AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’ve come a long way in the ensuing twenty years.
At forty-three years old and with silver streaks of hair in my temples, I’m now far more likely to be found in the business suite than I am working on site. But I’m okay with that. I love putting deals together and making my mark on Los Torros and the wider area.
I know a lot of real estate guys get a bad rep.
And, honestly, I can see why.
Too many construction developments look as ugly as hell and typically fall apart quicker than a Lego tower built by the hands of a toddler.
But the one thing that comes as standard with a Harrison Harlow property is that the aesthetics are on point, and the build quality is rock-solid too.
I know I’ve got a fearsome reputation around town.
Everyone in the trade has heard about the firings, the demands, and my notorious temper too.
But what so many people don’t know is that this only happens because of my passion for erecting the best possible buildings for the people of this fine town.
I grew up in Los Torros, and I’m determined to see it thrive – just like it used to in the old days.
Anyway, after giving my land purchases team a crystal clear message, it’s time for me to finish my coffee and get my ass down to my private gym.
‘I’m coming!’ I shout, the sound of my buddy Reece already getting to work on the hack squat machine travelling up the staircase.
Reece is a retired soccer player with an eye for business.
We’re great friends – and the fact that both of us are Daddies too is just perfect. Whether we’re hitting the town for whiskies or heading to the beach with our other buddy Trent to surf some waves, we’re always there for one another.
I feel lucky to have such a solid community of Daddy friends in Los Torros. I know that the Daddy and Little community is growing across the country, but Los Torros has always punched above its weight when it comes to acceptance and an open mind.
Things didn’t always feel quite the same when I spent some time in the big city a few years ago. I was itching to expand my business empire and see whether life outside of Los Torros would provide me the right canvas to expand my property portfolio to the next level.
To say that things didn’t go to plan would be something of an understatement. I’m someone who hates conceding defeat or failing when I set out to do something. I’m not used to the feeling of failure, and I’m also not used to being treated poorly either.
Truly, stepping out to the big city was an experience that I’d rather forget about.
But I’m not going to allow myself to wallow in what went wrong and why – that’snothow I rock and roll.
No, I’ve been back in Los Torros for long enough now to know that I never want to leave this place again. Well, except for the odd two-week vacation if I ever get enough free time from H.H Properties to allow it.
Speaking of not having a second to myself…
Reece shouts again from the basement gym and even though I can’t make out what he’s saying, I’ve got a pretty good idea it’s neither complimentary nor a reassurance that I can take my time getting my butt down there.
‘Hey, I said I’mcoming!’ I shout out again, removing my suit trousers and quickly slipping into my workout shorts. ‘I know you’re the Soccer Prince of Milan or whatever, but you can wait ten more seconds!’
With that, I grab a banana and make my way down the spiral staircase to the gym. It’s time to lift some serious weight with one of my best buddies and get a nice, juicy sweat on.
* * *
‘I’ll give it to you, you’ve still got the strength in those arms,’ Reece says, taking a seat in my steam room. ‘I guess your body still remembers working on the construction sites, right?’
‘I guess so,’ I laugh, taking a big gulp of water and breathing slowly as my body heats up from the steam. ‘Must be the same for you? You know, you’re probably still better than ninety-nine percent of soccer players out there.’
‘I don’t know about that, but I’ll take the compliment anyway,’ Reece laughs, his naked torso looking like a work of art. ‘I’ve been trying to teach Xander some tricks and skills, but soccer just isn’t the boy’s strong suit.’
‘Ha!’ I bellow. ‘I can imagine. He’s a big, strong boy who could outlift you… but nimble footwork is never going to be his thing though.’
‘And I love him just the way he is,’ Reece says, the look in his eyes telling me everything I need to know. ‘So, how about you? Any boys on the scene right now? And don’t give me that bullshit about being too busy. It’s the lamest excuse in the whole damn book.’
