Loving Jiro Read Online Free PDF Page B

family's business entailed. Even that had been less than revealing. She looked down at Ayumi who sat fidgeting to get started. Picking the girl's brain for information on her brother would be low.
    She sighed and returned to the task at hand. “Okay, Ayumi, first I want you to show me what you already know."
    For the next two hours, they worked together. Where most of her students were tuckered out after an hour, Ayumi hung in there. Kiara sensed an artist after her own heart. The girl definitely had talent, and Kiara would help her to develop it no matter what. “It's refreshing to meet someone with your ability, Ayumi. Most of my students just like the thought of drawing and painting, not the actual work that goes into being good."
    Ayumi's face flushed. “Thanks, Ms. Jackson."
    Kiara hesitated. “Would your brother allow you to call me Kiara?"
    Cute little slanted eyes widened. “Yes! I mean, I hope so. Ms. Kiara, how's that? It still shows respect, don't you think?"
    She nodded. “Yes, and if he has any complaints, I'll talk to him about it. Now, time's almost up, so let's clean up our mess."
    Ayumi obeyed and began dunking her brushes in a fresh glass of water Kiara had brought back from the bathroom not too long ago. “He likes you, you know."
    "Hmm?” Kiara didn't look away from the notes she was making on Ayumi's progress and what she wanted to do with her on Thursday. “Who likes who?"
    The girl gently touched her arm, and she looked up. “Jiro-san likes you. I can tell. He's had many girlfriends. He doesn't think I know, but at the family functions, they flock around him, trying to get his attention. If he gives one a nod, they will come to his room."
    Kiara flinched. That's not what I call a girlfriend. That's a whore . She forced a smile. “I think your brother's ... ah ... love life is his business, sweetie, not mine."
    Ayumi bit her bottom lip, staring down into the glass as she swirled the brush around. “I know, but I wanted you to see that you're different. You wouldn't be at a family function of course, but even if you were, he wouldn't give you a nod."
    It was ridiculous that Kiara felt offended at that.
    "I mean, he would treat you with more respect.” She looked up into Kiara's eyes. “Do you understand? He likes you."
    "Who likes her?” Jiro had appeared from nowhere it seemed. Ayumi paled.
    Kiara held up a painting Ayumi had begun of a young boy. “This guy. He likes me according to Ayumi. Do you agree?"
    Jiro chuckled, his eyes sparkling. “Hmm, what's not to like?"
    A shiver ran over her body. She imagined if her skin weren't so brown, she might look as pale as Ayumi at his words. For a man who was so careful about what he said and did, he sure seemed easy with the compliments. She almost believed Ayumi was right, that her brother liked her. A rich, sexy Japanese man. Yeah right.
    "Thank you,” she mumbled. “I'm nothing special, just a freelance art teacher.” She stood and busied her hands cleaning up, to avoid his gaze.
    He reached out to touch her arm. Shivers of delight zipped through her. “Don't say that. Never put yourself down. You are more than special, unique and beautiful.” He made as if he would tilt her chin up but put his hands behind his back. “I've never seen eyes so big and brown ... lips...” He cleared his throat and fell silent.
    She spun away to put some space between them and thought she heard him gasp. Had her hair blown back from her cheek? She glanced up at him, but his face remained impassive. “I ... um, the session went well with your sister. She's very talented, and I believe she will be a great artist some day. I hope you will take her ability seriously and allow her to continue to come."
    He didn't speak for a long time. She waited for the lecture, the accusation that she was weak or stupid. Her personal situation had garnered a range of reactions over the last three years she had been stuck with Odell. Whatever he had to say wouldn't be