Is This Shoulder Taken?

Chapter 2

Andrea saved me. "Kendall, can you introduce me to some of your new artists?"

"Sure, I'd love to." I didn't wait for a reply. I was so embarrassed at my reaction to Greyson.

When we walked away from Colton and Greyson, I thanked Andrea for quickly intervening. She teased. "What else are friends for?" She nudged her shoulder into mine. We both covered our mouths, trying not to laugh out loud.

I don't know what was wrong with me. No one has affected me like that since Mark! I was certainly not going to let Greyson anywhere near my heart. Andrea told me he proclaimed he was never getting married. He had no intentions of dating, or getting married, ever.

That's great and works out perfectly for me. I'm trying to convince myself, and even I don't believe me. . . . As the evening went on, I gave talking to Greyson another try. I wanted him to know that my mouth did work and sound came out at times. A quick laugh escaped my lips as I approached him. I was going against my better senses. I shook my head.

I caught him at the perfect time. He was standing alone, admiring a painting that hung on the wall. I snuck up behind him. "That painting is for sale. It's one of my favorites." He turned and smiled as he took his hand from his chin.

"I wanted to say a proper hello to you. I don't know what was wrong with me earlier." I gazed up at him with a bashful smile.

He had the nerve to say, "I seem to have that effect on women. That's why I'd rather stay single. If I got married, my wife would never speak to me."

Then he flashed a mischievous grin on his face. He let me know he was joking. He was trying to put me at ease around him. He made an allowance for me looking like an idiot earlier. I liked that he had wit and a sense of humor.

I found that he was different than I thought. I spent the rest of the art exhibition conversing easily with him. He didn't put on airs, even though I am sure he was wealthier than anyone there tonight. And he definitely was one of the most handsome men I had ever seen. His gray eyes were intriguing and easy to get lost in.

It was like we were the only two people in the room. He was interested in everything I had to say. At some point before the exhibition ended, all eyes were on us. I guess we gave everyone a reason. I ignored everyone else around me tonight. That was not good for me, as the gallery owner. I quickly apologized and thanked my guests for coming tonight. I hoped they loved the artwork from my artists.

I mentally scolded myself. I was drawn in by the good-looking and fascinating man standing before me. I made a mental note not to let it happen again. I needed to stick to my resolve. Something told me that my resolve would betray me if I was ever in his presence again.

I went home that night, my mind buzzing. I couldn't stop thinking about how nice it was to talk to him. It felt amazing to have his undivided attention. It was foreign to be treated as if I was the most important person in the world.

I have always thought of myself as quite ordinary. But he made me feel extraordinary, with the way he hung on to my every word. He told me Colton never mentioned I was so beautiful. Every part of my face turned various shades of red from that statement. The last man to call me beautiful was Mark, and that didn't end well.

*****

Andrea called me early the next morning. "Grey could not stop talking about you. He enjoyed his evening very much and his conversation with you in particular."

"Thank you for sharing, but I'm not interested in Greyson." I was not about to let my mind wander in that direction.

I wouldn't dare admit to myself or Andrea, otherwise. I changed the subject. "How are your wedding plans coming along?" I tried to sound excited, even though weddings were still a sore spot for me.

She actually used my old wedding planner, Miss Cara. She is one of the best wedding planners in Texas. Andrea asked how I'd feel if she hired her.

"I'm fine. She's one of the best." I bit my tongue. What else was I going to say to my best friend for her wedding?

I didn't really feel fine. I was supposed to be getting married. It was hard deep down inside. . . . I wanted my old life back. But I put on a brave front for my friend. It was hard thinking back on my wedding experience. I thought I had found my, Happy Ever After.

Mark had been my childhood crush. He turned out to be a successful attorney here in Dallas. I hadn't seen him in years. We ran into each other three years ago, I mean literally. We had a fender bender with our cars. I recognized him immediately. He still looked the same as he had in elementary school. We were in Mrs. Green's first grade class together. Now he was older and so handsome.

I could tell he didn't recognize me. I looked a lot different in my elementary school days. I was from a low income family. . . we barely scraped by. I wore the same clothes a lot, I lived in a rundown house and was on the free lunch program.

One of my momma's jobs was a waitress in our local diner. Everyone knew my momma was Priscilla Moore. That was her married name. I got teased all of the time in school, but Andrea would always come to my rescue. She had my back.

Mark handed me his business card after our car accident. "We could handle this privately and I will pay for the mechanic to repair the damage."

"We have a deal, Mark West." I smiled up at him.

"What a beautiful smile you have. What is your name? Is it Miss or Mrs.?"

"I'm not married. It's Miss Kendall Prescott. I own the new art gallery down the street." I pointed in its direction.

Mark spoke up nervously. "I've passed by there, it's beautiful. I'll have to come check it out."

"Sure, please stop by anytime, the gallery is open Monday through Saturday." My voice shook.

Mark stopped by the gallery that evening. He looked at and asked about all of the paintings. We hit if off right away and had such easy conversation. He invited me to dinner and the rest is history.

I fell hard and fast for Mark West. I had legally changed my last name to Prescott after Momma passed away. Prescott was her maiden name. I never revealed my true identity to Mark. I wasn't sure he'd still be interested in me.

I know it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but I didn't want to go back to that little girl everyone used to tease. I had grown up and became a successful business woman. I didn't want to lose this opportunity to have my childhood crush, as my my real life boyfriend.

I was going to tell him eventually, but the time never seemed right. I reasoned that I really was Kendall Prescott and everything would be fine. I never imagined we would fall in love so quickly and he would ask me to marry him.

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A/N - I hope you're enjoying the story!

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