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“That’s practice, not art,” he argued.

She let go of his hand and turned to face him, putting both hands on her hips. “What do you keep saying to me when I bake? That it’s not only a matter of skill and science, but also an art? I think you need to hear the same thing.” She pointed to all the paintings around them. “These are all so much more than knowing how to mix paint colors or holding a brush. They make me feel, and isn’t that what art is supposed to do?”

With a hitched breath, he grabbed her up in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck as he held her tight.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“Don’t thank me. Paint me.”

Gio

He was stunned that sweet, shy Mila would demand to be painted. He was desperate to put her on canvas but scared that she’d be insulted by his clumsy efforts.

“Yes! Gio needs to paint you, Mila. And you need to be naked, and I need to be naked with you.”

They both looked over to see Carter standing in the open doorway with his usual puppy-dog grin.

“Oh, I don’t know about being naked,” Mila said, letting go with her arms and legs. Gio let her drop softly to the floor. “I was thinking I could wear something nice.”

“Naked is a must!” Carter said.

“Carter!” Gio reprimanded, fighting a smile. “Don’t be obnoxious."

Carter smirked. “You love me when I’m obnoxious.”

“Still, you’re not helping me if you scare Mila off by demanding she pose naked,” Gio pointed out dryly.

“Fine,” Carter said with teenager level drama. “Half-naked!”

Mila and Gio laughed, which only encouraged Carter to keep negotiating how many clothes Mila would take off.

Gio was so struck by the raw joy radiating from Mila that he picked up a sketch pad and pencil and started drawing. Mila didn’t notice at first, she was too busy bantering with Carter. It allowed Gio to get the lines of her smile and tilt of her head.

Gio could picture the painting now. He’d have Carter sitting on the floor with his long legs stretched out. Mila would be facing forward and tucked in against Carter. The wolf’s arms would be around her. Carter would be staring down at her with love and devotion while she stared ahead, inviting everyone to join in their happiness.

“How long until they get here, Gio?”

Carter’s question pulled Gio out of his drawing. “What?”

“You were supposed to order pizza,” Carter said.

“I was?”

Mila made a little gasping meep. “I forgot to tell him! I was so distracted by the art. I'm sorry, it was all my fault.”

Carter patted his belly. “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but if I don’t eat soon, I’m going to starve to death!”

“Is there anything in here for you to eat?” Mila asked, going to the small fridge Gio had delivered after she moved in. Neither of them was fast enough to stop her before she opened it to reveal his blood supply. “Is this…blood?”

So much for thinking storing the blood up here would keep her from discovering it!

Before either of them could think of a proper excuse, Mila turned to him with tears swimming in her eyes. “What’s wrong with you? Is it sickle cell disease?”

“Sickle cell disease?” Carter repeated, looking bewildered. “Uh, yes?”

Mila turned angry eyes on Carter. “How can you not know? If he needs regular blood, you should know what’s wrong with him and how to administer it. Carter, this could be life or death for Gio!”

Gio moved to stand between the stunned Carter and Mila. “Bellezza, science doesn’t have a name for what I have yet.”