I slid down, putting my head on the pillow. “You know what I have on in bed. What are you wearing?”
“It’s just me and my tattoos under the covers tonight. I’d show you, but I am saving myself for my date. I think I mentioned it, but I have no idea how this dating thing works. I do know that I don’t want you to see all the goodies before the big reveal.”
“That makes both of us. I am doing what feels right. So far, I think we are nailing it.”
“Me too.” He yawned. “I am sleepy. I don’t want to say good night.” While we were lying there talking, I thought about a time when there was a guy that I liked during my sophomore year in high school. We’d talk on the phone for hours, neither of us wanted to say goodbye, even though we would see each other the next day. I was old enough and wise enough to realize I must get at least seven hours of shut-eye to get work done, which meant sleep. “I better say good night.”
“Yeah, I need to go as well. I want to work out and call clients tomorrow, at least. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yes, you will. I am very much looking forward to it.” He gave me a genuine smile. “Good night, River. Sweet dreams.”
“Good night, Aaron. Sleep well.” With that, we ended the call. Turning off my light, I drifted off, thinking about this incredible man. Surprisingly, I didn't dream of him fucking me or his mouth wrapped around my cock. I dreamt about taking our dragons to the park, making dinner for each other, and living in a lovely country home away from the city.
Chapter twenty
Aaron
I fell asleep with all of River in my head and all the places he was teasing me. I woke up with visions of hands stroking me under a thin sheet. My cock was granite hard. This man was going to kill me.
I grabbed a protein bar and a cup of coffee for breakfast. Knowing we would eat out tonight, I planned to consume all the pasta. Delizioso was next to the best hotel in the city. I’d never been to the restaurant since reservations were years out. There was a rumor they seated half the restaurant as walk-ins, but the wait could be hours. Michelin had bestowed three stars on them years ago, and they kept it.
I clipped Daisy’s leash to her harness and threw my garment bag over my arm. Locking the doors, I found a basket filled with vegetables on the porch with a note attached.
I came by to get vegetables for Mama. The garden is glorious right now! Take these to your office. Sarah needs to eat more! Have a wonderful day. -Jose
I have a big BBQ every three to four months to get us all together. I tried to keep the people from both companies connected. What I wanted in my life was to have my friends and my work life co-mingled. The next big get-together was after harvesting, allowing those who worked in the vineyard to bring their families and have fun beforeheading off to another job. We planned a petting zoo for the kids and an open bar for the grown-ups. We held it at the winery, which had plenty of room and a full kitchen for catering.
The last time someone was with me for one of these get-togethers was when I was with Stephen. He would show up and go inside with his laptop, not interacting with anybody at the party. All those hours on his computer were probably times he was flirting with other men. I shook my head.
He’s the past, and I have finally stepped towards the future. I needed to invite River to the BBQ as my date. I bet Jose will like him.
I grabbed the basket and got into my truck. “Daisy, get in.” She jumped onto my truck seat and walked over to the passenger side. I hung the garment bag behind the seat and set the basket on top of the red folders, remembering I still needed to pick vendors.
I pulled into the construction lot with ten minutes to spare. I took Daisy into the office. She jumped off my shoulder and rubbed against Sarah. I placed the basket of produce on her desk. “Jose thinks you should eat more.” She laughed. “He is the best father a girl could ask for. Good morning, little brother.”
“I’m going to do that walk-through right now. Then I’ll be back here by 9:00 a.m. to meet with the demolition guys at 9:30.” I looked around for Rodney but didn’t see him. He never said he would be here for the walkthrough, but I had hoped he would. I kissed Sarah on the cheek. “Daisy, please behave.” I rubbed her head and walked out front.
Rodney leaned against my truck with a shit-eating grin. “You thought I wasn’t coming.”
“You’re right. It shows how serious you are about this since you are here at 6:30 a.m. on your summer break. I don’t even know if you are getting paid.”
“Uncle Aaron, I am serious about this. You are paying me a fair wage for an internship.”
“Did Matt get us a lunch meeting booked?” I haven’t looked at my calendar in a few days.
“Yeah, next week. I think it's Tuesday. I’m nervous about it.”
“Don’t be nervous. I am still your uncle. We will discuss where things are going, where they can go, and my expectations. You control what you do with that information.”
He smiled at me. “That doesn’t help the nerves at all.”
“Let’s get going. We need to be back here by 9:00 a.m.” I grabbed my hard hat from the truck and put it on my head. I looked down to ensure Rodney had work boots on, which he did. I handed him protective glasses, and he put on his hard hat. “Let’s go see what we can see.”
Rodney and I walked to the construction site since it was only two blocks. The building was quiet; construction could only start at 8 a.m.
The site manager approached us, shaking hands, and we started the tour. A few men were sitting around eating breakfast and talking. All the men here worked hard for Gentry. “Let your guys know I am sending food trucks for lunch on Monday.” I appreciated everything the crew did and wanted to recognize that. “Give me a minute to make a call.”
I stepped away while Rodney kept discussing the status of the building, where we were on the timeline, and if there were any problems. He was good at this, and I knew his mother would be unhappy.
