Read Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador for Free Online Page B

shoulders and swept up her delicate throat. “Oh! Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry!” she cried, backing up.
    “No worries! Really,” he protested.
    Gwen sat up a little straighter in her chair and crossed her legs as Dan opened the file in front of him. He passed her the paperwork with an appreciative gaze.
    “You look lovely tonight,” he said, unable to stop himself.
    Gwen met his eyes, her cheeks still aglow. “Thank you. You look…really super too.”
    Dan reined himself in, applying his best businesslike tone. “I believe everything’s in order there,” he said as she fanned through the pages. “If you’d like to look it over, I can answer any questions.”

    The sun dipped low outside, casting a tangerine hue throughout the wide-open spaces of the gallery as Gwen sorted through the agreement. After a few moments of studied concentration, she addressed Dan with a relieved smile. “It all seems straightforward.” She’d worried it might be complicated, filled with legalese and fine-print sections. On the contrary, it basically laid out what they had discussed at lunch, with a few boilerplate clauses she supposed were included in most contracts of this kind. “Where do I sign?”
    Dan indicated the line, then added his own signature to the page.
    “Have you come up with any contacts? I mean, people who might buy my art?”
    Dan smiled indulgently. “Don’t you think we ought to get it here first?”
    “Right! I’ll have Marian send it out tomorrow. Like I said, it’s all boxed and ready to go. All she has to do is call for shipping.”
    Dan wrote some numbers on a small notepad on the desk. “This is our account number for Southwest Express. Have your sister call this phone number and bill it to us. She can let them know where and when to pick up the packages.”
    “Well, thanks, that’s very gracious. That will help a lot.” Gwen couldn’t let him know that her wallet was paper-thin or that her sister was destitute.
    “I’ve actually already sent out a couple of emails, feelers, if you will, to gallery contacts who might have an interest in an East Coast ocean scene or two.”
    Gwen felt her face warm with excitement. “That’s wonderful!” She fought an urge to race around the desk and hug him.
    “As soon as the pieces arrive,” he continued, “I’ll start making follow-up calls. I’m hoping to have some serious buyers in looking by the end of the week. Assuming the shipment goes as planned.”
    Gwen sprang from her seat and lunged for his hand. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she said, taking his hand in hers and holding it firmly.
    His gaze wrapped around her, trapping her in his heat. “It’s my pleasure, really,” he said, exerting delicate pressure against her palm. Little tingles raced up Gwen’s arm, and instantly she knew she’d made a mistake. She’d told herself to keep her distance. Now, all she wanted to do was get closer still. Gwen released his grip, attempting to steady herself on wobbly knees. If merely shaking hands had this much effect, she’d hate to see the pool of putty she’d be in if he’d dared to kiss her.
    “Have you eaten anything since lunch?” he asked with concern.
    Gwen pulled herself together, realizing she must have suddenly paled. “I had some wine and cheese back at the inn.”
    “Havarti?” he asked, with uncanny insight.
    “How did you…?”
    He repressed a grin, pointing to the back of her head. Gwen ran panicked fingers through her hair, finding a nice little chunk of cheese caught up in her curls.
    She stared at him, mortified. “I’m so embarrassed,” she began.
    “Don’t be,” he offered kindly. “I get Camembert in mine all the time.”
    She scanned his face for the hint of a smile but couldn’t detect one beneath his deadpan.
    “This time, I know you’re teasing,” she said, and the moment between them lightened.
    Small lines tugged at the corners of his mouth as blue eyes crinkled. “Something tells me