Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89674 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Give me a minute to change clothes,” I said, pushing my palms down the front of my T-shirt. I was damned nervous and needed to remove myself as Lon let go of his first throw.
“Beau,” Lon said. “Is the camera set up at the end still on?”
“Yes, I can switch it off,” I said and started that direction.
“No, no. When I master this, I want the video.” Again, my unsteady gaze skidded to Dash’s face, who had gone blank as he walked across the living room to the stairs leading to our bedroom. His head cocked toward the staircase, directing me to go with him, before he turned and trotted up.
Dash
My thoughts raced ferociously, which said something given the fact I typically processed information at lightning speed. I’d made a mistake, but dammit, there was no escaping Lon’s decision to stop by the house to gather Beau up. I walked fully inside our bedroom and pivoted around to face Beau as he slipped inside. My hands splayed in front of me as he quickly shut the door behind him.
“Beau, babe, we talked about this,” I hissed.
“I know.”
I’d have to give it to him, he looked remorseful.
“Why didn’t you call first?” he asked, finally heading to the bathroom to get dressed.
“I tried to call you multiple times,” I said, trailing behind him. I headed straight for his closet to pull appropriate clothing for him to wear. “He’d like you to join us to keep the women occupied. Lon wants to sign a large construction company to the firm. They want to meet Carter for some investment opportunities. Lon’s shooting for sole representation and wants a commitment before we leave tonight. It’ll be my account to handle and will count toward my billable hours. Hurry and get dressed.”
Beau paused while shaving, casting a glance at me through the mirror. “I’ve already told you that I’m not involving Carter in anything.”
I shook my head in frustration. We’d discussed this countless times. No one understood Beau’s position better than me. He wanted nothing to do with his new stepfather, whether it be with his business, his money, or the man himself.
“Nothing’s changed. I handle Carter,” I snapped, unable to hide the irritation in my voice. “I thought you were getting a haircut this morning.”
A primal battle cry echoed from downstairs, sparing me from waiting for whatever excuse Beau gave. We both turned our attention in that direction.
“He probably landed a ball in the cup. It’s thrilling. You wouldn’t understand unless you’ve done it.”
Okay, he was poking at me about doing nothing more than working anymore. Before an argument ruined our afternoon, I left the bathroom.
“We have a car waiting, please hurry.”
Just beyond the closed bedroom door, I pressed my fingers against my eyelids. I asked so little of Beau, and only that small amount of interaction to avoid my company’s judgment. Not that I’d ever said those exact words to my guy. Regardless of how much I tried to refine his image, my firm had a specific type and wanted nothing beyond that. Representation was everything, and spouses and significant others mattered. Most of the partners at the firm considered Beau a step above a hillbilly.
The only reason they tolerated his unkempt appearance and rural demeanor was due to his intimate connection to Carter. If they discovered Beau had no intention of ever speaking to Carter again, they’d sideline my guy from any other company sponsored events, leaving me to make decisions about him I wasn’t ready to face.
If I could maintain my balance while handling the firm, my clients, and Beau’s needs and emotions for a few more years, I’d land a senior partnership position.
But then what?
No, I wasn’t going there. I summoned all my mental strength to shove the uncertainty aside and steel my resolve. Within moments, I was trotting down the stairs as if I hadn’t been on the brink of a nervous breakdown.
“Well, that was great fun. It brought back all those good youthful times,” Lon said spiritedly, shrugging on his suit coat. “I was surprised at the level of precision involved. I felt exhilarated. A true sense of accomplishment when the ball landed in the cup.”
“Beau and his childhood friend enjoy these games together. Beau’s also an avid fisherman. We have a boat moored at the dock. He and his friend often go fishing together while online. They’re always competing,” I explained, trying to find the words to make the scene we’d walked into okay. “Can I get you a drink?” I asked, maintaining my pace until I reached the small bar in the kitchen. I sensed him trailing behind me. I poured myself a shot and downed it as I felt Lon’s hand gently squeezed my shoulder.
“I understand that you face challenges due to him. Lawyers can be ruthless. We exploit people’s vulnerabilities then pounce, especially when you’re climbing the ladder as fast as you are. In your case, your weakness is Beau. Naturally, the vultures will try to undermine him to provoke you. Don’t allow them to create issues for you. You work for me, no one else.”