“For what? If you didn’t want to have dinner with me, there’s no need to apologize.”

She squeezed her hands into fists. “You’ve twisted everything around.”

“How?”

“I was worried. I just started a new job today at your company.”

“I told you, it’s not my com—”

Her silver eyes sparkled with fire. “That’s bullshit and you know it. It’s Wolfe Enterprises. You’re a Wolfe.”

I stayed silent.

What could I say to that? As many times as I’d wanted to renounce my birthright, I was indeed a Wolfe.

“I talked to Lacey.”

“About what?”

“Um…about whether having dinner with you was an issue. She said she didn’t think it would be a problem, so…”

“So what? You’re here to accept the invitation I made hours ago? Sorry. It’s been rescinded.”

Asshole move, totally. I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. I wasn’t an asshole. Either of my brothers might have made that move. Not me.

“Oh.” She looked away. “I guess I should go, then.”

“I suppose.” Another asshole move. What the hell was wrong with me?

“I’m sorry I bothered you.” She turned and walked out the door.

Was I really going to let that beautiful woman with silver eyes walk out of my loft?

Out of my life?

“Wait a minute, silver,” I said.

She turned, her eyes wide. “What?”

“The invitation was rescinded because it’s nine o’clock. I’ve already had dinner.”

“Oh.” Her eyes brightened. “Maybe another time, then.”

“You mean you haven’t eaten?”

She shook her head. “I just left the office.”

“They didn’t buy you dinner for staying late?”

“They didn’t know I stayed. I wanted to unpack my personals and learn where everything is.”

“You’re a workaholic like the rest of them, huh?”

She let out an adorable little huff. “I believe in doing the best job I can at all times, if that’s what you mean.”

“That’s something we share, then.”

“I don’t mean to change the subject,” she said, “but you really are a brilliant artist.”

Warmth crept through me. I’d had my share of compliments from those in the cultural elite, but this endorsement from a woman I hardly knew suddenly became the most important review I’d ever received.

She looked around the mess in my living room. “You don’t have any of your work on your walls.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“There are plenty of unfinished works in my studio.” I pointed down the small hallway.

“But why not in here? For visitors to enjoy?”

“Visitors?” I never had visitors. Even on the few occasions I’d gotten lucky, we’d always gone to her place except once.

“Yeah. You know. People who come over to see you.” She laughed teasingly.

“No one comes to see me,” I said truthfully.

“Well…I’m here.”