Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
I tense up. “Who?”
“Jax, don’t get mad—”
“Jesus Christ, Cato. You didn’t.”
“I did. It’s my birthday and he’s my friend too.” He thrusts a drink at me. “Besides… I thought maybe if you two had time alone together—”
I cover his mouth with my hand. “Don’t finish that statement.”
He licks my hand and I stumble back, nearly dropping my drink. “You’ve been unhappy for so long. Ever since you and the new guy, Dante, got into a pissing match on Wednesday, you’ve been happier. I know it’s because you’ve finally realized you do still love Kian and are finally going to try to be with him.”
He couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Cato—”
“Don’t worry,” he says with an innocent smile. “I didn’t tell him what I know. I figure I’d let it happen naturally.” He picks up the tequila bottle. “And with a little help from my friend here.”
I start to argue, but the doorbell rings. Cato sets the bottle down and bounces off, the glitter on his body shimmering under the overhead light.
Fucking great.
Just what I want to do…hang out with my ex.
I wish Dante were here.
Cato opens the door and Kian walks in, bundled up from the cold. They gush over each other and Kian hands Cato a wrapped gift. Cato steps back so Kian can admire his red briefs. When Kian’s head swivels my way, his smile falls and he tenses up. He’s not pleased to see me.
Likewise, buddy.
“Go change into your jammies,” Cato instructs. “There’s glitter lotion on my vanity.”
Kian scampers off while Cato comes back to the kitchen.
“Drink, Sheriff. You’re stiff in all the wrong places.” He winks at me. “Let’s fix that.”
“Whatever you’re trying to do isn’t happening,” I murmur. “Quit.”
He ignores me as he pours a shot. Then, he slides it my way. “This will take the edge off.”
By the time Kian comes back, I’ve taken a couple of shots.
“Hey,” I grunt.
“Hey.” He doesn’t make eye contact with me as he makes a drink. “I heard the new B&B got vandalized.”
I tense up as the anger from earlier resurfaces. Dante had been on edge. Seeing him worked up and frustrated caused my protective instincts to come roaring to the surface. I wanted to find the perp who put the frown on Dante’s handsome face and make him pay. Luckily, I got an opportunity to put a smile on his full lips at the station.
“Yeah,” I mutter. “Some asshole painted something hateful on his building.”
“What did it say?” Cato asks, his brows furrowed in concern.
“Brigs Fairy Gay.” I rub at the back of my neck. “I’m going to find out who did it. Stick ’em with a hate crime if I can.”
Kian’s hazel eyes meet mine. For once, they’re soft like when we were kids. I wait for my heart to skip a beat at having that familiar look cast my way. I’m a little surprised when it doesn’t.
“Do you have any suspects?” Kian asks, cocking his head to the side.
“Probably Ned,” Cato offers. “He’s the biggest dick I know. Or, maybe even Paul.”
“Paul?” I frown at Cato. “What makes you think it’s him?”
“He’s kind of pissy about the Rainbow Vigilante,” Cato reveals. “Rants to anyone who’ll listen.”
“What does it have to do with Dante, though?” I growl, setting my drink down and crossing my arms over my chest. “He hasn’t done anything to anyone.”
Both Cato and Kian gape at me in shock.
I realize I’ve gone all protective boyfriend over someone who’s not my boyfriend.
“You know how Paul is,” Cato says, still studying me with curiosity. “Hates anyone new. Hates change. Hates everything and everyone. Dante is an easy target.”
Again, anger surges through me. “Why is he an easy target?”
“Rich, confident, gorgeous.” Cato sighs. “Everything Paul’s not.”
“Probably has a big dick too,” Kian murmurs, making Cato pretend to swoon.
“I’ll go question him in the morning.” I clench my jaw. Maybe I should question him tonight.
“No, sir,” Cato barks out, ending my inner thought. “You’ve been drinking. You’re not about to go play hero cop in the middle of my lumber party. Now, grab another drink and let’s dance!”
They’re both fast asleep, curled together in their tiny briefs. Cato is the little spoon despite him being at least a head taller than Kian, which is comical. In another world, I’d be hot as fuck over the sight.
But I’m not.
All I can think about is seeing Dante.
Before I can stop myself, my drunk ass texts him.
Me: You awake?
Dante: The slumber party a dud?
Me: The kids fell asleep already.
Dante: Kids? I thought it was just you and Cato.
Me: Thought so too…
Dante: This feels like a good story. You gonna tell me?
Me: Come see me and I’ll tell you in person.
I send him the address, but he doesn’t respond. It’s after midnight so maybe he fell asleep. I’m just nodding off when he texts me again.