Bella Natale by Marianne Evans

Author:Marianne Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
Publisher: Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing)
Published: 2016-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

7

Just hours after Luca’s confrontation with Katrina, Ashley joined him at the gallery for an early afternoon appointment to lay groundwork for the exhibit and begin the process of choosing sketches for display.

Wearing a wide smile, she crossed through his office bearing two cups of coffee in a four-spot carrier. “I hope it’s not too late in the day for one of these.”

“Never. Thank you, Ashley.”

“Least I can do.”

He gave her a grin. “Is your head still spinning?”

“To put it mildly.” She delivered his coffee and sat across from him, crossing her legs while she unwound a vibrant pink and blue scarf from around her neck. Luca admired the way she chose different, bold colors for her accessories. Long hoop earrings dangled as she moved, drawing his focus to a soft, long neck…

Her sketches came out next, extracted from a leather carrying case. “I met with Geoffrey Pulter this morning. He’s—”

“A widely respected and established agent.” Luca resumed focus fast. “I’m impressed. How did it go?”

That super-smile only grew, if such a thing were possible. “I think it went very well. He’s impressed by the notice you and S&J Rocca have given to me, and he liked my work.”

“Brava.” The declaration was accompanied by a swell of pride. “You’re being smart and proactive. I’ve worked with Geoffrey before, and I can tell you he’s tough, and he’s fair. I think you’re in good hands.”

“Well, it seems you’ve left me no choice but to actively engage my goals, Luca.”

“Don’t blame me. I’m nothing more than an eager merchant.”

“Ha.”

The repartee fell between them with such natural sass and ease Luca found himself pulled by longing. If only this could evolve into something more, into something… lasting.

With haste, he moved past fantasy and began to review her growing portfolio.

“You’ve been busy.”

“I’ve been inspired and motivated.” Ashley edged forward in her seat, looking at the rendering he held. “I spend my early mornings and late afternoons living and breathing my work. It’s heaven.”

“I think that’s wonderful, and I’m glad you followed through on your intention to find representation.” Luca uncapped his coffee and indulged in a long, satisfying drain.

“It was hard to do, but necessary.”

“An understandable reaction. Representation, I’m sure, feels like you’re turning art into business.”

Ashley sat back to take a sip of coffee as well. “Exactly. I know all of this—finding an agent, setting legalities into place—is necessary, but it goes against my creative grain, if that makes sense.”

“It does. I’ve seen, time and again, that one of the most difficult aspects of making a way in the art world is that moment when an artist is forced to zoom in on business details and look out for their best interests, and the protection of their work. Doing so is as important as the art itself.”

“I’m learning.”

“Quite well, it seems.” He smiled into her eyes, freed himself to enjoy the rush of warmth that slid against his senses. “Both ventures will require a discussion of pricing, splits, and commissions, but Geoffrey will take that off your plate, and allow you to focus on what matters to you the most.

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