Page 117 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“People watch? Are you looking to replace me already?” Wyl teased.
Rod grabbed him in a fierce hug. “You’re irreplaceable, babe. You die…I die. It’s that simple.”
“How about we both don’t die.”
“Works for me.” Rod swiped a kiss. “Should we wear our hats?”
“And give everyone a sneak peek at our appearance for tomorrow night?” Wyl laughed. “Maybe we can find baseball caps while we’re out so we look more like tourists and less like cowboys.”
“Good idea,” Rod nodded.
“Should I ask Henry to call a cab for us?” Wyl said.
“No,” Rod shook his head. “We’ll take the trolley or the bus. We can get a couple of unlimited CityPass cards. Public transportation makes it easy to get around. I think there is a CityPass office not far from here.”
“That will certainly make it easier.” Wyl touched the button to summon the elevator.
As the elevator doors opened, the condo phone rang. They exchanged questioning glances. Nobody knew their number.
Wyl picked up the receiver. “Wyl Sterling.”
“How’s my favorite rich ex-brother-in-law?”
Mitzi’s tinny voice and smug tone set Wyl’s teeth on edge. “How did you get this number, Mitzi?” He glanced at Rod’s frown.
“I called the Advocate and talked with Joe,” Mitzi said.
“You called Joe atThe Advocate?” Wyl growled. “How did you know about Joe?”
“Don’t be naive, Wyl. Stupidity doesn’t become you. Facebook has been alive with information since your little antic with the video. Very clever, by the way. And Joe posted on your Facebook page.”
Wyl huffed out a breath. “What do you want, Mitzi?”
Rod’s strong hands massaged his shoulders, the touch draining some of his tension.
“You and your husband can hide in San Francisco all you want, but what happens in the big city doesn’t change what happens in Blackfield. Just be ready for the outcry when you get back.”
“What’s your angle, Mitzi?”
“Me? An angle? Wyl, you cut me to the core.”
“You need to excise that rotten core, Mitzi. And if you think you can get traction in Blackfield, knock yourself out.” The edge in Wyl’s voice could cut granite.
“Oh, I intend to knock one out of the park. Or maybe we could come to some sort of agreement.”
“No angle, huh?” Wyl didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in his voice.
Mitzi tsk’d. “Let’s not be so crass. Ex-in-laws should be able to discuss things amicably, don’t you think?”
“There is a reason for the word ex,Mitzi.” Wyl spat out her name. “It means there is no longer a connection.”
“I don’t think so, Mr. Sterling. Think you can fight me? Think again!” She hung up.
“Shit!” Wyl cursed as he slammed the receiver down. “Mitzi plans something in Blackfield, and we won’t know until we get back. She’s a wily bitch who has leaped over to the crazy side of the sanity meter in her pursuit of our money.”
Rod wrapped his arms around Wyl from behind. “It’s my turn to be strong. Let’s worry about the bitch troll from hell when we get back. Right now, a wonderful, vibrant city awaits, as does a fantastic opportunity to share our story with the world. Remember… we’re Sterlings, and nothing will change that.” Rod nibbled Wyl’s earlobe.
Wyl turned and wrapped his arms around his husband. He shivered at the warm sensation of Rod’s breath in his ear, combined with the tantalizing nip on his lobe. “You’re right. I’m glad you played the Sterling card.”
