Total pages in book: 173
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
There was only way one to find out. He knew he had to speak to them first. It was the right thing to do. He’d never want them to think he was trying to take her from them.
She’s clearly a Little . . .
Fuck.
Was he going to let Elizabeth keep ruining his life? His parents? He was a grown man. And he wanted some happiness. Some joy in his life.
I was only with you for your money, Jameson.
He couldn’t even be angry with Elizabeth for that. Since his parents had pushed him toward her for the same reason.
For money.
And because she had the proper fucking breeding. Like a mare. Why hadn’t he told them no?
Because all your life they bullied you into being the person they wanted. And now you don’t know who you are.
It was fucking ridiculous. He was a grown man. He could be whoever the fuck he wanted to be.
Getting up, he moved over to the shelves. They held a bunch of books that the former occupants of the apartment had left behind.
And one photo.
Of him with Jack and Ian when they were in their late teens. They had their arms around each other and were smiling.
Fuck. He missed that.
He missed them.
He wanted his friends back. The only time he’d truly been happy was with Jack and Ian.
His parents had approved of his friendship with Ian. Ian’s grandparents had breeding and money. A lot of money.
But they’d despised Jack. They’d often tried to make Jameson get rid of him.
However, it was the one thing Jameson could never do.
Until you did, you tosser.
Was that his problem? He’d pushed away the two people who meant the most to him, all because they’d been part of his humiliation.
It wasn’t their fault.
It was yours.
Elizabeth’s words from that disastrous night came back to him.
Do you really think I wanted anything to do with those friends of yours? Ian is too rough and uncouth. And Jack . . . he’s got no breeding, no money.
Why would I want them?
It was all a ruse, you idiot. To get you. The prize stud. But you’re not, are you, Jameson? You’re sick . . . and you’re broke. And soon, everyone will know it.
He wasn’t sure what his parents had hated more. People learning that they were in dire financial straits.
Or that he was a Daddy Dom who liked to share with his friends.
Had he even defended Ian and Jack to Elizabeth? To his parents? When had he turned into this person who didn’t stick up for his friends?
It had always been the three of them against everyone else. After everything happened a few years ago, he should have stuck with them rather than running away.
He knew he had to apologize. To try and make things up to them. If it wasn’t too late.
It couldn’t be.
And what about Maggie?
It seemed they all wanted her. And he would do whatever it took to take care of her. To be a part of their lives.
He was going to fight for that right.
Jameson still found it hard to believe that she hadn’t let him buy her a toy the other day, when she’d clearly wanted it so badly.
Because she’s nothing like Elizabeth. And you could be happy with her if you could let go of the past . . . and embrace her as your future.
First . . . he needed to talk to his friends. Then he needed to work on courting his girl.
Their girl.
45
Jameson made it to the arcade five minutes early.
He was never late.
He’d texted Ian an hour ago to see if he could meet with them, and the other man told him to come to the arcade. He walked into the large area, searching them out. Most of the big room was dedicated to an arcade and bowling area and a restaurant off to the side.
He heard someone yell out in excitement as he drew out his phone.
Turning the corner, he froze as he saw them. Ian was standing back, his gaze roaming around. Jack and Maggie were sitting in a simulation machine. They had those virtual reality goggles over their face.
The seats they were sitting in suddenly dipped and Maggie was thrown against the seatbelt.
What the hell were they thinking letting her go on this when she’d aggravated her hip recently?
Maggie let out a scream of excitement and he realized that it was her he’d heard screaming before.
“What is she doing on that?” he asked as he joined Ian. “She could hurt herself.”
Ian raised his eyebrows, watching him for a long moment. “On a simulation machine?”
“She has a sore hip.”
“You said she was fine as long as she took it easy.”
“I didn’t okay this!”
“And people say I’m the grump,” Ian grumbled.
They finished the ride and Jack helped Maggie get off. Turning, she saw Jameson and her face lit up. “Jameson! I didn’t know you were coming!”