Page 6 of Announcing Love
All through dinner, he dug for more without trying to seem as if he did. He gathered Tip supported his entire family—like entire. He owned hundreds of acres of farmland in upstate New York where his parents, siblings, and even a few cousins had houses built and paid for by Tip. Thankfully, there was an actual working farm that returned on the investment, but damn. Artem felt bled dry just listening to him.
“Is that the only land you own? Oh. Do you have horses?”
A sexy chuckle rumbled from Tip, and Artem nearly melted. He was so gorgeous and responsible. Artem didn’t know why Tip sat there, wasting his time with him. “Yes, and yes. My younger brother is a professional polo player. There are plenty of horses on the farm. As for the land, I also own a vineyard in California, a few more things here and there. I haven’t decided what to do next.”
“A professional polo player and you still support him?”
“Nah. I did until about two years ago and he got picked up by the Southeastern Polo League. He lives most of the time in Miami now. I’m proud of him.”
Artem could listen all night, but they had already kept some poor server’s booth hostage for too long. He glanced around. “I’m going to hit the restroom before we go.”
Tip nodded. “I’ll try to find our waitress so I can pay, and we can head out when you get back.”
Artem carefully kept his expression blank as he slid from the booth. He had his sights set on their server.
Artem pulled her aside before Tip spotted her. “Hey. Can I go ahead and take care of the bill before my friend gets ahold of it?”
“Sure thing.” She waved him over to a computer at the bar.
Artem kept an eye out for Tip as he paid and left her a nice tip. Then he hit the restroom before heading back to the table.
“Are you ready?”
Tip glanced up from playing on his phone. “Hey. Yeah, but I still haven’t seen our server:”
“Don’t worry about it. I took care of it.”
Tip’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you joking?”
Artem rolled his eyes. He wouldn’t let Tip get all pissy. “Come on.” Artem grabbed Tip’s arm and tugged. “You can buy me every single dinner from now on, if you want. But this one time, someone took care of you. Suck it up.”
Tip shook his head as he stood, but his eyes swam with laughter. “Okay. As long as you don’t let it happen again.”
Artem chuckled under his breath as they headed for the door. He really was having the best time.
“Is it okay if I get a selfie?”
Artem turned at the question. Some guy held a phone out trying to pet a picture with Tip and him in it.
“I can do that, if you’d like?”
A bright smile lit the guy’s face. “Thanks, man. That’d be great.”
Artem snapped a few pictures and handed back the guy’s phone. “Is that okay?”
He swiped through the pictures. “Wow. That’s actually great. I didn’t know the camera on my phone was that good.”
“Most phones are pretty good. You just need the right settings.”
Tip squeezed the guy’s shoulder. “It was nice to meet you. My friend and I have plans.”
“Oh. Yeah. Sure. Thanks for taking a picture with me. I’ve followed you since the beginning of your career. It’s awesome you stayed with the team.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
Artem watched the interaction, and a hint of pride grew inside him. Tip wasn’t his. Not really. This was just one date, but it was flattering to be with such a great person. Tip seemed genuinely fine with getting stopped and grateful for a fan. WhenTip focused on him again, Artem wished he held his camera. He wanted to capture the moment and hang on to it forever. Then they were headed out the door and the moment was over. He tried his best to get back to safe ground and away from his greedy heart. His life had been lonely for a long time. He couldn’t unleash that on Tip.
“So, what would you like to do now?”
