Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 45357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45357 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
On the flip side, there’s me. I never thought about the future, never had to consider saving for a rainy day and never had to worry about anything or anyone but myself.
Until Miller.
Him, I worry about. I never stop. I want things for him I’d never consider for myself, and most importantly, I want to be the one to give those things to him.
So if he needs control, or needs to go slow, I’ll do the best I can to accommodate him. As long as I get to be there when he’s finally ready to let go.
Miller Day is mine.
That’s why I never trusted Robbie. Why I never liked the idea of Miller’s neighbors setting him up while I was gone. It’s why, no matter how far away I fly, I keep coming back home.
Now I’ve just got to convince Miller that I not only want him after a lifetime of playing for the other team, but I want the whole ballgame. Home, family…and apparently a dog.
I have to prove to him I can be trusted with his heart.
Tall order, I know.
Chapter Four
His Big, Hard Hammer
“Gripping hammers, nailing wood… I had no idea carpentry was so phallic, did you?” Royal asks, staring at the large metal nail gun in his fist.
My hammer slips, missing the nail and leaving a small chip in the cedar plank that I’m praying Miller doesn’t see when he gets back from the vet with the dog.
When I glare over at Royal, he grins. “See, Brendan—that’s why Miller gave me the nail gun and you got the hammer. Your aim sucks.”
“Thanks for clearing that up. Would it make you happy if I nailed my thumb to the damn deck?”
Royal rolls his shoulders, his snug t-shirt straining against his large frame. “You think I’m still upset about last night? I’m not. Let it go, man. That’s my theme song. Anyway, Austen’s giving all of us a chance to make it up to her tomorrow. A do-over, she says. I was just making a simple observation.”
And I’m still thinking about my dick. Which instantly makes me wonder what’s taking Miller so long. “Yeah, okay. A do-over?”
Royal points his nail gun somewhat menacingly in my direction. “Your answer is yes. Whatever it is, you’re going. You owe me that.”
I know I do. And I don’t care if she wants us to get pedicures, test out some of her famous facial scrubs or go skydiving in the buff. Royal has always been there for me, so I can take one for the team. “We’ll be there.”
He gives me a sideways glance. “We? So you and Miller are good now? All made up and friends again?”
“Yeah. We’re good.”
Only I want more than friendship and I’m not sure how to make that happen.
I thought about talking to him about that clean slate again, but by the time I got out of the shower, Miller was outside with Royal, walking him through hanging the floor joists in the frame he’d already built for the deck. I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched Miller hand Royal the nail gun. The big Samoan held the foreign tool by its air hose, dangling it in front of him like a dead snake.
“So this is what a nail gun looks like.”
I watched as Miller gently took the dangerous implement back, turned it up right and stuck into Royal’s big palm.
“Maybe...” He looked around like he was searching for something, “...maybe we should practice on that first?” he suggested, pointing to something out of my line of sight. Probably a piece of scrap wood.
“Like this?”
I heard the distinctive snap/hiss of the nail gun firing a nail into wood.
“Wahoo! Holy crap, this is awesome!”
Snap! Snap!
“Yeah, kill that bad board, big guy,” Miller chuckled, causing me to snort the water I’d been drinking up my nose.
I’m glad they get along so well. Miller deserves to have a big group of people who care about him. A family.
Royal sets down his new favorite toy and crosses his arms, whistling until he gets my attention.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh I’m just fine. Great really. But what’s up with you, Buttercup?”
I waggle my eyebrows. “I was thinking about how adorable you look with that nail gun, sweetheart.”
“How could you not? But seriously, tell me. My brother gives advice for a living. It’s in my blood.”
Raising one eyebrow, I line up another plank to nail down. “You aren’t blood relatives.”
“Tell me.”
This will be my first test. Royal is openminded, his brother is gay and he’s an all-around decent guy. On the other hand, we’ve picked up women together. Countless women. He knows more about my appetites than Miller would want to.
How will he react to my late-in-life change of heart?
I open my mouth and Royal holds up his hand. “Wait. Don’t say it. No way.”
“What?”
“No. Way.”
I scowl. “I’m not starting this with you. Just tell me.”