Wrapped Around My Finger by Kristen Strassel Read Free Book Online

the bars, people that spilled out of them onto the sidewalks, and especially the colors. Hot, tropical tones, bold graffiti, breathtaking art. Wynwood had been the industrial part of Miami, decaying warehouses and factories had been revived into a place that made the blood sing in my veins. No wonder I loved it. I couldn’t wait for Leah to come soak it all in. This was exactly what she was trying to accomplish with her show.
    It killed me not to be a part of it. That was pretty much my dream job. An opportunity like that knocked once. An opportunity that didn’t have to chase anyone—it had plenty of suitors. I couldn’t ignore the lifestyle I wanted and let Leah be my boss and my lover. What would be left of me? As much as I hated to admit it, Zach was right. I’d invited her to a place few people had been. I showed her my artistic side, and she made it blossom. But I had yet to introduce her to the rest of me.
    I’d walked away from the biggest part of my life, and I didn’t know what I needed to make me whole. Besides her. And this gallery.
    The side street that gallery waited for me on was quieter than the neighboring street I’d come from. More galleries and stores surrounded it, closed for the night, and its patrons had moved on. Something was different, I knew it before I had a chance to park the bike. My heart pounded as I walked along the dark sidewalk. I’d courted this property like a shy suitor for months—admiring it from the distance, but never making contact. I had grand plans for it. Together we’d bring beautiful, haunting, grotesque art to the community. To me, they were all the same thing. But tonight, the only grotesque thing was the sign hanging in the window.
    Coming soon! Mirabella’s Tapas Bar! Now hiring! Submit your application at...
    Fuck.
    I’d waited too long.
    It was just a building. An empty hull to house my dream. The glass rattled when my hand slammed against it. That sign, so cheery and full of promise, changed everything. I’d had my heart set on this place for so long, and I took having it slip away to someone else personally.
    The engine echoed against the quiet buildings when I revved it too hard.
    I’d learned my lesson. The time was now.

Chapter Seven
    L eah
    I’d only met Reno Romano once. It was at the reunion, in a haze of sangria, rage, and lust, so I didn’t trust my memory. I’d treat him like any other client and go into this meeting with professionalism and an open mind. The butterflies in my stomach always came along. Just because he was dating my best friend didn’t mean he wasn’t batshit crazy. In this business, big, eccentric personalities were par for the course, so I learned to expect the unexpected.
    But this wasn’t any meeting. I’d worked with Oscar-winning actors, rock stars that made my heart skip a beat, and many powerful politicians. But I’d never worked with my best friend. Kari sat on the couch in Reno’s living room.
    She jumped up and hugged me. A little more enthusiastic than our usual greeting, but I had a feeling the butterflies were fluttering in her belly, too. Kari had nothing to worry about. I planned on giving Reno more of a chance than she’d given Jagger.
    “Give him your all,” she whispered. “He didn’t agree to do this because of me. He’s doing it because he loves your work.”
    Kari knew exactly how to get me to relax. “I like him already.” I didn’t bother to whisper back because Reno was standing behind her. I reached out to shake his hand. “I know we’ve met already, but that other time doesn’t count.”
    Reno laughed. “You could tell me almost anything about that reunion and I’d believe you. I haven’t drunk that much since college. So I have no problem saying, it’s nice to finally meet you, Leah. Kari says nothing but wonderful things about you.”
    “Then we have something in common because she gushes about you every chance she gets.” I joined Kari on the couch and pulled my laptop out