CLANDESTINE | HS |

ONE

Logan

"This looks amazing."

Following the man in front of me, I can't help but smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Deluth." My heels resound off of the marble floor as we walk along the hall filled with art. "I was hoping you would appreciate the way we incorporated the pieces from your family's collection."

"I think I speak for everyone when I say that the way you've incorporated the paintings as well as the historical artifacts is completely astounding." Glancing over at me, his bright eyes reflect the excitement. "Truly, Miss Banks."

"It was nothing, honestly. This is what I live for — getting to organize and create collections for people to enjoy just as much as I do." Waving my hand between us, I shake my head. "And please, call me Logan."

"Only if you'll call me Jonathan instead of Mr. Deluth, that's my father." We reach the end of the long hallway, turning to face each other. "When are we looking at the pieces being returned?"

"The pieces will be with us through the end of the summer as part of the Solstice exhibit." Walking further down the hall, he follows. "In this exhibit we will have not only the art pieces that reflect the meaning of the summer season, there will also be historical artifacts and pieces displayed as well."

"The vision you have for this is phenomenal, honestly." Falling into step alongside me, his smile is blinding. "When does the exhibit open officially?"

Pushing my dark hair behind my shoulder, I look up at him. "Open to the public on April twelfth. We do want to have a gala as well later on in the summer to honor families such as yours and others who have loaned pieces as well as supported the museum through donations."

"Very well." Pulling his phone out of the pocket of his dark dress pants, I watch his fingers work across the screen. "I appreciate you giving me a tour."

"Of course! Thank you for coming by." I give him a smile as we make our way back to my office. "How have your galleries been doing? I saw where you were able to acquire a few Picasso pieces recently."

"Are you keeping tabs on us?" Jonathan laughs.

Turning the corner, I walk backwards as he grins at me. "Everyone knows about Duluth Galleries, are you kidding me? Your parents have quite the collection."

Shrugging his shoulders, he looks so much like the educated man that he is. "The collection and the reputation. Believe me it would have been easier if they had chosen anything other than art."

Stepping through the threshold of my office, I turn to look at him over my shoulder. "You think?"

"Oh, one thousand percent." Once inside, Jonathan reaches for the portfolio on the table between the two dark green velvet chairs that sit in front of my desk. "I'm grateful to have had the opportunities I've had, but with a family like mine it's like living under a weird microscope."

I nod, leaning against the desk that sits in the room, crossing my arms over my chest as he stands tall in front of me. "Well, I'm selfishly glad that you did end up in the family you are in. You are much easier to deal with than a lot of people I have to negotiate with."

"I'm glad that I don't make your life difficult, Logan." The spark in his light eyes is evident as he steps closer to me, his cologne invading my senses as he reaches for the pale pink card on my desk, meeting my eyes as his fingers trace over my name. "I would hate that."