“I guess that means you’ll have to give me a spanking,” I reply with a wink.
“The way you’re looking at me now, my dear, makes me think that would not be a punishment at all.”
“One way to find out.”
He chuckles, planting one more kiss on my lips before turning his attention back to the pancakes.
I glance down at my watch, a gorgeous Jaeger-Lecoultre Roman gave me as a birthday gift, my eyes widening when I see the time.
“Shit,” I exclaim. “We’re going to be late.”
“You know,” Roman says, “when you’re the star of the show, you are never late—everyone else is early.”
I can’t help but laugh at that. Roman flips the last pancake onto the plate and hands it over.
“Eat. There is more than enough time.”
I glance down at his pants, my eyes lingering on the way they show off those gorgeous notches of his hips.
“You still have to change. Unless you’re planning on going in those.”
He winks. “You should be so lucky.”
Another kiss. And just like that, the nerves about the day ahead melt away.
Roman’s kind of magic like that.
The gallery at the Art Institute practically hums.
Ivory walls. Warm light. People talking in soft, hushed tones the way they do when art is involved. There’s nothing quite like the vibe of a crowded museum.
But there is one little detail that makes this exhibit different from all the others I’ve been to, and that’s the placard at the entrance with my name on it. It’s terrifying and thrilling all at once.
TAKING UP SPACE
Amalie Barinova
Featuring works by young artists
Mixed media installation
2026
Inside, my pieces line the walls—paintings, sculptures, art I’ve made since before I met Roman, which feels like a million years ago. Sasha’s art hangs there too—winter landscapes from our first weeks together, animals from the zoo, buildings from downtown. Even the sketch of Andrei that impressed me during the first interview with Roman is there.
The art from kids with autism, sensory processing difficulties, ADHD also hangs on the wall. That’s what this is about. Taking up space. Art from those who society at times makes feel like they should stay out of sight, take uplessspace.
Not today. Today we’re here, and without apology.
I spot Sasha, looking so grown-up in his suit, speaking with surprising confidence to a trio of guests as he explains his art.
Kyle’s here too, standing near the back with Theo strapped into his baby carrier. He looks so good with Theo, so natural, like he’s already been a dad a few times over. I’m planning on putting the pressure on him to settle down, but right now, he’s where he needs to be.
Mom even flew in from California, finally able to travel after her hip replacement. She’s all smiles, barely able to take her eyes off Theo.
A large hand settles gently on my shoulder. I smile, not needing to turn to know who it is.
“How do you like being the center of attention?” Roman moves to my side, planting a soft kiss on my cheek, one that sends a wonderful surge of calm through me.
