Page 74 of Follow Me Down

“You’re cooking?” I swing an apprehensive gaze his way.

“What? I can cook.” He chuckles.

“Don’t let him lie to you.” Ellen suddenly appears at the entrance of the hallway, her wet hair hanging in waves down her back. “He’s an awful cook. But I balance him out.” She heads into the kitchen and I don’t miss how she avoids Link’s gaze.

I feel bad for the guy.

It’s not like I know much, but from the little bit I heard, it sounds like this thing between the two of them has been going on for years. And if I heard right, it’s still going on. At least for Link.

Regardless, I meant what I said. I have no intention of breathing a word of what I learned today to Titus. It’s not my place, and truthfully, it’s none of my business.

——

“Finally.” Titus letsout a sigh of relief the instant Ellen’s car disappears down the driveway.

“Finally? I thought you liked having your sister here?” I give him a confused look.

“Oh I do.” He drops an arm around my shoulder as we stand side by side on the front porch. “But I also like when she leaves too.” He chuckles when I lay a playful smack to his stomach.

“That’s not a nice thing to say.”

“Still true.” He pauses. “She sure did take a liking to you.” He turns, pulling me to his chest.

“Of course she did. I’m amazing.” I smile up at him playfully.

“That you most certainly are.” He leans down, pressing a kiss to my lips.

“Get a fucking room.” We step apart at the sound of Link’s voice breaking the silence, spotting him heading toward us from the shop.

“Where the hell have you been?” Titus turns, watching him approach.

“Just figured I’d get some work done.” He stops at the foot of the steps, his gaze sliding to mine for a brief moment.

I know the reason for his abrupt departure while Titus and Ellen were cooking, and why he was hiding out in the shop until after Ellen left. He was avoiding her. That much was obvious to me.

“Ellen just left. You missed telling her bye.”

“We said our goodbyes earlier.” He shrugs, pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket before sliding one from the pack. Pressing it between his lips, he lights it and takes a long pull. “Speaking of which, I noticed she packed up that painting that was in the living room.”

“She did.” I nod. “She knows a guy who runs an art gallery in Atlanta. She’s going to see about having him put it in his store.”

“No shit?” Titus pulls back, having not been aware of this before now. I guess in the thick of everything else going on I had forgotten to mention this to him. “You didn’t tell me that.”

“She offered when we went out for mani/pedis. Though I highly doubt anyone will want to buy it.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re incredibly talented.” Titus smiles.

“You don’t mind, right? That she’s doing that for me?” I hadn’t considered that maybe this might bother him until this very moment.

“Of course I don’t mind. With Ellen’s influence, you could really do something with your art.”

“You think so?” The thought makes me smile.

“I know so.” He leans in, kissing my temple.

“You two make me want to vomit,” Link grumbles, climbing the steps to join us on the porch.

“Speaking of art,” I take a step back. “I was actually thinking I might get started on another piece today.”

“Sounds good.” Titus nods. “Link and I have a lot of work to catch up on. Given my sister’s unannounced visit, we’re a little behind.”

“Well, I won’t keep you.” I slide past him. “You boys have fun,” I call over my shoulder.

“Yeah, fun,” Link grunts as I round the corner of the porch, heading to where my art supplies are already sitting out.

I set a blank canvas on the easel Titus made for me, smiling to myself as I ready my paints. Feeling more than a little inspired, I dip a brush into one of the colors and lower it to the canvas.

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