Page 27 of Operation Daddy

The screaming that followed had Fletch practically leaping from the room with Tuff on his heels.

Tuff stayed glued to them. “I’ll see you back to your room. You should probably stay there until they leave.”

Fletch didn’t argue. “I appreciate everything you do. It was already our plan to relax for the rest of the day.”

Tuff nodded along. “If you need food or anything, just order what you want. I’ll handle it.”

“Thank you, Tuff. I’m really happy you’re my friend.” July sounded so cute, Fletch couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m honored you see me that way.”

Tuff and Fletch exchanged smiles.

Tuff set his hand on Fletch’s shoulder and squeezed. “You did good, letting this one pick you.”

Fletch’s smile grew larger. “I know.” He glanced down. July was asleep. Fletch had honestly expected July to fall apart over a literal murder happening downstairs, but no. It seemed knowing Rex was taken care of gave him the peace he needed to sleep… or the drugs knocked him out. Fletch’s smile felt permanent at this point. July didn’t know it, but he was the best thing that ever happened to Fletch. He would make sure July always felt like it.

Chapter Twelve

Nonstop chatter carried through the shoe store. Since it was Tuesday morning and a high-dollar place, July and Fletch were the only customers. Fletch was a little grateful for that. July hadn’t as much as taken a breath since they walked through the door, and no topic was off the table with him. While Fletch was unbothered, the store might not be.

“Anyhow, that’s how I found out you were cheating on me.”

Fletch’s chin shot up. “What the fuck?”

July laughed. “So you were listening to me.”

Fletch pulled a face. “I’m always listening to you.”

July’s bright smile never dimmed. He went right back to ripping shoes off the shelf and chattering away like the shoe gremlin he could be. “Do you want to have a late lunch after this? My treat.”

“You have to actually eat.”

At Fletch’s words, July waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about that. I’m starving today. There’s a place near my house that has this really yummy grilled chicken-topped salad with all kinds of fruit mixed in. Oh, and then they top it with honey mustard dressing, and since I go there all the time, they smother that sucker. Can I get all of these?”

“Why are you asking? I’ll always buy you whatever you want.”

The question had barely passed his lips when a saleswoman passed him and started gathering shoes.

July chuckled. “You’re beyond sweet, but I was talking to Amie.”

The lady looked up and winked.

Rather than feeling embarrassed, Fletch doubled down. “I still meant what I said. You’re my best friend. Anytime we’re going anywhere, just get what you want. I’ve got you.”

July stared at him. He looked ready to cry. “I’m your best friend?”

Sometimes, most of the time, July confused the hell out of him. “Not sure why that’s what you came away with, but yeah. You didn’t know that? We’re together every day I’m off and half the nights after work.”

July nodded while looking thoughtful. “That’s true,” July moved his hips from side to side. A bright smile lit up his face. “But I’m very annoying.”

A loud laugh burst from Fletch. “You’re my brand of annoying.”

They shared huge grins. July needed to see the way Fletch slowly took over his life. He wasn’t getting away.

July: Good news. Austen said I’m good to go back to regular activities. Apparently, I’m healed.

Fletch: Love to hear it.