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)
“Babe, I won’t bother you if you promise to keep me updated,” my mom said. “I just want to add, reconcilin’ the past doesn’t mean you can’t have a good future. People need friends and relationships. We’re programmed that way.”
“He knows, Mama,” my father said. “We’re glad for the update and we’ll be here for you when you need us.”
“Dad, when you and I both call her mom, people think you’re a hillbilly,” I said, reaching for the doorknob. “Get back to work. Time’s tickin’ for Max to be home.”
I stepped out of the house and shut the door before the heavy weight of the conversation landed like a wet blanket on top of me. Tunnel vision led me to my truck. The balance I’d created over the last few weeks now seemed fragile, built to crumble under my feet. Fuck. Something strong inside me wanted to duck and hide. The urge was so powerful the next few minutes were going to decide if I slid back inside my shell or somehow manage to keep exploring this new reality.
Fuck Lori, but not really.
Chapter 17
Slade
My fingertips ran the length of the new facial growth I’d started two days ago. Like normal, the facial hair had filled in quickly. It was dark, easily changing the appearance of my jawline. I continued to trail my fingers down to my chest hair. Finally prickling out after the last wax I had before coming here. Without a doubt, I was a hairy guy. The beard became a relaxing add-on with all the trimming I was constantly having done.
I needed to figure out a better way to stay groomed. Mace truly seemed to like me shaven rather than all hairy. I’d probably have to make a quick run to my esthetician in NYC soon to help with the daily grind.
The mere fact I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, trimming my beard to eventually remove it all together again spoke volumes to the infatuation I’d developed toward that beautiful man. I was captivated, totally consumed, and found I wanted to look my best for him.
My cell phone rattled. Mace might have fibbed to me about the importance of his role at the bar. All my guy had to do today was place the bar’s liquor order and inspect the cleanliness of the kitchen before taking off to run some errands.
Errands.
It was a weird flex for Mace to show me we didn’t have to spend every minute of free time with each other.
With the way we texted all day, every day, I was certain I was always on his mind.
I reached for the phone, opened the text to see a picture of Mace with a buzz cut.
He was such a handsome guy. I didn’t think I’d like anything other than the untamable mop of hair. But this style changed everything. He was stunning, with tanned masculine features that could have been designed by Michelangelo himself. I turned, leaning my ass against the sink counter. I pinched my fingers against the screen to draw the picture in closer.
I didn’t hesitate to let him know how much I liked the change, thumbing out a quick reply.
“Didn’t think you could be more handsome.” I typed quickly, pushed send, and went back to analyzing the photo. The way Mace refused to grin or smile at me was changing based on this semi, quite possibly the beginning of a smile.
“Call from Liam Ford.” My gaze lifted as if I planned to share that information with anyone in the room with me. I was alone.
“Answer,” I said near the mounted speaker.
The call connected with my manager on the other end. I gave no greeting.
“Slade?” he asked.
“Yeah, what’s up?” I asked, my tone changed into the one I used while dealing with the industry. A tone Mace wouldn’t believe to be mine if he ever had a chance to hear it. “Did you hear from Austin?”
“That’s why I’m calling. What do I do with this information from a Dash Richmond, attorney at law?” Liam asked. “Who is that?”
“Forward all incoming information from Dash to Tommy. I’ve instructed him on what to do,” I explained. “I’ve stalled my meeting with Austin, but we’re rescheduled. Dash is looking out for my…friend’s interest.”
“You still don’t know what Austin wants to talk to you about?” Liam asked.
“I don’t. I assume it’s a movie. His production company’s building a decent reputation,” I said, but Liam already knew all that. “His funding’s increasing. Maybe he can afford me.”
“You’re schedule’s booked for two years out,” Liam interjected, causing my jaw to set and I glanced at the Bluetooth speaker with laser beam intensity.
“I have an out in every contract I’ve signed. You’ve made sure of that,” I reminded.
“Slade, I work on a percentage of the cut. We go where the money is. I’ll handle the negotiations with Austin after you two talk.”