Painted On My Heart

When he decided she didn’t plan to leave anytime soon, Arik pulled his slacks off the hanger and motioned with a finger for her to turn her head. When she did, he turned away and began pulling the pants on.

“Gage’s studio’s wonderful. What a great tribute to the family to have you two teaming up,” his mother called out as if he weren’t a few mere feet from her.

“I think it turned out well,” he said, carefully tucking his shirttails inside his slacks.

“Me too! They wouldn’t let me inside the studio, no matter how hard I tried. I hate that.”

He laughed at the image that statement produced. He could see his mother doing everything in her power to get inside there and being incredibly frustrated when she couldn’t.

“I bet you did, but you look beautiful tonight,” he offered, drawing his slacks together, buttoning and zipping them before moving in front of the full-length mirror. He carefully adjusted the shirt, wanting the material to lay just right inside the waistband.

“Oh, stop. You’re already the favorite,” she teased. Something she had always said to each of her children when they complimented her or did something to make her proud. Arik turned toward her to finish this conversation face-to-face.

He scooted a chair directly in front of her, taking a closer look at his mother as he did. She was beautiful with her blond hair gracefully swept up in a loose bun. Her dark topaz dress complimented her golden eyes. He’d gotten his coloring from her and he was thankful for that. She was a stunning woman who looked much younger than her years. He imagined his father had his work cut out for him in trying to convince his spirited mother that she needed to stand by his side.

“You do look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you. I can hardly wait to hear if Gage and Trent’s surrogate has a viable pregnancy,” she said, changing the subject.

“What? I hadn’t heard that. They’re trying to have a baby?” Arik asked. The shock of that statement had him quickly grabbing his belt off the back of that seat and winding it through the belt loops. He wanted to hear more of this.

“Gage didn’t tell you?” she questioned.

“No.” In a family known for no secrets, why hadn’t Gage said anything to him? They’d spent hours and hours together this week while coordinating this opening.

“Oh, then maybe I’m not supposed to know. I hate that. I need to ask Connie if I can say anything,” she said, confusing him more. Aunt Connie, Gage’s mother, was the reason none of them had any secrets. She thought privacy and confidences had no place in family.

“Too late now, you know I have to let him know that I know. That’s a perfect teasing opportunity that you just opened up,” he informed her as he turned toward the mirror and began lifting his collar to knot his tie.

“Son, don’t. That’s probably why he never said anything to you. Let me find out first. It was a big decision for them.” Her tone shifted as her eyes lifted to his in the mirror, imploring him to listen. “Gage is so excited about your potential new boyfriend. I hate to have that ruined with how you two tease one another.”

No he didn’t. That passive-aggressive little fuck.

Arik narrowed his eyes as hers lit up with a mischievous twinkle that let him know she was already making plans for a wedding. Little did she know, she’d just fanned the flames of one-upmanship between him and Gage. Telling his mother about Kellus crossed every single line. He’d just gotten to the point of paying Gage for his missing commission. Screw that.

“What has Gage said to you?” Arik asked, turning to stare down at his mother as he folded his collar over the tie.

“Not much, really,” she replied, lifting a perfectly arched brow to his scowl.

“He’s leading you on a wild chase, Mom. Don’t listen to him.” A little flustered with the turn in the conversation, Arik reached for the diamond and onyx cufflinks in the small velvet box sitting on the end of the counter.

“So you aren’t interested in the artist?” she asked, speculation clear in her voice. His brow furrowed even further as he looked down to add the cufflinks. He wasn’t comfortable discussing his infatuation with anyone. He didn’t even understand it himself, but to have his intense feelings so clearly one-sided made him insecure. Kellus and the whole deal associated with him seemed too personal to explain to anyone.

“Mother, it’s not what you think. Gage shouldn’t have brought it up to you, even to get back at me. He knows better. He’s doing that to get you riled up so you’ll keep on me about settling down.” Arik explained the parts of this situation that were easier to understand.