Free Secrets of You by Mary Campisi Page A

nothing else, just turned and headed toward the kitchen. When he returned a few minutes later, he had a beer in his hand and a harsh look on his face. “For the first time in my life, I’m going to do something that’s not about me. That feels good. Wonderful, actually. I’m going to do this, with or without your help.”
    The easygoing manner and persuasive tenderness he’d shown her these past days was gone. In its place was determination. “How could I possibly help?”
    “Talk to Ian, set up a show or whatever it is you people do to get patrons to view your work. If you have release forms, I’ll send them out and follow up with phone calls. There’s one town in particular I’d like to focus on.” He sipped his beer, studied her over the top of the bottle. “If we have success and make money, I’ll deliver it myself. If not, I’ll subsidize the venture.”
    “You mean give them your own money?”
    “Exactly.”
    “But…”
    “Why?” He reached for her hand and pulled her to him. Slowly. Gently. “Why would I do this?” Ash blew out a breath and rested his forehead against hers. “It could change people’s lives. Can you imagine?” He was so close, so achingly familiar. He brushed his lips over her temple, whispered, “I’m going to do this, and I want you to be part of it.”

Chapter 6

    Lancaster Development had lots of data, but then they would, considering they owned a huge chunk of Philly’s prime real estate and were in a constant state of renovation or building. Ash scrolled through the file, his third since he’d gotten into the office. This one was a condo renovation five miles from the city; lots of glass and chrome, completely furnished. Very pricey. Aside from the exercise room, spa, and media center, there was a doggy daycare that promised individualized care, socialization, two walks a day, and a webcam as an eyewitness. That, Ash would like to see.
    He’d gotten into work well before 7:00 a.m ., figured out the coffee maker, and made his way to the office Peter had designated for him. It had been a long time since he’d been confined to an office—his schedule had always consisted of action according to mood and other plans, the former taking precedence over the latter.
    But missions elicited action and Ash was on a mission to locate the condos that needed wall art. He wanted to consider the overall theme, individual taste, and representation of the area before he decided on the artwork, though he already had a few plans for Evie Burnes’s silhouettes. He was also very interested in how the photos he’d taken might mesh with the décor.
    Last night had been exhilarating and frustrating. With Arianna’s help and guidance, he could funnel the money back to the small towns that had so generously opened up to him, provided meals and stories, and made him feel welcome. For once in his self-serving life, he could do something that was not about him. And he was going to do it. Of course, that meant a one hundred percent buy-in from Pete, which shouldn’t be a big deal seeing as his big brother was so happy he was back in town, Ash might get him to agree to just about anything.
    The other part of the success equation was Arianna. She hadn’t agreed to help him but she hadn’t said no either. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked her when they were forehead to forehead, lips inches apart. He sure as hell hadn’t been able to think of anything but kissing her and he’d bet his old Ferrari she was thinking about it, too. Her breath had come out in short little puffs, her voice dipped and fell in a velvet rumble as she started, then stopped, and finally eked out an “I don’t know.”
    Ash needed her help, but he wanted her to do it because she wanted to, not because he’d persuaded her with kisses and a touch. She didn’t like hearing about small towns and what they stood for, though she knew what comprised them much better than he did.
    When was she going to tell him the truth