They were at the back entrance of the gallery. Piper pushed her key into the lock, turning it. Her hand paused on the metal door handle. “Am I doing the right thing?”
“Absolutely!” Cori looked her up and down. “You look fantastic, if I do say so myself.”
“Thanks,” Piper responded as she looked down at the red dress and matching heels. She felt like Cinderella going to the ball. No, that wasn’t true. She felt more like Queen Esther from the Bible, going to plead her case before the king. It had worked out well for Esther. Piper could only hope and pray that it would work out well for her.
Cori adjusted a tendril of Piper’s hair. “There,” she said like she was putting the finishing touch on her masterpiece. Piper’s curls were piled on top of her head with ringlets hanging down. Piper’s favorite part of the ensemble were the faux ruby dangly earrings. “Just stick to the plan and all will be well. Scotty and I have your back.”
She took in a deep breath. “Okay.” With a surprising resoluteness that seemed to come from someplace outside of herself, Piper opened the door as they went inside.
The aroma of fragrant bread and something cheesy filled the air. The reception had been going for thirty minutes already. Piper and Cori made their way through the back area used for shipping. When they got to the doorway leading into the main area of the gallery, Cori touched Piper’s arm. “I’m off.” She looked Piper in the eye. “You do your thing.”
Piper steeled her shoulders, nodding. She surveyed the room, brimming with people holding cocktail glasses and plates filled with appetizers. The low murmur of conversations rumbled just above the background instrumental Christmas music being piped over the speakers. She couldn’t see Noah from this vantage point. He was probably standing in the corner section by the entrance. That’s where most artists and photographers remained during a reception. She strode into the gallery, offering polite smiles to those she passed. Rather than going up to the front, Piper lingered near the back, trying to set her sights on Deidre. She spotted Cori, gliding across the room to reach her destination. Bingo! Cori stepped up to Deidre and placed a hand on her arm. The two chatted amicably for a couple minutes before turning and coming in this direction.
Piper’s pulse picked up its pace as she moved to stand near a particular collection.
“You’re gonna love the newest pieces from The Rutledge Collection,” Piper heard Deidre say.
“I’m sure I will,” Cori replied.
Deidre stopped in her tracks when she saw Piper, her face turning the color of chalk. Piper met Deidre’s startled gaze as the two women eyed one another.
“Is everything okay?” Cori asked in a puzzled tone.
A silky smile draped over Deidre’s lips as she turned to Cori. “Will you excuse me for a minute?”
“Of course.”
Deidre marched up to Piper, nostrils flaring. “What’re you doing here?” she seethed. “I thought we agreed that you weren’t coming to the reception.”
Piper locked eyes with the slippery snake. “I guess you could say that I had a change of heart.”
“What’re you talking about?” Deidre hissed in a low tone, the veins in her neck cording.
Piper glanced around and spoke in a loud tone. “Would you prefer to discuss this here or in your office?”
Deidre rocked back, her jaw falling open the instant before she drew herself up, shooting Piper such a scorching glare that it could burn through metal. “You sure you wanna do this?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Piper heaved back.
“Okay. It’s your funeral,” Deidre said nastily.
Piper motioned with her head. “Shall we?”
When they got to Deidre’s office, they met Scotty coming out.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Deidre demanded.
Scotty looked wide-eyed between Deidre and Piper before holding up the catalogue in his hand. “A customer wanted to see the Summerdale Collection.”
“That’s the Windsom Collection,” Deidre corrected.
A sheepish grin stole over Scotty’s lips. “Oops. Give me just one second.” He darted back into the office and came back out with the right catalogue. “Thanks,” he quipped, hurrying away.
They stepped into the office as Deidre closed the door behind them. Rather than sitting, they stood.
Deidre grunted, giving her blonde hair a flick of her wrist. “Okay, say your spiel, but you’d better make it snappy because I’ve got people waiting.” She glared at Piper like she was a loathsome bug.
“For starters, I don’t believe anything you said about Nolan Vant. He didn’t spend the day with me to make you jealous. He spent the day with me because he cares about me, the same way I care about him.”
A hard amusement cloaked Deidre’s features as she let out a disparaging laugh. “That’s absurd. Nolan was just using you to get to me.”
“I don’t believe that.” Piper caught the slight hesitation in Deidre’s eyes and knew in that moment that Cori was right. Deidre had lied about the whole thing. It sent a tidal wave of elation cresting over her. “Furthermore, it’s detestable that you would try and bribe me with an exclusive contract and then offer me paid time off so I wouldn’t come here tonight and tell Nolan the truth.” Her voice shook with fury. “You know how devoted I am to this gallery and my career. I’ve put up with your crap, working hard to prove myself in the slim hope that you would keep your word and hold a reception to showcase my work. You twisted everything around to control me and Nolan, so you can get what you want. You’re despicable!”
Deidre snorted. “And you’re a naïve fool. I gave you the chance of a lifetime, and you’re throwing it down the toilet. For what? Some pathetic crush on Nolan?”
“You know what … I should be thanking you for giving me a chance to do a thorough self-examination. As much as I want my career to be successful, I realize now that I don’t want it like this.” She swallowed, her eyes misting. “I met a wonderful man, and we have a magical connection. Something that only comes along once in a lifetime. No amount of success can compensate for a missed chance at love. I won’t let you or anyone else come between me and Nolan.”
A look of triumph flashed in Deidre’s eyes, her voice going cashmere soft. “Nolan was so disappointed when he learned that you were engaged.”
Piper frowned. “I’m not engaged.” Her eyebrow arched. “Is that what you told Nolan?”
“He’ll never be able to trust you again. Good thing I’ll be there to help him pick up the pieces.” Deidre’s eyes narrowed. “You’re fired! And in case you’re thinking of trying to get a job at another gallery, you can kiss that option goodbye. I’ll slander your name to the point where no one will dare touch you, much less represent your work.”
“In other words, you’ll lie.”
Deidre let out a derisive chuckle. “What are you? A Girl Scout?” She got up in Piper’s face. “No one cares about truth. All they care about is status. People think what I want them to think.” She gave Piper a superior look. “You know it’s true. Look at all the suckers who come in here and buy exactly what I tell them to buy.”
“I prefer to think of the people who come into this gallery as clients who are searching for pieces that will lift and inspire them,” Piper said evenly, stepping back and going toward the door.
“You’re a fool.” Deidre caught hold of Piper’s arm, her long fingernails digging into Piper’s flesh. “Where are you going? This conversation isn’t over.”
“Oh, I believe it is. I’ve said all I wanted to say to you. Take your hand off me.” Her eyes blazed. “Now!”
Deidre removed her hand, an edge of panic slipping into her voice. “What’re you gonna do? Make a scene?”
Piper opened the door. “No, I think I’ll leave that to you. You seem to be doing a pretty good job of it.”
Deidre’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean? If you so much as glance in Nolan’s direction, I’ll call the police a
nd have your butt hauled off to jail!”
“We’re done here,” Piper muttered as she walked out of the office.
Deidre followed on her heels. “Do you really think that Nolan will choose you over me?”
“I’d say it’s a good assumption,” a male voice said.
A soft gasp rose in Piper’s throat as she stopped. There he was … looking magnificent in a black turtleneck sweater and black trousers. A group of people were gathered behind him.
“Because I do choose you,” Noah continued, his gaze holding Piper’s.
Joy bubbled in Piper’s chest, tears rushing to her eyes.
“W—what is this?” Deidre stammered.
Scotty stepped forward, waving the catalogue back and forth with a taunting grin. “You really should pay more attention to your intercom system.”
Deidre’s face drained, her hand going to her chest. She looked at Piper. “Were we on speaker?”
“Yep, every last word of our conversation was broadcast over the intercom to the entire gallery,” Piper answered.
“All those suckers in this gallery heard every word you said,” Zoe piped in as she stepped up beside Noah, folding her arms over her chest.
Deidre’s face caved as she let out a shriek and darted out the back.
Noah stepped up to Piper, a large grin overtaking his lips as he took hold of her hands. “That was interesting.”
“Yes, it was.”
“You gave up an exclusive … for me.” His jaw worked. “That’s huge.”
She swallowed as she peered up into his handsome face. “Did you mean what you said? About choosing me?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he drawled with an exaggerated Southern twang. In a swift motion, he encircled an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “You look incredible, by the way,” he murmured.
Her blood warmed. “So, do you.”
A crooked grin tugged at his lips. “I fixed my hair.”
“I can tell.” The sizzle between them was electric.
“I’m so glad you’re not engaged,” he uttered in relief.
“Me too,” she agreed with a chuckle. He smelled great—a hint of mint mixed with a clean masculine scent.
His expression grew serious, intense. “We shared one perfect day together, but that’s not enough. I want countless perfect days … with you.”
The significance of his words settled into her heart, her eyes growing moist. “They won’t all be perfect,” she said practically.
“No, they’ll be messy, raw, and real.” His hazel eyes glittered gold. “But they’ll be with you. That’s good enough for me,” he said as his lips came down on hers.
Wild applause sounded in the background, but Piper barely noticed, for the sound of her own galloping heart and the sublime feel of Noah’s lips against hers consumed her attention.
Epilogue
One month later …
“Wait for it!”
“I don’t think the sun is ever gonna rise,” Piper said sleepily as she suppressed a yawn. She pulled her side of the blanket tighter around her as she scooted close to Noah, trying to get warm. They were in the canyon, sitting in camp chairs on a ridge that overlooked a snow-covered valley that was impressive even in the twilight of the morning.
“Patience,” Noah countered with a laugh.
A wicked grin slid over her lips as she turned to him. “Don’t you already have enough Sunrise collections? What is this … Daybreak number fourteen?”
“Ha ha. Funny,” he said, nudging her. “We need some new material for the gallery.”
She blinked. “Gallery?”
A proud smile filled his face. “Yep. I found a location … a couple doors down from the chocolate shop where Cori works.”
Piper’s voice rose. “That’s fantastic!” Her brows furrowed as she searched his face. “Wait a minute. You’re not doing this for me, are you?” The past month, she and Noah had been nearly inseparable. It was glorious, with them savoring every delicious moment together. However, Piper only had enough savings to last through February and was starting to look for a job. As much as Piper wanted to stay in Park City, she didn’t know if that was an option. Like a cunning cat who’d used up her first life and was determined to hold onto the other eight, Deidre had picked herself up from the reception disaster and was making good on her promise to slander Piper’s name. Noah was so kind and generous, but Piper never wanted to take advantage of that. She wouldn’t put it past him to open up a gallery just to give her and Scotty jobs.
“I’m not doing it for you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”
“I’m doing it for us.” He threw her a dazzling smile that sent her heart skittering. Piper could go all day long on that smile. It was breathtaking. She snapped out of her daze, realizing that Noah was speaking. “Of course, we’ll need someone to help fill in when we travel to all sorts of obscure locations around the globe, searching for the perfect subjects for those edgy, raw pieces.” His eyes twinkled with mirth. “Do you think we could convince Scotty to pull away from his waiter job and come to work for us?”
She giggled. “I’m sure Scotty could be persuaded. When you say us, are you referring to me and you?” She held her breath, awaiting his answer.
His features took on a contemplative expression. “Well, I need a place to showcase my photos, as do you.” A grin tugged at his lips. “I can’t think of a better partner in crime than someone who doesn’t mind telling me like it is, someone who pushes me to be better.” He scrunched his brows together in mock consternation. “Would you happen to know where I could find a partner like that?”
Happiness bubbled in her chest. “I think I might be able to suggest someone.” Her heart swelled so large that she thought it might pop out of her chest. Her eyes settled on his lips as she leaned in for a long kiss that sent her blood pumping faster. No matter how much or long she kissed Noah, she could never get enough. It just kept getting better and better.
A few minutes later, they stood, side by side, their eyes pressed to the viewfinders of their cameras as they waited for the sunrise.
“Would ya look at that?” Noah exclaimed as the bright splendor of the sun peeked above the horizon.
They snapped a few photos. In fact, Piper was still taking pictures when Noah grabbed her around the waist. Laughing in surprise, she lowered her camera, lifting her chin to look into his eyes. “I thought we were taking pictures.”
A playful grin pulled at his lips. “We are.” He smashed his lips to hers as he snapped a picture. He pulled back. “This is our new collection.”
“Oh? What’s it called? Stolen Kisses?” she teased.
His eyes moved over her face with such tenderness that she thought her heart would melt. “Falling in Love at Sunrise.”
She blinked. “Love?”
“That’s right. I’m in love with you.”
Piper never knew that life could be this good. A smile curved her lips. “I like the sound of that. And for the record, I’m in love with you too.”
Joy overtook Noah’s features as he flashed a large, radiant smile. “You know what I call this?”
“What?”
“The start of another perfect day.”
Look for Zoe’s story, the next book in the Romeo Family Romance Series … coming soon!
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Books by Jennifer Youngblood
Check out Jennifer’s Amazon Page HERE
Romeo Family Romance
One Perfect Day
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Blue Collar Boss
Her Lost Chance Boss
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Hot Headed Patriot
The Twelfth Hour Patriot
The Unstoppable Patriot
The Exiled Patriot
O’Brien Family Romance
The Impossible Groom (Chas O’Brien)
The Twelfth Hour Patriot (McKenna O’Brien)
The Stormy Warrior (Caden O’Brien and Tess Eisenhart)
Christmas
Rewriting Christmas (A Novella)
Yours By Christmas (Park City Firefighter Romance)
Her Crazy Rich Fake Fiancé
Her Christmas Wedding Fake Fiancé
Navy SEAL Romance
The Resolved Warrior
The Reckless Warrior
The Diehard Warrior
The Stormy Warrior
The Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Perfect
Texas Titan Romances
The Hometown Groom
The Persistent Groom
The Ghost Groom
The Jilted Billionaire Groom
The Impossible Groom
Hawaii Billionaire Series
Love Him or Lose Him
Love on the Rocks
Love on the Rebound
Love at the Ocean Breeze
Love Changes Everything
Loving the Movie Star
Love Under Fire (A Companion book to the Hawaii Billionaire Series)
Kisses and Commitment Series
One Perfect Day Page 9
