Free Violet (Suitors of Seattle Book 7) by Kirsten Osbourne

moved around behind his desk and sat down.  "What do you want to get out of our New York trip?"  Every conversation with her made him just a bit more attracted.  He needed to focus on business while they were alone together.
    Violet thought about that for a moment.  "Well, I want to sell a lot of paintings of course.  Really, the money isn't all that important to me at this point, but I want people to see my work.  I'm proud of what I've done."  How could she explain that money wasn't an issue for her, but sharing her work was.  Would anyone really understand that?
    "You should be.  You're very talented."
    She looked down at her hands for a moment.  "The painting I did of you and Nathan sold.  I was hoping that I could buy it and either keep it or give it to you.  I'm sorry." 
    He blinked a moment over her change in subject before shaking his head.  He'd purchased the painting to keep it from others, and he knew someday he'd be pleased to have it.  "You need to stop worrying about that.  All is forgiven."
    Violet met his eyes.  "It is?  Really?"
    Jonas saw the look of utter relief on her face as she quietly questioned him and realized that he'd gone overboard in his reaction to her.  He stood and walked around his desk and perched on the edge of it.  Taking her hand he pulled her to her feet, putting them at eye level for the first time. 
    His superior height had always made her feel small, and Violet was startled at how odd it seemed to be able to look into his eyes directly.  They were a deep brown, and she looked into them feeling as if she'd be lost in their depths.  "I really am sorry."
    He nodded.  "I know you are.  It's fine.  I think now that I'm in possession of the painting things are in perspective for me again.  Someday I'm going to be thrilled that I have it to remind me of my first days with my nephew." It was almost as if the painting would be there to commemorate his start with Nathan.  
    "Do you really feel that way?" she asked.  "Did you purchase the painting?"  Relief washed through her at the idea that the painting was in his hands.  She wanted no one else to have it.
    "Yes, and yes.  I don't hold it against you that you painted it.  I wish it hadn't been the focal point of your showing, but I'm glad that I have it."  He reached out and stroked a finger over her cheek, wondering how she'd react.  Her skin looked so soft to him, and he couldn't stop that one brief movement.  He knew he should, but he was so attracted to her.
    Without thinking she turned her head and brushed his fingers with her lips, kissing them.  She felt his touch all the way to her toes, a tingling starting in her belly. 
    Jonas was startled for a moment by her brief kiss, wondering if she was feeling the same things for him that he felt for her.  The initial attraction had grown every time they'd seen one another.  Despite her words that she knew no man could ever deal with her career, he knew he could.  Would that change her mind about a relationship?
    Violet felt the blush creeping up into her cheeks.  He hadn't said anything about her kiss of his fingers, but he'd also not pulled away.  Did that mean he didn't mind?
    "I think maybe you should run back to Edna before I kiss you." 
    She blinked for a moment.  "Do you want to kiss me?"  She'd been kissed by family members, but she'd never had a man take her into his arms.  All at once, she wondered what she'd been missing.  All her sisters were married, and they were happy.  Could she possibly need more physical love in her life?  Would she even enjoy a kiss?
    "You're a beautiful woman.  Of course I want to kiss you."  His voice was low and gruff, his eyes never breaking contact with hers.  "Do you want to be kissed?"
    Violet nodded slowly.  "I think I do."  As long as it was by him.  She'd never felt the slightest inclination to kiss a man before.
    He chuckled softly.  "You think you do?  Maybe you should come back when you