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“Heads-up, Viking.” I toss him a small packet of Tylenol and slide a glass of water over. “You’re rubbing your temples, so I thought you could use it.” I take satisfaction in his gaping mouth and bulging vein.
I intercept the server and set a burger in front of Shane. “I figure we’ll all order food, but I assume your stomach is eating itself.” On cue, Shane’s stomach growls.
Cole loosens the arm he has around Shane so he can look him in the eye. “You said you ate,” he accuses. Shane blushes and shoves his mouth full of burger.
Cole mouths, “Thank you,” over Shane’s head, then turns a death glare on Von.
Von nods and ducks his head, exposing the red creeping up the side of his neck. Cole successfully admonished Von without words and the tightness in my chest loosens.
I thought Von was shy, but maybe he’s just another dick with a pretty face. Joanne asks him where he’s from, and I’m almost positive he’s ignoring her question.
I’d love to loosen up his literally tight ass and make him come until he loses his attitude. I’ve been restless and celibate, so a hate fuck is soooo appealing right now. If I hadn’t promised Mads, he’d be the perfect stress relief for the night. As long as he kept his mouth shut, we’d have a great time.
The best-looking guys have the worst personalities.
We start talking about the auction, and I ignore Von until I hear him mutter again. I lean around Joanne to ask him, “What’ssckeet?”
“It means shit, where I come from. Sorry, my head hurts more than I thought,” Von responds robotically. “Thank you for the medicine. I hope it works soon.”
My face splits into a wide grin, knowing he’s feeling guilty for his behavior. He can’t meet my eyes and his face is flushed. I don’t know what his deal is, but at least he’s aware he’s being rude. At the gallery he was quiet, but we got along fine. I know when I’m pissing someone off, so I’m positive the problem isn’t me.
Luckily, we get back to business. Joanne outlines her monetary goals and the contacts she will bring to the event. Cole agrees to give Madyson all the paintings he has in storage. Madyson begins talking a mile a minute, waving her hands as she announces that all the artists from The Artistic Edge will donate at least one item. Von pales. Maybe his work ethic is the problem.
The conversation moves on to how to market the event and attract NYC’s wealthiest.
Madyson turns to Von. “Did you ever organize an auction for your charity work?”
“Not really.” Von shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable, and only continues after Mads prompts him. “I was involved in kids sports, and we had some high-profile athletes who lent theirtime and money to the cause. We had corporate donors throwing money at us to get their names associated with the athletes.” He grows redder by the second. “I donated my artwork to different charities but never organized an event.”
At least I understand why Mads invited him. She must’ve thought he would have something to contribute.
Sweet Mads hates it when someone seems embarrassed, so she asks him to weld an arch for the event. With her big heart, she tries to fix things for other people, even when they don’t want her help. She describes her vision for the arch and Von nods, but his brow furrows with a deer in headlights expression.
I grab a napkin and start sketching. “Is this what you want?” I slide the drawing to her.
Mads agrees, but we make a few tweaks while Von looks incredulous. Shane, Cole, and Joanne are engaged in a conversation about the audio and lighting.
“How did you do that?” Von’s voice is full of awe, as if he can’t believe I’m capable of drawing a design. “I mean, you drew exactly what she wants. I couldn’t see it, but you made it look easy,” he backtracks. The guy is all over the place with his judgments and compliments; he’s giving me whiplash.
“I do it every day. People come in with ideas, and it’s my job to draw it and put it on their bodies. It’s not a big deal.”
Von shakes his head as if to disagree but doesn’t say anything else.
Joanne has a few more questions, then we wrap it up.
When the meeting ends, Cole growls in Shane’s ear, and I wonder if they’ll make it home before they consume each other. Joanne is saying her goodbyes as Jayce arrives in time to discuss his social media plan for in the event.
“Thanks for coming, Von.” Mads gives him her wide, genuine smile. “We’re going to stay for a bit. You look tired, so don’t feel obligated to hang around. You can make it back by yourself, yeah?”
“Yes,” he replies, back to his robotic self.
“I’ll be at the bar.” I saunter away with a smirk at Von.
It’s as if I’m daring him to follow me. But that would be stupid. A hate fuck would really make Mads hate me.
Chapter five
Von