Page 24 of As The Shifter World Turns

We let that information sink in, and then I turned my attention to Ivor himself. “Your turn. Is there someone significant in your life?”

“No.” His voice had me studying his face. “I don’t have the time or energy for anyone else right now. Especially when I’m losing my home and haven’t found anywhere new.”

Ivor’s reminder that we wouldn't have a home in the near future had us sitting in silence before I paid and we headed home. As we had the car for the day, I thought we might go to the movies in the afternoon, though it was doubtful Ivor could afford it, but I parked out the front on the street.

Ryder’s shouts greeted us. They weren’t directed at us but at his sort of almost ex, Kellan. It reminded me of the day I’d arrived, except this time Kellan had his back on the porch railing. Seemed as though Ryder had discovered Kellan’s cheating. And while I hated that the stag shifter was confronted with the truth, I’d been conflicted about not telling him what Micah and I had witnessed.

But on seeing me, Kellan interrupted Ryder’s rant. “You say the people at Sunshine Manor are yourfamily. So Archer and Micah must be okay with me seeing other guys. They saw me. Answer me that, Ryder.” He sneered at me while addressing his lover.

What an ass, dumping me in the deep end when it was he who couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. Neil got behind me and slipped his trembling hand in mine. “I’m really sorry, Ryder. I should have spoken up.”

“No, that’s on me.” Micah stepped onto the porch. “Archer’s only been here a few weeks. I’ve known you forever, and we’re good friends. I could have stepped up and said something even though I knew it’d hurt you.”

“No, it’s okay, man,” Ryder sighed. “You’ve said it before. More than once.”

Kellan rolled his eyes and pushed himself off the railing. “I’m not staying for this stupid kumbaya moment. Call me when you wanna get laid.” He shoved past us. “Being fucked by you, Ryder, is the best. No one comes close. You have real skill.”

Awkward!We all stared at one another, my thoughts clouded by Micah standing close and Neil still gripping my hand. But Daire rushed out and yelled, “Guess what?”

“Kellan’s a dick?” Micah suggested.

“No. Well yes, he is, but forget that douche for now. I don’t want to sell Sunshine Manor.”

No one pointed out it technically wasn’t his to sell, and the auction was next Saturday with the inspection that morning.

“Not sure how you’re going to turn it around at such short notice,” Micah informed him. “I can’t see your parents being persuaded.” I heard the words but my attention was on the salt and pepper scruff covering his jaw.

“I’ll order food, so come insideand let's discuss it.”

Daire had Mexican food delivered, and we talked over one another as we discussed ways to stop the auction. “I hate to say it,” Micah said, as I zoomed in on a dollop of guacamole in the corner of his mouth, “but I think you’re out of options.” Neil nudged me and tapped his lips, and it was only then I discovered my tongue was hanging out. Micah had that effect on me.

“What is it that turns people off when they’re looking for a place to buy or rent?” Daire asked, his gaze turning to Micah.

“I know!” My hand shot up.

“Pick me,” Ivor yelled, jumping up from his seat.

“I have a long list,” Neil informed the group.

Our enthusiastic response made even Ryder grin. “And here I thought Micah was our resident expert,” Daire chortled.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

“No, we’re in this together.” Micah winked at me as his knee nudged mine. It took all my willpower to concentrate on the task at hand. That being our living situation and not me being fucked by Micah.

We came up with a list of bad smells, clogged toilets, crazy paint colors, dirt, mud, strange noises, clutter, and dampness. I had a colleague with a noisy, foul-mouthed parrot we could pretend lived next door, and Ivor knew someone with a huge dog.

The six of us worked our butts off all week painting some of the indoor walls fuchsia, grape, and lime. Each apartment was strewn with junk and we curated rotten meat in the dumpster. On the day of the inspection, we stomped mud over the patio and stuffed toilet paper in the toilets. The bathroom floors were sprayed with water, and Daire had downloaded gurgling sounds similar to water rushing through old pipes.

Ivor pointed out that if a potential buyer wanted to demolish the building, our ploy would be for nothing. But the rest of us were certain buyers would want to restore the old home, unlike Daire’s parents who never saw the beauty in anything.

While Micah and I never discussed anything other than what we were hoping to pull off, as we worked, there was a squeeze of a hand and fingers grazing over my hip, and we constantly gravitated to one another, brushing shoulders and butts.

By the time of the walk through, the dog was installed in the front yard and he leaped up on every person who arrived. Jasper, the parrot, loved company and screeched from where we‘d positioned his cage near the fence. Along with our furry and feathered friends, the smells, noises, and plumbing had people rushing away, hands over their faces. And there wasn’t one bid.

After the animals were returned to their owners, and we cleaned up, we toasted with champagne. All of us were exhausted and filthy but elated, and I hoped Daire’s parents, who hadn’t bothered to attend the auction, would be persuaded to keep the house. Neil and Ivor in particular needed the safety andsecurity of living in Sunshine Manor. I had an ulterior motive for wanting to stay. Micah.

“I need a shower,” I said to no-one in particular as I traipsed up to the third floor. A hand on my hip had me pause. There was no need to turn around; his scent announced his presence.

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