Page 2 of Seduced in Ink

Just because he was handsome as hell didn’t mean she needed any part of that. She could look, but no way would she ever touch.

“What do you think of all this art?” Aaron asked.

“It’s stunning. And I’m not just saying that because Lincoln is family.”

Aaron nodded, looking around, his gaze that of an artist and not just an average viewer.

“Lincoln’s amazing. And while he might be my family now too, I can still go on and on about his talents. I’m a little jealous, honestly.”

Madison shook her head. “I’ve seen your art, as well.”

“I play with glass most days. Lincoln breathes life into his work.”

That made Madison snort, and she winced as one of her parents’ friends gave her an admonishing look before walking past. Great, her parents would find out about her lack of social decorum in about ten seconds.

“You literally breathe life into your art,” she said, going back to the conversation. “You’re a glassblower.”

He stared at her then as if looking at her for the first time. Or maybe she was seeing things. “Maybe, but I still have a ways to go until I’m happy with what I do.”

“You and Lincoln should do a show together someday. And then have Bristol play her cello while in the room. Ethan can organize it all and make it athing.”

“I’m pretty sure I cannot afford my sister’s prices,” Aaron said with a wink before taking a sip of his champagne.

Madison held a glass of water, in a very fancy flute, but it was still only water.

After all, she didn’t want to add any more ammunition to her parents’ barbs, and she already knew those would be coming.

She hated that she never stood up to them. She might do her best most days, but nine times out of ten, she tried not to draw attention to herself so she could avoid the inevitable fight.

Lincoln wasn’t a fan of the way she dealt with her parents, but he was lucky. While his parents might not always be in the picture these days because they had moved away, they weren’t passively-aggressively evil like hers.

“At least you have some form of talent,” Madison said wryly.

“Some form, huh? Well, at least I know where I stand.”

She rolled her eyes. “I was just telling you that you’re brilliant, and now that I’m trying to downplay it because you got all blushy, you think I’m making fun of you.”

“I did not get all blushy,” Aaron said, practically gasping.

“You could be clutching your pearls right now, and I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“You’re a cruel, cruel woman, Madison McClard.”

“So I hear,” she mumbled.

Aaron frowned. “So you hear what? Who do I need to beat up for you?”

Madison waved him off. “It’s nothing. Just a long day at work.”

“Fair enough. Now, if you want to talk about art, let’s talk about those gingerbread cappuccino cupcakes you make.” Aaron made an audible groaning sound that a couple of people definitely noticed while walking past.

“Stop,” she whispered, “I don’t like attention being on me, okay?”

“You just don’t have the right kind of attention,” Aaron said with a wink. “But back to your cupcakes. Seriously? Can I have them? I would love them.”

“Whatever,” Madison whispered. “And my cupcakes aren’t the best thing I make.”

“Now I’m drooling again.”

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