Is This Shoulder Taken?

Chapter 16

"Why don't we all go and support Kendall's exhibition?" Greyson astonished me, with his interest all of a sudden.

"Grey, I would love to go . . . but we're already invited to another function." Savannah put her hand on Greyson's back. She started touching the waves that were beginning to form in the back of his chocolate brown hair. She wanted to let everyone know, especially me, that he belonged to her now.

I sat there like a stone statue, trying to keep my true reaction at bay. I couldn't handle seeing Savannah playing in Greyson's hair, and she knew it. She was pushing my buttons, but I was good at hiding my emotions.

She wasn't trying to have Greyson attend anything supporting me. Even if they didn't have any plans. The nerve of that woman! I was ready to throttle her for being so familiar with him. And I wanted to punch him for letting her.

Brody was determined. "Well, I'm coming to your art exhibition regardless of who attends, or not. I've never been to an art exhibition—I'm excited. What time does it start?"

I was touched by his desire to be there. "Thank you Brody. It will be my pleasure to have you at my art gallery for the evening. I will give you a personal tour. It starts at 6 p.m. Can I have your phone number? I can text you the address."

"I can give Brody the address." Greyson interrupted. "It's right in Downtown Dallas." Apparently Greyson didn't want me texting Brody. His jaw muscles were starting to tighten, but I handled the situation.

"Greyson thank you. I'm talking to Brody. You and Savannah can discuss your plans. I'd appreciate you staying out of mine. It was nice of you to offer . . . though." I turned my back to Greyson, and proceeded to continue my conversation he interrupted.

Greyson was furious, and I loved every minute of it. He could be with Savannah, but me being with Brody bothered him. Well too bad. . . .

            ~***~

The Art Exhibition

It's Friday and the night of my art exhibition. I ended up having a very nice evening at the Carrington's for dinner. I loved meeting Brody, Greyson's cousin. He's not Greyson, but I like him a lot.

Brody arrived at the exhibition at 6 p.m. sharp. He was by himself, and was dressed to impress.  He wore a black well tailored suit, and was looking handsome as can be. Something about him is very different than his cousins, but no one will ever be Greyson in my book. He is incomparable to most men.

"Who is that? I've never seen him before. He is stunning, and those eyes." Sheila practically tripped, but recovered in lightning speed. Thankfully, no one noticed.

"His name is, Brody Carrington. He is visiting from San Antonio for a few weeks." I gave her the short and to the point version, while we still had time to speak privately.

"How many gorgeous Carringtons are there?" Sheila was captivated.

"I know, right? He is Greyson's cousin. I met him Wednesday night at dinner. He's headed this way—we'll talk later Sheila." I quickly got in, before he strolled over to us.

"Hi Kendall, you look beautiful. Your art gallery is very impressive." Brody complimented me. I could tell that Sheila seemed very taken with him.

"Hi Brody, thank you for joining us tonight. You look very handsome in your suit and tie. This is my right arm assistant, Sheila Summers." I introduced them and Sheila was practically tongue tied. Her words tumbled over each other.

"A pleasure to meet you Sheila. He looked at her, and kissed the back of her hand." Brody has a way with women. He is very suave and confident.

"I'd love my tour Kendall, if you can spare some time." Brody had not forgotten my promise to give him a personal tour of my gallery. He was keeping me to my word.

Before we got started on our tour, I saw Greyson and Savannah walk into the gallery. Savannah didn't look happy. It looked like they had been arguing. But, Greyson was all smiles, as he walked through the entrance. He was as good-looking as ever.

"Brody and Sheila—can you two excuse me for a second?" I stepped away, and it allowed Sheila and Brody a moment alone to talk. I know Sheila was on cloud nine.

"Greyson, Savannah, what are you doing here?" I was surprised, considering Savannah made it clear, they already had a previous engagement tonight.

"We wanted to support your exhibition—isn't that right?" Greyson tapped Savannah on the shoulder, as if she had agreed on her own. By the pinched look on her face, I could tell she hadn't.

I waited for her answer. This should be a good
story. . . .

"We changed our plans, so we could be here tonight. Greyson really wanted me to see your art gallery exhibition." Savannah managed to say, without looking like she was lying.

"I thought maybe we could go on a tour?" Greyson looked at me, with his grey eyes sparkling. But I would not be swayed by his eyes—not this time.

No, I have to be strong and protect my heart. He's with that woman. . . .

"I will have my assistant, Sheila, give you two a tour. I was just getting ready to give Brody the personal tour, I had promised him. In the meantime, feel free to walk around, meet the artists, and there is plenty of food and drink." I turned and walked over to Brody, and refused to look back.

I loved this night. Good for him, turnabout is fair play.

I didn't turn around to see the look of bewilderment, that had to be on Greyson's face. Brody was excitedly waiting when I walked back. I looped my arm through his.

I smiled into his aquamarine eyes. "Shall we begin our tour, Sir?"

"Lead the way, Mi Lady." Brody was another true gentleman.

I would love to know what Greyson was thinking, as I went to give Brody a tour. I let Sheila give him and Savannah a tour.

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