second to figure out how to make him understand. “Yes. More so for Laramie than for me.” She paused. “My mom was a single parent and I never knew my father. All my life the stigma of being born illegitimate bothered me because there were those who never let me forget. I got teased a lot about not having a father. I know having kids out of wedlock is more acceptable these days, but still, I didn’t want to take a chance and put my child through that.”
Although her mother had never said so, Bristol believed it bothered her mother as well, not only for her daughter but for herself. While growing up, there had been organizations Bristol’s mother had tried to sign up for that had rejected their application because they hadn’t met what was considered normal family dynamics. In other words, she didn’t have a father and her mother didn’t have a husband.
“I assume your manager believes we’re married. She practically accused me of deserting you and my child.”
Bristol rubbed her hands down her face, feeling bad about that. “I’m sorry. I’ll tell her the truth.”
“Don’t bother doing that. At least I know why she’s been acting like I’m scum. And I also now know why that Culpepper guy was acting like an ass when I asked about you.”
“Steven?”
“Yes, I take it he’s your boyfriend.”
Where would he get an idea like that? “No, he’s not my boyfriend. Steven and I have never even gone out on a date.”
Laramie held her gaze, apparently finding it odd that the man would act so territorial under those circumstances. “But he has asked you out though, right?”
“Yes, but I’ve always declined. He’s not my type.” She checked her watch again and then looked up at him. “Are you going to deny you’re my husband? People might question you about it.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t give your secret away.”
When they walked out of the office, the first person Laramie noticed was Steven Culpepper and how the man’s eyes narrowed when they got closer. If the guy had gotten word that Bristol’s supposedly dead husband wasn’t dead after all, then what the hell was he still hanging around for?
Laramie detected Bristol’s nervousness. Did she think he would rat her out, expose her for lying about their marriage when he’d told her he wouldn’t? He slowed his pace and she slowed hers. He glanced down at her. “You okay?”
“Yes. I’m just surprised to see Steven still here.”
That made two of them. “You want me to ask him to leave?”
“No. I guess he was concerned. I see Mr. Kusac is still here, too. I can understand his concern since he was a good friend of my father’s.”
Laramie didn’t say anything. He recalled how people had jumped into motion when the man named Kusac had barked out orders earlier. Even the owner of the gallery was quick to do the man’s bidding.
Margie left the group to walk toward them, a smile on her lips. “Well, did the two of you get things straightened out?” she asked.
Laramie answered before Bristol did. “Yes, and we’re leaving.”
The woman lifted a brow. “Leaving? To go where?”
Laramie was tempted to tell the woman that he didn’t think it was any of her business, but Bristol answered, “I’m going home, Margie. Is the car ready to take me there?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” She then turned to Laramie and said, “I need to say good-night to everyone.”
“Okay, let’s do that.”
Her eyes widened, probably in surprise that he’d included himself in the goodbyes, but she didn’t say anything as he walked with her over to the three men. “I would like you to meet Laramie Cooper.”
Laramie was sure it didn’t go unnoticed how Bristol had introduced him. She hadn’t referred to him as her husband. He figured these people assumed he was her back-from-the-dead husband, but she wasn’t allowing anyone to presume anything about the nature of their relationship.
She thanked the owner of the gallery for hosting the event and apologized for all the commotion she’d caused by fainting.
Maurice Jazlyn waved off her words and said, “I would have passed out, too, had I thought my husband was dead and then he suddenly appeared out of nowhere.”
Laramie didn’t speak. If they were waiting for him to explain his absence for the past three years, they could wait on.
Then Jazlyn’s face broke into a smile. “But then, I certainly can’t complain since every last one of your paintings sold and you being here brought Kusac out tonight. It’s been years since I’ve seen him.”
“And I was glad to see him, as well,” Bristol said, smiling at the man. “Thanks for coming.”
Colin Kusac smiled. “Your first art show in New York—I would not have missed it for the world.”
Then Bristol’s attention went to Steven Culpepper. Laramie didn’t like the vibes he was picking up off the man. He hadn’t liked them from the first. “Steven,” he heard Bristol say. “Thanks for inviting all those people here tonight. It was a nice turnout thanks to you.”
“No need to thank me, but I’d like for us to meet sometime this week. Several of my clients here tonight were impressed with your work and want to see more. A few are willing to commission some of your future projects.”
“That’s wonderful! I’m sure we can arrange a meeting,” Margie said excitedly behind them. “Just give me a call, Steven. I’ll work out a date and time when Bristol is available.”
A tight smile touched Culpepper’s lips. “Yes, of course, Margie.” Laramie had a feeling Culpepper had wanted a private meeting with Bristol and her manager had ruined those plans.
“I’ll call you tomorrow to discuss your availability, Bristol,” Margie said.
“That’s fine,” Bristol said, smiling. She then turned to him. “I’m ready to go, Laramie.”
He nodded and took her hand, leading her toward the door.
* * *
“I don’t bite, you know.”
Bristol glanced across the back seat at Laramie and had to admit there was a lot of space between them. He might not bite but she could vividly recall a lot of other naughty things he could do with his mouth.
Jeez. Why was she remembering that now?
“I know you don’t bite, but I figured you would want your space.”
She thought the chuckle that ensued from his throat sounded way too sexy for her ears. “Is that a way of letting me know you
