Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 123877 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123877 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
“Hmm,” Randy murmured with absolutely no judgment or malice hidden in his tone. “So, he’ll be sticking around?”
The fear Beckett hadn’t let himself face came rushing to the forefront. He was happily immersed in the idea of his and Julian’s forever, but he honestly didn’t know if Julian was there with him.
“If I can swing it,” Beckett managed to say.
Randy’s side eye, drawing Beckett to look at his friend. “I’m not into guys but I’d put money on you being a good catch.”
The compliment helped ease the building worry as he spoke of the true obstacle between them. “He’s a city-boy through and through.”
“How’s that gonna work?” Randy asked, brow furrowed as if contemplating the options.
Beckett lifted his head to stare at the miles of blue sky, which only reminded him of the depth of Julian’s unusual eyes. He took a deep inhale of the fresh air. The crisp, exotic woodsy scent reminded him of Julian’s unique cologne. The majestic view of the mountain range sitting in the distance could only be topped by an ocean view, if Beckett did, in fact, buy a place in Coronado for him and Julian to live.
Damn. The heavy whoosh of an exhale escaped. He’d done more than one search on Zillow, looking for homes for sale in the Coronado area. All the primal, protective feels laced each of his breaths. Julian was his; they were perfect together.
“I love him,” Beckett said in a whisper.
“Clearly. But did that answer my question?” Randy asked.
Beckett stayed quiet for a second or two, not truly comfortable explaining his new outlook on his rapidly changing life.
“We’re not to the point of making any sort of decision about a future. I’ve known how I feel for a while now, but I only managed any sort of real connection over the last few weeks.” Beckett finally looked over at Randy as he told his confidant the truth. “He was kidnapped and assaulted. He’s got trust issues.”
Randy’s eyes widened, his brow wrinkling, as he mumbled, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I was too,” Beckett said. His heart showed its cracks in the wild thumping that came from thinking of Julian’s abduction. “Everything in me wants to be with him. It’s as strong as the need to breathe. He and I fit remarkably well together. He pulls a contentment out of me that I really like.” Beckett shook his head, lost in everything he’d confessed. “Does that make any sense? My world’s turned singular. I want to be the one to care for Julian. I want to be his person, you know?”
Randy nodded. They’d been best friends for a long, long time, but they rarely went into a deep dive over anything. “I do know. I feel the same way about Marly.”
Beckett nodded, happy Randy understood. “So, I’ll go to him,” Beckett said, officially placing Julian first in his life. “He can’t come here as easily as I can go there. He’d have to give up everything where I have you to oversee things here.”
Randy’s lips pressed together as if he’d figured out a complicated math problem then nodded again. “That’s why you’ve been pushing the new hires so hard. I wondered if it was something like that.”
“Does my dad know yet?” Beckett asked.
Randy lifted a shoulder in a one-sided shrug. “He hasn’t said anything to me, but I know he’s got your back too. We’ll make it work.”
“I thought you might want to be a partner,” Beckett said, jumping way ahead of himself. Not that he hadn’t thought through it all. His brain was always working through any potential barriers or problems that might block him from achieving his goals. “You know me, I’m always thinking through how to make it work with Julian. To do that, I should probably be there more. I don’t think he’s the kind of guy to leave alone for long periods, but I won’t ever fully leave here. You know that.”
Randy’s heavy palm landed on Beckett’s shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. “My advice is not to get too far ahead of yourself. What’s supposed to happen will happen.” Randy then used Beckett’s shoulder as a crutch to help get to his feet, toppling Beckett and the rest of his coffee over. “You know I’m here when you want to talk, right? You listened to enough of my falling in love bullshit over the years.”
The vulnerability that caused the layers of doubt to form began to ease as he shifted around to avoid the spilled liquid.
“Whistle for your dog,” Randy said, taking the coffee cup. “We have to go inspect the gear. They’re waiting on us.”
Beckett whistled while shaking any lingering drips from his hand. Woofer had plopped down contentedly in the patch of wildflowers they allowed to grow freely on the property. The dog loved that spot and only lifted his head, trying to judge the seriousness of Beckett’s command.