Page 49 of The Butler

Life in his home in Malibu was amazing for sure, but it didn’t change cheap date nights and long walks on the beach. He kept all of his creature comforts like a driver and a butler but I didn’t budge on my role in the beach house. I paid rent and I cleaned up after myself. I had no idea what a billionaire does with a thousand bucks a month in collected rent, but I was suspicious he was probably investing it for me behind my back. The true investments were being made in each other and that’s what mattered.

* * *

“Don’t touch that, Paul,” I scolded. “I’m a grown man and can do my own laundry.”

“Very well, sir, but what am I supposed to do if I don’t assist you?”

“That’s easy. You keep spoiling your bratty child, Linc. That’s what you do best.”

Paul, Linc’s butler, dropped my jeans and stood glowering at me. “Are you trying to get rid of me, sir?” he teased.

I laughed out loud. “And then what, pick up after my boyfriend? Not a chance, my friend.” I picked up my jeans and slid into them while Paul raised an eyebrow. “And yes, I’m wearing them again,” I stated, pointing to the door.

“I like you, Mr. Dalton,” he said in his regal voice. “A breath of fresh air actually.”

“Iloveyou, Paul. And you’re not going anywhere from what I’ve heard,” I said. “Why do you think the boss is building a guest house? It sure as heck isn’t for guests he never hosts at this house anymore.”

“I’m not living in that ridiculous extravagance,” he stated.

I stepped forward and stood in front of him with my arms crossed. “Don’t complain to me about it. Lord Carrington seems to think you are,” I giggled.

Paul cracked a smile and headed for the bedroom door and then turned around before exiting the giant bedroom. “I believe I can retire now that you’ve arrived, sir.”

“Please don’t call me sir, Paul, and the hell you can. You aren’t going anywhere as long as I’m here.”

Paul’s mouth curled when a rare smile spread across his wrinkled face. “I’m glad you’re here, Mr. Dalton.”

“Me too, my friend.”

I grabbed my Pepperdine hoodie and yanked it over my head before grabbing my backpack and laptop. I had class in an hour and wanted to eat breakfast with my man before I drove the five minutes to the University.

I bounced into the oversized kitchen just in time to be handed a cup of black coffee from Linc. I leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “What the hell kind of kiss was that?” he teased. “Two years into this and you’re already kissing me like that?” he complained.

I set my mug down and slid into his arms, inserting my tongue into his mouth. After a minute I pulled back. “How was that, mister?”

“Better. I know it was insta-love for us, but I’m still wild about my boy in case you forgot.”

“Insta, my ass!” I argued. “It took you a month to take a chance on us after you left me on Action.” I wiped a crumb from his jacket lapel, frowning at him. “You’re wearing Prada while eating breakfast, Linc? This is expensive,” I nagged.

“My little budget boy. How’d you get so cheap?” he joked.

I tapped his chest and frowned. “A shit ton of practice,” I stated. I moved out of his embrace and reached for my coffee. “Okay,” I began. “I’ve gotta run to class so what are we doing tonight?” I asked. “Pizza or spaghetti?”

“I’m meeting with Brock Mann tonight,” he said.

“Really?” He nodded while I raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I’m proud of you, baby. I know that couldn’t have been an easy call for you to take.”

“He’s the one that asked to meet in person,” he stated.

“True, but you could have said no,” I responded. “So, tell me, why are you meeting?”

“He wants back in with the studio. Troy dumped him and his last film bombed, so maybe I can be nicer about things,” he said, grabbing my coffee and taking a sip while keeping an eye on my response.

“Being the bigger person, are we?” I teased.

“Something like that,” he agreed. “Atoo big for his britchespunk once told me about rising above.”

“That punk, as you call him, sounds super wise.”

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