Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
“Then you have to go into the world and figure it out,” his father said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Find your passion and don’t let it go. But I want you to consider what I’m about to say to you. Sometimes the passion we need isn’t a career. It’s a person. It’s a family. I’m not ever going to be as smart as your mum, but I learned my place long ago. It’s to love her and build this family with her. To support her and you and your sister. I wouldn’t take it back for anything in the world. Certainly not for some high-powered career. It’s the best job for me. Be open to what the universe offers you. And know no matter where we are, we’re here for you.”
The door opened and his mother stepped out. “We should get on the road if we’re going to make it to the airport in time.” She strode down the steps and joined them. “Oh, I’m going to miss you. All my babies are flying out of the nest. You should know I’ve already called Avery, and she’s going to make sure you have everything you need. Are you sure you don’t want to wait until you find an apartment?”
He was staying with friends. Well, with people he knew back when he was a kid. He’d known Aidan O’Donnell since they were babies. Their parents were friends who would get together every couple of years.
“I want to get a feel for the city,” he explained. He would be living with Aidan and two of his friends. Their extra room would work until he decided where he wanted to live.
The fact the room was also close to a BDSM club Aidan and his friends ran was a plus. He’d been raised around lifestylers, but the clubs were few and far between here in the outback, and he hadn’t had occasion to play during his time in the military. Unless he went to Sydney, he didn’t play, and Sydney was so far away.
But that wouldn’t be a problem in Dallas. There were several clubs he would have easy access to. He would go and figure his life out. And maybe spend some time with a pretty sub or two.
“Let’s get going then,” his father said.
He took his mum’s hand and moved to the truck so he could start his future.
* * * *
Dallas, TX
One week later
Daisy O’Donnell was ready.
Real estate hadn’t worked out for her, but she was all right. She wasn’t meant for the restaurant world either. The fifth time she’d dropped a platter of five-star food had proven she was not a perfect server. She’d never actually seen her Uncle Sean cry before. The man was serious about food.
She’d moved through a series of jobs, but nothing had stuck yet.
Until today.
“So you think you know how to use the phone system?” Her brand spanking new boss was named Harlow Dawson, and she was twelve kinds of awesome. She ran the Dawson-Lockwood Agency along with her business partner, Ruby Lockwood.
Harlow handled the rough stuff while Ruby was the kickass hacker who no firewall could keep out.
An all-women private investigation firm. Yes, this was right where she belonged. After all, her beloved Da was one of the world’s best investigators, so it was probably in her genes.
“I think I got it.” She sat down behind the desk. Her desk. The small space consisted of a reception area, two offices for the founders, a baby break room, and a single bathroom she was apparently responsible for as well.
She could handle it. Her mother had always kept a neat house. That was in her genes, too.
Harlow was roughly the same age as Daisy, though she seemed older since she was tough as nails and had some way cool scars Daisy had only seen because she played at The Hideout, a club Daisy belonged to. Although she hadn’t had any fun there lately. It was tough when all the Doms considered her a little sister.
“Are you sure? It can be tricky,” Harlow said, tucking back a strand of electric blue hair.
“It’s not tricky.” Ruby walked out of her office. “You’re terrible with tech. Daisy, the right button puts the call on hold, and then you send the caller to either of our offices. I’m one and Harlow’s two. When you go to lunch, you put the whole thing in away mode which sends the caller to our voice mail box. When you get back, check the voice mail and send us any messages we need to reply to. When the system is in answer, the button goes red. Easy-peasy.”
Totally easy. “I can handle it. I’m so grateful to you both for this opportunity. I was surprised when the boutique I was working at went under so quickly. I appreciate the job. The last thing I want to do is move back in with my parents. I love them, but my da can be a lot to handle. He has an unrealistic vision of me.”