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)
I counted at least six kids in the background who all had similar features to each other. “It’s fine. We’re all casual. You’re here to help me pressure Slade to make the trip to come see us.”
“The next meeting we schedule will have to come with trip insurance, canceling and rescheduling’s costing Austin quite a bit of money. I’m not cheap and I fly private these days,” Dash said, a professional sense of humor had him fighting the grin he clearly wanted to give. Austin chuckled.
“It’s funny because it’s true,” Austin said dryly. “But please, let Slade’s love life cost me thousands of dollars.”
I had canceled our meeting twice because I didn’t want to jeopardize the balance Mace and I had created by leaving for any length of time. What I should have done was promise to keep the next meeting no matter what happened. I didn’t do that, knowing full well that I still wasn’t ready to leave my cocoon. So I nodded a good convincing shake of my head.
“Dash, after I talk to Mace, we may need more of your services,” Kitt said.
“Sure, what’re you needing?” Dash asked and sat back. A notebook rested on one thigh, a pen in hand.
“He’s seven hundred dollars an hour, Slade. Do you really need him, or would a cheaper legal advisor be enough?” Austin asked.
“Hey. I’m giving you my friends and family discount,” Dash countered.
“I pay him enough a year to put all of those kids through college,” Austin shot back.
“Slade and his partner Mace are lookin’ to start an animal refuge. They’ll need help and someone who is really watchin’ their back. You take care of us so it seems we could extend your services to Mace,” Kitt explained to Dash, clearly the voice of reason in Austin’s life.
“Slade has an attorney,” Austin explained, showing his profile as he turned to say those words directly to Kitt.
“I suspect Mace is overwhelmed. Dash has that way about him that makes you feel better,” Kitt explained to the screen, refusing to look at Austin.
“You don’t know the man,” Austin said, still facing Kitt. That was enough of a statement to frustrate Kitt, who jerked his head Austin’s direction.
“You’re a cheapskate. This guy’s been through it,” Kitt said, shaking his head dismissively. “I’ll pay for it.”
“We share everything. What’s yours is mine,” Austin said, defensively.
“Slade, I’ll happily handle whatever you need,” Dash said, talking loudly to cut through their disagreement, directly to me.
“Thank you. Kitt’s not wrong, Mace’s had a difficult time. He needs someone on his side. I’ll pay but it’s probably best if you’re willing to represent Mace’s interests,” I said, wanting my guy to feel safe and informed every step of the way.
“Sure. I’ll handle this myself, although I’m semi-retired. That just means I work forty hours a week and no more,” Dash explained. “Also, only as a heads up, if I travel overnight, my family comes with me.”
“Daddy, daddy,” a small chestnut-haired little girl in a ruffled bathing suit ran toward Dash with a squeal of happiness. “Paw’s going to tickle me when he tosses me in the water. Daddy, tell him no. Tell him no.”
The paw in the equation must be Dash’s arm candy, because the ripped guy came running after the little girl, scooping her up to her continued shrieks. “Daddy, save me.”
“Amelia, I’m in a meeting, remember,” Dash disciplined in a calm, forceful tone. His words didn’t match the way he drew her in for a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek from where she was held in the other man’s arms.
“Millie, come on, babe,” Paw said and jogged back to the pool with her in his arms. “Sorry, guys. We’re in family time. It’s hard for the little ones to remember the rules.”
“How many kids do you have?” I asked Dash. Kids were something I had never considered having before.
“We have eight kids with another on their way. We’re stopping at ten children. We have four boys and four girls. The one on its way is a boy,” Dash explained. “Talk to Mace and let’s get something scheduled. I’m in Texas. We’ll work something out to meet in person to ensure that I’m a good fit for him, if necessary.”
“That’ll be great,” I said, feeling good that Dash was willing to take careful steps to help Mace. “I think they’ll continue to argue.”
“Austin’s cheap in many parts of his life, but his production company has everything it needs for continued success,” Dash explained. “I’ll have my assistant reach out to you to give you my information for Mace. Let me know how it works out.”
“Sure. I appreciate you,” I said. I hadn’t gotten this mentally far in the plan to absorb the idea that Mace might need protection, even from me. My heart gave a small ache. Mace’s temperament was that of a casual self-made man who rarely used the help of anyone to get through his life. My staff of attorneys was as mean as they were effective, and they’d eat Mace for lunch if given a chance. “I’ll be back in touch after talking to Mace.” I lifted a hand in a wave goodbye to everyone. “I’m hanging up now. Look for my return email.”