Best Dating Rules, Tamie Dearen [literature books to read txt] 📗

nervously. What was wrong with her? He was way too old for her, and she didn’t trust him. But as he gazed at her through half-lowered lids, she felt a little thrill. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy a little flirtation. After all, he didn’t date his students anyway.

Grace elbowed her. “Told ya.”

As the two-hour class progressed, she was engrossed in her work. There was a lamp burning on a table in the center of the room. Each student was painting the lamp, with particular attention to recreating the glow emanating from the bulb behind the silk shade. Emily jumped as she felt someone touch her elbow.

“That’s absolutely smashing.” Asher breathed the words into her ear. “You’ve not only captured the glow, but you’ve revealed how the light illuminates the objects nearby.”

Emily couldn’t help but preen at his praise. “I’ve been painting for a long time.”

“It’s obvious. This class may be a waste of your time. I do provide private lessons as well.” Then he leaned to whisper in her ear, “Perhaps we could meet for coffee and discuss the possibilities.”

“But, I thought you didn’t date your students.” She spoke in a low voice, glancing to see if anyone could hear their conversation.

He raised his eyebrows in feigned innocence. “I only want to discuss your future educational opportunities, but I’ll let you in on a little secret.”

He moved closer to her ear. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. “I only say that so I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. There’s no policy here against socializing with students. I’ve simply not met a student who captured my interest before.”

Emily blushed as her heart sped up. Asher Denning had turned down every other girl, but he was interested in her. She couldn’t help but thrill at his attention.

“What do you say? Thursday night?”

“I don’t know...”

“I promise I’m not a dodgy chap—totally above board. We’ll just have a friendly chat.”

Thursday night. She was supposed to go to a jazzercise class with Becca. And she’d told Spencer she’d get pizza afterward. She could go with Becca the next Thursday and make up some excuse for Spencer. She felt a little pang of guilt. It’s not like she was doing something wrong. She and Spencer were only friends—they weren’t dating. But she couldn’t tell him about going out with Asher, since she’d declared she wasn’t interested in dating anyone. She’d better not tell Grace either. Anyway, it was merely a chance to discuss her artwork. Ha—it was a chance to ogle Asher Denning and let him stroke her ego a little. She knew she was playing with fire, but she could handle it.

“Okay. But only coffee, right?”

“Yes, well it’s a little place that has coffee and other beverages as well. There’s a great new jazz trio playing on Thursday. I think you’ll love it.” He spoke a little louder. “Yes, that’s great work with the light, Emily. Outstanding!”

“So what was Asher Denning saying to you during class tonight? I saw you turn red.” Grace questioned Emily as they walked together toward the subway station. Her voice was teasing, but insistent.

She was grateful the darkness hid her fresh blush. “He was complimenting me on the way I used light. That’s all.” She felt a little bit guilty over the partial lie. It was true he’d been complimenting her technique. Grace didn’t need to know he’d flirted with her and asked her out as well. Anyway, it was nothing. Just coffee. She wasn’t really hiding anything, was she?

“I have to admit you’re really good. Have you had a lot of lessons?”

She laughed. “No, not at all. But I read a lot of books about it and practiced religiously. I had a lot of finished watercolor paintings that looked like mud, but I kept plugging away. It’s an escape for me.”

“Wish I’d known about that when I was younger. With a bossy big brother and three whiney little sisters, I could have used an escape.”

“But I think you’re pretty good. Haven’t you been painting for a while?”

“Only since last spring, when I took my first class with Denning. But I’ve been practicing a lot, just so he’ll come by and exclaim about how expressive my paintings are.” She chuckled. “I think expressive is code for tries hard but not very talented.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. I think you’ve got talent.”

“Well, I’m not as good as you. You’re amazing! Have you ever tried to sell anything?”

“No way. I’m not that good. And really, I only paint for myself.”

“You must be pretty awesome to get Denning’s attention your first night. Several girls were giving you dirty looks. Better watch out they don’t slip some poison in your water bottle. Especially the way he was cozying up to you, like he wanted to see more than artwork.”

Emily’s cheeks burned furiously. “Grace, he wasn’t—“

“Settle down—I’m kidding. I forget you don’t know me that well yet. Our family teases all the time. But just for curiosity’s sake… Are you and Spencer really friends?”

“Is this question an example of you teasing me again?”

“Oh, no. I really want to know the answer because I’m nosey. So, are you friends? Really?”

“Of course we’re friends.”

“No, I mean are you only friends?”

“We’re only friends. Neither one of us wants to date anyone right now.” That was true, wasn’t it?

“Really? Spencer said he didn’t want to date anyone?”

“That’s what he told me. Why? Is he dating someone else?”

“That’s just it—I can’t figure him out. He’s with girls all the time. But when he’s around the family, he never lets us in on who he’s actually dating. I’m itching to know what he’s really up to. You two seem pretty close, so I thought you might be secretly dating.”

She opened her mouth to deny the statement, but Grace cut her off before she could protest.

“No, it’s okay. I believe you. But you still might be an inside source. I was hoping you could find out who he’s dating. I’m pretty sure one girl’s really after him, but I don’t