The doorbell rang on the fifth chime of the stately grandfather clock standing guard at the front door. Gage McCotter was a man of his word. The hands on the antique clock were pointed directly at the seven and twelve. Lena always appreciated punctuality.

Her stomach flipped when she opened the door. Maybe her sister was right in giving him the epitaph, "Mr. Gorgeous." He was all that and more. The expensive cut of his gray suit fit his broad shoulders perfectly. The gray silk tie blended with his gray dress shirt. Black wavy hair was brushed back to reveal a high intelligent forehead. His dark brown eyes were controlled, piercing, devastating.

The sensual curve of his lips raised in a provocative smile. "Good evening." He flicked a glance from the top of her head to the bottom of her swing back pumps. He raised his arm to reveal a single red rose.

This is not a date Lena reminded herself. Gage McCotter is a client, not a potential lover.

She cleared her throat delicately. "Thank you and good evening, Mr. McCotter."

"Call me, Gage." His eyes twinkled.

The scent of spice and something elemental assailed her nostrils. He brushed within a breath of touching her bare arm. She could almost detect the electrical spark arching between them. Lena should have ignored her sister’s insistence on wearing the sleeveless burgundy silk, ankle length dress instead of her professional black suit with pearls. For goodness sake, the slit of the silk dress practically reached to the top of her knee.

"You look lovely this evening," he said over his shoulder. "Nice place."

"Thank you." The door closed with an audible click. "May I get you something to drink?"

Gage surveyed the room in a sweeping glance. Turning on his highly polished shoes, he directed his full attention to her. "No, thank you." He paused before whispering her name, "Lena."

She swallowed and smiled because a clever response seemed to escape her.

"I see you have an interest in the arts, particularly Modern Art." He gestured to the room behind him. "I like your copy of Hopper’s Room in New York by the couch."

"I usually prefer more traditional work than the Modern artists," she said having found her voice. Lena stepped forward to stand beside Gage. "That particular piece just spoke to me so I bought it."

He turned and looked down into her eyes. She could feel his warm breath float over her like a sorcerer’s spell. "Those who reach out to understand and appreciate the arts open a part of themselves," he said softly.

She couldn’t seem to concentrate with Gage standing so close. She stepped back in what she hoped was a casual manner.

"My father always believed in the importance of the Liberal Arts." Crossing her arms, Lena continued. "I’m afraid my sister Lynda was never interested, but I made up for it. I noticed the beautiful work you having at NST Technology."

"I’m very proud of our collection," he admitted. "The Art Curator on staff is top notch. She knows the business, and she keeps me apprised of new pieces that come up for auction at Sotheby’s, Christie’s or from private collectors."

"From what I saw of the collection, you seem to prefer an eclectic selection of periods and artists."

He smiled. For a split second Lena thought she saw a hint of sentiment in his countenance, but then it vanished.

"My grandfather was a patron of the arts," he said reflectively. "He bequeathed his love and appreciation of the arts to me."

"How wonderful," Lena said thoughtfully. "Both sets of my grandparents died before I was old enough to enjoy their company as an adult. "

Gage met her eyes. He took a step toward her to close the gap of space between them. The barest hint of shadow was on his cheeks, but his skin appeared smooth from a recent shave. She was suddenly keenly aware of the strength that radiated from him.

"I decide what interests me, and I see that I get it," he said.

Lena summoned a smile and tried to ignore the ripple of excitement that settled through her. "I can appreciate your determination," she returned. "When I want to work with a client, I do everything within my power to make the connection."

He raised his eyebrows in silent question. "Do you?"

"All within reason, Mr. McCotter."

Gage chuckled. The sound was rich and surprisingly authentic. For the first time since he arrived, Lena was looking forward to the evening. Business aside, she suddenly wanted to get to know the man behind the image.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

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