Page 94 of By Rude Strength

“Mm?” Cass blinked. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” LA chuckled. “This is just… wow.” He drifted back from the gallery so he could watch everyone admiring his work. “You know, I was always so proud of the stuff I did at the funeral home, making everyone look good, fixing them up, but it wasn’t like I could take pictures and show anyone. This is…”

Cass smiled and gently wrapped his arm around LA’s waist. “Wonderful? Amazing? An absolute thrill to have your artistic talents celebrated?”

“All of that and then some. Especially these. Because they are so personal, you know?”

“I understand. It can be difficult to share such an intimate part of yourself, but I am glad you did.” Cass purred, bubbles floating around them. “You really are so talented, Elly.”

“Thank you, Cass,” LA said earnestly. “Seriously. For fucking everything.”

“Mr. Holmes! The man of the hour!” Georgina approached them, dressed in a pink pantsuit that matched her bright hair. She leaned in to kiss LA’s cheeks and then Cass’s. “Hi! Georgina Plum, assistant curator of the Schumacher Art Museum. I’m also the collections manager at the Gogos Art Gallery.”

LA choked on air.

“It’s so lovely to meet you!” Cass said excitedly. “I’m Elly’s date, Cass Imp.”

“Aw, it’s so lovely to meet you too!” Georgina gushed. “He is so talented, isn’t he? His use of texture is so masterful. It just draws your eyes right into the canvas and screams at you.”

“He is fantastic,” Cass agreed, equally gushy and grinning.

LA’s head spun and he clung to Cass.

This woman not only ran one of the state’s largest art museums, but also one of its biggest and most prestigious galleries, and she had just called LA’s use of texture masterful.

He was going to fucking pass out.

“Hey, Georgina!” Brandon greeted as he came back, a drink in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. “Did you tell him yet?”

“No, not yet!” Georgina gave Brandon a conspiratorial wink.

“Tell him what?” LA scrambled for the drink so he could take a few big slurps.

“LA!” a new voice shouted.

LA turned to find Kevin, Brandon’s fiancé, barreling toward him. “Wait, wait, wait—”

Kevin was an absolute grizzly bear of a man, built as wide as he was tall, and he loved giving very, very big hugs. He practically tackled LA and squeezed him tight, cheering, “Oh! I can’t believe it! You’re really here! You look awesome! Oh my God, is this your date? Whoa, heiscute. What’s—”

“Kevin,” LA gurgled. “You have to let go… My back…”

“Oh! Right.” Kevin grinned sheepishly as he let go, patting LA’s shoulder. “Sorry! I just got excited.”

“It’s okay,” LA wheezed. “Cass, this is Kevin, Brandon’s fiancé. Kevin, this is—”

“Cassander Imp, your new mysterious beau.” Kevin batted his eyes and cocked his hip. “I already know. Brandon told me everything.”

Georgina smiled, touching LA’s arm. “I’ll let you catch up with your friends, darling. We’ll chat later, all right?”

“Oh. Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” LA wanted to know what she was supposed to tell him, but they did have all night. He took a big sip of his drink and leaned against Cass’s side, trying to shift his weight.

“Do you need a chair?” Cass asked, ever attentive and probably noticing that LA was uncomfortable. “I can go grab one!”

“You don’t have to do—” LA snorted as Cass was already halfway across the shop in search of a chair. “—that.”

“I like him,” Kevin said with a big grin. “Like, wow, what a babe! And so sweet!”

Brandon chuckled. “Yeah, he seems really nice.”