Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 58090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
I giggle. “I need my hunk to help me with my BDSM article.”
“Seriously?” His tone has lost its playful luster and grown serious.
“Yes, I’m saying I need your help with this, Pax.”
“Of course. You know I’d forever help you, Hart.”
A sense of warmth spreads throughout my chest at his words. “I hope we’re not ruining our friendship. We’re going to need ground rules before we get started.”
“Great. I love rules.”
I roll my eyes, knowing full well Paxton is not a rule follower. In high school, he was constantly getting into fights and breaking rules. “I’m serious here. If I feel our friendship is going to be affected, I’ll stop this assignment cold turkey.”
“You have my word, Hart. I don’t want this affecting our friendship either.”
“Can I meet you at Atta Boy’s tonight for a beer and contract signing?”
“I’ll be there.”
As I make my way downtown, the rules that Paxton and I must follow to keep our friendship intact swirl in my head. Tonight, the main thing I want to stress with Pax is: if anything feels weird or uncomfortable between us, we stop immediately.
Paxton is the one constant in my life and I can’t lose him. Sure, I have family, but with my aunt’s relocation to Florida, and my parents visiting her for a few months while they renovate their home, there is a noticeable void. I sometimes call Clara. She’s dating one of my triplet cousins who owns a male revue bar out in Las Vegas. The Trifecta are gaining fame with all their hard work.
As I make my way downtown, my palms sweat on the steering wheel. I’m second-guessing my location choice to meet with Paxton. I get along with the entire Atwood clan, but they can never find out what Paxton and I are doing. Most likely, they will all be at the brewery, which means we will need to be super careful. It’s hard to do that with Paxton’s brothers though. They’re a boisterous, close-knit family. If I had to write an article about them, I’d title it ‘All About Those Atwoods’, or maybe I’d call it ‘Sibling Squad Goals’ and describe them something like…
Callum: the oldest and most serious. Workaholic (at least that’s what Paxton always says) and has no time for a social life because he runs Atta Boy.
Shepherd: He’s more of a mystery. Always gruff in his remarks, but once you get to know him he’s got a heart of gold.
Paxton: middle child, best bestie in the world. Best beer salesman in the world too. Could sell a popsicle to an Eskimo.
Anya: middle, middle child, and I’m sure it wasn’t easy growing up with so many brothers. She’s always been one to hold her own, and the chocolates she makes are amazing.
Brock: second youngest, cellarman, and all around nice guy. Would give you the shirt off his back.
Tripp: youngest Atwood, the least involved in the brewery, helps out bussing tables and cleaning a few days a week, but he hates it. He’d rather party all night long instead.
By the time I arrive at the brewery, I’ve only got minutes to spare before my meeting with Paxton. As soon as I hustle inside and make my way back to the bar area, I’m engulfed in a bear hug by Brock.
“Haven’t seen you in a minute,” Brock says, lifting me off my feet, his beard tickling my cheek. He spins me around and sets me down. “Where have you been hiding?”
I snicker, swatting at his arm playfully. “Paxton keeps me locked in the dungeon.”
He winks. “I believe it. That motherfucker doesn’t like to share.”
Tripp steps into the mix and hugs me. “Great to see you, Hartford.”
“Okay, unhand my bestie,” Paxton says, walking up to his younger brothers.
I glance around the bustling bar. “You guys are busy.”
Brock nods. “It’s the delicious beer I’ve been brewing. I’m trying out new flavors and combinations.”
I kneel before him. “Ah, teach me your ways, all-powerful beer maker.”
Paxton grabs my hand and helps me up. “Don’t kneel for this jackass.”
His unwavering protectiveness never fails to bring a smile to my lips.
Callum joins the fray, and I stand back, grinning, while they banter with each other. The only brother missing is Shepherd. Paxton said he’d be back in the next week or so. He’s down in Florida helping their cousins, Ellis and Urban Atwood, who own Bearded Goat Brewery. I’ve met them a few times at family gatherings, and there must be something magical in the Atwood DNA, because they’re all so handsome. Like they could have their own Atwood calendar.
Of course, Paxton would be the star, because he’s the best-looking Atwood. Hands down.
Like there’s no competition.
Plus, he’s charming. And I’m not biased. The individuals he meets during his travels as a beer representative for Atta Boy would have the same opinion. He’s gained many accounts for the brewery and is one of the best salesmen I know.