The Chase Begins
413 Words
Who was he? Why did he spend so much money on her painting? And why did he look at her like that—like he already knew what she was going to say before she said it?
“Ugh,” she groaned, shaking her head. “Forget it, Val. Guys like him don’t care about people like you.”
Just as she started a new brushstroke, her doorbell rang. She wiped her hands on a rag and opened the door, expecting a package or maybe her nosy neighbor.
Instead, it was him.
“Morning,” Damien said, holding up a bottle of wine.
Valentina stared at him, completely stunned. “What are you doing here?”
“Celebrating,” he said simply, stepping inside like he owned the place.
“Hey!” she said, following him into the studio. “You can’t just walk in here!”
Damien glanced around, taking in the cluttered shelves, half-finished canvases, and jars of paintbrushes. “Nice place. Very... creative.”
“Thanks,” she said dryly, crossing her arms. “Now, what do you want?”
“I told you,” he said, setting the wine on her worktable. “I want to celebrate. You made a big sale last night. That’s worth toasting.”
Valentina narrowed her eyes. “Let me guess. You’re the type of guy who’s used to getting whatever he wants.”
Damien smirked. “Usually.”
“Well, newsflash: I’m not interested.”
He tilted his head, studying her. “Why not?”
“Because I know your type,” she said, stepping closer. “You’re rich, cocky, and probably think you’re doing me some kind of favor by being here.”
“Not at all,” Damien said, his voice softer now. “I’m here because I want to be. And because you intrigue me.”
Valentina felt her cheeks flush again. “Yeah, well, I don’t have time for games. I have work to do.”
“Fine,” Damien said, grabbing the wine. “But if you change your mind, call me.” He pulled a business card from his pocket and set it on her table.
Then, with a wink, he walked out.
That night, Valentina sat in her studio, staring at the business card.
“Don’t do it,” she muttered to herself.
But as much as she tried to forget Damien Renaud, part of her couldn’t help wondering what dinner with him would be like.
- Writer
