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I’m helpless to do anything but watch Von’s luscious ass walk away from me. Mads snaps her fingers in front of my face.
“Give me all the details.” She checks her phone. “I have an appointment in thirty minutes.”
My thoughts of the auction fundraiser disappeared the minute I laid eyes on Von. “Why’d you warn him about me? You’ve never done that before.” He’s a distraction I shouldn’t want.
Mads shrugs but I see a flicker in her eyes.
“Wait! Did you see something? Is there something between Von and me?” Mads has a sixth sense of people, peeking into their brains and reading their love destiny. An uncanny ability to prophesize when couples are meant to be together or doomed. Her prediction regarding Cole and his partner Shane was dead-on. Cole loves Shane obsessively, and it’s both sweet and nauseating.
Mads turns away from me and walks into her office, expecting me to follow. “Von made a snap decision to move to the US and become a working artist. He says he wants a fresh start, but I think he’s running from something. It’s better if you don’t get involved.”
She hasn’t answered my question, and if Madyson saw heartbreak in our future, I really don’t want to get involved. The last thing I need is to have a front-row seat to messy emotions and have to see the guy again.
Repeats can lead to feelings and broken trust.
I concentrate on what’s important, leaving all thoughts of the bitable Viking behind. Spreading my arms wide and turning in a circle I say, “Imagine hosting a charity auction to benefit The Q Solutions. It's the perfect thing to convince Cole to make a difference with the paintings he’s got in storage.” Volunteering has opened my eyes to the dire need for funding the programs that help kids in terrible situations. There are many ways to help.
“Alec, that’s a brilliant idea.” She’s all in, furiously writing a list.
“Maybe some of your other artists will make a donation for the exposure. We can call Britt at Page Seven to cover it. Of course, we’ll need Jayce to name-drop.” Page Seven covers celebrities and entertainment. Jayce McKenna’s name as a former New York Enforcer brings attention to everything he does and opens doors.
“You know this is a dream for me. Do you think Cole will actually do it?”
“He painted a huge canvas mural for The Q and when the director, Joanne, was giving potential donors a tour, a guy bought it for a hundred grand. Joanne told Cole that the money would go directly to the queer youth programs and showed him all the ways she could use the money. They want to expand their counseling services, youth shelters, and job readiness programs. There are so many needs that she could use five times more than the painting sold for. I know he wants to help. I mean, those paintings have been sitting in storage for years.”
“This might be the kick in the ass he needs. It’s a shame to keep his talent hidden.” Mads twirls a lock of her red hair around her finger. “When are you thinking?”
“As soon as we get Cole to agree, let’s pick a datea-sap. We can’t let him overthink it and change his mind. And I’ll talk to Shane. You know Cole will do absolutely anything Shane asks.” I roll my eyes, pretending he’s ridiculous.
“Perfect. In the meantime, I’ll reach out to my artists and see if they want to donate a piece or two.”
The only artist my mind conjures up is a picture of Von with long legs, ice-blue eyes, and a full bottom lip. I adjust myself in my seat, ridding myself of those thoughts.
“You know I love you, right?” Mads asks, and I know she’s been inside my head, but what she saw is a mystery.
“Back at ya.”
“You’ll find your guy.” Her hazel eyes lock on mine. “You’ll find a man who’s worthy and you’ll open your heart to him.” She read more into my thoughts about Cole and Shane than necessary. I’m not envious of their relationship, which is what she thinks from the look on her face.
“Sure,” I placate her. Madyson has the biggest heart, and I love her like a sister. My suspicions about being gay were confirmed when I wasn't attracted to her. A very real problem for a boy raised in a deeply religious family who calls homosexuality an abomination.
Opening my heart to someone will only lead to disaster. Finding my guy is the last thing on my mind. I can pick up an easy lay whenever the urge tempts me. I’m perfectly happy without a commitment. Maybe she knows that’s what Von wants.
Von is not worth the headache of the day after sex. Definitely don’t need a gorgeous face and legs long enough to wrap around me twice.
My reaction to Von is unnerving.
I don’t want anything complicated.
Chapter three
Von
“You’re a lifesaver,” Madyson gushes as she slips out of kitten heels and into sky-high stilettos. “I knew my assistant wouldn’t last long, but I’m a sucker for a starving artist, even if that artist is an actor. Of course her big break leaves me working crazy hours.” Madyson’s words sound like a complaint, but I can tell she’s thrilled for her assistant.
“I hate to leave you, but Jayce planned a romantic surprise.” She sorts through a stash of jewelry in her desk drawer. A clue this isn’t the first time she’s gotten ready in her office.
Leaning in the doorway, I’m waiting for some instruction on what I should do while she’s gone. I’ve only had minimal training in the past week, and I can’t believe she’s going to leave me here alone. I don’t have a completed piece of art and feel like a fraud representing myself as one of her artists.