“Of course. My daddy always made sure to provide it to all the employees on the ranch.”
“Right. So, one of the headhunters said a huge social-media company was looking to revamp their internal structuring and was in the market for a Chief People Officer.”
“Sounds interesting.”
“Oh, I didn’t even get to the interesting part yet.” That full-out, beautiful smile, which Jake rarely showed, burst across his face. “The job would allow me to work from home part of the week, and if I had to come to the office and Terry wasn’t around to watch Stacey, there’s childcare available.”
“Damn. Sounds perfect.”
“It could be, yeah. So I had them forward my CV, and hopefully I’ll hear from them soon.”
“You will.”
“You know what else sounds perfect?” Jake asked, and didn’t wait for Shea to answer. “You here with me. When can we make that happen?”
Now this was more like it. “I told you. I have a job in two weeks.”
“Why wait? Can’t you come earlier?”
“I guess,” he said cautiously, a little unsure what Jake wanted.
“You don’t sound very enthusiastic.” Jake leaned in closer to the computer screen. “But here’s what I’m thinking. You spend time with us, get comfortable around Stacey and she around you, because what I’m hoping…”
“Yeah? What?” Could it be what he was hoping too?
“I’m hoping the more time you spend with us, the harder it will be to leave.” He bit his lip, suddenly more vulnerable than Shea had ever seen him. “And then maybe you won’t want to.”
“Are you talking about me movin’ in? Isn’t it too soon?”
“Yes. But I want Stacey to get used to you being around. I’m hoping you want this to be a permanent thing?”
“I didn’t say I love you just to get you into bed.”
Color rose high on Jake’s face. “No? I didn’t make it too hard for you.”
“Sex is easy. Love isn’t. And I’m always hard ’round you.”
“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it either. And I’m still interested in buying the ranch.”
“Ain’t for sale.”
“You’re keeping it?” The hope and excitement in Jake’s voice was evident, his eyes growing bright. “You don’t know how happy that makes me.”
“Yeah, but I like your idea. So maybe we can talk about some kind of partnership. Seein’ how much Stacey loved them animals makes me wanna help other kids like her. Ain’t nothin’ like havin’ a soft and furry ear to cuddle up to and whisper all your problems.”
“I think that’s wonderful. I’d love to partner up with you on that. And a few other things too.”
“Oh?” He stretched out on his bed. “What do you have in mind?” His dick zinged to attention.
“I wouldn’t mind cuddling up and whispering in your ear.” Jake’s smile left no doubt he was of the same mind, and he proceeded to pull down the sheet. “I want to—”
“Daddeeeee.”
A small voice echoed in the background, and Jake’s eyes widened. “Shit.”
“Maybe she’ll go back to sleep if you wait?” He could only hope.
Head cocked, Jake sat listening, and Shea didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when he heard the voice again.
