Page 102 of By Rude Strength

“That sounds awesome. I would love to.”

“I know it’s late and you’re probably exhausted, but I did have a quick question!” Georgina turned, pointing toward the gallery. “The painting you just brought tonight. It didn’t have a price tag on it. Is it not for sale?”

“Which one?” LA blinked. “Oh! The one with the rainbows?”

“Yes!”

LA smiled, reaching over to wrap his arm around Cass’s waist. “Sorry, ma’am, but no. I’m keeping that one. It’s, uh, pretty personal.”

“Oh!” Georgina pouted. “I understand. Perhaps you’d be interested in having prints of it made? It really is so stunning. Obviously, you lose all sense of thetexturein a print, but still! It’s so full of light and love and hope. It’s lovely.”

“Thank you.” LA blushed a little. “It’s actually a portrait of me and, uh—” He glanced at Cass. “My boyfriend.”

Cass squeaked.

“Aw, that’s wonderful.” Georgina chuckled. “I got your number from Brandon. I hope you don’t mind. When we add that piece to the collection at the museum, I’ll let you know so you can come out and see it! We’ll have another party! Oh, it will just be incredible! You just wait!”

“Thank you so very much,” LA said earnestly. “Call me anytime!”

“Good night, gentlemen! Take care!” Georgina gave them big hugs and kisses on their cheeks before heading off to the door.

LA sagged back into his chair with a groan. “Holy shit.”

“Holy shit indeed,” Cass said with a shy little grin. “So. About the, hmm, the thing you said. You, uh…”

LA smirked up at him. “Yeah?”

“You called me your boyfriend.”

“Yup. That I did.” LA smiled sweetly. “I, uh, I should have asked you first. If that was okay. And if it’s not, it’s fine. I just—”

Cass kissed him.

LA melted, cupping the side of his face as the kiss deepened.

Someone—probably Kevin—whistled at them.

“As your boyfriend,” Cass declared, “my first official act is going to be taking you home, drawing a hot bath for you, and baking cookies so we can snack while we cuddle on the couch and watch moreResident Alien.”

“Fuck.” LA grinned. “That’s some pretty good boyfriend-ing.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t make that word up.”

“See? Perfect boyfriend-ing.”

Chapter fourteen

The sound of thedoorbell ringing incessantly was not pleasant to wake up to.

Especially since LA and Cass didn’t get home until after midnight and it was eight o’clock in the morning.

LA bolted up with a growl, cursing as pain shot down his spine and into his leg. “What the fuck?”

Cass rubbed his eyes as he sat up. “Expecting someone?”

“Fuck no.” LA grunted as he pulled himself out of bed. “Shit. Can you, uh—”

“Yes, sweetheart. Going to see who it is.”