“By the way, my cousin loved the piece you did for the lobby,” Gage said, turning his full attention back to Kellus. “He wants to expand on that. I’m not entirely sure what he wants, I’m not sure he even knows, but I gave his assistant your number. Her name’s Iris. She’s young and feisty and handles his life, but be warned, Arik considers himself an art enthusiast. I’m not sure he really is as it seems to be only your art he’s nuts about. Be patient with him.”
“Thank you,” Kellus said.
As if by some cosmic cue, as he stared at the group of men, the hotel owner’s eyes lifted to his. Their gazes held for one electrifying moment, pinning him where he stood. His heart raced at the intensity he found in that curious stare. He couldn’t look away—not that he wanted to. He could lose himself if he wasn’t careful. The corner of Arik Layne’s lip lifted slightly, and he swore the guy gave him a wink before lowering his attention back to the plans in front of him. It took a minute to catch his breath. Had Layne noticed him staring? He forced his gaze down, studying his boots, trying to gather his wits. It wasn’t easy until reality reared its ugly head. What was he thinking? A man with Mr. Layne’s distinction wouldn’t flirt with someone like him. The guy probably had something in his eye.
“I don’t know how long Trent will be, but why don’t you have dinner with us tonight. It’s rare to get time away from the kids.” The sound of Gage’s voice jarred him from the trance he didn’t even know he’d been under. Arik Layne affected him in more ways than he’d like to admit, but nothing would ever come of it. Kellus stepped away from the window before the bulge in his pants could grow more rigid and embarrass him to no end.
“Tell me about your children,” he prompted, searching for any kind of distraction to take his mind off Arik.
“Sure. We have two, and if everything takes, then a third one on the way.”
That did it. Kellus’s gaze connected with Gage’s beaming face, and he dropped his crossed arms, extending a hand.
“Congratulations. That’s great news.” He gave Gage a heartfelt smile as he shook his hand.
“Not yet, and it’s our first attempt, so it’s highly unlikely. Hold off on congratulations a little longer,” Gage said, lifting a hand like he was trying to hold some of the joy inside. He got it. His sister had had some fertility issues. The process took a lot, but so worth the struggle in the end.
“I had a big family—” Kellus stopped speaking. Wait a second. No, he needed to rephrase the statement and back out of those words. That was way too personal. He watched Gage’s brows draw together, deep concern etched in his features. “I mean, I have a big family. A sister and two brothers. We were all tight growing up.”
Gage didn’t necessarily look like he bought the explanation, but luckily he didn’t pursue his slip.
“Yeah, Trent and I want that too. So what about dinner?”
Kellus wanted to accept Gage’s offer. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d gone out for a relaxing dinner. But he couldn’t go. Not yet. With what just happened at home, he’d certainly let something else slip. Besides, John kept turning up like a bad penny. He couldn’t risk that.
“I would like that, but I really should head back to the studio. I’ve been gone all day and I need to get some work time in. I got a big show at some swanky new gallery,” Kellus said cheekily, lifting his hands to gesture around the studio, causing Gage to laugh. “Seriously, thank you for this.” He was grateful for this opportunity. He just prayed that he didn’t let Gage down.
“You need to stop saying that. It’s deserved.” Gage’s hand landed on his shoulder and gave a slight squeeze.
“Can I use the back entrance to leave? It was open, so I parked the truck back there,” he said, stepping away from the front doors of the gallery.
“Sure, come on. It’ll be where you can load and unload too. It’s a madhouse out front.” Gage led him to a back dock door, which opened to right where he’d parked the truck.
“Cool.” Kellus stuck out a hand, shaking Gage’s. “Congratulations again on the contract. I’ll see you at the grand opening.”
“Call if you need anything before then.” Gage lifted his brows and nodded as he stepped outside with him. “I mean it, Kellus.”
“Will do.” He raised a hand about five steps from the back door, the sincerity of that last sentence resting on his fragile heart. He’d slipped up a couple of times tonight. He wasn’t a hundred percent sure why. He’d gotten good at hiding and deflecting. As he pulled himself up in the truck’s cab, he looked back. Gage was still standing at the door, watching him.