Page 149 of As The Shifter World Turns

I clapped my hands and bounced up and down on my chair. “I’m crossing my fingers and toes for you and Ryder.”

“I hope so.”

“What about you, Neil? Any big changes in your life?” Archer asked.

“Actually, yes.”

“What?” Both my friends sat forward and Ivor stopped chewing.

“It’s about my job.”

The pizza fell from Ivor’s mouth onto his plate and I handed him a napkin. “Tell us.”

Martin and I had been discussing the issue of my work for a while. He didn’t like what I did but hated when I got naked on camera. But those clients were my biggest money makers and while I didn’t love it, I resisted thinking about it because I didn’t want Martin telling me what to do.

My heart said if I wanted to move forward with our relationship, I had to compromise, but my head understood I had to keep earning money. I was good at what I did and I made my clients happy. And then there was Toby. He was asmart kid. One day, sooner rather than later, he’d figure it out. Both Martin and I wanted to avoid that.

“I decided no more naked stuff and I’ve already implemented it.”

“That’s huge,” Ivor mumbled.

Archer giggled. “That’s what his clients said when they saw?—“

“Archer!” Ivor said in a shocked voice but then he caught my eye and we burst into hysterical giggles.

When we calmed down, I explained my plan. “I studied my client list and most of them are regulars who want specific things. One likes to watch me do my makeup, one tells me how to put on makeup. Another likes to discuss fashion and I parade around in different outfits for him. Some just want me to listen to their problems and others need to hear how much I like them.”

“And what about the clients who wanted to see your dick?” Ivor said.

“I’ve recommended a friend who does similar work.”

“Don’t hate me for saying this, but is Martin helping to pay your rent?” That was Archer.

“He offered but there was no need. My income did drop, but I’ve gotten new clients, ones who veered away from me in the past after reading the description of the services I offered. I’m not earning as much, but I’m hopeful it’ll pick up.”

“Sounds as though it could have been worse in terms of you losing income,” Archer noted.

“But how do you feel after stopping the…” Ivor paused and then continued with, “the dick moves?” He snorted and the water he was holding sprayed over his lap. “Dick moves. Sorry, that was rude. Not sure what’s gotten into me.”

Archer jumped in before I could reply. “Based on what you told us about you and Ryder in the shower, I’d say nothing yet. But sounds like it might be soon.”

“Archer!” Ivor tossed a cushion at our friend as the three of us dissolved into laughter.

60

IT’S ABOUT TIME ALREADY!

Ryder

I rolled over to see Ivor staring at me. Not in a creepy way, but more like he was admiring me.

“Should I go back to sleep?” I adored having him by my side as I slept.

We’d come into the bedroom to climb under the covers and watch a movie, Ivor not being able to find a comfortable position on the couch. He only made it fifteen minutes into the flick and I made it… I didn’t get to the end, but I had a pretty decent idea who the serial killer was.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. I just woke up and thought… not so much thinking… I woke up and was so happy to be here with my mate.” His eyes fell to the blankets, no longer meeting mine. “My wolf thinks you are our mate.”

My breath hitched, not wanting to ruin this moment.

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