Page 43 of Dr. Stone
Unfortunately, Duke wasn’t having it, and for the first time, the little gentleman rudely interrupted us. His barking soundedlike he was yelling at Jace. We both laughed when my little protector decided to break the moment.
“Well, that’s going to suck,” Jace said with a laugh, looking at Duke. “The last thing I need, aside from you stopping me from kissing the girl, is you proving Jake Mitchell right about being a cock-blocking yapper.”
Duke barked again, sharp and deliberate—his way of saying if Jace planned on sticking around, he’d need to get past the gatekeeper first.
“No, Duke,” I ordered, which only made the dog go after Jace more. “Looks like you’ll need some obedience training when it comes to listening to me,” I said as sternly as I could, trying not to laugh.
“I’ll be paying for that shit, too,” Jace said with a small laugh, just as Duke gave him a look that could only be described as canine forGo fuck yourself.
I hadn’t expected to end up with this little guy tonight, and I definitely hadn’t expected the sincerity I’d gotten from Jace. We didn’t go deep, but his honesty felt real and raw.
For the first time—maybe thanks to the margaritas—I let myself consider this could actually lead somewhere if we both stayed open to it. Right now, with a little booze and a lot of adrenaline, I was completely down for that.
Maybe I’d feel differently once I sobered up, but for now, the mix of fear and excitement felt like the best part.
TWENTY
Andie
“That’smy final sale before I’m out of here for the weekend,” I told Ash while shutting down my computer and turning to grab my purse.
“Just that?” She chuckled, leaning over to pick up Duke in the cute carrier I bought for him.
“Listen, me encouraging that couple to spend an extra five hundred thousand on your Ashley Original is just another day in the shop, honey-pie,” I said with a wink, walking around my desk and over to her.
“It still blows my mind that my paintings sell for so much money,” she said. “I sometimes wonder if it’s because I’m Jake Mitchell’s wife and Jim Mitchell’s sister-in-law.”
I shook my head and sighed. “Don’t be self-deprecating. Maybe some people buy your work because you’re married into a family with notoriety, but don’t sell yourself short. Your work sells for that amount because it’s more than just a painting.There’s so much behind your brushstrokes and the images you bring to life.”
“Well, thank you, and I don’t mean to put myself down, but it’s just surreal…” She paused and gazed around the shop. “These are all the things I would paint at home in a garage and then throw an old blanket over them to save them from dust.”
“And that’s why you can’t understand why your talents are worth what they’re worth,” I responded. “You’re too close to your work to see what everyone else sees and feels.”
“You’re probably right.” She laughed. “Okay, enough about that. You need to get out of here. When does Titus plan to leave?”
“Before we get into Titus,” I interrupted. “I have to tell you, after a week of Duke settling in and basically becoming the man of the house, he’s picked up one habit I can’t seem to break.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“He’s obsessed with stealing Brandon’s favorite toy, this little plush airplane. He doesn’t chew it up or anything. He just runs around the house like it’s a game. I’m pretty sure he’s trying to get Brandon to chase him, but obviously, that isn’t going to happen.” I glanced down at Duke in his carrier, looking like a guilty little culprit. “The worst part is it turns into a full-blown drama. Brandon gets mad, Duke barks at him, and I end up taking the toy away from both of them just to stop the chaos.”
“I’ll keep an eye on that.” She glanced into the carrier. “He’s such a cutie, and I’m excited to have him and Brandon for the weekend.”
“Aside from my parents, you and Jake are the only people I trust with my little guys while I’m doing ridiculous things like being whisked away to Costa Rica.”
“Oh, don’t you dare start that.” She crossed her arms and forced the sternest gaze she could muster. “You’re not doing anything wrong by going away for the weekend and allowing your good friends to babysit. This is all normal behavior inthe dating world of single moms. You can’t sacrifice your life, or you’ll go insane, be unhappy, and ultimately make your kid unhappy.”
At precisely five o’clock,the doorbell rang. Titus’s driver was right on time, ready to whisk me away to whatever elaborate plan he had orchestrated this time.
Titus never called or texted ahead, which made it feel more like a scene from some rom-com than real life. The whole mysterious-billionaire bit he played was almost laughably over the top, but I had to admit I loved it. Every surprise, every gift, every ride on a private jet or helicopter was ridiculous in the most surreal way. It was like I’d stepped into someone else’s fantasy, and I didn’t mind staying awhile.
The driver pulled onto the private tarmac that led to where Titus’s jet stood waiting in the hangar. The steps were down, and the red carpet was already set and prepared, likely because Titus had already boarded. I went through the side door to meet with TSA and was then led to where Titus’s luxurious jet waited.
I walked over to the plane. It was a dark metallic gray with a subtle gold stripe running its length. It was elegant and commanding, just like Titus Hawk.
I smiled at his captain, who had a formal and calculated demeanor to make you feel like you were stepping into something rare.
“Good evening, Ms. Andie,” he said with a small, professional smile. “We’re honored to have you on board with us again.”
