This was written for a Literary Knights collection, Passions of a Knight. It's just a fun little romantic Clich. Enjoy!
Passion for the Arts
How did she get herself into these things? Here she stood in an uncomfortable gown and three inch heels, why, for her best friends gallery opening. Luella hated crowds and small talk. Yet here she was stuck in the middle of just that.
A huge crowd had turned out much to Tabithas glee. A talented artist Tabitha deserved the attention she was getting tonight. Luella had only seen her once since arriving at the gallery, but, she knew as soon as she left Tabby would be calling. Why did you leave?
Wandering over to one of the paintings Luella gazed into the canvas, getting lost in the swirls of color and texture of strokes. The room quieted as people moved into the next room for an unveiling. Beautiful.
The voice from behind started her. Im sorry?
She said turning to find a tall chestnut haired man, dressed in the usual tux but minus the tie. He smiled dipping his head a bit shyly. No, Im sorry. I didnt mean to startle you. The painting is very beautiful. Im surprised the artist isnt better known.
Luella returned his smile as she turned back to the piece giving it another look. She really didnt know anything about art except what Tabby told her. She knew what she liked and didnt like and dump the rest. This is one of my favorite pieces Tabitha has done. I dont know why it just appeals to me.
His brow rose at the casualness of the name. The blend of stroke and color evoke a calming effect. This is something you can sit and stare at for a while and not feel like it was wasting time. You know the artist?
Gazing back at the possible benefactor Luellas smile was caught on her lips by the way he was gazing at her. Weve been friends since grade school. I think she would like your description. This is her big break, really before this she was selling paintings at flea markets.
With a chuckle he shook his head. It really is amazing how many talented people there are in the world. What about you, friend to the artist, whats your talent?
Her feet were starting to throb, so she tried to move nonchalantly to the bench behind them. My talent is being a friend to the artist. I dont have any special gifts like Tabby.
A waitress shuffled by the handsome man plucked to flutes of champagne from the tray as he joined her on the bench. A beautiful woman without talent? Im sure thats not the case. What do you do for a living?
Now it was Luellas turn to wax shy. Im a writer.
He was impressed. A writer, see I knew there was talent there. What do you write novels or articles?
I dont know if putting words together is a talent but its a meager living. I write a little of everything along with whatever will pay the bills. As long as I can write.
Leaning back he seemed to be appraising her. Now I know your passion.
The crowd seemed to be trickling back into the main part of the gallery and the noise was picking back up. He stood and held out his hand to her. Join me on the veranda?
Not even thinking Luella place her hand in his. They weaved through the throng until they reached the open air. The veranda was cleverly placed over looking the lake. It was a clear night and the moon shone in the surface of the water. The sight drew a sigh from her lips as she leaned on the railing. Now thats beautiful.
He wasnt looking at the lake when he said, Yes, very beautiful.
Luella turned and smiled. I dont even know your name.
Jacob Cross, I dont know yours. Stepping closer as he spoke.
Luella Song. Her eyes were locked to his, moonlight dancing across the dark orbs. You wouldnt happen to be related to Phillip Cross the Gallery director?
Jacob nodded as he watched the wind blow a strand of hair across her face. Reaching out he tucked the loose strand behind her ear. Hes my brother. Phillip talked me into coming tonight, Ill have to thank him for that.
Luella had only a moment to take a breath before he pressed his lips softly to hers. The gentle kiss tingled along her lips as she returned it deepening. When Jacob stepped back a smile tugged at his lip. Im sorry. Maybe I shouldnt have done that.
Her heart beating a little faster Luella ran the tip of her finger over his bottom lip now tinted the same shade as her lipstick. Then maybe you should do it again, just to be sure.
This time he stepped close taking her in his arms. He was tall and broad shouldered compared to the small petite woman almost lost in his embrace. Tilting her chin Jacob caressed first one lip then the other before completing the kiss. Sliding one hand under her hair pressing their bodies together as Luella melted into the embrace.
Inside the gallery Tabitha was worried she hadnt seen her friend in a while. A baritone voice ran down her skin like silk. Is something wrong Tabby?
I cant find Luella. I dont think she would leave without saying something. Phillip Cross was the man of Tabitha Greens dreams. She had harbored a secret crush since their first meeting. Being near him always made her a bit flustered.
The last I saw her was just before the unveiling. Perhaps shes still in the canvases, lets go look.
He offered an arm which she shyly took. What was it about this man that made her turn into a teenage girl? You dont have to. I mean Im sure shes alright.
Phillip flashed a smile as he took her by the hand. Maybe Im trying to get you alone.
Tabitha had a second to look surprised. Phillip, you shouldnt tease a girl like that.
Instead of leading her into the gallery, Phillip wove a path to the small patio off to the side of the rooms. The air was cool on her skin as the door opened. He looked back at her into her eyes. Whos teasing?
Standing in the night under the sweet scent of the honeysuckle vines growing around the edge of the patio wall, Phillip draped his jacket over her shoulders. I have a confession. Since the first time we met Ive been harboring a bit of a crush on you Tabitha. I wasnt sure if you would be interested in a guy like me, you never paid much mind either way. Would you be interested in a guy like me?
Frozen by his words she wasnt sure how to answer. How long had she been making silent wishes when he would look her way? Phillip, I, I.
Suddenly it all seemed right, the moment was there for her to seize. Tabitha took a calming breath as she reached out to touch his cheek. Im not interested in a guy like you. Im interested in you. Since were confessing, there is something Ive wanted to do since the first time we met.
With a grin she pulled him to her lips by his tie. Their kiss was electric, sending tingling sensations through her body. She let her hands curl into his hair and breathed in the scent of cologne and the man underneath.
It was getting cooler in the night air so they went back inside. Phillip stopped to stand in front of a sculpture of a ballerina Tabitha had carved. Amazing, no matter how many artists I meet I am amazed by you all. How do you get something like this from a block of stone?
Smiling she took his hand and pulled him under the velvet rope. Close your eyes. Go on close them. Now reach out and touch the stone. What do you feel?
Letting his hand slide along the curves and lines Philip had a vision of his own. I feel the pours of the stone, the shape of the dancer, smooth lines and deep curves.
When he opened his eyes he saw hers were closed as she stood like him one hand on the statue. Thats what I see, what I feel the first time I see the block of stone. I can feel what is inside of it. The statue is already there, I just chip away the excess.
Placing his hands on her waist Phillip brushed her lips with his. I could never do what you do.
Tilting her face to him she whispered. You already have. I have always had a passion for what I do. Its easy for me to get lost in the stone or the painting as its worked. Right now, right here you chipped away at something else and I see a different kind of passion.
Philip held her close. What do you say we end this party a bit early?
The next morning Tabitha was waiting in by the door when Luella opened the bathroom door. Oh! Good morning, sorry I bailed on you last night.
Tabby smiled and patted her friends arm. Actually you did me a favor. Ill explain in a minute.
Luella grabbed her arm as Tabitha started to open the door. The door opened on its own and Jacob stepped out. Now it was Tabithas turn to be surprised. Oh!
Phillip chose that moment to come out of the bedroom. Luella smiled at her friend. Oh indeed.
The men locked eyes and laughed. I guess Jacob wont mind going to gallery openings any more.
No bro, not at all.
Luella glanced at the new couple of Tabitha and Phillip then up into Jacobs smiling face. I guess we all have a renewed passion for the arts.
Passion for the Arts
How did she get herself into these things? Here she stood in an uncomfortable gown and three inch heels, why, for her best friends gallery opening. Luella hated crowds and small talk. Yet here she was stuck in the middle of just that.
A huge crowd had turned out much to Tabithas glee. A talented artist Tabitha deserved the attention she was getting tonight. Luella had only seen her once since arriving at the gallery, but, she knew as soon as she left Tabby would be calling. Why did you leave?
Wandering over to one of the paintings Luella gazed into the canvas, getting lost in the swirls of color and texture of strokes. The room quieted as people moved into the next room for an unveiling. Beautiful.
The voice from behind started her. Im sorry?
She said turning to find a tall chestnut haired man, dressed in the usual tux but minus the tie. He smiled dipping his head a bit shyly. No, Im sorry. I didnt mean to startle you. The painting is very beautiful. Im surprised the artist isnt better known.
Luella returned his smile as she turned back to the piece giving it another look. She really didnt know anything about art except what Tabby told her. She knew what she liked and didnt like and dump the rest. This is one of my favorite pieces Tabitha has done. I dont know why it just appeals to me.
His brow rose at the casualness of the name. The blend of stroke and color evoke a calming effect. This is something you can sit and stare at for a while and not feel like it was wasting time. You know the artist?
Gazing back at the possible benefactor Luellas smile was caught on her lips by the way he was gazing at her. Weve been friends since grade school. I think she would like your description. This is her big break, really before this she was selling paintings at flea markets.
With a chuckle he shook his head. It really is amazing how many talented people there are in the world. What about you, friend to the artist, whats your talent?
Her feet were starting to throb, so she tried to move nonchalantly to the bench behind them. My talent is being a friend to the artist. I dont have any special gifts like Tabby.
A waitress shuffled by the handsome man plucked to flutes of champagne from the tray as he joined her on the bench. A beautiful woman without talent? Im sure thats not the case. What do you do for a living?
Now it was Luellas turn to wax shy. Im a writer.
He was impressed. A writer, see I knew there was talent there. What do you write novels or articles?
I dont know if putting words together is a talent but its a meager living. I write a little of everything along with whatever will pay the bills. As long as I can write.
Leaning back he seemed to be appraising her. Now I know your passion.
The crowd seemed to be trickling back into the main part of the gallery and the noise was picking back up. He stood and held out his hand to her. Join me on the veranda?
Not even thinking Luella place her hand in his. They weaved through the throng until they reached the open air. The veranda was cleverly placed over looking the lake. It was a clear night and the moon shone in the surface of the water. The sight drew a sigh from her lips as she leaned on the railing. Now thats beautiful.
He wasnt looking at the lake when he said, Yes, very beautiful.
Luella turned and smiled. I dont even know your name.
Jacob Cross, I dont know yours. Stepping closer as he spoke.
Luella Song. Her eyes were locked to his, moonlight dancing across the dark orbs. You wouldnt happen to be related to Phillip Cross the Gallery director?
Jacob nodded as he watched the wind blow a strand of hair across her face. Reaching out he tucked the loose strand behind her ear. Hes my brother. Phillip talked me into coming tonight, Ill have to thank him for that.
Luella had only a moment to take a breath before he pressed his lips softly to hers. The gentle kiss tingled along her lips as she returned it deepening. When Jacob stepped back a smile tugged at his lip. Im sorry. Maybe I shouldnt have done that.
Her heart beating a little faster Luella ran the tip of her finger over his bottom lip now tinted the same shade as her lipstick. Then maybe you should do it again, just to be sure.
This time he stepped close taking her in his arms. He was tall and broad shouldered compared to the small petite woman almost lost in his embrace. Tilting her chin Jacob caressed first one lip then the other before completing the kiss. Sliding one hand under her hair pressing their bodies together as Luella melted into the embrace.
Inside the gallery Tabitha was worried she hadnt seen her friend in a while. A baritone voice ran down her skin like silk. Is something wrong Tabby?
I cant find Luella. I dont think she would leave without saying something. Phillip Cross was the man of Tabitha Greens dreams. She had harbored a secret crush since their first meeting. Being near him always made her a bit flustered.
The last I saw her was just before the unveiling. Perhaps shes still in the canvases, lets go look.
He offered an arm which she shyly took. What was it about this man that made her turn into a teenage girl? You dont have to. I mean Im sure shes alright.
Phillip flashed a smile as he took her by the hand. Maybe Im trying to get you alone.
Tabitha had a second to look surprised. Phillip, you shouldnt tease a girl like that.
Instead of leading her into the gallery, Phillip wove a path to the small patio off to the side of the rooms. The air was cool on her skin as the door opened. He looked back at her into her eyes. Whos teasing?
Standing in the night under the sweet scent of the honeysuckle vines growing around the edge of the patio wall, Phillip draped his jacket over her shoulders. I have a confession. Since the first time we met Ive been harboring a bit of a crush on you Tabitha. I wasnt sure if you would be interested in a guy like me, you never paid much mind either way. Would you be interested in a guy like me?
Frozen by his words she wasnt sure how to answer. How long had she been making silent wishes when he would look her way? Phillip, I, I.
Suddenly it all seemed right, the moment was there for her to seize. Tabitha took a calming breath as she reached out to touch his cheek. Im not interested in a guy like you. Im interested in you. Since were confessing, there is something Ive wanted to do since the first time we met.
With a grin she pulled him to her lips by his tie. Their kiss was electric, sending tingling sensations through her body. She let her hands curl into his hair and breathed in the scent of cologne and the man underneath.
It was getting cooler in the night air so they went back inside. Phillip stopped to stand in front of a sculpture of a ballerina Tabitha had carved. Amazing, no matter how many artists I meet I am amazed by you all. How do you get something like this from a block of stone?
Smiling she took his hand and pulled him under the velvet rope. Close your eyes. Go on close them. Now reach out and touch the stone. What do you feel?
Letting his hand slide along the curves and lines Philip had a vision of his own. I feel the pours of the stone, the shape of the dancer, smooth lines and deep curves.
When he opened his eyes he saw hers were closed as she stood like him one hand on the statue. Thats what I see, what I feel the first time I see the block of stone. I can feel what is inside of it. The statue is already there, I just chip away the excess.
Placing his hands on her waist Phillip brushed her lips with his. I could never do what you do.
Tilting her face to him she whispered. You already have. I have always had a passion for what I do. Its easy for me to get lost in the stone or the painting as its worked. Right now, right here you chipped away at something else and I see a different kind of passion.
Philip held her close. What do you say we end this party a bit early?
The next morning Tabitha was waiting in by the door when Luella opened the bathroom door. Oh! Good morning, sorry I bailed on you last night.
Tabby smiled and patted her friends arm. Actually you did me a favor. Ill explain in a minute.
Luella grabbed her arm as Tabitha started to open the door. The door opened on its own and Jacob stepped out. Now it was Tabithas turn to be surprised. Oh!
Phillip chose that moment to come out of the bedroom. Luella smiled at her friend. Oh indeed.
The men locked eyes and laughed. I guess Jacob wont mind going to gallery openings any more.
No bro, not at all.
Luella glanced at the new couple of Tabitha and Phillip then up into Jacobs smiling face. I guess we all have a renewed passion for the arts.
