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“Really?” Ana asked.

“Of course. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. But I only want those with serious interest.”

They chatted for a few more minutes until Dr. Nico Messina got a phone call and had to leave. But before he left, he told them to meet him at the Modern Research Group at the Canal Walk. This was my opportunity to find out more about this doctor. Any information would help Attikus.

An insane thought popped into my mind as I headed back to my office at the gallery. I spotted Willow showing a couple the triptych of an abstract painting. The gold leaf on each of the three panels glistened under the spotlights. Without interrupting her, I entered my office to get some administrative work done.

When I finished answering emails and paid some bills, I rushed to the mall to grab a Rhode Island School of Design T-shirt and a cap. Then I returned to my office and worked on the layout of where I’d place my terrarium and other plants for sale in the gallery.

My phone buzzed with a text, and my heart leaped.

Attikus: Busy working?

Vanessa:Always. Missing me or something?

Attikus:Yup. (smile emoji)

He’d only been gone for a day, and I missed him so much. He wouldn’t return from his meeting in New York until tomorrow.

Vanessa:Are you done with your meeting?

Attikus:For now. Another one starts in an hour.

Vanessa:What are you doing?

Attikus:In my hotel room, thinking about my wife.

My inner thighs quivered, and all thoughts of work vanished.

Attikus:What areyoudoing?

Vanessa:In my office, thinking about my husband.

Attikus:Are you brainstorming a painting of me?

He didn’t know I’d already finished a painting of him, including the abstract painting we’d done while rolling around on the floor. I’d cut out a section from the canvas fabric and turned it into a gallery-wrapped canvas.

Vanessa: Are you offering to be my model again?

Attikus: A husband is there to support his wife with everything she needs.

Vanessa:Your wife needs another painting session with you.

Attikus:Why don’t you tell me what you’d do to me, Mrs. Mount.

I grinned at the name.

Vanessa:Mr. Mount, I’d strip you and make you stand at the center of my studio.

Attikus:I’d want you naked too.

Vanessa:I’ll think about that.

Attikus:Non-negotiable.

Vanessa:I’m the artist—my call.

Attikus:I’m the model you NEED.