Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
This was definitely a Master problem.
“No one said anything about the kink stuff, though, so that’s a small bonus.” Master’s chest jerked in silent laughter as he nodded. “Oh, and it seemed to have started because some of the neighbors think you’re cheating on Amanda with me. No one seems to remember she doesn’t like men. I don’t understand that.”
People were insane.
Master let out a low hum that sounded frustrated even though he was trying to keep it in check. “Has she been keeping this interesting bit of knowledge to herself?”
“No. She hates Facebook and isn’t a member of the group.” He seemed to appreciate hearing that because his grip on me relaxed again. “She was just as surprised as I was.”
And she’d also been the one to point out what should’ve been obvious at the very beginning.
“She also said to ask you if your parents are on social media.” That had Master groaning.
“I don’t know.” His answer wasn’t comforting but at least that meant we still had a fighting chance. “I’m assuming this was all of your bad news?”
As I nodded, finding it at least a little funny that he was worried there might be more drama coming, he took a deep breath and mumbled quietly that killing the neighbors would not be helpful. “Well, this explains some of the odd looks I’ve been getting lately.”
It also explained a lot of the odd questions I’d been getting.
“I don’t know what to say. I feel bad for dumping all this on you but you needed to know and now…” Something about either my slightly dramatic delivery or my shrug had Master’s chest jerking in silent laughter again.
Another time I’d be frustrated with him but I liked that he could still find the bright side in all the crazy…and I liked that I was his bright side.
“I have to say my life is never boring, pet.” He kissed my head, snuggling us back into the couch. “I’m not sure there’s anything I can do about it now, so let me take care of you. Did you eat dinner?”
His question made me smile as I nodded against him. “Yes, I heated up the soup you made me and had that on my break.”
Before he could continue with the other questions I knew he was preparing, I spoke up. “But you’re right. I do need a snack now because it’s been a while since dinner.”
That got a quiet laugh and another kiss on the head. “Then when we finish snuggling, we’ll get you a snack and figure out the plan for the rest of the night.”
“Bed.” I scoffed as he laughed. “You have to get up early.”
Hopefully, he had to get up early for work.
His soft sigh said he might’ve been thinking something along the same lines. “You’ll be okay if they…well, if they get more nuts?”
I wasn’t sure exactly what they’d do besides throw frying pans at each other but I didn’t want to start randomly guessing just in case it came true.
Master’s deep breath sounded like he was fixing his resolve and was ready to charge into battle. I was glad he was finding his confidence but sad his family was such a pain in the ass. “Yes.”
He kissed my head, cuddling me tighter as his brain seemed to whirl with what-ifs. “Practically, I’ll be fine either way. I own this building and another smaller one further out that is a triplex with residential rentals. The rent from the properties will keep me afloat until I figure out what to do next if it comes down to that.”
Would it come down to that?
“You like the bakery.” I wasn’t sure he liked his parents but he liked baking and his customers. “That’s not something you have to stop just because things might not work out with your family like you want.”
I wasn’t sure that was helpful or what he wanted to hear, but the nod he gave me seemed confident. Unfortunately, I wasn’t sure what he was actually thinking as he made a low hum that stretched out into a thoughtful silence. “You’re right. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”
Running his hand down my back, his lips lingered on my forehead as he kissed me again. “And this will give me an excuse to be the one who grabs your butt at work.”
Snickering, I hid my face against his neck. “Amanda has the weirdest customers but Ralph promised not to grab my butt again. He claimed it was some kind of a test to see if I was gay or not but I really don’t believe him.”
Master’s chest jerked again. “I can’t decide if I should go in and just tear the asshole apart or if it’s okay to find the whole situation ridiculous.”
“Both? But sadly, he’s ancient, so I don’t think anyone would believe you that he’s an ass-grabby old man.” At least I didn’t think a jury would believe he’d grabbed a man’s ass. Ralph was married, after all.