He looks like he’s fighting back a smile.

“You sound like a snob.”

I lift my chin, not the least bit upset by his assessment of me. “I am a snob…at least when it comes to art.”

He lifts one dark brow. “At least you’re self-aware.”

“I’m not kidding.” I point behind him to the women who at this very moment are withdrawing more fabric samples. “Your designers will have you walking out of here with the least interesting piece just because it happens to include a specific shade of blue that coordinates with some throw pillows.”

He deftly slides his phone into the pocket of his suit pants then turns to give me his full attention. His predatorial traits are suddenly emphasized, our height difference more apparent now than ever. I imagine this is what it might feel like to sit across from him in a boardroom. I’m surprised I don’t lose the contents of my bladder as he asks simply and arrogantly, “And what would you suggest instead?”

My eyes widen. “Me?”

“Yes. You, the girl who’s inserted herself into something that’s none of her business. I’d like to hear the rest of your advice.”

The fact that I’m able to keep my voice steady as I reply is only because we happen to be discussing the one field I feel fully confident in. Art belongs to me the way the rest of the world belongs to him.

“Very well…” I take a moment to compose my thoughts. “Truth be told, I would suggest you leave the interior designers out of it. They do their job well, but this likely isn’t their arena. Find an art consultant, someone who can help you choose pieces based on a multitude of factors. A man like you—”

“A man like me?” he asks in mock offense.

I wave a hand over his outfit, not quite prepared to admit I know who he is. This is the strangest conversation I’ve ever had, and I can’t tell if he’s only trying to amuse himself by dangling me on his line like this or if he truly doesn’t remember me. To him, this might just be some big game, but there’s no tell. He’s not given himself away. I genuinely don’t think he recognizes me.

“A man who clearly cares about appearances,” I reply quickly, not wanting to reveal too much. “No matter why you’re here tonight, to acquire one piece or many, you’ll want to build a collection that will endure, something that includes physical art: antiques, sculptures, rare books, even. Then you’ll need a mixture of paintings and drawings chosen wisely. You’ll want diversity. There’s no sense in scooping up a slew of Picassos and Degas, not unless you’re trying to control the market. One or two will do. In addition to that, I would encourage you to look to emerging artists to fill most of your collection. Mattea Perrotta, for instance.”

“Is this her work?” he asks, motioning to the artwork on the wall.