Read Online Among the Tulips by Cheryl Wolverton - Free Book Online

subject. Victor followed her gaze. She stopped on his painting that was in progress. “I like the colors. What are you making?”
    â€œI’m trying to create peace. Thus far, I don’t think I’ve quite caught it.”
    She looked at the dark colors and frowned. “I’d think peace would be lighter.”
    He shrugged. “Perhaps for some.”
    â€œI’m going to be teaching art at the community center starting in August. That’s why I took eight weeks off to tour Holland.”
    â€œEight weeks?”
    â€œWell, I only planned to stay two weeks, since the kids are so upset about me being gone. But my ticket is open-ended—my friends insisted I do it that way.”
    â€œSo, you’re an artist too?” he asked.
    â€œOh, no.” She laughed self-consciously. “I didn’t mean to give that impression. I love art and have always wanted to paint, but I’ve just never had the time.”
    He grinned. “Yet you will be teaching art?”
    She shrugged. “They said I needed no experience. They’re simply desperate for someone to fill the job, and I was tired of staying at home and wanted something to occupy my days.”
    â€œI have an idea.” Victor strode away from her and across the room to where another easel was located. He set the painting that was displayed on it on the floor and lifted the easel from its corner. Bringing it back across the room, he placed it in an empty spot near the window. He then crossed to the other side of the room and grabbed a large empty canvas and returned with it, putting it upon the easel. “Why don’t I give you some lessonsover the next few days while you’re here recovering?”
    Shocked and surprised she said, “You’d do that?”
    He grinned. “I love to paint and would enjoy your company in the mornings while I’m working. My son often sits in here and paints with me when he’s around.”
    â€œI feel like I’m putting you out,” Annie said quietly, despite the fact that she was flattered that he seemed to have accepted her presence.
    He sighed. Lifting both hands in frustration he said, “Why can’t you see, Annie, that you’ve ended an ennui in me. You’ve given me a chance to live again within the real world instead of the reclusive world I’ve exiled myself to this past month. Your presence will be a potion to heal my afflicted soul. I need you, Annie.”
    Annie simply stared a heartbeat before she burst into laughter. “Okay, okay. But I didn’t come to Holland to sit in someone’s house. When I get better I insist on moving to the lodge and doing some sightseeing.”
    â€œYou don’t have to be better to sightsee. I’ll be glad to take you to the real sites, not the silly little tourist sites.”
    â€œWill you be driving?” Annie asked, teasingly.
    Victor’s face broke into a wide grin. “Not if you don’t want me to.”
    Her smile faded. “I feel like I am imposing upon you. Can’t I do something to repay you for all of this kindness?”
    She really meant what she said, but his response was something she hadn’t expected. “Just be my friend for the time you’re here, Annie Hooper. Simply be yourself and talk with me, and I’ll be the happiest man in Haut.”
    This man, with all of his money, with his child, with his hobbies, was a lonely man. That disturbed her.
    Though he smiled and laughed, though he was tender and gentle and a kickback to an era when men were actually gentlemen, he was lonely.
    Did he realize it, she wondered?
    And she wondered if he was a Christian.
    If he wasn’t, then perhaps she could help him find the cure to his loneliness.
    â€œThere’s something else I want to do for you while you’re here, if you’re interested.”
    She smiled as Victor placed a stool before the easel and motioned her over.