Page 63 of Nine Month Contract
“Not even a little bit,” I answer with a shudder. “My sister lives really far away, and we talk maybe a couple of times a year. And my parents, well…they’re just not in the picture. And I don’t know any of my extended family. I never even had a graduation party. Honestly, I’m lucky I graduated from high school at all.”
“Interesting.” Max frowns at my confession. “Wyatt made it seem like you had big career aspirations. Something about opening your own rescue center?”
I can’t help but laugh. There must be a family newsletter. “That’s my hope after this baby is born. There are so many pet facilities in the Denver area, but the amount of wildlife and farm animals that get abandoned or slaughtered because people can’t take care of them is atrocious. I plan to use the money I make doing this to invest in a space suitable for a wildlife sanctuary. I don’t have much in terms of equity, so I need all the capital I can get.”
“Aren’t there grants available for that?”
“Yeah, there is some, but not enough to lease property with. And I’m getting ready to apply for a 501(c)(3) so I can operate as a charity, which will help make applying for those grants a possibility.”
“That’s great. I hope you’re considering contacting potential investors.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his business card. “My company takes applications from charities all the time. When you get a 501(c)(3), give me a call. We’d be willing to donate. You’re helping my brother out. It seems only natural for my company to help you out.”
“Seriously?” I exclaim. Dropping the shrimp from my hand, I look at his expensive-looking business card like he’s just handed me a million dollars. “Oh my God, that would be amazing!”
“It’s not a hard process to apply,” Max waves me off dismissively. “Just reach out as soon as you’re ready, and we’ll make it happen.”
He harrumphs when I shock him with an unexpected hug. My mind reels at this new possibility.
I feel like I’m in shock. In my life, it’s not easy to make contacts like Max Fletcher, an affluent man who seems to have it all. He’s someone Iwould never have even crossed paths with had I not met his daughter on the street. To know he’s willing to help me get my life goal started means my dream is now closer to becoming a reality.
“Wyatt, you have to chill out,” Luke drawls, grabbing my shoulder and turning me to face him. “You’re going to freak her the fuck out.”
“I’m not doing anything.” I shrug out of his grip and glance back to where Trista is talking with Everly at one of the tables by the pool. She looks so fucking good in that dress tonight. And that red lipstick she’s wearing. God, I am struggling to function normally.
Luke shoves his blond hair off his forehead and pins me with a serious look. “You’re being a moody, bossy asshole even more than usual. You said you guys agreed to be friends…so just be fucking nice.”
“I am being fucking nice,” I growl as we step up to the bar and I order her drink.
“What now?” Calder asks, joining in on our conversation. “You told me at work the other day that you actually liked that tongue-flopping horse.”
“It’s not the horse,” I grumble under my breath.
“Then what is it?” Luke’s eyes are trained on me, awaiting my answer.
I exhale heavily. “She is driving me crazy. She has this really maddening way of getting under my skin.” And ever since she told me she likes casual sex, all I can think about is having sex with her. It’s becoming a problem.
“So then have sex with her,” Calder drawls as he takes the words right out of my head. Goddammit, we’ve lived on that mountain together for too long now. Sex is our answer for everything. He accepts a beer from the female bartender and shoots her a wink.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” I mutter as the other bartender hands me Trista’s cranberry juice.
“Sex is Mother Nature’s cough medicine,” Calder says with a dopey smile. “You got a little tickle in the back of your throat? A good bang session will make that pain disappear, guaranteed.”
“We’re supposed to be friends.”
“Maybe it’s not a friend she needs. Maybe she needs a good dickin’ just as bad as you because, if I’m not mistaken, our Dark Night was the last time you got your dick wet.”
“Shut up,” I hiss under my breath. “Our Dark Night isnotsomething we should discuss in public, especially at our niece’s graduation party.”
Calder and Luke both stare at each other with knowing looks. Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve been laid, but I’ve had bigger things on my mind this past year. Like becoming a father.
But I guess now that I’ve figured that out, maybe Calder is right, and I should get out there again, at least before the baby is born.
God, that still feels weird to say.
A heaviness presses down on me as I consider going to a bar and picking up some random girl. Or calling one of the numbers in my phone of women I’ve been with in the past who are good with casual. The problem is, I don’t want to fuck just anyone.
I want to fuck lucky number thirteen.
Calder leans in close and glances around to ensure no one is listening. “You heard her in the truck. That woman has fantasies you could offer to make realities, Papa Bear.”
