Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 98823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“True. But if I ever get married, no way am I inviting press. Hell, I might not even have guests.”
“Fabulous idea!” Ezra crowed like I’d given the right answer to a test I hadn’t been aware I was taking.
“What?” I stepped aside to allow another couple to enter the tent. Inside, a band was warming up as a line formed for an expansive bar setup at the rear of the tent.
“That’s the first time you’ve spoken remotely positively about the married state.” Ezra looked so pleased I had to wonder if I wasn’t the only one who’d been battling doubts. Maybe he saw me as a flight risk too, which was humbling and made me resolve to do more to show him I was all in on staying.
“Maybe my views are…softening.” I tried to make my tone as tender as my fingers on his wrist. “Relationships have their pluses.”
“They do.” We exchanged a glance so meaningful that I almost dragged him off behind the potted plant. We could skip this whole ordeal and double the amount of time on the couch, but right as I was about to suggest ditching, I spotted Harley walking toward us, wearing an earpiece along with his dark suit and carrying a clipboard Kate would have approved of.
“I’m gonna go get in line for drinks.” Ezra nodded at Harley before releasing my hand. “You check in with Harley, make sure things are running smoothly.”
“Will do.” I tried to thank him with my eyes for giving me space to talk to Harley alone.
“LT,” Harley greeted me. “You’re looking sharp.”
“So are you.” I laughed because other than dress uniforms, I could count on one hand with fingers to spare the number of times I’d seen him in a suit. And sure enough, Harley looked decidedly uncomfortable, tugging at his collar and shuffling his shiny shoes.
“The client had a dress code. I do aim to please.”
“You do a good job of it.” I clapped him on the shoulder, gratified when he didn’t flinch away. “I probably haven’t said it enough, but you’re really good at this security business, especially difficult clients, and I absolutely couldn’t do it without you.”
“Aw, LT, you don’t have to butter me up.” Pink stained his cheeks. He’d even shaved for the occasion, which was probably as remarkable as him covering the tats and wearing a suit.
“I’m serious,” I insisted. He’d put up admirably with all my father’s ridiculous demands and dress codes, all while being justifiably peeved at me.
“So am I.” He gave me a level stare, nodding like he’d taken my measure and found enough to pass muster. “We’re cool.”
“We are?” I pressed because I didn’t want to simply sweep our disagreement aside. I planned to keep both Ezra and Harley around a good long time and didn’t want to ignore simmering conflict
“Yep.” He nodded sharply. “I was watching you and your rock star just now. I’ve never seen you look at anyone like that.”
“Oh.” I swallowed hard. I’d been so worried about what the paparazzi might see that I hadn’t stopped to think about what else might be visible. “I care about him. A lot.”
“I can tell.” Harley sounded slightly mystified, like Ezra and I were a new species of mushrooms, and he was trying to decide whether we were edible or poisonous. “And I can’t say as I get it, but I want you happy, LT. You’ve been through enough shit. You deserve to be happy.”
It was among the most sincere I’d heard Harley in years of knowing each other, and my chest clenched hard. I wasn’t worthy of his loyalty. “I haven’t been through all that much—”
Harley cut me off with a snort. “Quit trying to compete in the pain rodeo. Just cause others have it worse doesn’t mean you’ve had a cakewalk.”
I nodded slowly, trying to believe him. “You’re damn wise.”
“Yeah, well, maybe I’ve been around Danny too much lately. Next, I’ll be handing out smoothies along with sage advice.”
“Ha. You’ve always been smart. And you’ve always had my back.”
“Always. Nothing’s gonna change that.” Harley held my gaze so long my skin went hot and tight. Damn. I needed to get a handle on all this emotion. And figure out a proper thank you, but before I could, Harley pointed over my shoulder. “And here comes your old man. I better go check the perimeter. Try not to spear your dad to death with one of those fancy forks.”
“I’ll try.” I was still laughing when my father arrived at my side as Harley departed at a fast clip.
“Duncan, you made it.” The width of my father’s smile meant a camera had to be near, as did the way he clapped my shoulder a few seconds too long.
“Of course,” I said stiffly.
“You know, all this will be yours someday.” He swept a hand to encompass his large estate. “You could at least pretend to be grateful.”