The studio door clicked shut behind Ava, the familiar scent of turpentine and oil paint enveloping her like a second skin. She set her bag on the worktable, her fingers already itching to pick up a brush. This was her sanctuary, the one place where she could lose herself in the chaos of color and emotion. The one place Liam couldn’t touch.
She pulled out her sketchbook, flipping to a blank page, when the sound of the door opening made her freeze. She turned slowly, her breath catching as Liam stepped inside. He was still in his suit, his tie slightly loosened, his expression unreadable. The studio was too small for him, his presence overwhelming in the cluttered space.
Ava set down her sketchbook, her voice cool. "What are you doing here?"
Liam’s gaze swept over the room, taking in the
