I’m laughing my head off, standing in the middle of my chaos. The corner of his mouth twitches.
“Don’t even. I can explain!” I say desperately.
“You’ve taken over our living room and turned it into… Fuck.”
“Well…” I put my hands on my hips as I scan the room again, my eyes narrowed as I try to see it from his perspective.
Okay, fine.
Somaybeit looks like I’ve hijacked their space, but most of the craziness is controlled and focused around the nook by the large window.
What can I say? This room has the best light in the house, and a good artist never settles for less.
Also, there’s the fabric swatches lying across the seat. Little bits of inspiration I use to coordinate my colors on the huge, textured landscape we’ve been making. I won’t implicate Kit yet as my little helper.
So I stick my detail brush behind my ear and go to pick up the colorful material, packing them up neatly.
“Clee.” I love the way he growls my name, even when he’s annoyed.
“You’re fine. It’s all part of the process, my man.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“It means you offered space to help me make some progress on my latest project. I took you up on your generous offer.”
I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him. He grabs my waist with his big hands, pulling me against him.
For several long seconds, we melt together.
When I finally pull away, we’re nearly winded.
Is this really just week three of the hottest relationship of my life?
Situationship? Whatevership?
I can’t put a label on what we are. Especially after I told Holden to stop worrying and live in the moment.
It’s only fair I do the same thing. Just pretend we’re—
Together.
For now.
Ignore the aching certainty in my heart that the end is sooner than we think.
I smile up at him sleepily, and he smooths my hair back from my face.
“You’ve got paint in your hair,” he tells me.
“Yeah, it happens. I’ve got paint everywhere.” I sigh, pulling back just as I hear Kit sprinting downstairs.
The little girl’s energy always announces her, and I smile.
“Everywhere?” Holden growls against my ear.
“That wasn’t an invitation to find out.” Blushing, I swipe at his arm just as Kit barrels into the room.
“Whoa!” She stops.
