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He raised his head “‘Thank you’ doesn’t do justice to what I’ht now But it’s all I have So thank you, to you and your uncle” He reached across the table and took Cindy’s hand, half rising froers to his lips

“You’re very welcoift for me, to see such appreciation for a fine work of art, as it is to you I hope you’ll hang it in your home and think about rateful I am for all you’ve done for er in his hand for an extra moment, as her warm expression caressed his face “Your support has made all the difference”

Reluctantly, Wallace released her hand, and sank back down into his chair “All I did was open the door Your talent took over fro your first big project, a deluge of them is about to follow I’ve received a dozen cocktail party invitations for the next teeks alone Every one of the invitations is for the two of us, and every one of theer perspective client Between that, and the word of n project you’re undertaking, you’ll barely have time to sleep”

“How exciting!” Cindy lit up

“Does that mean I can accept the invitations on your behalf?”

“Of course I’ive me the chance to line up new projects, and equally iet to know each other better”

“Nothing would pleaseand set it aside, then handed Cindy the package he’d brought “This is just soift It pales in co—and to you”

Cindy lowered her lashes She was

beginning to enjoy this gaiven“That’s h “But I have to confess, I love presents” She unwrapped the tissue paper, revealing a black, buttery-leather briefcase It was classy yet high-styled, feh room for her sketches, portfolios, and even her laptop It was clearly handner, and it had that wonderful new-leather smell that screamed success

“Wallace, it’s stunning,” sheit up and running her fingers over the soft suede interior “And it’s so very—me”

“My thoughts exactly” He s, as if picturing her walking down the streets of Manhattan, carrying his gift in her hand “I have a oods manufacturer The overseas reps were in New York for Market Week, and I got the chance to see their new designs This was the showstopper The moment I saw it, I knew It won’t even be available until next season You’re the very first person to have one, which is fitting”

A oodsinstant, Cindy wondered if her A Sook knew about Wallace’s gift to her, and its source If so, he was probably amused

“I’ll bring it with me on the first day of my new project,” she declared “Once my clients see it, they’ll have to hirethis exclusive and priceya fortune—which could only mean that her work is superb”

“And they’d be right to be impressed But not about your wealth About your talent and you You’re a very special woman, Cindy”

This was going even better than she’d hoped