Free The Masterpiece (Work of Art #3) by Ruth Clampett

Max had his emotional moment at
La Sagrada Familia
, I have mine when we see the museum gallery full of Max’s work. My eyes fill with tears, and I look at him, trying to tell him everything without saying a word. I want to grab him and kiss him and tell him how incredibly proud I am of him. Instead, I have to act cool and professional while my heart is ready to burst.
    “Wow, Max…just wow,” I sigh.
    His eyes move from painting to painting and then to me. “I can’t believe this, Ava.”
    We’re ushered to the back gallery, which ironically displays the paintings Max had once scrawled my name across in a fit of rage. The repaired paintings are a blatant reminder of how far we’ve come. And as introductions begin to the elite group of museum patrons and benefactors, I realize just how far all of this can go. Max is famous, and there are a lot of people who want a piece of his art or a piece of him. I’m a bit startled as I realize the truth of this fact before we are led to our seats. In the gallery, they have set up a long dining table that is elegantly set for our special catered dinner.
    I’m seated between Diego and a dashing prince of some place I’ve never heard of, while Max is sandwiched between Paloma and an elegant woman who seems to be one of the leaders of the group. After toasts are made, the six-course dinner begins, and I do my best to make conversation, despite the fact that Max is watching me far too frequently. After a few rounds of wine, provocative Paloma doesn’t help the situation by proclaiming rather loudly that she can’t imagine how someone as stunning as me is single. I consider correcting her by alluding to a boyfriend, but the idea of yelling across the table horrifies me. With this pause, I miss my moment. I can almost sense the testosterone peaking from several spots in the room, and Max is silently fuming.
    Before the evening is over, I have an offer to go yachting with the prince and a young heir invites me to his estate just outside of town to watch a polo match and see his impressive art collection. I explain we are only here for two more days with a packed promotional schedule before Diego whisks me away to safety.
    “I must keep an eye on you, Miss Ava,” he says smiling. “A number of these men want to take you home, and we have an early morning of interviews.”
    “What about Max?” I throw back. “It looks like some of these women want him for their very own play toy.”
    “Yes, he could have his choice tonight, but he seems more interested in what’s going on with you.” He raises one eyebrow and waits for my reaction. “I wonder what his girlfriend would think about that.” Spanish men are so direct, and Diego is clearly testing me.
    I shake my head and laugh semi-convincingly. “He just knows that I’m out of my element, and he’s a bit protective of me. As for his girlfriend—she adores me.”
    “I’m sure she does.” Diego rolls his eyes and decides not to press any further. Instead, he takes me by the elbow and leads me to a slight man in a dapper suit with a long ponytail. Evidently, he’s one of Spain’s leading fashion designers and wants me to wear one of his creations for the opening tomorrow night.
    Paloma joins the discussion, and we agree to attempt a fitting at our hotel after the morning interviews. I finally decide I can’t stand being separated from Max anymore, and I look for him. But he’s trapped in the corner by two wealthy looking women, so I decide to let him fend for himself. Paloma brushes up to me.
    “It’s been a long day, yes? You look tired, beautiful Ava.” She sweeps her fingers along my cheek.
    I’m getting used to her overly affectionate mannerisms, so I don’t even flinch, just nod. “I think I have a bit of jet lag. Do you think we can go soon? We have an early morning.”
    “Of course. She takes me by the elbow and leads me out of the room. I’ll get you a car.”
    “What about Max?”
    “I’ll let him