Venus in Love (5 page)

“Would you like to see the Cranach? It should be hung by now. It was what I was doing when I was interup—when you came. It was the last holdout before opening night on Friday.”

“I would love nothing more, Morgan. Lead on.”

Morgan unlocked and opened the door leading to the closed gallery and motioned for Lee to enter first. Morgan took this opportunity to feast her eyes on Lee. Lee was tall and slender with broad shoulders and small, pert breasts. Her hair was shorter now, although not as wild and unruly as she had remembered. Her exceptional looks and striking eyes were enough to make any woman or man stop and take notice.

Morgan was still staring shamelessly when she realized Lee had turned to face her and was now watching Morgan. Lee’s expression was one of both curiosity and intrigue. When Lee’s slight grin turned into a sparkling smile, Morgan was unable to hide her blushing response.

“Uh, okay, right…so…Welcome to the Musée du Louvre’s latest exhibition, the Three Graces: Charities of Time.” Morgan made a sweeping gesture with her hand as she made the introduction.

In the center of the room stood a floor-to-ceiling panel of clear, solid glass, and at its center, illuminated by a single beam of light, was the Louvre’s latest acquisition. Along each of the four walls of the room were nearly twenty more glass panels angled outward toward the room’s centerpiece. Each of those panels, similar to the main one, hung equally beautiful but distinctly unique representations of the room’s common theme, like Regnault’s
The Three Graces
and Blanchard’s
Venus and the Three Graces Surprised by a Mortal.
Just as the focal point, each framed masterpiece seemed suspended in air and floated delicately. In addition to the paintings was Botticelli’s brilliant fresco of
Venus and the Three Graces
and large marble sculptures from ancient Rome and Greece. A lengthy glass case contained various artifacts and antiquities, each bearing an image or representation of one or more of the Graces.

Morgan and Lee moved slowly between the displays, pausing for silent reflection and appreciation. Although there was enough space between each panel for nearly ten people, Morgan was enjoying the closeness that was forced upon them. Neither of them chose to occupy any of the additional space available. Morgan was content to remain only inches apart.

“What do you think?” Morgan asked.

“I’m…It’s…extraordinary.”

“Thank you.” Morgan smiled shyly. “It’s been my life, my baby, for the last year. I can’t believe it’s finally complete.”

“Your life? This is yours?”

“Yes. Well, mine as well as my colleagues’. I was the lead exhibition organizer on the project, but I had a lot of help.”

“I didn’t realize. It’s very good, Morgan. You have an amazing talent for this.”

As Lee said it, Morgan’s eyes met hers, and for a moment, Morgan wanted nothing more than to have this delicious stranger take her in her arms and devour her.

Morgan felt her face flush at the unexpected fantasy, and she forced herself to look around the room for something else, anything else. She glanced at her watch and realized that the museum had closed nearly an hour ago.

“Wow, it’s nearly eleven o’clock. I had no idea. You must be exhausted.” Until that moment, Morgan didn’t even realize that she was exhausted. But now the day’s events were catching up to her.

“No worries. I was enjoying myself immensely. But I guess I am rather beat. I should be going.”

Morgan led Lee through the mostly deserted museum, save for a few lingering staffers, like herself. She was taking Lee to the main entrance where she was sure Lee wouldn’t have any trouble finding transportation to her hotel.

Lee stopped her. “Actually, if you can let me out through the North exit, the walk to my flat is much shorter.”

Morgan was surprised that Lee had a flat in the First Androissement, as it was one of the more costly areas of Paris. When they reached the exit, Morgan motioned to the guard for an extra moment before opening the door.

“Well, this is good night. I hope that you had a wonderful tour of our museum, Mademoiselle Lee.” Morgan held out her hand for a friendly farewell, and Lee took it with both of her own.

“Mademoiselle Morgan, would you like to meet me for dinner tomorrow evening?”

Morgan was excited at both the prospect of a date and the idea that Lee would be remaining in Paris, at least through tomorrow. “I would love to.”

They made arrangements to meet at the Pyramid at six o’clock the following day, and Morgan watched spellbound as Lee kissed her hand and then quickly disappeared into the cool Paris night.

Morgan stood near the bronze replica of Bernini’s sculpture of
Louis XIV
and studied Pei’s
Grand Pyramid
. It was such a fascinating structure of glass and steel. Although many opposed its construction, the monument had come to be both a beloved Parisian treasure and the world-renowned face of the Louvre. Morgan liked it the most at night when the amber rays of the surrounding courtyard lamps refracted through the crystal panes.

Morgan watched the crowds of people meander through the plaza. As she waited, she gladly snapped photographs for families wanting their pictures in front of the famous landmark. She also talked briefly with an American newlywed couple on their month-long European honeymoon. Paris was the most romantic city in the world and a special place for couples of every age. Morgan had been in the city over a year, and the only romance she had experienced was the affair she had with the masterpieces within the walls of the palace. That was, until now. Just thinking of Lee made her stomach flutter in a way she was wholly unfamiliar with.

Morgan’s breath caught as a crowd of people magically dispersed and a dangerously sexy Lee moved toward her. Lee was breathtaking in low-slung black slacks, a perfectly matched button-down with the sleeves rolled loosely but neatly up her forearms. Her hair was smooth and tamed in a style that framed the angular face like an exquisite de Lempicka. Her eyes darkened as she starred into Morgan’s with heated intention. Lee slid to a graceful stop inches from Morgan and casually hooked her thumbs into her front pockets. If the seductive eyes weren’t enough to melt Morgan’s reserve and heat her skin, the smile that Lee greeted her with sent Morgan up in flames. Morgan flushed. She could feel the searing heat burning low in her belly. Lee was positively striking. She was a beauty Morgan knew every artist would try to, but never truly, re-create.

When Lee held out her hand, Morgan was almost afraid to touch it for fear of combusting. Yet she eagerly risked the burns and slid her hand into the soft, firm one being offered to her. She watched in frozen silence as Lee brought Morgan’s hand up to her mouth. Morgan felt the soft breath on her skin before Lee’s velvet lips brushed over her fingers and kissed them. The sensual contact shot through Morgan’s body, fueling the firestorm that was growing more impossible to contain. Morgan wasn’t opposed to kissing on the first date, but if Lee kept it up, Morgan wasn’t certain she would be able to convince herself to stop there.

*

Lee had watched Morgan from across the courtyard. She admired the way she easily interacted with everyone around her, taking their pictures, greeting their children, and helping with directions. She studied Morgan for several minutes brazenly, free from the possibility of being seen. From where she stood, Lee could see the Kelly green dress that clung to her figure, and she knew that the color matched and emphasized Morgan’s eyes. Lee forced herself not to run across the piazza and mow down the unsuspecting crowd that formed between them. Instead, she walked slowly toward Morgan, and the mass of people seemed to disappear around them when their eyes met.

Lee was mesmerized by the way Morgan looked at her. She stared straight at her, but Lee didn’t know if Morgan could even see through the glaring lust in those eyes. Lee felt both exposed and aroused. She wondered if Morgan knew how she was affecting her.

When she reached Morgan, she hooked her thumbs into her pockets to resist the urge to pull her into her arms. Lee was even more enchanted once she was close enough to see how delicately Morgan’s curls of hair tumbled loosely over the magnificent green dress. The dress she was now certain perfectly matched her eyes. Lee followed the flush of pink that was making its way from Morgan’s slender neck down her chest that was exposed by the deep V-neck of the dress. Lee’s mouth felt as dry as a desert, and she wasn’t sure she could have spoken even if she’d had the words. When Lee saw the delicate smile breaking across Morgan’s face, she didn’t resist a large smile in response. She relaxed almost instantly.

“You look…exquisite.”

Morgan blushed. “I wasn’t exactly sure what you had in mind. I hope this is okay,” Morgan said, motioning to her ensemble.

“You are…it’s perfect. Absolutely perfect. Shall we?”

Lee never released Morgan’s hand after their greeting. A hand which felt far too comfortable held in her own. Lee led her toward the turnabout, which was empty except for a MINI Cooper and a black Town Car, complete with suited chauffer waiting at the rear passenger door.

Lee felt herself being pulled to a stop, and she looked over to a wide-eyed Morgan.

“Is everything okay?”

Morgan looked around, as if searching for someone. She looked back at Lee. “Is that for us?”

Lee giggled at Morgan’s innocent inquiry. “Yes. It’s more comfortable than a cab. Come on. It’ll be fine.”

When they reached the vehicle, the driver opened the door, and Lee allowed Morgan to slide into the seat. Once Lee was seated and the chauffer closed the door, she looked over at Morgan who was obviously trying desperately not to appear nonplussed by the limousine.

“Are you sure you’re okay? We can always take a cab or the metro if you’re uncomfortable with this. I just thought—”

Morgan cut her off mid-sentence. “No! I mean, it’s wonderful. Just…unexpected, is all.”

“Great. I’m already exceeding your expectations.”

“No kidding,” Morgan mumbled.

“What was that?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

*

Morgan watched out the window as they drove north along the Seine. She really did love Paris, and she had been able to visit most of its famous and memorable places. Although she couldn’t remember a time that she had found someplace as enchanting as she did at this moment. Morgan could see the glowing boats on the river filled with passengers enjoying dinner, wine-tasting cruises, or evening sightseeing boat tours.

At the same time, they announced, “Notre Dame de Paris.”

They looked at each other and laughed at the coincidence. Morgan felt the tension of the evening disappear.

“Have you been to La Tour d’Argent?” Lee asked as the car slowed to a stop in front of a tall, ornate building overlooking the river.

“No. Although the prestige of an internship at the Ecole de Louvre is priceless, the salary certainly doesn’t allow for such—” Morgan shot a surprised look at Lee then out the window and up at the building. “Is that where we are?”

Even though Morgan was dressed well enough for the restaurant, she was suddenly very self-conscious.

Morgan fidgeted nervously and Lee grabbed her hand. As she squeezed it gently, Lee said, “Morgan, you look beautiful. Relax.”

Morgan’s stomach somersaulted at the way Lee spoke to her. She became more aware of Lee’s closeness than the appropriateness of her attire. When Lee released her hand, she felt a swift sting of loss. Before she could wish for one more touch, Lee was standing at her door holding out her hand to guide Morgan out of the vehicle. Neither of them made an attempt to release the other as they made their way into the building.

*

During dinner, Lee listened intently as Morgan told stories of her childhood on a dairy farm and how she came to be, what Lee considered, a very gifted and educated art historian. Lee could hardly get enough of everything that was Morgan.

“So how’d you go from a ‘small town farm girl,’ as you say, into someone in one of the most prestigious art education programs in the world?” Lee knew a lot of people in the art scene and such a drastic societal leap was surely not an easy one.

“Well. I don’t know, really. Ever since I could remember I was infatuated with art and everything about it. I would spend hours in the library or bookstores scouring through giant picture books of galleries and artwork. It was so different and beautiful in comparison to how I was raised. We didn’t have a lot. I mean, my family, all of us, worked day and night to keep the farm running. I can’t even count the number of times I headed off to school smelling like grain feed and cow shi—Uh. Cattle.”

Lee laughed . “Cow shit, huh?”

Morgan laughed. “Yeah, exactly.”

“So art was what? Your escape?”

“Not so much an escape. I wouldn’t have changed anything about my life, then or now. It was more of a…I don’t know, need to succeed? To show everyone, my peers, my teachers, that I was more than just a farmhand.”

“Well, you’ve most certainly succeeded.”

“Almost. Being in Paris is very much like being back in high school. I’m not sure if you know this, but an American working in the Louvre is like, well, like you stepping into a pen of dairy bulls.”

Lee laughed at Morgan. “What?” The analogy was completely lost on Lee.

Morgan smiled. “Dairy bulls are mean. Some say the meanest of them all. If you step into a bullpen with one you better be able to run faster than it can.”

“Ahh. Parisians are mean.”

“No! What I meant is…um. It’s just that no matter how hard you try to act like a bull; you will never be a bull.”

“So, do you
want
to be part of the herd, so to speak?”

“No. I want to start my own herd. I want to be better. I want to show everyone that I deserve what I’ve spent my whole life trying to achieve.”

Lee was stunned into silence. She not only understood what Morgan said but she felt the passion with which she said it. Lee paid the bill and they made their way outside.

“I would really like to continue our evening, unless you need to be getting home,” Lee said.