they had.

  To her surprise, the voice on the recorder was not spam, at all.

  “Hi Miss Jenkins. This is Collin O’Neil. We met last week during one of my Brush Strokes and Beverages events. And, I hope you don’t mind my looking up your number in our registry. But, well, I’m kinda a desperate man, here. You’d made an offer to help me that night. Which I truly appreciated.” He paused, before blurting out his next series of words.

  “And, I was wondering if you might possibly be available to help out anytime this week. Maybe even tonight, if you’re able? I’d pay you, of course. And I completely understand if you’re not available. I do happen to be short on staff. And I really appreciated the kind gesture. My number is 555-0138, if you’d like to give me a call back. But, again, I totally understand if you’re not available and am truly grateful to have met you. Take care.”

  Everleigh blinked several times as she slowly pulled the phone away from her ear to look at its screen. Navigating to her call history, she stared at the number at the top of its list. She caught the corner of her lip between her teeth as she hit the phone icon.

  Collin shook his head at himself as he covered another of the wood tables with a plastic tarp for the evening’s event.

  “I shouldn’t have called her,” he muttered to himself. His teeth ground at the memory of the rambling message he’d left on her phone.

  Being two or more staff members down each night had made last week’s remaining two events more of a struggle than he’d cared to admit. And his conversation with Julie days prior still weighed on him.

  She’d been upset, understandably. He’d owned up to his own fault when she’d accused him of not making time for her. The problem was, he’d prefer to spend time at work than with her. And as much as he was at fault for not extending the effort, was it his fault that their relationship didn’t compel him to? That he didn’t see a future worth him pushing his limits for? That, perhaps, he never would–with any woman?

  He’d had to admit that to himself.

  Even today, as he headed into another stressful week with his business, he embraced the challenge with a sense of anticipation. It’d taken a lot of time and mistakes to get this far; and yet he’d steered this ship into a modicum of success; with plans to open another space across town.

  Could any relationship compare, for him?

  He gave an empty laugh. Apparently, his business was his relationship. And that’s probably how it should be, at least for now.

  But then, why did the image of the dark eyed beauty from a few nights ago creep back into his mind’s eye?

  He’d called her on a whim; convincing himself that he was only doing what was best for the business. But given how nervous he’d felt over the phone, he had to admit that, perhaps, that wasn’t the sole reason for his call.

  Hopefully, she’d have more sense than he did and dismiss his plea. Because he obviously was a glutton for punishment.

  His phone rang, vibrating in the large pocket of the smock he’d casually grabbed and put on.

  Reaching in, his eyes widened slightly at the sight of the phone number he’d already familiarized himself with. Clearing his throat, he answered.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi. Collin. This is Everleigh. Sounds like you could use an extra pair of hands?”

  “Yeah,” he chuckled, raising a hand to rub at the back of his neck “I actually didn’t think you’d call back. I know it’s an odd request, but,” he breathed in, audibly, “I really would like to avoid a repeat of last week. My lead should be back next week, and that will help out a lot. Until then, I’m still interviewing to replace a couple workers who’ve gone home for the summer. Been difficult to find someone who prioritizes customer service. And Andrea, the team member you’d met last week, shared how well you’d handled a sticky situation that night. And—well, I just thought I’d reach out. ”

  “I see. Well, uhm. I’m not sure how great I’d be with customers tonight; just got off work and my patience is questionable,” he heard her laugh and felt himself chuckling with her. “But if I can help with stuff like getting water or anything in the back, then sure. I can help tonight. And, we can play it by ear, if that’s okay, in terms of helping for the remainder of the week?”

  “That’d be amazing. Yes. And it’ll give you a chance to get familiar with things before deciding if you’d like to continue helping out this week.” He paused. “Is twenty dollars an hour okay for reimbursement?”

  “Wait, that’s what you pay your staff? I might think about making this a permanent part-time gig, then.”

  He laughed. “Well, actually, my going rate is along the lines of fifteen dollars an hour. But considering this is a special case, I figured it fair to sweeten the deal a bit.”

  “Makes sense. Let’s talk about it later, okay? Because I need to start getting myself ready for tonight. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “Yeah, thank you, Everleigh.”

  “That’s what friends are for,” she sing-songed.

  A grin stretched across his lips. “See you soon.”

  That’s what friends are for? Everleigh thought as she washed out the recently used white, plastic paint palettes. Really?

  Until now, the night had been hectic enough for Everleigh to have avoided obsessing over her stupid declaration to a complete stranger. Now that the crew was focused on cleaning up for the evening, she had time to allow her mind to wander.

  “Hey,” Collin said, interrupting her thoughts. He stood for a moment in the doorway demarcating the back area before quickly striding over to her. Reaching over, he gently freed her hand of the damp sponge it held and just as carefully enclosed each damp hand in his own. Giving her hands a squeeze he said to her, “thank you so much for helping me tonight.”

  “I didn’t do much, really. Just ferried water back and forth and tried my best to stay out of the way.”

  He grinned. “No, I saw how you interacted with customers, too, encouraging them. Sometimes that’s all we’re here for. To make sure people remain present and enjoy themselves, no matter the outcome of their painting.”

  “Your presence made a difference tonight.” To her surprise, he pulled her in for a hug. A long, warm embrace that she felt seeping into her bones, eliciting a low “hmm” from deep within her. Straightening, she pulled back, readjusting her glasses as she tried to focus on anything but the broad, solid chest she very much wanted to reacquaint herself with.

  A girl could get used to hugs like that far too quickly.

  “Oh, sorry. I should have asked you,” he said, fumbling for words. “I just,” he shook his head, regarding her. “I can’t thank you enough. I’ll finish up here so you can get home and get some sleep before your real work day, tomorrow. About compensation, I can give you a check for tonight, is that alright?”

  Clearing her throat, Everleigh nodded. But as she followed him to his desk, another idea came to mind.

  “You know, my parent’s anniversary is coming up soon. And I just had an idea.”

  He turned to her, one brow quirked.

  “Well, what if I help you out in exchange for a portrait of them? Like, I could give you a picture and, you know, you paint it. Like, a small portrait.”

  “Hmmm,” he said, pondering. “Well, I’ve learned quite a bit of technique in the last few years, but despite that and some prior experience, I wouldn’t call myself a dyed-in-the-wool artist. At least, not the caliber you’re gonna need. But I know a few. Maybe I could connect you with one of the people who teaches for me. I could probably work something out with them. How does that sound?”

  “Great!”

  “Even better…what if they guided you through painting the portrait yourself?”

  “Oh my gosh, that’d be perfect! Yes! Do you think that could be arranged?”

  “I believe so. The people I work with love what they do. And they’re great people. As long as we can find time in each of your schedules, we should be able to swing something. Let me make a few calls. The next event will be in a couple days, and I should be able to let you know by then who’s available. If you come early, we can discuss availability and get you and your instructor set up for private lessons.”

  “Wow, really? Thank you!”

  It was her turn to surprise him with a quick, impromptu embrace.

  She beamed as she returned to her stance to face him. “Okay, so I’ll see you in a couple days. I’ll be sure to show up maybe 30 mins early. That enough time?”

  He nodded, his full lips curving into a smile.

  “Alright, Collin. See you then.”

  Chapter 3

  The following day, Collin’s moments with Everleigh played on a loop in his thoughts. And he couldn’t deny that his mind was bent on re-running the part in the day where she had fit so perfectly against him…twice.

  He knew better than to encourage his interest in her. Hadn’t he just proven that he wasn’t relationship material, right now? Why tempt a path that would only lead to them walking away with nothing to show but extra baggage?

  “Why, indeed,” he muttered as he stared at the computer screen.

  “What’s that, Boss?”

  Brandon, one of his staff members, placed his timecard back into its slot.

  Collin grimaced. He’d left the door to the backroom open to make sure he could listen out for any walk-in customers. And yet, he hadn’t even noticed the young man enter the space to punch in for the day. For all Collin knew, any number of customers could have come and gone while he was daydreaming.

  “Talking to myself, Brandon,” he responded, standing to follow the younger man out the door into the storefront. Clapping a hand on his shoulder, Collin added with a grin, “You know how us older folks get.”

  Brandon laughed, “Ah, Mr. O’Neil. Everybody talks to themselves. Anything you need me to set up for tomorrow?”

  “Nope. We got everything done last night.”

  “Whoa, nice! You had a short crew, right? By the way, sorry I couldn’t make it.”

  “Don’t worry about it. You weren’t scheduled, and I know you generally have plans in the evening. I respect that. But I still had to ask you.”

  “Of course.”

  “Besides, I was able to recruit one more hand for the night.”

  “New staff member?”

  “Not really. A customer from a week ago. She’d offered to help and—I took her up on the offer last night.”

  “She? Hmmm,” Brandon smirked as he busied himself counting the bills and change at the register and recording it in the system under his name.

  “Hey, it’s not like that, Brandon.”

  “Of course not. Customers volunteer to work as staff at places all the time, Mr. O’Neil.” The young man’s eyes twinkled under the light, one cheek’s dimple winking in and out as the young man attempted to restrain his merriment. He finally let loose a chuckle, “I’m just messing with you, Boss. I know you’ve got a girlfriend.” He winked at Collin, then. “But, does our newest staff member know?”

  “Actually,” Collin was about to correct the young man’s statement; he’d broken it off with Julie a week ago. But then he realized he was on the verge of discussing his personal life with a twenty-something employee. If he wasn’t going to post about his status to friends and family on Facebook, why would he post it at his business?

  “Yeah?” Brandon asked, looking up from the notes recorded from last night’s cashier.

  “Nothing,” Collin said, rapping his knuckles against the counter. “We’re good for tomorrow. But go ahead and check on inventory, make sure we’ve got what we need until our next scheduled order. Sound Good?”

  “Done.” Brandon nodded, returning his attention to the screen of the tablet on which the prior evening’s notes had been recorded.

  Collin couldn’t restrain the smile that spread across his lips the next evening as he watched Everleigh approach the store front’s glass door. True to her word, she was just over a half hour early for the shift she’d be assuming that night.

  As he watched, he indulged in the opportunity to note the way her fitted jeans outlined the shape of her calves, thighs and hips. And though her t-shirt hung loose around her middle, it failed to disguise her feminine curves as she swayed her way toward him.

  And all at once, he recalled the feel of her body molding to his during their brief embraces.

  Boy, was that a bad idea on his end. Because all he wanted to do at that moment was repeat the real-life version.

  The soft groan that was drawn from his lips startled him. Turning away from the door, he forced his attention back to setting up the area for the night’s painting instructor.

  “Look but don’t touch…anymore.” he told himself through gritted teeth, just as he heard the jingle of the bell that hung over the store’s entrance, signaling Everleigh’s arrival.