Page 77 of Edged

“Sometimes I’m like a bull in a china shop. I think of something to help and can’t see the other side of the coin.” Sierra sniffled.

“None of that.” Tessa grinned, pulling Kaley toward the now empty table. “Let’s talk about how we’re going to figure out what our men are hiding behind that big tarp in the club.”

* * * *

Anthony stood, watching Kaley on Friday night at the gallery. Dane had arranged for this event, and he’d asked Kaley to go with him. She’d been unsure, at first, but he convinced her. She was across the room chatting with Regina. While he’d been with her every night in the past few weeks, he was still amazed by her. He would bring her dinner; they would talk, make out, and sometimes he’d go home, and other nights he wouldn’t.

Life was looking up. He was finished with her paintings. Yes, multiple. While he had her sit for the one, his mind kept her image in the forefront all the time. Now, they were done.

“You look like you’re ready to eat her up,” Dane commented, coming up to him.

“I am.”

“Good.” Dane clasped him on the shoulder. “Thanks for doing this tonight. I know these kinds of events are not your favorite thing.”

“Usually not.” But tonight he didn’t mind with Kaley at his side. She looked delicious in the black cocktail dress. Her legs seemed to go on forever.

“Well, I appreciate it.” Dane glanced at the door. “Oh boy.”

“What?” Anthony turned to see his adoptive parents walking into the gallery. What were they doing here?

Albert saw him and guided Oliva toward him. Both were dressed to the nines, their strides confident. Anthony wanted to run, but he couldn’t. He was an adult. He could deal with them. Yes, he avoided them like the plague. Mainly because he didn’t want to be reminded that they thought him worthless because he hadn’t followed the path they wanted.

“Anthony.”

“Albert.” His father winced when Anthony used his name. “What are you doing here?”

“Excuse me,” Dane said and walked away.

“We came to see your work, honey,” Olivia said in an overly sweet voice.

“Oh? Really? Neither one of you ever seemed very interested in my art before.” Hell, they’d wanted him to give it up all his life.

“We’re here.” Oliva waved her hand like she was shooing away a fly. “Show us your work.”

Anthony was about to refuse when Kaley walked up to them. “Hi, I’m Kaley,” she said with a bright smile and extending her hand.

“Albert Pierce and my wife, Olivia.” He shook Kaley’s hand.

“How nice of you both to come and support Anthony.” Kaley curled her hand around his arm. He appreciated her support. “Are you going to show them around?”

Anthony gazed down at Kaley. His irritation at this very unpleasant surprise vanished. She was here with him. She supported him in ways he didn’t know he needed. “Yes. You’ll join us, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” He gestured for Albert and Olivia to follow them as he walked over to his first exhibit. It was one of his tamer paintings as the subjects were clothed but no less sensual.

He watched Oliva press her lips together, while Albert’s fingers curled into his palms. They definitely weren’t here for his work. There was another reason. He wasn’t going to allow them to embarrass him.

“Excuse me,” Regina said. “Can I steal Kaley for a minute?”

“Of course.” Anthony released her but brushed a kiss over her soft lips. “Hurry back.”

“I will.”

With regret, he watched her walk away with Regina.

“We need to talk. Shall we step outside?” Albert asked.

“Fine.” Not that they really had anything to talk out. Once outside, Albert and Olivia took up a position on either side of him, and Anthony was about to ask them what was going on when a flash went off.

---