Page 143 of Pretty ’n Peak

“Well, that was extremely visual.” Also, very apt. That was exactly what it felt like.

“Sorry if that was grotesque. But I’m not taking it back. We really need to celebrate. Burn the carcass.” He snorted a laugh. “Maybe I could come up early enough to take you out to dinner?”

“I was going to take you out to dinner.”

“Unh-uh. My treat. You can take me out to dinner after the gallery meeting.”

Did that mean Mateo was staying the whole weekend? It sounded like it.

Which gave him one more idea. Something he’d been thinking about since Friday night.

“It’s a deal… on one condition. You have to wear something pretty for me.”

“You mean like… underneath?” Teo’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“You could interpret it that way. But if you feel comfortable with it, I’d like to take you out so everyone can see you shine.”

“I’m not… I’m not sure. And I don’t have any clothes for it anyway.”

“Does that mean Daddy gets to go shopping?” And by that he meant, was he going to call Jamie the second their phone call was over to order some stuff, even though he’d be subjected to relentless teasing?

“Daddy… You can’t buy me more stuff!” Teo’s whine was adorable. Filled with happiness.

“Uhn-uh, baby girl. That’s not what Daddy wants to hear, when buying you pretty things makes him so happy.” He shook his head. He’d never thought he’d talk about himself in the third person, but with Teo it just slipped out.

He had to admit that it was fun. And surprisingly arousing.

“Okay, but nothing too expensive. Seriously. I mean it.”

“Hmmm… I’ll take that into consideration.” Expensive was all a matter of perspective. And Teo’s protests were mostly for show. “Now try again. What do you say to Daddy?”

“Thank you, Daddy,” Teo sing-songed.

“You’re very welcome, sweet boy. I can’t wait to see you.” Was that too much?

“Me neither, Daddy. I’ll be counting the hours.”

Damn.

22

Mateo

By the time Friday rolled around, Mateo hadn’t quite counted the hours, but he came close.

He’d tried to take off a little early, but everything about the house they were working on seemed to take longer than it should. He was supposed to paint the trim on the porch and hang a new gutter and downspout, but the paint they ordered was too thin to coat everything the first time, and then he’d discovered a rotten board. The gutter needed a different type of attachment system than the basic screws he kept in the truck and…

His pocket was buzzing from Daddy’s texts.

He held the ladder carefully while he wiped one hand across his sweaty forehead and pulled out the phone.

Austin: Hey Peach.

Austin: Let me know when you’re leaving, alright? I got roped into another work emergency, but I’ll leave the second you’re here.

Mateo grinned. Not just because Daddy was prioritizing him over work, but because leaving early would be good for his Daddy, too.

Mateo: I don’t think I can leave as early as I expected to. I’ll still aim for 6.