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“Which is both lovely and depressing.” To think he had that much money as a teenager.
“At first she went to a sanctuary for donkeys but as soon as I bought this house, I got her back, along with Huggy there who was her best friend. I still donate to the sanctuary though.”
Knox is busy trying to point out Huggy to me, but I just want to hug this amazing man.
Instead, I have to walk a donkey around the U shaped building to the paddock behind.
The horses are already out in the crisp morning air, and the cow comes running over as we arrive. Each donkey has the bridle removed and is set free into a field so big I can't see any fences. The cow greets every donkey as if she is doing a headcount, and then they play. The donkeys and cow play together, running with happy kicks and jumps.
“I would get up this early every morning just to see this.”
“Not an early riser?” Knox questions, leaning over me with his arms across my chest.
“I dance until two am then crash. I'm lucky if I'm up for lunch.”
“That changes now. You only dance when you want to dance, and you only dance for me.”
“Ah, well, first I have to decide to stay.” Something he is making more tempting by the minute.
“Please stay,” Knox whispers.
I consider asking him to repeat himself, but the moment is over, and Knox walks away. “Come on then, brat.”
“That's me, is it?” I question sarcastically, like the brat I've been accused of being. It's not bad, considering he's called me something I'd never survive hearing in public.
thirty-four
Knox
It'sbeennicetoget out in the land around my house. Porter is clearly better with animals at a distance, so my plans of riding have remained unmentioned. Even so, we've managed to chat away the morning, without actually saying anything meaningful. We've certainly built an appetite by the time we get back for lunch.
Gladys has outdone herself with the food. She's good at her job, but I don't need much living here on my own. The house staff eat here, if they want, and I'm happy for her to cater for them. Today there is a full spread laid out on the dining table.
“This is… It's all… This is wow.”
I'm glad food leaves my boy as speechless as sex.
“How long is the boy staying?” Freddie hisses discreetly as Porter trots eagerly to the table. “We're only rostered for minimal security when you're working.”
“Increase the roster. Either overtime or we can take on someone new.”
“We could pick up a few extra hours, more if it's short term, but we'll need another pair of hands if he plans to stay.”
“Offer double the rate for overtime, and get interviews set up as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Sir. He's a good kid.” Freddie glances around at my hungry boy. “He was so worried the dance room key was to the basement. He only went in after I reassured him it wasn't.” He gives a soft chuckle.
“He didn't want to find the basement?”
“Definitely not,” Freddie shrugs. “Seemed almost terrified at the thought.”
Interesting. The idea of finding his sister scared him. Maybe there is a chance he'll choose to stay with me after I let his sister go.
When I join Porter at the table, his plate is already piled high with food.
“You should try this.” Porter offers me a mini quiche with a bite missing. “Never tasted one this good.”
I don't need to taste his food to know how good Gladys is, but I humour him and take a bite. Of course home-made quiche tastes better than shop food, especially for a kid buying the value range. But on a more devious thought, if I ruin his taste buds, he'll never be able to leave.
