Animosity

Book excerpt: Ross Marteau is the toast of the international art world for his sensual sculptures of rich and famous women, but when a long-term relationship ends badly, he retreats to his Texas hometown -- only to have his newfound peace of mind permanently, and profoundly, shattered. One afternoon over lunch, Ross is approached by a woman to whom he feels an irresistible attraction. She introduces herself as Celeste Lacan and asks him to take on a new commission: a sculpture of her younger sister, Leda. She promises that the job will present artistic challenges unlike any he has encountered before. Though reluctant, Ross can't help but be intrigued -- by Celeste herself and by a photo of Leda's face, a portrait of incomparable beauty. When he meets her, Ross is stunned to discover that Leda's body is as startlingly unique as her face is beautiful. Just as Celeste predicted, he becomes consumed with portraying the duality of her body . . . and, perhaps, her soul.