Page 27 of His Surrogate Omega

Taking their tea, they strolled through the house. Gray showed off a few of the pieces he had on the walls… and then they made their way to his studio, where he displayed a few of his more recent paintings.

“My word, Gray. Tensen wasn’t kidding. You really are quite talented,” Jamie said, lifting one of the canvases before him. “Absolutely breathtaking.”

Gray wasn’t used to sharing his work—or receiving much praise for it. His face was burning. “Thank you.”

“Is it for sale?”

“Sale?” Gray asked, confused. He’d never imagined selling his work. It was only a hobby. Something to occupy his long hours alone.

Jamie smiled. “I’d like to buy it.”

“Buy it? You canhaveit.”

Jamie shook his head. “Absolutely not. Talent such as this needs to be nurtured and applauded. I won’t take one thing, but Iwillbuy this piece.” Jamie glanced down at it. “Say two hundred? Does that sound fair?”

Two hundredrenosfor one painting? “That’s… it’s too much, Jamie.”

“Not hardly. Why don’t we make it three?”

Gray sighed. “You don’t have to butter me up. I promise it won’t affect my decision one way or another.”

Jamie looked stunned. He stood up a bit straighter and lifted his chin. “I wouldnevertry to buy you, Gray.” He chuckled slightly, relaxing. “Well, I suppose wearetechnically paying you if you agree. But that’s for a service… I wouldn’t attempt to buy your decision.” He looked back to the painting. “It’s absolutely stunning, and the fact you can’t see that breaks my heart. You’re so talented.”

Gray watched as Jamie stared at his work. “You really think so?”

“Yes! I’m jealous of your talent,” Jamie said. He tilted his head. “Is this the koi pond fromMill Street Parkin the Family Quadrant?”

“What I remember of it,” Gray said, staring across the surface, longing to relive those days. “I haven’t been in nearly twenty years. I loved sitting there and feeding the fish when I was younger.” A smile played over Gray’s lips as the memories assaulted him. The warmth of the sun. The laughter as he raced through the park with his brother. He could almost hear the sounds in his mind—and how he longed to have the freedom to return there once again.

He swallowed back the sadness that suddenly slammed into him, harder than he could ever recall. Maybe it was because the omega standing beside him did have the freedom he lacked. Gray slanted a gaze at Jamie as the man began to speak and knew he had no right to hold on to any kind of jealousy. Not with the battle he’d just waged.

“Wilder and I used to sit on that little bridge and feed the fish on Sunday mornings,” Jamie said, laying a reverent hand over the painting, a soft smile on his face. He lifted his gaze to Gray’s. “It’s a wonder we never ran into one another over the years. I loved this spot. So serene…” He turned back and looked at the painting once more. “Ineedsome serenity in my life right now.”

“I really wish you’d take it,” Gray murmured. “I don’t need your money.”

“You have three boys to help support… and new paint supplies to purchase… so you can continue making these brilliant works of art.” Jamie paused and looked down, cocking his head to the side. He took a step and then paused to glance at Gray, his eyes wide with joy. “Oh my… does that one go with this? It looks like the rose garden on the other side of the park.”

“It does… and it is,” Gray said with a smile. The fact Jamie could recognize those places was good for his heart. His memory had served him well, it seemed.

“I’d love them both if you can part with them. Do we have a deal?” Jamie placed a hand before Gray.

“I have a feeling I won’t win this fight.”

Jamie’s grin only grew stronger, with a hint of something wicked within. “When I want something, Idon’tlose.”

Gray chuckled before he shook Jamie’s hand. “Deal.”

Jamie set the painting down against the easel and rubbed his hands together. “Show me more. I might need another.”

* * * *

Rohan came home to see three large paintings sitting in the foyer, propped against the wall. He lowered his briefcase and lifted the one at the front, his gaze drawn by the swirling play of color. Whoever it was, they wereverytalented. He tried to pick out the name scrawled at the bottom of the piece.

Gray?

Rohan frowned as a scent came off the canvas… one that had him growling and clutching the edge of the inner wooden frame.

“Isn’t it stunning?” Jamie said as he strolled into the foyer.

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