Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Two weeks,” Lily whispers, shocked by how fast everything is happening. “I…I…”
Locking my eyes on her face, I ask, “Will you be able to finish the last painting in two weeks?”
She shakes her head, and I can see her mind racing. “I can try…ah, if I work day and night, I’m sure I can make it.”
“Great, now we just have to agree on a price,” Eloise responds.
I give her a pointed look. “One million upfront for thirty percent.”
She stares at me long and hard before giving me her counteroffer, “Eight-hundred-and-fifty upfront. Thirty percent for every sale.”
My mouth curves in a satisfied smile as I turn my attention to Lily. “Are you happy with the deal?”
She shakes her head, and burying her face in her hands, she takes a couple of deep breaths before losing the battle and bursting into tears. “This is so surreal. I need a moment.”
I rub Lily’s back while giving Eloise a grateful smile and mouthing, ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome.’
When Lily gains control over her emotions, she looks at Eloise. “Thank you so much. This means everything to me.”
“Do you accept my offer?” Eloise asks her.
Lily nods frantically. “Yes! Yes.Yes.Yes.”
I let out a burst of laughter, and tugging Lily closer to me, I press a kiss to her temple.
“Wonderful. I’ll send over the paperwork tomorrow,” Eloise mentions before she continues eating.
Lily only manages to nibble on her food, which is understandable with the high she’s on.
Tonight turned out exactly as I’d hoped.
Enjoying the rest of the meal, the conversation revolves around art.
Eloise insists on viewing Lily’s artwork again before she heads to the elevator. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I say as I press a kiss to her cheek.
Lily gives her a hug. “It was such a pleasure meeting you.”
“Likewise, Lily.” She presses the button to call the elevator and promises, “I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”
“Drive safely,” I mention, and when the doors shut behind her, I turn to face my deliriously happy woman.
Lily lets out a shriek and throws herself into my arms. “Oh my gosh, Callan! Thank you so much. This is a dream come true.”
“You’re welcome, but I didn’t do much. I just invited Eloise over. The rest was all you.”
Lily pulls back to look up at me. “You did all the negotiating.”
“Only because I have your best interests at heart.”
She lifts herself on her tiptoes and kisses the living hell out of me before pulling away and doing a little happy dance, which is the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.
Chapter 43
Lily
How do I describe everything I’m feeling?
The past two weeks of my life have been a whirlwind of working, eating, sleeping, and more work.
And so much love and attention from Callan my heart can’t contain all the happiness.
With the payment I received from Eloise, I don’t have to worry about my finances. Even though Callan insists on paying for everything, it’s still important for me to have my own income.
Staring at the last painting in my collection, I make sure I didn’t miss a spot. My eyes caress the woman who’s standing in a crowd of people, all with their backs turned to her.
All except one who’s glancing at her from over his shoulder.
Callan.
I hear him sneak into the room as he’s done hundreds of times over the past ten days.
My wrist is tender as I set the paintbrush down.
Realizing I’m done, a wave of emotion hits me. After two years of working on the collection, it’s finally finished. I’ve poured so many hours into my babies that part of me doesn’t want to sell them.
“What do you think?” I whisper.
Callan moves closer, and placing his hands on my shoulders, he presses a kiss to the top of my head. “It’s my favorite piece.”
“Why?”
“It shows hope instead of just loneliness.”
I point to the man. “That’s you.”
Callan pulls me up from the stool and turns me around to face him. He frames my face and stares deep into my eyes, the intensity of his love wrapping me in a safe bubble.
Slowly, he lowers his head, and his lips brush over mine. His eyes meet mine again. “I love you.”
“I love you more than anything,” I whisper, my heart full and content.
Callan grips hold of my hips and lifts me against his body. I quickly wrap my arms around his neck, and as he carries me to our bedroom, I press kisses along his jaw.
He lays me down on the bed before pulling my leggings and underwear off.
While he pushes his sweatpants down his legs, I get rid of my T-shirt.
He’s been careful with my wrist, and like before, he orders, “Spread out on the bed, baby. Arms above your head.”
I do as I’m told and scoot back on the bed. Lying down, I place my hands above my head and spread my legs as wide as possible.