Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann Read Free Book Online Page A

Paige’s fault—she hoped—and, truly, Aaron had done more than enough, buying her home and business. It was up to her to shape her future now, in the same way she took the raw images from nature and made them her own creations.
    She turned as Paul Whitman and Sara entered, then Trevor with a platinum blonde who could rock a cover of Elle . Almost his height in four-inch stilettos, one snap of the single rhinestone strap and her electric bluesheath would slide to the floor with hardly a ripple. Nothing like making a statement.
    Chic and elegant, Trevor’s gray suit must have been tailored to him in a lightweight fabric that formed as he moved. An eye-catching couple, even among the notable others.
    “I know you need to mingle, dear,” the elderly Mary Carson said, patting her arm. “Go spread your charm.”
    Before she got far, a heavyset photographer in rolled shirt sleeves and leather vest shot her at two quick angles. “My reporter would like a word when you get the chance.” He pointed to a striking redhead in a shimmery white halter dress with a traffic-stopping leg split.
    “Okay. Thanks.” She started in that direction, passing Trevor’s group closely enough that she heard his companion.
    “Thank Gawd. Champagne. I’ll need it to fawn over nature statues.”
    Natalie glanced away but not quickly enough, as Trevor, frowning, murmured in his girlfriend’s ear. He might have worked that little detail into the conversation before they’d gone climbing and saved them both the awkwardness. She sighed. At least she could hope this explained his reaction, not her oddness, after all. She’d read more into his helpfulness than it deserved.
    “Ah, the lovely wonder who’s brought sophistication to our slopes,” said a white-haired gentleman with a liver spot shaped like an oak leaf hugging his jaw. “Sim Lemmons.”
    She had to smile when he kissed her hand, a sweet, elegant gesture.
    “I can’t tell you how delighted I am with your work. I believe you’ll find me a patron.”
    “Thank you so much.” Patrons were an artist’s dream.
    “I understand one of your painters is blind.”
    “Fleur Destry.” Natalie nodded toward her standing by the wall. “In the green dress.”
    “I must congratulate her as well.”
    “She’ll be delighted.”
    Approaching with Sara, Whit did an impression of discomfort with his shoulders. “I feel like the riffraff next door.”
    Natalie laughed. “I’ll send them all over to kayak in the morning.” Sheturned to Sara. “You look beautiful.” Her navy and cream dress crisscrossed in front, where for once no baby nestled.
    Sara ran her hands down the skirt. “I barely fit back into it. The waist isn’t so bad but breast-feeding gives me what I never had before.”
    “It’s a flattering style. I hope you’ll enjoy your evening out.” Before she could move on, Trevor joined them.
    “Natalie, this is Kirstin.”
    “Oh good, you found the champagne.” Natalie squeezed her elbow and tried to escape, but the reporter chose that moment to approach. Except the woman’s gaze wasn’t on her.
    “Trevor MacDaniel at a gallery gala.” Her acerbic tone set Natalie’s teeth on edge.
    “Jaz.” His mouth formed a wry twist.
    “In a suit. A tailored suit.” She circled him. “Very chic. Did you steal it off a truck?”
    “You might want to pass on the next tray of champagne.”
    Her eyes chilled. Before Jaz bit back, Kirstin tugged his sleeve.
    “Jazmyn Dufoe, my date, Kirstin Bach.”
    “Aren’t you stunning? Do you charge by the hour?”
    The photographer hooked Jazmyn’s arm and towed her away, sending a plea over his shoulder.
    Nodding to the group, Natalie said, “Excuse me,” and followed them. The photographer hadn’t given his name, but they shared a desire to save the degrading situation.
    He said, “This is Natalie Reeve, Jaz.”
    Her eyes still shot ice-blue flames.
    “The gallery owner.” He turned. “Ms. Reeve, tell us about your