Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
My dad gave a sarcastic smile and got back to looking at the sheet of paper. A cool spring breeze floated in through the open windows, the bird of paradise plant next to the couch rustling in the wind.
“How ’bout you?” I asked, turning my attention to my boyfriend. He looked so fucking handsome today (and every day for that matter). The dark blue shirt he wore made his light eyes pop, and his fresh fade haircut made his strong brows and jaw even more prominent, drawing my eyes to his perfect lips.
Those lips curled into a soft smile. “I’m not the one who’s about to be onstage.”
That’s what you think.
“And your test?” I asked, keeping my thoughts to myself. I focused on keeping my leg still. My nerves felt frayed, and it wasn’t just because I was supposed to take the stage with my dad today at the GLAAD Awards. Although that in itself was nerve-racking as all fuck, especially thinking about all the big names in the crowd and all the people watching at home. But there was something even bigger on the horizon that kept my heart hammering against my ribs like a caged hummingbird.
“Which one?” Benji asked, giving a deflated laugh. “I’m set for the quizzes next week, but I’ve got to study up on biochem tonight.”
“Once we get back to the hotel we can hit the flash cards.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry, Rex.”
“Baby, I’m never worried about you.” I leaned in for another kiss. I put an arm around his shoulders and let his head fall on mine. “Besides, it helps keep my brain sharp, too. I’m learning all about chemical reactions and animal anatomy and how much coffee a human can conceivably drink before turning into a jittery tap dancer.”
Benji laughed, a sound I could never get tired of. “I don’t drink that much coffee.” He sat back up and shrugged. “Sometimes I switch it up with Red Bull.”
“Great,” I said, arching a brow, smiling. “Even better.”
“I’ll take the studying help,” he said, returning the smile with an even bigger one. The midday sun beamed bright, lighting his face up like a spotlight shining just for him.
God, I was so proud of him. He was a year into vet school and already kicking ass, and even though he was working harder than ever before, he also seemed happier than ever before. He not only took control of his depression, but he fucking owned it. He didn’t let his life get derailed, even though that would have been the easier option. He inspired me on the daily. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have run for local office, and I wouldn’t have been voted in. There had been a lot to worry about leading into my decision, but Benji reassured me with every step that it would all turn out okay.
And he was right. Always had been.
My life had gotten better and brighter since the day Benji and I reconnected, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
It helped that the sex tape scandal had been dead and buried for over a year now. It was a quick shift, changing from “Senator’s son leaked threesome” to “Senator’s son, victim of blackmail ring,” and it happened when Theo tracked the camera and email back to none other than…
Penelope and fucking Scott. Those two heartless fuckheads who I had trusted enough to explore my sexuality with. They used me, and they used plenty of other people, too.
Theo made the discovery about two days after the tape leaked, and the day after was when police escorted a cuffed Scott and Penelope into the jail. The local news picked up the developments, which quickly went viral through the internet. By then, anyone who hadn’t realized the tape was a massive violation of my privacy was quick to see the truth. The narrative shifted, and it was no longer about me being bisexual or having a sex tape, but instead focused on Penelope and Scott, who had made it their living to secretly record people who were in the closet, only to then blackmail them or their families.
It had been a whirlwind few weeks that I’d never forget. But Benji had been at my side through every moment of it.
It wasn’t long after that when the situation with the Dove exploded, and it was my turn to be there for Benji. The Gold family hired Theo, who took the case with as much enthusiasm as he had for mine. We were all confident that he could get to the bottom of things, ending this years-long nightmare for the family.
None of us ever could have imagined how it would actually end.
A raven-haired PA peeked her head in through the door, derailing my train of thought. “Ten minutes until we need you guys onstage.” She spoke something into her headset before disappearing again.