Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“I can’t make that decision for him, Maya.”
Her face softened. “Of course not. But you can at least show him he’s wanted here. That we like him for who he is, not what he posts. And that there will be someone out there someday brave enough to love him. Maybe that’s not here in Legacy, but who knows? Chief Kincaid seems like the kind of man who’d run into a fire for the person he loves.”
“You’re transparent as glass,” I ground out. “You and the rest of the fucking town. Nate told me you tried to get him to cancel the sleigh date.”
She pointed her finger at me. “Now, that is a lie! I told him to fake a butt injury so that he wasn’t capable of sitting in the sleigh.”
I rolled my eyes. “I love you. I’m sorry for not being a better role model.”
She rolled her eyes right back, startling me with how much she reminded me of myself. “You’re the best damned role model I could have asked for. Know why? Because you model being imperfect and trying your hardest anyway. And I love you for that.”
Ned Harwick’s voice broke the moment. “Ain’t anyone back there give a shit about taking my money? I been calling out for an hour. Time’s a wastin’. Chop, chop.”
Maya clapped her hand over her mouth to cover a smile while I took a breath and tried to put on my customer service face. “Coming!”
It took twenty minutes to help him and the other customers in the store’s checkout and another twenty to pull together the equipment I needed for the Hernandez family’s photo shoot later that afternoon. By the time I glanced at my phone, I’d somehow missed a couple of hours of messages.
Adrian
Any chance you could help me again tonight?
Not like that. With a video camera.
Still sounded dirty. I meant… can you please take some video of me and another guy tonight?
Jesus. I’m incapable of making this sound normal. Pls call me.
I understand why you’re ignoring my messages, but I promise I’m not soliciting you for a porno. Although…
No worries. Catch you another time.
I scrambled to text him back.
Was driving and then working. What time do you need me?
I didn’t even bother to ask what it was for or whether it would make my schedule too tight after the photo shoot. Maya was right. I’d been lying to myself about not having feelings for Adrian Hayes, and I couldn’t bring myself to be nonchalant about him going out with Judd Kincaid, no matter how innocent it may or may not be.
Adrian
You sure? I don’t want it to be weird. And it’s outside the scope I hired you for.
Instead of texting him back, I called. As soon as his voice came on the line, I felt the now-familiar prickle of relief and excitement.
“Hey,” he said. “Judd said to be there around seven. I’d imagine it won’t take more than an hour and a half, but I can’t be sure.”
“Yeah, I can do it.” I tried to tamp down my curiosity, but it was a losing battle. “What’s this for?”
“It’s a thing with the fire chief.”
“A date?” My mouth betrayed me. “Never mind. It’s none of my—”
“Fire safety content,” Adrian interrupted quickly. “My manager hooked me up with a side gig while I’m here. It’s another sponsorship.”
A rush of relief swept through me. “Not a date?”
“No, just… they want the two of us on camera together, but it doesn’t have to look like a date or anything. The pay’s good, so I can cover your rate. And, uh… I appreciate the help.” He paused. “Actually, fuck it. I don’t need the help for this one, Maddox. Honestly, I just want to see you again. There. I said it. Feel free to back out. I wouldn’t blame you.”
Something in my chest took flight at his admission. “I’m not backing out. I…” I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. “I want to see you again, too.”
The beat of silence on the other end made me squirm. But when his warm, easy voice came back on the line, it was worth the wait.
“You know, if you ever want to see me, Sullivan, all you have to do is ask. I guarantee the answer will be yes.”
Thankfully, no one was around to see the stupid grin on my face. “I’ll pick you up at six thirty. And maybe if you’re lucky… I’ll pack a toothbrush.”
I ended the call to the sound of his laughter. I could tell he didn’t believe me, that he was just humoring me. But I couldn’t deny how good it had felt waking up next to his solid presence after my nightmare.
Obviously, I was scared shitless. But Maya was right. Adrian Hayes deserved to be loved. And part of me wanted him to feel less alone.