Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“You always look out for me,” I murmured. Slade’s gaze shifted to me again.
“I’ll give you time to say it back to me. As much time as you need.” He dressed quickly, adding the bracelets back on his wrist. The Rolex followed. “We’re learning each other’s faults. I guess it’s sweet.” Slade came toward me then past me, patting my stomach muscles. “I’m starving. What do you have to eat?”
I barely caught the wink he sent me over his shoulder. That was entirely his ass’s fault. My gaze always drew to watch his strut. “So, we’re good?”
“You have some making up to do. I’m not normally so insulted…”
“Slade, I wasn’t insultin’ you. I was only tryin’ to figure out what was happenin’ between us,” I said, tossing a helpless hand in the air.
Slade’s laughter indicated I was going to be paying for this for a long time.
Chapter 16
Slade
Days Later
“I’ve worked with Mason Sutton. I’m storin’ his eggs, but I don’t know him,” Kitt said, somewhere behind Austin, not within the screen’s frame. “But for the refuge, pick an animal to start with. Learn the ropes before addin’ additional kinds of animals. There are grants he can use to get it off the ground.”
Kitt came into view, taking the seat next to Austin. The cowboy vibe radiated off Kitt, because he was absolutely the real deal. Austin had westerned up too. As he spoke, he went in and out of a professional neutral business tone to a distinct Texas accent. His deep tan, the small wrinkles at the corner of his eyes and mouth, and the cowboy hats sitting ready to go showed how much Austin had changed. The two were fascinating together. They fit like puzzle pieces. More than thinking on the same level, they appeared physically in sync. The connection had me wondering and watching.
Kitt sat with his hands in his lap, mirroring Austin’s physical stance. Austin then leaned back, draping an arm over Kitt’s chair. I couldn’t see the hand, but I’d bet this house that Austin was touching Kitt’s back. I followed suit and sat back in my seat, trying to listen, but also confused as to why I even cared what Austin’s hand was doing. It had never happened before. Actually, I had come to believe a coupling with anyone created a limit-filled life. Yet my entire perspective changed the second I saw Mace for the first time.
“I’ll help if you need it,” Kitt offered. I was certain I’d be taking that offer soon enough. “I feel like Mace knows what he wants to do. We need to stick to his vision.”
“I’ll likely take you up on that after I talk to Mace. I feel confident that we’ll need initial financial investments too,” I said, turning to stare in Austin’s direction. I knew he got what I was going for when he burst out with laughter.
“Get your ass over here. Let’s talk business. That’ll dictate the size of my investment into the refuge.”
“Bring Mace,” Kitt said, elbowing Austin. “He and I can talk and put together a layout of what he’s looking for. If you do need investors, I’ll connect him to people and walk him through the grant process.”
My frown was instant. “He and I are both hiding. We aren’t out as a couple. I don’t even know if we’re a real couple. My filming schedule requires I leave here soon.”
“As long as you two aren’t touchy, which I am with Kitt, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about,” Austin said.
Kitt nodded. “You two should be fine within the ranch. Everyone here’s bound by a pretty aggressive NDA.”
I nodded even with loads of doubt. Social media made it too easy to transmit any picture or video that might be captured. But I also recognized that I cared less and less about my identity in the world and more about taking Mace on an official date.
“Let me talk with Mace tonight. I don’t know if he’ll come with me, but I’ll let you know,” I said.
“Well, stop putting me off about our other business and let’s talk. I think you’ll like what I have to say,” Austin said. At the same time, Kitt’s face morphed into concern.
“Tell Mace that we’ll keep him safe,” Kitt insisted. I nodded in appreciation, feeling they’d go out of their way to keep his visit private.
“What did you mean about the eggs?” I asked.
“Hang on, Dash Richmond’s callin’. He’s the attorney that’s been workin’ with your team. Hang on.” Austin leaned toward the screen.
Dash’s image appeared moments later. “Hi, you three,” Dash said, lifting a hand. He wasn’t in normal attorney attire, and a pack of kids played in the swimming pool behind him. What Austin did better than anyone else I knew was to hire from the LGBTQ+ community, if the man inside the swimming pool was in fact Dash’s partner. “It’s vacation time. We’re all home together. If they’re too loud, I’ll move inside.”