Already grinning at the progress I was making as I turned into the sanctuary’s driveway, my smile widened when my phone buzzed in my bag. I recognized the heartbeat pattern I’dset for Kit. I made it through the automatic gate and up the hill before grabbing my phone, then read the text as I put my bag over my shoulder and walked into the cabin.
The animals of the sanctuary weren’t quite used to me yet and had been keeping their distance. All except for the big emu, who was, in my opinion, a little too curious about me.
Bandit, however, came racing up in all his three-legged glory and herded the emu back to the tree line, then sat like he was waiting for me to go inside. I’d never had a pet before, but I could see the appeal.
Kit: How’d your first week go?
Me: You know exactly how it went. I have texted you after each and every one of my visits.
Kit: Those texts were about making sure you were safe.
Kit: What I want to know now is . . . did you enjoy it?
I ran my teeth over my bottom lip and tapped out my answer.
Me: More than I thought I would.
Me: It’s been a lot of work and a lot of stress, and the business probably won’t be solvent for a while, but turning skeptical looks into relieved faces is a new favorite pastime of mine.
Kit: I’m glad to hear it. I know how much you like helping people to feel good.
The devilish part of me wanted to reply with something along the lines ofI wish I’d made you feel as good as I’d wanted to, but stifled it in the name of not scaring the straight boy. We’d been doing a pretty good job of ignoring what’d happened between us that one time, and I didn’t wanna rock the boat. I mean, did I want to see exactly how talented those hands could be? Sure, but if I’d learned anything from my time as a sugar baby, I knew how dangerous wishful thinking could be. That he hadn’t overtly renewed his interest since kissing me—have I mentioned what a good kisser he is?—told me it was best to stop reading into his extra attention.
So, I responded with a neutral and entirely true statement.
Me: It’s a lot more fulfilling than I would’ve guessed.
Kit: And the cabin? Are you acclimating to life in the country?
Me: Sorta? I made a new friend.
I took a picture of Bandit waiting at the tree line and sent it to Kit.
Kit: Could use one of those at the dude ranch, considering I’m basically a glorified zookeeper at this point.
Me: Aww, now I’m picturing you in those cute little khaki shorts.
Kit: I’m changing the subject.
Kit: I know you were planning on keeping your weekends free, but would it be too soon to ask for a favor?
Me: Did you hurt your knee again? Also, you know I’ll show up for you whenever, right? Especially if you wear those shorts.
Kit: My knee is okayish, and there’s no way in hell I’m wearing those shorts.
Kit: But a good friend of mine has been stubborn about his shoulder, and I told his husband I knew someone who could help.
Me: His husband, huh? That might be worth going out on a Saturday.
Kit: They’re a great couple, and something tells me you would get along with Sam.
Me: Lemme guess: Sam is a twink with a sassy attitude?
Kit: Maybe.
Kit: Was that the wrong thing to say?
I giggled. Making straightish men uncomfortable was a fun pastime.
