Mid Week Tease: A McAvery Misunderstanding #MWTease

It’s teasing time and almost time for the Colors of Us launch!

Today’s tease is from Michelle’s first visit to McAvery’s Bar where she’s meeting Jacey about a painting (teaser for the teaser: we’ll see more of Jacey later in the series! ).

The door swung open, streaming sunlight into the darkened bar. A slight form with long dark hair carrying a large portfolio bag shuffled in. Looking up, she scanned the bar and met Hunter’s stare before averting her eyes to the floor.

Since seeing her face captured in the painting, he noticed things about her that weren’t evident when he spoke to her at the coffee shop. One thing was for sure, the canvas didn’t do her justice. She was beautiful, but not in an obvious way. Hunter couldn’t help but try to get her to look his way again, so he could look into eyes the color of blueberries at summertime. But it was more than her features that set her apart from anyone else he’d known. She exhibited a grace and maturity beyond her young years.

“Can I help you with that?” Alex asked as he held the door.

Her gaze moved to Alex, and she shook her head, wisps of hair falling into her eyes. “No, I can manage,” she said quietly.

Jacey shooed Alex out of the bar before turning to greet the visitor. “You must be Michelle. I’m Jacey.” She extended her hand.

Michelle shifted her bulky portfolio case into her left hand and slipped her right palm into Jacey’s, offering her a shy smile.

“Let’s sit over there where we can spread out.” Jacey pointed to a table across from the bar.

Michelle followed to the table, laid the portfolio on the surface, and carefully removed the contents. Hunter watched as she treated each sketch, photograph, and small canvas with the care of handling England’s crown jewels.

He wiped his hands on a towel and walked around the bar to the table. “Hi, we met yesterday at Primo,” Hunter said, offering his hand.

Michelle’s eyes met his and she extended her hand. “That’s right. Hi again.”

“That cookie you suggested was amazing. You certainly know your baked goods.”

Her gaze traveled from his eyes to his mouth before her cheeks flushed.

Hunter shook her hand and tilted his head, trying to regain her gaze. “You’re talented.” Her palm was small and warm in his grasp.

“Thank you,” she said, pulling her hand away. She turned to the table and straightened one of the sketches as her cheeks turned redder.

Hunter looked over her samples. “You didn’t bring pictures of your self-portraits from the gallery.”

“No. Um. They seemed to be out of Jacey’s price range.”

Hunter chuckled. “I think everything is out of Jacey’s price range.”

Jacey stood and nudged Hunter with her hip. “Look at this one. It’s perfect for Alex.” She pointed to a rendering of a city pub Michelle painted when she first moved to the city.

Michelle furrowed her brow. “Who’s Alex?”

“My boyfriend, silly. I thought I mentioned the painting was for my boyfriend,” Jacey said as she flipped through Michelle’s sketches.

“You did, but I thought—” Michelle turned to Hunter.

“You thought Hunter was my boyfriend?” Jacey giggled and swatted Hunter on the shoulder. “No, this is for the other McAvery brother, Alex. You and I, Hunt. Imagine that.” Jacey winked.

“I’m having a hard time picturing it, Jace.” Hunter exaggerated a shudder.

“Hey!” Jacey punched him lightly and turned to Michelle. “I’m not his type, anyway.” Jacey’s gaze traveled down to Michelle’s boot-clad feet and up to her long dark hair, seemingly assessing her as a possible candidate.

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