Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 74968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
“The girls and Faith have cake handled. They’re throwing a party for him at the house. You’re both welcome, of course.” Colt’s tone shifted from neighborly back to frustrated as his frown returned. “My issue is more about what to get Maverick as a gift. He’s maddeningly good at getting himself whatever he seems to need.”
“Get a tattoo in his honor?” I was at a loss for what else to suggest.
“Already done that.” Looking down at his beer, Colt flushed. “However, tattoo therapy isn’t a bad idea after all the worry over my brother. You needing some time in the chair?”
“Perhaps,” I hedged. I’d thought on that idea a time or six recently. I could use the clarity that came with a tattoo, but hell if I knew what design to get. Every idea seemed to point back to Adler, and he was already inked across my heart. Didn’t need a permanent reminder on my skin. “Hmm. Not sure what other gifts could work.”
“I’d suggest a pet, but between the allergies at your place and Adler dreaming up more ranch animals, that’s probably out.” Jude took a thoughtful sip of his beer.
“No pets. No tattoo.” Colt made a frustrated noise. “I mean, I could offer to get a Maverick a tattoo, but that’s not really his style.”
“Something romantic?” Jude used the same tone one might use when suggesting a pair of socks or a gift certificate. Like most of Lovelorn, Jude had easily accepted Colt’s coming out. No drama. No fuss. No picket lines in front of the sheriff’s office. Simply Colt and Maverick living their happy ending.
Adler kept insisting that any gossip over us being together would be short-lived. No big deal. The thought of whispers and questioning looks made my back sweat, but for the first time, I questioned my own logic. Was I thinking with my adult brain or with the painful memories of my early teen years?
“I need something Maverick can open in front of the girls and his sister,” Colt mumbled into his beer.
“Romance doesn’t have to mean sex.” Jude gave Colt a pointed look, but the reminder might as well have been meant for me. Maverick and Colt’s wedding had been the stuff of fairy tales, and I’d seen the longing in Adler’s eyes. Even if I got beyond my fear of gossip, I didn’t know the first thing about romance. I could fuck Adler into next week, give him the attention and direction he craved, but romance? The tension in my back increased at the mere thought.
“You’re right.” Colt nodded. “Something meaningful. That’s what I want. Too cold for camping, or I’d take him for a trip down memory lane.”
“Camping equipment?” Jude narrowed his eyes like he was thinking extra hard. “A telescope for star gazing?”
“That’s perfect.” Colt chuckled, expression softening with relief. “You’re good at the romance thing. How are you still single?”
“Lord, not you too.” Jude let out a long groan. “Not everyone is destined to couple up. Look at Gray.”
“Gray’s too cranky for romance.” Colt was joking, but the tease landed like a piece of barbed wire catching my heart. The truth shouldn’t bug me this much. Adler deserved someone as romantic and optimistic as he was, and that was a fact.
“Also, the market for single people of any gender around here wishing to put up with a vet’s hours is woefully small,” Jude continued.
“Any gender?” Colt widened his eyes, mirroring my own shock. “I didn’t know you were…open-minded.”
I’d worked alongside Jude for ten years now, drank with him more than a few times, grieved with him on some hard cases, and never had a clue. But then again, I hadn’t had a clue about my own self either.
“I don’t broadcast being pansexual, but I don’t hide either.” Jude didn’t sound particularly worried about gossip himself. He was the best large animal vet for miles, well-respected. Ranchers would be stupid to stop calling for him over something as minor as who he bedded.
Oh. A neon sign lit up in my brain, but before I could contemplate it, Colt spoke again. “You know, Mav keeps trying to think of someone to set Adler up with. Give him a reason to stick around.”
I clenched my teeth hard enough to crack a molar. It might be February, but in here, I was burning up with rage I had no business feeling. I’d been the one to insist on secrecy. If the world saw Adler as single, I had only myself to blame.
“The two of you are turning into a matchmaking cliché.” Jude wagged a finger at Colt. “And I’d rather avoid Gray laying me out.”
“Why would Gray…?” Colt trailed off as he turned his head to stare at me. I looked away, studying the various rusty signs on the bar wall. “Seriously?”
“You need another beer.” I gestured at the bar like that would save me from his scrutiny. “Jude, you want to fetch us another round?”