Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 99918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“What about Julian? When does he come by?” Dylan asked and Tristan narrowed his eyes because the question sounded more like an accusation.
“Is that jealousy I’m hearing?” Tristan arched a brow, smiling big. Dylan remained quiet, and right then he knew if they were in a standoff, he would lose every single time, because after several moments of silence, Dylan’s gaze went back to the television, ignoring him completely. He reached for the remote, probably to turn the volume back up, but Tristan stopped that move, grabbing Dylan’s hand, pulling him back. “I haven’t been seeing him or anyone else since I met you. I promise, you don’t have to worry about that.”
Dylan searched his eyes, again keeping quiet for longer than a simple pause. “I wouldn’t ask that of you.”
“You didn’t. It’s just hard to go back to adequate once you’ve had spectacular,” Tristan said, hoping Dylan liked that statement. It was absolutely true, and Tristan smiled as Dylan’s grin spread. Now he had all of Dylan’s attention again.
“That’s really a good answer,” Dylan chuckled.
“Thank you and absolutely true.” Tristan kissed his upturned, smiling lips.
“When are you leaving to go back home?” Dylan asked.
“As soon as you do, as long as that’s in the morning. I flew in on the Wilder jet. They can be ready to go with a couple of hours’ notice,” Tristan said, trying to decide if he should formally ask Dylan to stay. He didn’t want to push for more the first weekend he agreed to follow all the rules. He should be happy taking what Dylan was willing to give.
Except that wasn’t really his nature. He bit the bullet and guarded his words.
“We can stay through tonight. I’ve already paid for the room, or you can leave. I’ll be back in the next few weeks to announce the buyout. I can see you then or even before that if you need to come out to Wilder to meet some of the staff you’ll be working with.” Did that sound casual enough? He fought the urge to bite his lip as he waited for an answer.
“I should go home, but Teri said she’s got tomorrow morning covered. I didn’t want to assume you wanted me to stay. You have to be sick of hiding out in this room. You’ve only left to work out,” Dylan said.
“Great! Then we can leave together in the morning. And you don’t like this room?” Tristan looked around, throwing his arms out for dramatic effect. “I love this room. Every time I come to Dallas I’m asking for this very room. It’s the room you told me you loved me in. I should buy the hotel just to keep this room exactly like it is.”
“All right, that was a little over the top,” Dylan said, reaching for the remote this time, turning the volume up.
“But still true and I win. We’re leaving tomorrow, not tonight, so whatever. I can be cheesy if I want.” Tristan kissed the top of Dylan’s head as he turned back around to watch the last few minutes of the playoffs. Dylan was immediately absorbed back into the game after grabbing a water bottle from the small coffee table in front of them. Since Friday night, Dylan hadn’t had anything else but water to drink. Tristan smiled, running his nose along the back of Dylan’s head again, breathing him in. They were past the need for alcohol to be comfortable together. Although, he’d have been fine with plying Dylan with liquor for the rest of his life, this was far better. He was a happy, happy man.
“Dad, I think I look stupid.” Cate came through the kitchen where Dylan stood at the counter, taking his vitamins. He was in the middle of a long gulp of water when she entered in a huff. He tried to look over at her, lower the glass, and not choke to death in the process. Once the pills were down, he was pretty proud of himself for not spilling anything.
He ran a hand down his tie, making sure no water drops hit the satin. He’d picked one of the suits he’d bought for his first trip to California to wear today. From there, Teri had been a drill sergeant, fussing over their clothes for the day, and made sure he hadn’t worn this suit during the trip. Once his clothes were defined, she had gone on a tedious, multi-day shopping spree, handpicking special clothing for her and the kids, trying to make them all match for the photos that were sure to be taken.
Satisfied he wasn’t going to have to change ties and ruin Teri’s whole color scheme, Dylan looked over at his indignant daughter. She wore a seafoam green dress that matched her eyes perfectly. To Dylan, she looked beautiful, but that was clearly not what she wanted in an answer from him. He tried for diplomacy.
“Caty-baby, it’s what your mom wants you to wear. It’s one day in your life,” he said, hoping that wouldn’t get him in trouble with Teri and appease his daughter at the same time.
“Look!” Cate put her hands down her sides. “We agreed to skirts that went to my fingertips. This goes all the way past my knees. I look like Granny Reeves.”
That had Dylan barking out a laugh. Now, he completely understood her problem, and he hated that fingertip rule to begin with. She’d come to the wrong person in this argument. He’d have her dressing like this every single day. “You look beautiful and respectable and put a smile on your face and be happy. It’s only one day out of your life.”
“Dad! You aren’t helping!” She stomped her foot and took off in a twirled huff, her dark hair flaring out as she stormed off.
“Dad, what’s wrong with her?” Chad asked, coming through the kitchen toward the garage. “I can’t find my wallet.”
“Here, Son, you left it on the counter last night,” Dylan said, going to the kitchen bar, reaching across the granite countertop to where he’d seen the wallet earlier.