This Tangled Thing Called Love: A Contemporary Romance Novel by Marie Astor

Park. What if he hated Claire’s contribution to his perfect pad? I’ll take my chances , Claire thought as she thrust the door open.
    The gallery space was wide open, with white-washed walls and artwork displayed on almost every available bit of space. What would David like? Claire mused as she surveyed paintings, lithographs, and sculptures, suddenly realizing that this was going to be trickier than she thought. Her eyes darted to the collection of Joan Miro’s lithographs on the far wall, and she stopped still. She knew exactly the piece she would get for David. In her mind, she could visualize the spot on the wall of his apartmen t where the lithograph would go - right over the bar in the living room. It would be the perfect finishing touch.
    “Lindsay, what do you think?” Claire tugged Lindsay’s sleeve, motioning at the lithograph excitedly.
    “I love it.” Lindsay cocked her head back to get a better view. “But will David?”
    “Why? You don’t think he’ll like it?”
    “I don’t know. From what I’ve seen of him, he seems a bit…” Lindsay lingered, searching for the correct word. “Conservative?”
    Lindsay had the worst poker face in the world, and Claire cut right to the chase.
    “You mean that he can be kind of a stuffed shirt at times?”
    “Conservative.” Lindsay grinned. “But don’t get me wrong. I think the painting is great, so I’d go for it.”
    “It’s a lithograph,” Claire could not help making the correction.
    “Whatever. I didn’t double major in architecture and art, so I’ll take your word for it.”
    “Sorry - I can’t help it at times. I’m going to find out the price,” Claire added hurriedly.
    Bracing herself for the worst, Claire tiptoed across the floor toward the gallery clerk. A lithograph of Joan Miro was bound to be expensive, but she was prepared to sacrifice up to a month’s salary. It turned out that there were downsides when one dated a boyfriend who had everything.
    A few minutes later Claire joined Lindsay, who was looking at some paintings on the opposite wall of the gallery.
    “It’s worse than I thought,” Claire announced.
    “How bad?”
    “Two months’ salary. I could go as far as one and half, but two months would wipe me out. I guess we’d better keep looking.”
    “Hold your horses. I’ll be right back. Just st and by and look disinterested.”
    Lindsay jaunted in the direction of the gallery clerk. Out of the corner of her eye, Claire observed the animated exchange between Lindsay and the gallery clerk. She strained her ears, but their voices were muted, so she could not hear a word.
    “How about this?” Lindsay named the new price, and Claire’s jaw almost dropped with disbelief. The price was now over thirty percent less.
    “How on earth did you manage that? I mean how could a gallery clerk lower the price by so much?”
    “Well, he is not exactly a clerk. He is the owner. And let’s just say that I promised him a press mention.”
    “You’re the best!”
    Claire’s purchase was almost wrapped up when the front door swung open, blowing in a fresh burst of May air. Hearing the noise, Claire turned toward the source of distraction and immediately regretted her decision.
    “Are you okay?” Lindsay nudged her. “Your face is all flushed.”
    “I’m fine,” Claire murmured. “I’m just really hungry, that’s all. Let’s go grab a bite to eat after this.” Claire ducked her head, hoping to remain unnoticed.
    “Claire?”
    She had only heard his voice a handful of times, and yet it was enough to unleash a flurry of goose bumps on her skin.
    “Hi, Alec.” Claire widened her lips in a bright smile, attempting to sound nonchalant.
    “Hi, I’m Lindsay.” Lindsay stepped in, alternately darting curious glances at Claire and Alec.
    “This is Alec, my new neighbor.” Claire swiped away at an unruly strand of hair that fell over her forehead.
    Alec momentarily tore his gaze away from Claire.
    “It’s a pleasure