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exactly what I’m saying. This guy must really be something special—I’ve never seen you like this. So, fine, if you think you can have some fun—which, by the way, I think you are way overdue for—then go for it. But, Charlie, I’m not sure your psyche can handle a one-night stand sort of fling.”
    “Right you are right, but, Dee, there’s something about him … more than just his looks … something that sets me dreaming.”
    “ Yeah, his money . ” She held up her hand to stop me from shouting at her. “I know, I know, you don’t give a rat’s ass about that, but still, baby, that kind of money is serious.”
    I sighed and looked at the clock. “Well, time’s up. You have to get back to work.”
    “So we on for Friday night? You’ll meet me and Sally at nine at the club? That local band you like—can’t think of their name—will be there. It’ll be fun.”
    “Yup, meet you at nine at the club—Friday. It’s a date.” I got up with her, we gave each other a hug and a kiss, and she waved herself off.
    Dee is a stingy tipper, so I added to her tip and combined it with mine before heading out. I had my portfolio in the car, and after my talk with Dee I felt sure and steady once again, so off I went to hit a few galleries to see what I could do to wangle a place for my art.
    Two hours later, heading back and damn pleased with myself, I was smiling again.
    The day had turned out better than it started.
    I managed to find both proprietors of the art galleries I visited ready to have a look at my collection, and both decided to give me a showing. I was very excited. I left a selection with each and promised I’d be there for the showings dressed to kill and ready to mingle.
    I’d been afraid to believe what my art professor had tried to tell me last year. He believed I was extraordinarily talented. Well, so far three out of the five galleries I had visited in the last two weeks had been enthusiastic about my work.
    I parked my car, got out, laughed, and did a little dance before I headed to my apartment door.
    A chuckle at my back made me turn, and the happy smile froze on my face.
    He had that effect on me . He froze me in place whenever he turned up unexpectedly.
    Wade stood there, looking more desirable than any man I’d ever seen, dressed like a biker in a black leather jacket fitted over a white silky T-shirt and black jeans. He took off his sunglasses and grinned at me before he said, “Hi, Charlie.”
    I stared and tried to think of something to say other than hi .
    He filled the empty airspace and said, “I love your laugh, Charlie. It’s like music, and I gotta say, you have the moves. Cute little dance you did there.”
    Why, just why, he always turned my thoughts into mush was beyond my immediate understanding. I had never met anyone like Wade Devon before. Everything about him exuded sex and power. He didn’t have to try to seduce—he was seduction, living breathing seduction.
    I finally opted for simplicity and said, “Hi.”
    He grinned. “Looks like you had a good day?” he said, coming towards me.
    “Yes.” I held up my leather portfolio. “ Empty  … both galleries agreed to give me a showing. Of course, I will be sharing the spotlight, but, hey … I’m happy to share anything just to get my paintings up.”
    He was towering over me, and his blue eyes were warm, so warm as he looked into mine. “I’m glad.” He seemed to go thoughtful and then said, “You know, I’m friendly with the proprietor of Sother’s Gallery in Greenwich—”
    “Sothers? Oh. My. Gosh,” I exclaimed like a kid who had just walked into a candy shop. “I have been trying to get an appointment with them for months.”
    “Have you? Well, maybe I can arrange that.”
    “Oh, that would be fantastic …” I stopped myself and considered him. “But that is all I want. Just an appointment. No nudging them to—”
    “Just an appointment. No nudging them—I wouldn’t do that. In fact,