In the Name of Love

Chapter 4-3

“Have you read all of these?” Ryan asked, looking at the three walls of the library which were covered with bookshelves.

“Of course. Why own a book if you’re not going to read it?” Merrick paused. “All right, I’ll amend that. I haven’t gone through the encyclopedia from A to Z, or either of the dictionaries, and a few of them are reference books which I delve into when I need to know something specific. But otherwise…”

“I’m impressed,” Ryan replied. From what he saw in a quick scan of the shelves, the range of books covered history, geography, a great many classic novels and some modern ones, as well as several biographies, and even a few by poets whose names he recognized.

“Do you read?” Merrick asked.

“When I can. I’ll admit my preference is for mysteries.”

“There’s nothing wrong with them. They’re good escapism.”

Ryan chuckled. “Damned with faint praise?”

“Not at all. Everyone needs to get away from real life now and then. Now, are you ready to see the upper floors?”

“Ah ha, I was right, there is a third floor.”

Merrick laughed. “Of course. Come, I’ll show you it and the second floor.”

The stairs leading up from the entryway ended at a long landing. There were six doors off it. One was for a storage closet and the rest opened onto bedrooms—each with their own en suite bathroom. The bedroom at the end of the landing was obviously Merrick’s as it also had a small parlor off it, with two chairs set beside a table. On the wall above them were, much to Ryan’s shock, two of his drawings from the exhibition.

“You were one of the buyers?”

“Of course,” Merrick replied. “How could I pass these up?”

“Easily?” Ryan said with an embarrassed grin.

“Ryan, will you stop demeaning yourself. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times, you are an excellent artist.”

“Thank you,” Ryan murmured. Needing to deflect Merrick’s praise, Ryan stepped into the bedroom. It was painted a pale blue, unlike the others which had soft gold walls. There was oriental carpet at the foot of the king-sized bed, and a chaise-lounge in one corner of the room. The bathroom was done in blue granite, with a step-up tub, as well as an enclosed shower stall. “Honestly,” he said, shaking his head, “this is as big as half my apartment.”

“I think you’re exaggerating,” Merrick replied, gripping Ryan’s bicep lightly to steer him back onto the landing.

“Okay, maybe a quarter of it?”

“Someday I’ll pay you a visit and find out.”

Ryan couldn’t decide if that idea excited or worried him. My apartment looks like a hovel, compared to his house. Still, the idea that he wants to see it…

They walked down the landing to a flight of stairs leading up to the third floor. The first room they entered was a private movie theater with two rows of seats facing a large screen. Ryan whistled in surprise. “I’ve heard of people having one of these, but this is the first time I’ve seen one. Do you actually use it?”

“Of course. Not often, but when I have a party for clients, if they like classic movies, I bring them up here.”

Merrick led the way through the theater to a doorway at the far end. Opening the door, he stood aside so Ryan could enter the next room. It was large and airy, and would be filled with sunlight if it was daytime, as there was a skylight which took up half the slanted ceiling, with several long windows on the wall beneath it.

“I’d give my right arm for a room like this in my apartment, with all the natural lighting,” Ryan said longingly. “Of course I’m on the fourth floor of a six-story building, so it’s not possible.”

“For your studio?” Merrick asked, looking around as if realizing the room’s potential for the first time. “I suppose it would make a very nice one.”

“Nice? It would be perfect.” Ryan sighed. He’d often envisioned what his dream studio would be like, if he could afford it. This room fit his vision perfectly. “Oh, well. Someday,” he said under his breath, before asking, “Have I seen everything?”

“Except the basement. It’s pretty utilitarian, if you don’t count the workout room.”

Ryan grinned as they walked back to the stairs. “Why am I not in the least surprised that you have one?”

“Because you’re getting to know me?”

“I’m beginning to know you a bit better,” Ryan replied. “I’ve found out you like your creature comforts, from the movie theater, to exercising—and I don’t need to see the basement to believe you do. I can look at you and know you work out. You also like to read, meaning you’re intellectually curious.”

“Would you think I was if all I had in the library were the latest popular books which can be found on the display tables of any bookstore?”

Ryan laughed. “Probably not, but since they aren’t, I think I’m correct.”

“I’m interested in a multitude of things.” Merrick looked at him for a long moment and smiled. “I like to learn…everything about anything.”

Embarrassed by Merrick’s scrutiny, Ryan turned away and started down the stairs. Is he interested in me as more than the guy he hired to do his portrait? It wasn’t the first time he’d wondered if Merrick was. He is sort of touchy-feely. Is he like that with everyone, or just with me? Does it bother me? Not really. Will anything happen between us? Probably not. We’re two very different men—the wealthy businessman and the starving artist. Okay, not starving, but for sure not in his class.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Merrick said when they got back to the ground floor.

“I’m thinking about how I can improve the drawing you chose for your mother,” Ryan replied, lying, because there was no way he’d tell Merrick what he’d actually been thinking.

“Now that you have more insight into what makes me tick?” Merrick asked with a slight grin.

Ryan waggled his hand. “A better insight, but far from complete.”

“Then come back again tomorrow, for dinner.”

“I will. Thank you.” As much as he didn’t want it to, his pulse quickened at the idea. “Right now, though, I’d better go home. I’ve taken up too much of your time, already.”

“Do you hear me complaining?”

“Not out loud. Inside your head?” He chuckled, telling Merrick he’d be right back, before going to the dining nook to retrieve his portfolio. He returned with it slung over his shoulder. “I had a very nice time, tonight.”

“I’m glad. So did I. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

“Yep. Maybe, I’ll have a better version of the drawing to show you.”

“Ryan, don’t push yourself, trying to make me feel as if I’m getting my money’s worth. I know I am, and when it’s finished, I’ll love it.”

“I hope so.” Ryan held up a hand to stop Merrick from chastising him for not thinking positively. “I know you will.”

Merrick patted Ryan’s shoulder. “Much better. Now, off with you. And no working until tomorrow.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

Ryan kept his promise. When he got home, he watched the news then went to bed. In the back of his mind, though, his thoughts were of Merrick.

I might be reading things wrong, but I think he wants to mentor me, on top of hiring me to do his portrait. Or…Merrick’s comment about not planning to seduce me was interesting, and out of the blue. Was he teasing, or warning me not to get too interested in him? I don’t think seduction is going to happen. He’s way out of my league and I know it. I’ll stick with learning more about him, for the drawing, and accepting his help with my career, if he offers. Beyond that? Yeah, stay clear of any personal involvement because it would only end badly when he decides to move on to someone closer to his own age, who shares his interests.