Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 56961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
I groaned. “I’m sorry.”
He grinned. “It was fine, actually. I made quite a few good friends that way. Besides, I think if I’d still been single when I moved to Aster Valley, it would have been worse. My friends here are just as bad, and they’re mostly gay guys. I’m not sure which is worse.”
“Is there a good community here?” I asked, mostly just to make conversation. I was enjoying his easy company and the coziness of the kitchen.
“Really good,” he said sincerely. “A gay couple owns the local diner, and they latched onto us right away. Introduced us to a ton of other guys. We have a pretty good group now. I’m sure you’ll meet most of them this week while you’re here. A few of them promised to help us decorate the lodge for Christmas. Our friend Truman has been making homemade garlands for the mantels and bannisters, and his partner, Sam, has a crew of guys coming to put lights on the lodge. He’s in charge of all the facilities and physical operations of our ski resort. And Tiller’s friend Julian will be in town through the holidays, too.” A worried expression flickered over his face before his sweet smile reappeared.
“And that’s… a problem?” I guessed.
“What? Oh, no. Not at all. I love Julian. He’s a wonderful guy and a brilliant attorney. He’s just been a little…” Mikey hesitated. “Unlucky in the love department. Hey, are you sure you’re anti-matchmaking? Because I wonder if—”
“I’m positive,” I assured him quickly. I had enough to handle keeping up with my work, getting my debts paid off, and navigating my way through my new family. Romance, even with a brilliant attorney, was not on my to-do list.
We talked a little more about the ski resort they were opening in another month, and I learned they were deliberately keeping it low-key for the first season in hopes of ramping up slowly and preparing for a larger launch the following winter. Mikey was easy to talk to, and before I headed off toward my room in the south wing of the lodge, he made sure I knew he was available to talk to anytime.
“I know what it’s like to feel like the odd man out,” he said softly. “Even though I can tell from the looks on everyone’s faces downstairs they adore you.”
“Did someone tell you my story?” I asked. I didn’t mind—it wasn’t like my mom’s adoption and my recent inclusion in this large, extended family was a secret. But I was surprised since we hadn’t been here a full day yet.
Mikey turned off the sink and turned to me, reaching for the towel in my hands so he could dry his own. “Your grandmother told me a little bit about it. She was worried about you. Said she wanted to make sure you felt welcome and had some space to yourself to get away from the noise.”
I smiled. “Tilly’s not afraid to share her opinions, but she can also be very kind and thoughtful,” I said. It was one of the things that made my feelings toward her so complex. “But… yeah. It’s a little overwhelming. I mean… I’m really glad to be here, but it’s very different from what I’m used to.”
“I think it’s cool that you found your mom’s biological parents like that. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to realize you came from a giant family of…” He stopped and blushed.
“Influential politicians? Talented musicians? Actual royalty? Mostly gorgeous gay men?” I suggested with a smirk.
“Yes, that one.” He blew out a breath and clapped a hand over his heart. “Holy cow. I think Tiller is going to freak out when he realizes I’ve been hosting the cast of Magic Mike while he was away.”
I laughed. “To be fair, he gets to be in the locker room with dozens of pro football players.”
Mikey swatted my leg with the towel. “Hush. I don’t want to think about it.”
“Don’t you, though?” I teased.
Mikey stepped over to the large double fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. When he handed it to me, he thanked me for the help with the dishes.
“I’m really glad you’re here,” he said. “If you need any help settling in, please let me know.”
“If you need any help while your assistant is sick and Tiller’s away, please let me know. I’d love a chance to be helpful, especially if it gives me a break from the crowd.”
He nodded and thanked me before sending me off to my room. After spending several hours trying and failing to fall asleep, I finally fell into a fitful slumber for a little while. I awoke before six in the morning and stumbled out to the kitchen in search of coffee.
Mikey was already up and looking as bleary-eyed as I was.