From the Inside Out: The Compilation (Scorned, Jealousy, Dylan, Austin) by S. L. Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

the flaw.
    I grip the railing behind me and stand more upright. “Yes, a nice surprise,” I repeat his words. I’m still shaken from seeing Dylan moments earlier, so I brush my hand down my skirt, needing to be professional in front of a client. My head tilts and I smile before trying again. “It’s really good to see you, Austin. Are you in the building on business or do you work here?”
    The elevator music fades away as our conversation begins. He smiles, looking down, a bit shy. When his eyes meet mine again, he says, “I’m here on business. My financial group is in the building.”
    Dylan works in finance .
    Turning my attention back to Austin, I ask, “I’ll have the paint—” but I’m interrupted by the doors opening.
    “Oh, we’re here.” Austin waves his hand out for me to exit first.
    The lobby is busy, but it’s New York, which makes it easier to blend into the crowds and lose myself usually. But I’m with Austin and liking the change. We walk together past security and toward the doors. I continue what I started to say before, “The painting should be delivered this week. We’ll be calling you to set up a date and time at your convenience.”
    “It’s an interesting piece. I look forward to seeing it hanging in my home.”
    “I think it’s a great addition to your collection.”
    We step onto the sidewalk and both stop. Looking around, then back at him, I kind of wish we had more time together. I shift and then turn back catching his eyes directed at me. “Jules?” A nervous pause. “Can I give you a lift somewhere?” he asks, referencing a car at the curb. “My car is right over here.”
    Following his hand, a sleek black car is waiting. A driver stands, opening the door when he sees Austin.
    “No, that’s fine—”
    “I insist,” he says, stepping closer, cautiously. “I don’t have any more appointments today and no commitments tonight. That’s a rare occurrence for me.”
    I hate taking cabs across town at the beginning of rush hour, but I know it’s not just that. I know it’s really that I want more time with him. “Alright then.”
    We slip into the backseat, and as soon as the door closes, the world outside is silenced and it’s just the two of us. Looking to me, he asks, “Where to?”
    I think for a minute. I could always go back to work. It’s early still, only 4:15. I should go to the gallery and get some work done. That would be the responsible thing to do.
    But Austin shifts, interrupting the guilty spiel I’m putting on myself, and says, “I’m going out on a limb here because I’m happy to see you. I know we’ve… you’ve kept things professional over the years, but I’d like to spend some more time with you.” He laughs lightly, feeling embarrassed. “You know that already though. How about some coffee or—”
    After my lunch with Brandon and then my brief meeting with Dylan, which I already regret, I could really use a drink. “Something stronger like a cocktail?” I ask
    “Exactly,” he laughs. “I know this great bar in my neighborhood. It’s a good place to unwind.”
    Fascinated by the handsome man next to me, I reply, “Sounds perfect.” He’s most certainly endearing with his shy side, and his persistence reminds me of how many times he’s asked me out over the years. He’s never brought another woman with him to a show or exhibit he’s attended at my gallery. He’s charismatic and likes art, but I also catch him watching me, a kindness to his smile.
    “Great!” His zeal is flattering. He directs the driver and off we go.
    Austin has money—the paintings, the chauffeured driven car, his apartment in Tribeca. I take a deep breath. I had inklings before, but now to hang out with him, to see the life he leads outside the gallery… it’s a lot to take in. My deep breath doesn’t go unnoticed.
    “Are you alright, Jules?”
    His concern is evident. “I’m fine. I just haven’t done…” I say, waving my hand between us,