Page 51 of Painting Together a Family
“It’s a beautiful space,” Bryan told him. “I love the natural light coming in.”
“I used it as a studio, years ago.”
“So you’ve been here a long time, then?”
“Twenty years. I mean, I had a quarter of this space. Now I have this floor, the floor above, and the roof.”
“That’s very cool. I’m glad your work is doing so well. I’m going to be very good too and not start talking finances with you—I’m sure you’ve got someone looking after that for you.”
“If you see mistakes, please holler. I want to have enough for the future.”
“No, I don’t see any obvious mistakes, but my first instinct when I realize you have a lot of money is to make sure you have a good investment scheme.”
“Good. Please do. My sister is my accountant. She’ll love to meet you.”
“Okay, I’d be happy to take a look and make some suggestions.” Bryan really did look pleased about it.
“Good deal. I’ll get you in touch with Angela.”
“Excellent. We just need a desk in here, and maybe a file cabinet?” Bryan gave him an apologetic look. “I know it seems a bit boring, but I am an account after all.”
“Do you have a desk you want to bring over?”
“I’ve been working on the dining room table. I’d love an actual desk. If that’s okay.”
“Of course. Do you like the color? What about art?” Art was important in Dev’s opinion.
“I wasn’t sure how much I should try to change,” Bryan admitted. “This is your house after all.”
“Well, I know it’s stupidly fast…” And it was, and maybe he was insane, because what did he know about Bryan? He’d onlybeen to the man’s house once, but it was his fault Bryan was in danger now, so… “But if you’re going to be here, you should be comfortable.”
And paint could be painted over.
“I really appreciate that. And I am going to be so spoiled. An actual office with an actual desk. I did bring all my files—I sacrificed some clothing room in one of my bags. They were in a locked filing cabinet, but I didn’t want to risk my clients’ financial information getting into the wrong hands if Grant broke in. Once the kids are in school tomorrow, I’ll figure out what I’d liked moved here and what needs to go to a storage locker. And I guess to put in my notice. There’s no point in paying rent if I’m not going to be there for months. And given how these things work, I’m guessing it’s going to be a while before Grant’s no longer a threat…”
“It’s not just Grant. I mean, I’m not making a huge sacrifice. I like you, Bryan.” He might as well tell the truth, right? They weren’t lovers, but they were more than friends. And the them-not-being-lovers was a yet thing, not a never-gonna-happen thing. It had been brewing from the start if he was honest with himself.
Bryan’s smile lit up his eyes in a way that made them seem extra bright. “I like you, too. I didn’t kiss you by mistake at the hospital.”
“I didn’t mind that at all.” He stepped a little closer. “We could try it again, if you want.”
“I think I would.” Bryan closed the little distance between them.
“I think I would too.” He leaned in, resting their lips together.
Bryan moved his lips against Dev’s, the glide smooth and warm, and it sent little tingles dancing along his lips.
“Daddy! Daddy, the sammiches are here!” Juni came bounding down the hall.
“Dammit,” he whispered.
Bryan stepped away, a wry little grin on his face. “Why do I think this is going to be a recurring theme?”
“Because there are four—count them—four children here?”
“Oh yeah, exactly.” Bryan chuckled. “Come on, let’s get you and those four kids fed.”
“And you. You have someone to take care of you now.”
