Read Online Inside Out by Mandy Hollis - Free Book Online Page A

you crush my insides.” I laughed, wiggling free in the entrance of the kitchen. I skipped over to the radio, turning on the oldies.
    I pranced around the kitchen singing loud and proud. To my surprise, Jude chimed in singing along word for word. I watched his lips move and his body begin swaying to the music. I grinned and chimed in, our duet echoed against the walls in the kitchen.
    “You’re lovely, you insane man, you.” I leaned in kissing his cheeks. “Now, quit fooling around and help me make some eggs and bacon.”
    “You’re just jealous of my talent. I’m sorry I’m a better singer than you.”
    “Ha!” I chuckled, slapping his arm. “If you think the sound of a dying cat sounds beautiful, well, you’re right. You’re extremely gifted.” I winked and threw four pieces of bacon in a small skillet.
    “Go set the table, please. I’ll finish up here.” Jude pulled the spatula from my fingers, laughing at me as I dodged the grease splashing from the pan.
    “Be my guest” I released the cooking utensil without hesitation. Cooking was not something I enjoyed. I pulled decorative trappings from the cabinets, dressing up the small fold out table the best I could.
    “Well, doesn’t that look nice?” Jude eyed the yellow table cloth and clear vase which held two bright red artificial flowers. “Well, seems you do have a knack for something”
    “Hey now, I have skills. I am talented in many areas.”
    “Oh Sammy, trust me, I’m very aware of your skills.” He winked and pulled out my chair, gesturing for me to take a seat.
    “Jude Williams, you dirty old man.”
    “So, how about we talk about what you do for a living?”
    “A little bit of everything.” He reached across the table, interlocking our fingers.
    “Jude, I’m serious. What do you do? Knowing the career of the man you’re sleeping with is quite a reasonable request.” He still responded with no more than a smirk.
    “Well, Mr. Elusive. I won’t avoid the question on my career. You must be ashamed. Are you a dope dealer or something?” He laughed hysterically. I, however, found no humor in it. Why was he avoiding my question? Did Mr. Perfect have a secret that would finally prove to me he wasn’t so perfect? “I’m proud of my receptionist job. It isn’t like I make a fortune, but, it’s a decent living around awesome people.”
    “That’s really nice, Sammy. I’m glad you’re doing something you love.”
    “I wouldn’t say I love it. There are many other things in this world I wish I could make a living doing. But, such is life.”
    “What do you want to do other than answering phones?” He raised his eyebrows, sincere curiosity in his expression.
    “I’m an artist. Well, I like to think I am. I love to paint. Flowers, scenery, children… basically anything my eyes see, my mind visualizes a way to paint it.”
    “That’s wonderful, Sam. I’d love to see your work sometime. If you’d like, there’s a room down the hall just in front of the one you’re in. It holds nothing more than a computer desk and an old filing cabinet. We’ll set you up a nice studio.”
    I smiled imagining a space of my own to paint. Mitch never liked for me to paint. He said it was a waste of time and my work was far from gallery worthy.
    “We’ll take a look at it after breakfast. My mind can’t even wrap around the image of you sitting in front of a canvas, creating something beautiful, wearing nothing but my t-shirt.” He winked, taking the last bite of his egg.
    “Thank you. I appreciate it. A studio of my own is more than I’ve ever dreamed.”
    “I’ll do my best to make your every dream a reality, Sam.”
    Jude stood up from the table, walking around to where I sat. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head. I reached for his hand which rested on my shoulder. I spoke through unshed tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. I adored him. I prayed that time wouldn’t reveal the secrets he held from