Page 71 of Inked Obsession

“We don’t ask things like that,” Brenna said, her eyes dancing with laughter. “I love the color you chose for your office.”

I looked around, grinning. Annabelle and Jacob had allowed me to paint, and though it had been a couple of months since they had first given me permission, I had taken some time to think about it. Beckett would be over soon to help with the ceiling because, even though I had the stick for the roller, I didn’t like looking up and hurting my neck. Beckett was taller and better at it anyway.

It had been a couple of months since I had broken down in front of him. Sixty or so days since I had started to fall.

We were still finding our way. In reality, I had fallen for him long before those months. Because he had always been here. There’d always been that moment where I knew I shouldn’t look at him a certain way or notice how he filled out his jeans. Where I shouldn’t have noticed the glances. The touches. Or how he bit his lip when he was thinking.

I had. Even when I had been mourning and figuring out who I was. I had noticed it all.

And now, he was mine.

I hadn’t told him what I was feeling because I still couldn’t process what I was going through. I was making it work.

Somehow, we were making it work.

“What’s this color again?” Brenna asked as she worked on the trim.

“Flannel gray. It doesn’t look too purple?” I asked.

“I don’t think so. It’s so hard to tell what grays are like, even with a patch test. The light hits it one way, and it turns blue or green or taupe or purple.”

“You just said this wasn’t purple,” I said with a laugh.

“Because it’s not.”

“Okay, whatever you say.” I moved.

“Hey, don’t get paint in your hair. After you’re done painting with Beckett today, you said you and he had a date.” She waggled her brows, and I laughed.

“Yes, a fun date.”

“I thought a fun date wouldn’t be out in public. I don’t really know what the two of you have going on.”

I looked at her then, and she smiled. I had once thought Brenna wanted Beckett in a way that went beyond friendship. I had been wrong. I hadn’t hurt her by falling for Beckett or being with him. If anything, it had made our relationship stronger because of their connection.

Something else was going on with Brenna. Something that made her a little hesitant to do certain things. It had nothing to do with Beckett or me. Hopefully, she would tell us one day. Until then, I would be her friend and do whatever she needed me to do.

I just hoped that she would tell us what was on her mind someday.

“Okay, that’s the last of this brush. I need to get the other one out.”

“We did sort of go a little rough on the brushes.”

“It’s the texture on the walls. They tend to do that. It’s a beautiful look.”

“Don’t comment on how the Montgomerys build their homes, considering they actually own this one.”

“True, but without the texture on the walls, the house would have lacked life, been too flat. It was a good choice. It just doesn’t like my paintbrush. Or maybe I’m being a little too rough.”

I gave her a look. “Something on your mind that you need to get out using a paintbrush?”

Brenna shook her head. “No. Everything’s fine.”

I gave her a look. “If you say so.”

She shook her head again. “Seriously. I’m good. Now, I’m going to get rid of this, and then I need to head out. Beckett will be here soon, right?”

“Yes. And then we can get the ceiling done, and then we’re going out for lunch. You’re coming too, right?” I asked.

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