Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 99918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99918 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“No, Dad, I love this house. I don’t want you to move. But I’m going to college in a few months, and Cate’s going at mid-semester. You and Mom could get something smaller. That’s all I’m saying,” Chad said, drying his hands.
“You didn’t tell me you decided to graduate early.” Dylan turned to Cate who stared at Chad, giving him the stink eye.
“I decided today. My guidance counselor thinks it’ll look good on my application, and it’s easier to get into Harvard in the spring semester.”
“You decided on Harvard? Why haven’t you told me?” Everything in the room stopped. Dylan had been such a huge part of all of the children’s college planning sessions. They knew this was a big move, and she’d made these decisions without him.
“I just decided today. I was gonna tell you tonight,” she said, dropping her rag into the sink and elbowing Chad in the ribs.
“Hey!” Chad grabbed his midsection, which Dylan ignored completely. Usually that would have been grounds for him to intervene, but he stayed focused on the new graduation development.
“So this time next year, all my kids are gonna be off at college?” Dylan stated the obvious, looking between the both of them.
“Don’t worry, Daddy, we’ll be home all the time,” Cate promised, going to Dylan and giving him a hug. Of course they would think this was all about them. That was part of being a kid, and he’d definitely raised his children to believe they were his whole life. Dylan’s problem, however, was more that he didn’t have a life at all. He was a father of almost-grown children who were doing exactly what they were supposed to do—leave the nest. He was also a business owner in the first stages of a buyout. And he was a gay man buried so deep in the closet he questioned if he would ever find his way out.
He finally forced a smile on his face. “I just needed to catch up. I’m proud all my kids are doing so well.” He took the towel and gave a playful whip toward Chad. That caused Cate to laugh. “You two make me proud while I’m out of town. No problems, and pass that on to your jailbird sister.”
His antics eased the tension in the room and caused both Chad and Cate to laugh, diverting the attention from him.
He normally ran a casual office. His hundred and fifty or so employees weren’t required to have a dress code, as long as they kept their clothing within reason, but today he and his two top executives were professionally outfitted with some of the most stylish and, in Dylan’s opinion, expensive clothing on the market.
When the Wilder weekend itinerary had arrived via email and it became apparent no expense had been spared in flying them to California or in the list of activities planned for the three of them, it sent Secret’s senior management into a frenzy. They easily speculated that WilderNation wouldn’t dare spend that amount of money if they weren’t highly interested in the company. In return, someone not as budget-conscious as Dylan allowed Neimans free rein to help them look the part of ultra-successful businessmen.
They boarded a private Wilder jet, and for the first time since he’d signed off on their ridiculously expensive clothing, Dylan appreciated the extravagance. Their makeover had also included grooming. While Dylan had always kept his hair on the shorter side, none of his top staff had been this clean-shaven or put together in all the years he’d known them. Making millions of dollars, as well as putting their best foot forward to their potential new employer, had something to do with this GQ-meets-GeekWorld look they now sported.
“Dude, is this how they travel all the time?” David asked Dylan, looking around the private jet’s spacious and plush interior.
“I have no idea,” Dylan said, as blown away as the rest of them. And his kids called themselves rich. He sure wished they could see this plane. He pulled his phone out to snap a picture to text each of them.
“I can take your bags,” a flight attendant offered from behind them. She was already reaching for Rob’s carry-on. Another approached from the other side, taking David’s bags. Dylan watched in interest as his top team turned to putty in the pretty young women’s hands.
“I can take yours too, sir,” one of them said to Dylan. There were three passengers and three flight attendants. Wilder clearly traveled in style. “Please take a seat and fasten your seat belt. We’ll serve cocktails and lunch when we get in the air.” Once everything was locked into place, they made their way to the galley.
“She was into me,” David said, puffing out his chest proudly. He was the youngest of them all at not-quite thirty years old.
“She’s paid to be into you,” Rob said, selecting the seat closest to the window.
“You don’t know that,” David said, tilting his head to watch the flight attendant as she worked. Dylan snapped his fingers between the two, like he used to do with Chloe and Cate when they were little.
“Not appropriate behavior. We talked about this,” Dylan scolded. “Creepy gawking and coming on to the staff’s wrong in just about every company’s harassment policy. Not your best foot forward, dickhead.”
“But I’m not employed there yet,” David announced, clearly proud of his argument with the cocked brow he gave Dylan.
“Nor will you be either is the point he’s trying to make, dumbass,” Rob chimed as the attendant walked back to them.
“Gentlemen, I’m going to buckle up. Once the captain gives the go-ahead, we’ll get you guys taken care of.” David’s flight attendant leaned across Dylan’s chair and smiled down at him. She glanced at the others then spoke. “Good. You all figured out how your seat belts work.”
She directed her sweet smile straight at Dylan as she turned away. “Dude, they always fall for you,” David whispered when she was several feet away.
“I’m married. She sees the ring. I’m safe.” Dylan lifted his left hand and wiggled his fingers to make his point.