An Irresistible Bachelor (An Unforgettable Lady #2)(30)

When she came to a halt next to her son, Mrs. Walker waved the minion away with a flick of the wrist. “Have you come to talk with Gerard?”

Callie knew she was referring to Gerard Beauvais, the head of the MFA’s conservation department. Callie had heard of the man but never met him. A legend in the art world, he was responsible for conserving the work of some of the most important masters: da Vinci, Rembrandt, Michelangelo.

Jack nodded. “I thought he and Callie should meet.”

Mrs. Walker’s brows lifted. “Perhaps Ms. Burke will consent to his assistance. Assuming she’s open to collaboration.”

Callie felt her stomach knot as Jack shot his mother a level stare. “Did I happen to mention that Callie worked with your friend Micheline Talbot on the conservation of the torn de Kooning?”

Mrs. Walker’s eyes flickered just enough to show that she did indeed recall the project.

“You remember that painting, Mother. It’s at MoMA,” Jack prompted smoothly. “You told me that Micheline had gone on and on about how she couldn’t have done the job without her assistant. That the young woman was talented as hell and a pleasure to work with, right?”

Callie held her breath, wishing he’d drop the subject.

“Remember. Mother.”

“Yes, yes, of course. It was an extraordinary result.”

“So I think Callie and Gerard will get along just fine.”

Mrs. Walker brought a hand up to her hair, smoothing back what was not out of place. “I’m sure you do. Now, if you will excuse me, I’m going home. The executive committee meeting went on longer than it should have and I’m tired.”

Callie flushed as Jack’s mother walked away. The woman hadn’t made eye contact with her at all, as if Mrs. Walker could make her disappear by ignoring her.

But Jack had made sure she was noticed. Had stuck up for her.

She glanced at him. His eyes were narrowed as he watched his mother go into the cloakroom.

“That wasn’t really necessary,” Callie said softly.

“Yes, it was.”

“I can take care of myself.”

He looked at her. “I have no doubt of that, but my mother is not going to be your problem. Come on, let’s go to Gerard’s office.”

Jack led them past the guard who checked tickets and through an exhibit of African art, to an elevator big enough to park cars in. The thing was huge, its ceiling some eighteen feet high. As they lurched upward, she could feel him staring at her.

“What?” she asked.

He put his hands into the pockets of his fine suit. “Why don’t you want me to protect you?”

“Because I shouldn’t get in the habit of relying on you when it comes to dealing with your mother.” She paused. “Although it was a nice gesture on your part.”

“I’m sorry—did I hear that right? You actually approve of something I’ve done?”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” she replied, hiding her smile.

He laughed. “With you around, I don’t think either of us have to worry about that.”

She lifted her eyes and was taken aback when he looked at her grimly.

“Tell me something, Callie, what’s it going to take to get you to like me?”

“Why do you care if I do?” she asked, surprised by the question and his intensity.

“I like a challenge,” he said, that grin of his returning.

“Then go climb a mountain.”

He laughed again. “I think you’re far more interesting and I’m not crazy about heights. Now, answer my question.”

“Why don’t you take a shot at mine for real, first?” she tossed back.

“Okay.” The smile stayed in place, but his eyes grew somber. “When I showed you to your new bedroom you were delighted, but I know you would have quite happily stayed in the back rooms. You haven’t once asked me about paying you the money we discussed. And my dog loves you.”

“So maybe I’m laid-back, fiscally irresponsible, and have kibble in my pocket.”

“Mostly, though, I’m fascinated by you.”

The elevator came to a stop.

“You can’t possibly be serious,” she muttered, trying to ignore a sudden pounding in her chest.

As the doors opened, he held them at bay while she walked out.

“But I am,” he said, falling into step beside her. “You are one very unusual lady.”

She could feel the heat hit her face.

“Where’s the office?” she asked pointedly.

It was a relief when he walked ahead and stayed quiet.

She wasn’t in a big hurry to tell him that in order for her to like him he’d have to morph into something other than a devastatingly handsome and wealthy man who’d kissed her like she’d never been kissed before.

He’d have to go from being an Aston Martin DB whatever to a Chevy Chevette.





9


THEY WALKED through a rabbit warren of offices that was broken up by floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with a jagged, colorful array of books. When they came to a set of double doors, Jack rang a bell on the wall. Moments later, the metal panels were opened to reveal a small, older man. Under his sparse, graying hair, his face was surprisingly young looking, mostly because of the enthusiasm in his eyes.