Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
The sounds of the ocean and the billowing curtains from the steady breeze called him to the patio. His heart eased at the sight before him. Maybe he should rethink giving everything away. A place close to the ocean might be the best medicine to unwind from the dysfunctional side of his family.
Chad. The name reverberated through his head like an affirmation, filling all the newly formed cracks from the stress of the last few hours.
His friend and lover came to the forefront of his thoughts, planting himself in the top spot of Ducky’s life.
The sudden shift in priorities made Ducky freeze.
That was it!
Everything else was just noise in the background. So at one with the idea of Chad being the most important part of his life that he registered the birds chirping around him, the sweet scent of plumeria trees surrounding the villa, the constant churn of the ocean only feet away.
He was in love with his best friend. Honesty, passion, and friendship all packaged into one complicated emotion. Flutters of desire skidded across his skin. The whisper of Chad’s name coursed through every fiber of his body. His entire focus had truly changed.
Chad.
“I don’t even know how to have a relationship.” Ducky lifted his face to the sky, speaking his concern to the universe. It didn’t seem to matter. He’d figure it out with Chad’s help.
Chad supported his decisions.
Chad believed in him. The heavy weight of the last few hours lifted off his shoulders as a calming exhale of breath left his lungs. For the first time in his life, he felt in control, balanced within himself. A big smile spread across his face until it became a chuckle.
His road to change had gone full circle, leading him right back to himself. Perhaps now he understood the ways of the world better. He was definitely more physically and emotionally healthy. Possibly more of a joiner these days, but Chad had managed to bring him back to himself. Back to believing he was good enough the way he was. What a head rush.
He scanned the beach. The bright sand and inviting blue waters went on forever. In the far distance, he spotted Chad jogging toward him. He waved, staring unabashedly at the sight before him. Chad never tired. Endless energy fueled each step. His running shorts and bare chest were a tempting aphrodisiac. All those muscles worked fluidly together. Ducky felt those steps were running to him.
He slipped back inside the rental. If Chad was coming from that direction, he still had half his run to go. Ducky decided to finish the distance with him.
He went for his runners as Donny’s bullshit and StreamTrainer fell to the back of his thoughts. With any luck, they’d be completely forgotten by the end of the night.
One month later
“When you told me to give your money away, I didn’t realize that meant that I’d have to physically move you.” Greer complained as he grabbed one of the moving boxes Ducky pushed to the edge of the U-Haul’s trailer. Greer’s snippy commentary hadn’t abated since he’d shown up at Ducky’s apartment, under great duress, with his brother Dallas, this morning.
Ducky’s gaze slid to Chad. His new roommate mumbled something under his breath, showing he was on Greer’s exact same page.
“If I’m not being clear, let me add that I would’ve paid for movers had I known,” Greer added, absorbing the heavy weight of the box in his arms.
“It’s a few boxes,” Dallas said, coming up behind Greer, reaching for another load.
“Yeah.” Greer’s eyes rolled in a dramatic fashion. “That’s the lie you told me this morning to get me to come with you. This U-Haul’s full.”
Dallas stacked one box on top of another and started back toward the building. “People move all the time. You’re supposed to pitch in and help. It’s what we do for each other.”
“I’ve never, not one time, moved another human being from their home to another. I don’t even move myself.” Greer was a dog with a bone. He hadn’t stopped his disgruntled grumbling any of the dozens of times he’d come to the edge of the trailer today. He also had no problem with who heard his constant tirade. He spoke his mind with each labored step he took.
Ducky shrugged it off. Since Greer had first come into their lives, being outspoken and getting what he wanted seemed a normal Tuesday for Greer.
“He has a point.” Chad grabbed one end of Ducky’s heavy desk, his tone a bit gentler than Greer’s though. Ducky took the other end, navigating his way off the truck. “I would have gotten us movers.”
Ducky let all the strife roll off his shoulders, not letting the aggravation bring his mood down. He had the money for movers. He just couldn’t understand paying such a cost with four strong men able to carry the load themselves.