Page 226 of The Darkest Chase

“Fine, but you won’t need it.”

I hope like hell he’s right as I duck into the workshop.

Talia looks so breathtaking it fucking hurts in the low light, like she just stepped right out of a fairy painting with her hair spilling out of its messy bun.

Still totally absorbed in her work, just like Gerald said.

I almost hate to interrupt her—only, she’s got that crease between her brows that says she’s been stressing, too.

As I walk in, Rolf perks up from his spot by her feet.

I’ve started leaving him with her during the day for company while I’m working. I think he might love her more than I do sometimes, and he’s even becoming an unofficial Touch of Grey mascot. The customers adore him. He gets plenty of extra affection during the day with the way they all spoil him.

He'll be keeping Gerald company tonight, I hope.

“Hey, Shortcake.” I clear my throat, stepping closer.

She doesn’t even look up.

I laugh to myself.

When my woman’s in the zone, she’s fucking there.

I wait until she’s not sketching anymore, lifting her stylus from her tablet before I touch her shoulder lightly. She jumps, blinking her wide blue eyes rapidly with a small gasp.

“Oh! Micah, when did you get here?”

“I’ve been and gone. Did you even notice your grandfather was back?”

“He is?” She cranes her head toward the stairs. “…oh. Whoops.”

I lean over, peering at the delicate linework sketched on her tablet screen. “Project’s making you that crazy, huh?”

“Ugh, you have no clue.” She sighs. “I’m about to tell them to take their money and find someone else. Half the stuff she wants isn’t even feasible, and if I try to tell her that she gets all snotty and I….” She stops and shakes her fists, the stylus twitching between her fingers. “I’m tempted to do what she wants and then ask the wedding photographer to send me the pictures when it all breaks and dumps her on her ass.”

“Careful. Someone’s getting my vindictive streak.” I reach over and pry the stylus from her fingers, setting it aside. “Break time. You’re taking the rest of the night off.”

“But the deadline—”

“Will get even tighter if you work yourself to death.” Catching her hands, I tug at her gently, coaxing her off her seat. “C’mon. Get your gear. We’re going camping.”

“On a weeknight?” Talia frowns, her pink lips pouting.

“Yes. One nice night under the stars so you can de-stress and start fresh in the morning.”

She hesitates, but then smiles and squeezes my hands.

“Okay, deal. Give me five minutes.”

“I’m timing you.”

“You’re so not.” Laughing, she bounces to her feet and leans in to kiss my cheek, giving me a whiff of that lovely vanilla scent mixed with the warmth of fresh sawdust. Then she’s off, pattering up the stairs and leaving me alone with Rolf, who strains after her with a low whine.

“Whose dog are you anymore?” I kneel down to ruffle his fur, chuckling.

The enthusiastic lick to my cheek says he’s still mine.

True to her word, Talia’s back in five minutes.

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