Page 23 of Announcing Love
Artem shifted slightly and pressed his ear against Tip’s chest in a different spot, as if getting a clearer listen. “Say it again. I want to see if your heartbeat matches the words.”
A smile exploded across Tip’s face. Artem was so incredibly strange and amazing and he loved him so fucking much. He wasn’t afraid of loving a good man. After all, he had spent his life loving shitty people. “I love you.”
“Wow. Not even the tiniest shift in rhythm. You meant that.”
“That’s definitely one thing I wouldn’t say if I didn’t mean it. No other man has ever heard it.”
“Good. You got to be the first in my bed. I got to be your first I love you. You’re still one up on me, though. I love you too. You’re the only man to ever hear that.”
Tip’s throat swelled. He blinked at the ceiling, trying to call his emotions under control. Tip couldn’t recall the last time someone said those words to him. More than that, he felt the love. He suddenly realized why Bandit had given up his expensive lifestyle for Sacha. Tip would give up anything, but his desire to give everything to Artem was bigger.
A loud knock interrupted his thoughts. “It’s Quince.”
“It’s unlocked.”
Tip held Artem, ensuring he didn’t get away. They weren’t moving from this spot. His heart needed this too badly.
His longtime foreman strolled inside. His features were set and his gray eyes were hard. “Kyle’s coming down the road.”
Tip sighed. He motioned Artem’s way. “This is Artem. Artem, Quince.”
Quince’s gaze slid Artem’s way. His features softened. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.” Artem sounded so sweet and happy.
Pride swelled Tip’s chest, but it seemed his family wasn’t done for the night. “You know what to do.”
With a sharp nod, Quince grabbed a shotgun off the wall and headed back out.
A soft chuckle vibrated against his chest. “That’ll do it.”
A smile exploded across Tip’s face. He didn’t know what would happen with his family in the end, but he knew exactly where his life was headed. He held the future in his arms.
Chapter Ten
Afterahotshower,they donned matching pjs, which was a hilarious coincidence. It was just red plaid pajama pants and a white t-shirt, but they had laughed at the sight of each other. Tip felt better the later the night got. They moved around the kitchen together, making dinner. It was peaceful. It was the life Tip wanted.
“Not to bring up a bad topic again, but I’m surprised your phone hasn’t been blowing up.”
“Shit. That reminds me.” He grabbed his phone and sent Artem anI love youtext. “I stopped by the store before I picked you upthis morning and changed my number. I just sent you a text so you’ll have the new one.”
“Dang. You really came here determined.”
Tip nodded. He tossed chopped bell pepper in the frying pan. “I also let Quince know we were coming and to be prepared for drama. He’s my foreman, but he’s somewhat of a bodyguard. That’s what he did in a former life.”
“Wow. It’s crazy, but you seem more at home here. When we first met, I would’ve sworn your huge house on the edge of the bay was totally you. Now, not so much.”
“Hey. I love that house. All I have to do is step out the back door and be on my boat.” Artem wasn’t wrong, though. As much as he loved his other place, this house was the one he always thought he would choose for retirement. It was smaller, and he had his horses. Tip just always assumed he would travel back and forth as the mood struck. It wasn’t that long of a drive.
“Funny. I didn’t even notice a boat.”
The confession pulled a loud laugh from Tip. “You tend to fixate on small details and tune out everything else.”
Artem’s sexy blue eyes swam with laughter. “Is that your way of saying my head is always in the clouds? It’s okay if you are. I’ve heard it my whole life.”
“No. It’s more like you’re memorizing details of whatever has your attention.”
Artem focused on him in a way that almost had Tip walking away from dinner. “You have my attention.”
