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ZACH
“This kid!” I chuckle when the poop emoji pops in the chat.
“I see you had a good start, Mr. Teager.” William smiles as I reach the kitchen and flop down on the barstool. “I was worried I would find you in a rather cranky mood, so I made chocolate chip pancakes.” He slides a steaming cup of coffee and breakfast before me.
I nod, taking a bite of the fluffy pancake. “You’re not wrong,” I reply after chewing. “I got shitty sleep. I was worried more about my employees. But Ray, Hope’s son, saved my staff. That kid is too fucking cute. You won’t believe but he even calls me Prince.” The smile on my face increases at the thought.
“And I’m sure you’re not at all encouraging it, sir.” My shrewd butler slightly raises an eyebrow.
“You know me so well, Will.” I chuckle before taking another bite. A simple text has saved my day and my mood. “I’ll take this to my office.” I pick up my half-eaten breakfast and go to my den.
I open the report prepared by my team about a potential acquisition, a tech start-up which has connected health care and wellness. On first glance, it looks perfectly fitting to our portfolio.
I skim through the document and do some of my own research. I outline follow-up questions for my team and highlight areas where they need to focus more. After sending everything back, I get ready for work.
When my driverstops the car at a red light, I notice a kid sitting in the neighboring car. My hand reaches to the back of my neck and my pulse quickens as my thoughts drift to Ray and his mom. If I want to make sure that Ray doesn’t have a childhood like mine, I need to be on Hope’s good side.
Am I crazy to barge into their lives like this? Maybe I am.
But I only want Ray to be happy and…safe. And I never claimed to be sensible.
I grab my phone from my jacket.
Me: What fun thing did you buy?
I have her number from this morning when Ray sent me a text.
Hope: Zach, is that you?
I frown, looking down at her reply.
Me: Who do you think your son was texting this morning?
Hope: I know it’s you! I was surprised. Ray is at school, so you can’t talk to him now.
Me: I know that. I was just reminding you, you promised to buy something fun.
Hope: I’m going to ignore you now.
My lips curl up at her words. I love messing with people, but those around me have become kind of immune to my badgering. Hope, on the other hand, gets riled up so easily. She’s the perfect person to tease.
As the evening arrives,my limbs start to twitch and irritation creeps inside me. Today is one of myfuckdays, but for some unknown reason, I didn’t make an arrangement. Though I would have no problem finding a perfect woman for the night, I don’t want to do so.
After driving aimlessly for a few hours, I find myself outside Ray’s home. I ring the doorbell and Hope’s head jerks back when she sees me on their doorstep. “What are you doing here?”
“You didn’t send me a picture of your fun thing.” I shrug, trying to act nonchalant, but inside I’m feeling fucking nervous. She hasn’t fully opened the door yet. She might just shut it in my face.
“What—” She isn’t out of shock yet as her wide eyes look at me. “Are you serious?”
Before I can reply, Ray pokes his head out from behind her. “Your Highness!” He rushes to me and hugs my legs. Behind him Mr. Stanley jumps and barks in excitement.
All the unease in my chest settles and I feel calmer than I’ve felt all day. I’ve never received such a warm welcome. For a moment, I think I could come home to this chaos every day.
“Come in. Come in.” Ray totally ignores his mother’s angry glare and pulls me inside.
I gladly follow.
We both get comfortable on the small couch before Ray points to the old TV. “I’m watchingArthur.”
