Edward Faber, known simply as Ned to most, withdrew the cell phone from his ear and set it down beside him on the leather sofa. He leaned back against the seat as he stared long and hard at the painting before him.

The masterpiece was one of his earlier works. He had started it when he had still been an art student, twenty-seven years ago.

Ned smiled sadly, trying damned hard to prevent those stupid tears from brewing in his eyes. Nonetheless, the things still managed to appear, blurring his vision of the beauty within the painting that had captured his interest all those years ago.

She was wearing a pale pink and white kimono of swirls and flowers. Her black hair was formed loosely into a chignon on top of her head, with a pretty floral headpiece on the side. Her skin was petal white and her lips ruby red. Posing there like some Japanese goddess, she was enchanting.

Indeed, she had enchanted him, for she was Ned’s first and only love. She was his everything. Yet, she had left him, informing him via a note written on a good-bye card that she no longer wanted him in her life. Her name was Haruka Maki.

---

The first time he saw her, she was sitting on a bench under the cherry blossom tree in Central Park, and Edward Faber knew he had to take her picture. She would be the inspiration for his upcoming project.

Standing there in the distance and hidden from her view, he randomly took numerous photos of her. Gosh, she was a beauty, he thought, and then wondered if he had somehow begun his life as her stalker? No. No, that was stupid. Of course, he wasn’t a stalker. He hadn’t followed her around for days on end, yet. This was the first time he had seen her. And of course, it would be the last. When he painted, he’d make sure not to show too many of her features, since she hadn’t given him permission to paint her. There was nothing illegal at all about this. But it was just too bad, though, since that face would take any man’s breath away.

Edward was so busy and enthusiastic about the possibility of this beautiful girl posing for his painting that he did not see her getting up from her spot and heading his way. Thinking that she was leaving, he sighed and stopped shooting.

“Oh, well,” he said. “At least I got some photos.” Sitting back and making himself comfortable, he grinned. It was a moment later that he noticed a pair of lovely small feet in a pair of geta before him.

His gaze travel from those small feet to the hem of a yukata of pale lavender and blue in the pattern of swirls and flowers. His eyes lingered at the slim waist and then at the bust line that indicated delicate breasts underneath. Suddenly, heat rose within his being, and Edward blinked.

Finally, he lifted his gaze farther to see a face that took his breath away. Jet-black hair, dark eyes, and pale skin—this young woman was beautiful. Her eyes, however, told Edward clearly she wasn’t happy to see him.

She had one hand out in front of him, which confused Edward.

Ignoring the flashing anger in those amazing eyes of hers, and, of course, the demanding hand in front of him, Edward chose to greet the beauty instead.

“Konnichiwa,” he said. He even gave her one of his handsome grins that usually knocked some of the females’ socks off. Not that she was wearing any at the moment, which was an advantage for him because he liked her feet and he would like to have a look at them again before they parted company.

The young woman simply frowned. “You took photos of me,” she said softly. “I would like them back please.”

Edward chuckled. He knew she was bloody pissed with him, yet the fact she managed to be so polite, and sounded so soft in her demanding request, only made him want to grab her in his arms and kiss her hard.

Shit! Edward blinked again and realized instantly he was attracted to her.

Without warning, she grabbed the camera from him. Damn! Edward thought. She was feisty. Then he laughed.

“What are you laughing about?” she asked in annoyance.

Edward managed to stop. “Sorry. I should have asked you first. My bad. I’m Edward Faber, and I’m an art student. I was taking photos of you because you look so beautiful.”

Edward noted the woman became stiff all of a sudden. “What I mean is you inspire me to paint.”

She gave him back his camera and turned on her heel, dismissing him.

Edward knew he was about to lose her if he didn’t do something. Damn, but he wasn’t about to let that happen.

“What’s your name? Would you be my model? Please, it’s for my art project. It’d be fun. I promise.”

The word fun seemed to stop her in her tracks. Edward knew now was his chance.

“All you have to do is pose for me. Wait.” He dug his hand into the pocket of his jeans and took out his wallet. He held up his ID. “See. I’m Edward Faber. Student from New York University.”

She stared at the ID for a moment and then said, “Is that all I have to do? Sit? While you paint me?”

Edward nodded enthusiastically.

She seemed to be in thought for a moment, and then she nodded. “I will think about it,” she said and started walking away again.

“Wait, how will I know your decision?”

“I will tell you tomorrow.” She looked around her and smiled.

It was a beautiful smile, and it took Edward’s breath away.

“I like this park. I feel very free here. No burdens. Nothing to think about. I will be here tomorrow at this time. Good-bye, Faber-san.” Again, she turned to go.

“Wait,” Edward couldn’t help himself. “You didn’t tell me your name.”

She hesitated for a moment, as though in dilemma. “It’s Haruka. Haruka... Maki.”

“Well, very nice to meet you, Miss Maki,” Edward said, chuckling.

Haruka flinched at the fond greeting and nodded. “Hajimenashite, Faber-san,” she replied. “And sayonara.”

Edward laughed. “See you tomorrow,” he said.

Haruka nodded and then started heading away.

Edward watched her go, a smile playing about his lips. He’d make her call him by his first name when they met again, even if it killed him.