Page 35 of Just A Little Magic

Levi’s mouth turned downward at his words. It wasn’t the first time he’d expressed how much he disliked practicing law, but after years of school and student debt, it might not matter if he liked it or not. “Are you two going to the auction this weekend?”

“Yeah, when it’s at your club, you kinda have to go,” Barrett quipped.

Both men turned to look at me, and I knew I looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Uh, funny story, I’m actually auctioning myself as a date.” My awkward laugh was the best I could manage.

“Oh, good for you! I know that breakup with the Canadian guy was rough. Fucker. Who would dump you by text?” Levi asked with a shake of his head.

“Oh, well, ya know, we hardly ever saw each other. He might as well have been imaginary,” I said nervously.

Barrett was still on the end of the couch, and his glower wasn’t a great indication of how the next ten minutes would go. I didn’t miss his narrowed eyes at my quip either.

Levi was already headed for the door, and I needed Barrett to follow him. If he stayed, there was a decent chance I would confess everything. Confession might be good for the soul, but it would wreck my life.

“Barrett, thank you so much for bringing us home, but I’mbeat. See you at the office tomorrow?” As I spoke, I stood and handed him the jacket he’d shrugged off his broad, well-developed shoulders earlier.

Dammit, Owen. Knock it off. This is not the time to daydream. This is the time to kick him out so you can panic properly. Alone.

I went to stand by the door and held it open so my intentions would be crystal clear. Barrett did not look happy, but he took the hint and stood as well. He came to stand next to me but watched until Levi turned the corner of the main house.

“Babe, this conversation you’ve been avoiding is going to happen. You can’t run away forever.”

“I’m not running away,” I lied. “I’m legitimately worn out. There’s nothing more to it.”

Barrett clearly didn’t believe me but had the decency to let me lie to myself and him for a little longer. I refused to give him eye contact though. That would have undone me. Barrett leaned down to place a soft kiss on my cheek. I felt singed. My hand involuntary rose to make sure it wasn’t actually burned. Barrett took the momentary distraction as an opportunity to whisper in my ear.

“Baby Boy, I haven’t forgotten what it felt like to be your Da. And I sure as hell haven’t forgotten what it felt like to fuck you. Tell yourself what you need to, but I’m not giving you up now that I’ve had you.”

“Barrett, you agreed it was done when we left the lodge.You agreed!”

“I was mistaken.”

Desperate times called for desperate measures. The moment I hit send, instant regret washed over me.

Owen

I’m in trouble.

Jakob

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

Owen

I did a thing

Jakob

What kind of thing?

Owen

More like I did a person

Jakob

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