Page 64 of Edged

Clara shook her head and reached over and took his hand. “I watched my son and daughter-in-law the day they brought you home. They were so happy, and you were always a perfect little boy.”

Anthony barked out a laugh. “I was far from perfect.”

“Scrapes all kids get into. But you grew up into a young man who knew what he wanted from life and who wasn’t going to have his wings cut.”

“They couldn’t accept me as I was.”

“It was more than that. They had unreasonable expectations, and when you decided to do things your way, they thought you’d cave to their wishes.”

“I might have if it hadn’t been for you. You gave me a place to live, a chance to explore my art.”

“Because I saw it was a part of you. I love you, Anthony. No strings. No expectations. You are my grandson, period.”

Anthony blinked, then he stood and went over to his grandmother, knelt next to her chair and enfolded her in a hug. “I love you, Gran.”

“Good. Now what is going on with you and Kaley?”

“What?” The change of topics threw him as he stood up and retook his seat.

“I’m not blind. She hasn’t been around much lately, and you’re not taking her out or anything. You’ve been spending way too much time in your studio working.”

“Do you miss anything?”

“Nope. Is that what all this unworthiness is about?”

He shook his head. He admired Kaley so much. She’d struggled all her life to make her way while he had a life of privilege. Hell, even with being kicked out at eighteen, his grandmother made sure he survived.

Kaley never had that. She had to do everything on her own. Anthony sat back in his chair. He could make things easier on her. But would she accept his help? Hell, he couldn’t even get her to talk to him.

“It’ll be fine, Gran. We’ve just hit a rough patch.” An idea formed in his head. There was knock at the door. “I’ll get it.”

“Charm her.”

Anthony was grinning when he left the kitchen. It might take some doing, but he was going to find a way to get over the wall she’d erected.

* * * *

Kaley stood with Nugget in her arms. She’d bathed and groomed him in her van today, hoping to avoid Anthony. Clara’s injury had healed, but she was still moving a little slow, and Kaley didn’t feel right just walking in. She waited. The door opened, and she gasped.

“Anthony.” Well, so much for avoiding him.

“Hi, Kaley, come on in.” He held the door wide and gestured for her to enter.

She swept past him, noting he smelled like turpentine. Had he been painting? Stupid question. Of course he’d been painting; that was his job. His passion. Along with knife play. A small shiver flashed through her body. Nugget wiggled, and she set him down, and he ran for the kitchen.

“How are you?” Anthony asked, shutting the door.

“Okay. How about you?” Great, now they were stuck in polite conversation mode, but she didn’t know how else to respond.

“Tired.” His voice was soft. “Can we talk?”

“I…” She didn’t have a client for a couple of hours. “I have some time.”

“Good.” He gestured for her to proceed him, then put his hand on her arm. “Are you okay being alone with me?”

Kaley blinked. “Yes.” She wasn’t lying. She still hadn’t made a decision about how to move forward with him, and it gnawed at her insides. She didn’t want to hurt Anthony any more than she wanted to be hurt.

“All right.” He gave her a half-grin. “Gran, Kaley and I are going to my place for a little bit.”

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