Chapter 114: Nathan's Passion

The rhythmic scrape of a palette knife against canvas filled Olivia's small studio. She was working in front of an enormous abstract, her brow furrowed in concentration as she layered on bold strokes of cerulean and crimson. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the skylight, enveloping her workspace in a warm glow. A sharp rap at the door jolted her out of her artistic trance. Olivia scowled as she turned to the clock. She wasn't expecting anyone, and few knew where to find her private sanctuary. "Coming," she called, wiping her paint-stained hands on her already colorful apron. She opened the door, and her heart leapt into her throat. Nathan stood there, his lips crooked into a half-smile, with a twinkle in his eye that she recognized all too well. "Surprise," he said in a low voice. Olivia blinked her eyes wide in surprise, while he blinked in dryness. "Nathan? What are you? How did you find me here?" He shrugged, his eyes going past her to regard the studio beyond. "I have my wa