Page 84 of Kian

“Do you want me to put you in there?” she joked before walking to the other side of the barn. There, she saw a door with a paned window and opened it to reveal a room filled with natural light.

“This would be a great place to paint,” she murmured to herself, then caught herself getting ahead of things. Kian hadn’t asked her to move in with him, but when she stayed over, she could always use this room to paint. It was rare for her to take time off from painting; whenever inspiration struck, she had to put it on canvas.

Taking out her phone from her pocket, she sent a text to Kian and hoped he wouldn’t mind.

Are you busy?

Never too busy for you. What’s up?came Kian’s reply.

I’m in the barn and I found this amazing room here with rows of windows. It would be perfect for painting when I’m here with you.

I hope you’re there with me all the time, sweetheart.

What do you mean?

We’ll talk about it later.

Okay, but can I bring my painting supplies here and use this room? If you’re not around and I am, I’d love to paint in here.

Of course, you can. Do you want me to pick up some burgers for dinner?

Yes please. My mom said she’ll cook for us on Sunday.

My mom said she’ll cook tomorrow.

Sounds good! Burgers tonight it is. And please get my usual.

You got it. I’ll be home later. Love you.

Love you too. Bye!

Gretchen pocketed her phone, walked out of the barn with Lobo following closely behind, and got into her SUV to drive back to her cabin.

****

Kian placed his phone on his desk and glanced through his open cases. Killian interrupted him.

“Celine wants to know if you can join us for dinner this weekend?”

“Sorry, I already have plans with Gretchen. We’re picking up my horses tomorrow and having dinner with Mom and Dad, then on Sunday, we’re going to her parents’ house.”

“Oh, okay. Maybe another time then.”

“That sounds good.”

“What’s on your mind?” Killian sat in the chair across from Kian’s desk.

Kian took a deep breath and looked at his brother. “I want to ask Gretchen to move in with me, but I’m afraid she won’t because she loves the solitude of her cabin.”

“I don’t understand how she can stand living out there alone.” Killian shook his head.

“She likes it because she can focus on her paintings. She just texted me asking about using a room in my barn for painting.”

“Well, that sounds promising.”

“Yeah, I’m hoping so. I told her I wanted her to stay over all the time. She asked what I meant.” Kian shrugged. “I didn’t want to bring it up over text, so I said we’ll talk about it later.”

“I hope it works out for you. I love seeing Celine waiting for me when I get back home. And Gretchen is great for you.”

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