Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 132962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Kreed came from the other side of the house, the tall dark-headed guy wiping his hands on a rag as he came toward Cody. “I’ll take that,” Kreed said, motioning for the ladder Cody already had tucked under his arm.
“I got it, just tell me where to go,” Cody said, already walking toward the garage.
“Dad’s got several against the side of the house over there,” Kreed responded.
“Go inside or take a seat. I got this.” Cody put everything away, turned off the lights, and closed up the garage. He had no idea of the time. He looked up at the moon, trying to judge, until he saw Kreed sitting next to Mitch on the front porch. They sat side by side with the same stance, feet spread apart, elbows on their knees, heads bent toward the other, and they were talking quietly. Both men were about the same size, definitely the same build. They looked good together. No matter what Mitch said, he could see Kreed was his best friend. It showed in their mannerisms. That stomach pit thing happened again, and he slowed his pace, not sure if he should interfere.
It was Kreed who saw him and looked up. “Thanks for helping him tonight. It took his mind off things because he got to boss you around.”
“It’s not a problem. He’s a good man,” Cody said, coming to stand in front of them. He felt liked he’d interrupted them and wasn’t exactly sure what to do about that.
“Come sit down,” Mitch urged, looking up at him as he stood watching them. Mitch moved the chicken bone sitting on the edge of the porch in order for him to take a seat. It would be a tight fit if he sat between Mitch and the post on the front porch. When he didn’t move right away, Mitch reached out and took his hand, drawing him down.
“Manual labor’s over for tonight,” he said, winking at Cody when he sat down. He’d been right about the tight fit. Mitch leaned back and draped an arm around his back, pulling Cody up next to him. Again, there were no inhibitions in Mitch’s behavior. He clearly felt comfortable with PDAs, and Cody cast a glance in Kreed’s direction, gauging his response.
Kreed stayed silent, watching them. His face softened a bit and Cody glanced back at Mitch who was looking slyly at Kreed.
“He’s hot, isn’t he?” Mitch asked Kreed and nodded in his direction.
“Yep,” Kreed responded after a minute. “Damn, Knox, didn’t think you had it in you.”
“I told you he was fucking hot. You didn’t think I could get a guy this good-looking?” Mitch watched Cody intently and had a big shit-eatin’ grin plastered across his face. Cody’s cheeks warmed under his gaze and the compliment in Mitch’s words.
“How old are you?” Kreed asked him.
“Twenty-six,” Cody answered, linking his fingers, matching Kreed’s sitting position.
“What’s a good lookin’ guy like you doing with an old man like him?” Kreed asked and nodded his head toward Mitch.
“I did not fly halfway around the world to hear you casting doubt to my guy about me,” Mitch retorted and drew Cody in closer to him. “Besides, I’m not that old.”
Kreed gave a bark of laughter. “Said the old man.”
“You’re older than me,” Mitch scoffed.
“I’m not trying to date him. Cody, when you’re thirty, he’ll be sixty-two.” That had Cody smiling, looking back at Mitch who then shoved Kreed.
“Fuck you. I’m like seven years older than him,” Mitch snapped.
“You’re not counting the dog years. Did he tell you what a dawg he was back when he was your age?” Kreed asked, trying for serious as he looked around Mitch to Cody.
“Okay, that’s enough. No more of this,” Mitch said, standing, drawing Cody up with him.
“Yeah, you need to know something, you call me. I’ll fill you all in about Mitch Knox,” Kreed goaded, rising slowly to his feet.
“Don’t listen to him. He’s got nothing to say that has any value or importance to anything. They have you a plate of food in there.” Mitch started moving Cody inside as Kreed laughed out loud at him.
“I need to wash my hands,” Cody added as Mitch opened the door and pushed him through.
“There’s a bathroom down the hall. Come on, I’ll show you,” Mitch said.
“I can show him.” Kreed offered still from the front porch.
“You just stay outside,” Mitch called back. Cody laughed again, looking over his shoulder. Kreed was smiling. He looked younger right then, not so burdened. The moment eased Cody too.
~~~
Somewhere around eleven o’clock, Cody navigated the highway to drive them the hour or so back to his place. His belly was full and he yawned right alongside Mitch who had a couple of whiskey shots with Kreed. Mitch yawned louder again and Cody looked over at him. His eyes were closed, his head was back, and his body naturally shifted with the movement. He was close to sleeping, lulled by the sway of the truck.
After they had gone inside, Cody ate more food than he ever remembered eating. What he saw as he worked outside was a steady stream of well-wishers coming to the house. They never stopped all night long. There was also a large group of women inside, just wanting to help out any way they could. Those women were responsible for the three plates he’d consumed, because they never let his plate get empty. A spoonful of something was always being added.
“Thank you for tonight,” Mitch said. Cody looked over and smiled.
“I thought you were sleeping.”
“Dozing, I think. Seriously, thank you for tonight. I didn’t know when we went over there they were gonna put you to work,” Mitch said.
“I don’t mind helping. I do things like that for my dad all the time,” Cody replied. “I was thinking about grabbing some of the guys at work that knew Derek and taking them over there in the next few weeks. They’ve got overgrown trees in the back. Their fence is coming down. I think some of them paint. The house needs some work.”