Snippet from Paranormal Romance Project

Whipping around, I smiled, “Well, when you put it that way, I’m in.”

§

When I told Jonathan where I was going and who with, he continued talking to Eric about anticipated project dates while dismissing me with a nod and a wave. Classic workaholic Jonathan. I felt like an afterthought when he was absorbed in business.

“We’ll be back in a few hours,” I stated before shutting the study door.

I try.

Shane waited outside next to a taxi and opened the car door when he saw me coming.

“Your chariot awaits, milady.” He held out his hand for mine.

When my hand rested in his, his thumb trailed along the delicate skin of the back of my hand, rushing a shiver of pleasure though me. As our gazes locked, I briefly paused.

Meekly, I smiled before getting into the taxi and muttered, “Why, thank you.”

§

As promised, Shane took me to the National Gallery and I was determined to keep a safe, physical distance from the dangerously handsome man. Instead, I focused on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a number of masterpieces while he observed from a distance. I preferred it this way. I was safe from myself with several obstacles between us.

The museum was stunning with its polished wooden floors and centuries of fine art. I was lost in a sea of paintings. I saw Monet’s Bathers at La Grenouillère, Rembrandt’s self-portrait at the age of 34, van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and Michelangelo’s The Entombment.

When I thought about the time, I looked up at a wall clock. Damn. It’s 4:30 already! Time had escaped me so quickly.

Hesitantly, I turned away from the depiction of Samson and Delilah—painted by Peter Paul Rubens—and to Shane, who stood quietly behind me, patiently waiting. I gave a look of disappointment.

“What is the matter?” he asked.

“It’s getting late but I don’t want to head back yet,” I pouted. “It’s just too amazing here.”

“Well, there is one more relic that you must view before leaving then.”

Moments later, we stood before a portrait of a knight aiming his spear at a green dragon being lassoed by a fair maiden. I thought, the most animated beings in this painting are the horse and dragon. Shane stood next to me, gazing upon the painting and seemingly lost in reflection.

“The knight is Saint George, the patron saint of England,” Shane explained. “Paolo Uccello painted this piece based on the famous story of Saint George and the dragon. The story goes that the princess was offered up as a sacrifice to save the town from the dragon. It took the king many days to surrender his only child, yet he only did so at her and the townspeople’s behest. Young George came along just in time to spear the beast while the princess leashed it with her belt.

“They led the tamed creature into town to show all that their belief need be placed in God. The knight would only slay the dragon if everyone, including the king, would be baptized. And when all were baptized, Saint George slayed the dragon,” he finished.

Still examining the portrait, I asked, “Is this your most favorite painting in the gallery?”

“Yes it is.”

“Why?”

“Because this depiction has a classic theme with a contemporary twist.” Shane clarified, “The maiden is a purported damsel in distress in the story. However, in my humble opinion, Uccello gives the woman self-empowerment. I love that she is her own savior and Saint George is a collaborator in the capture of the creature.”

It was odd—and fascinating at the same time—to hear him admit his reverence of a woman’s ability to be a part of her own rescue.

I uttered, “That’s a very intriguing thought. I don’t think I would’ve seen that.”

We gazed at each other and there was electricity that stretched between us.

“I am happy that you took the time to see this portraiture. I have a habit of unearthing gems and exposing them to the world.” His smooth and charming accent floated through the air.

A heat flushed in my face, I was blushing. Awkwardly, I glanced around to find that we were alone in the room and then I peeked at the time again.

“I’m hungry.”

Shane turned to the exit and motioned for me to go first. He stated, “We will go back to my flat, acquire Jonathan and then off to dinner.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

§