Page 58 of Big Britches
Titus sighed with mock exaggeration. “OK. It’ll give me some time too–to think things through. I’m pretty good at problem-solving, you know?”
Out of the shower and drying off, Pedro said, “There’s Barb too.”
“What about her?”
“I’m her only tenant. If I move in with you, I’ll be taking away what I assume is most of her income.”
“What about the Historical Society? I thought she got money there.”
“She despises them. They won’t help her with Hawthorne House unless she submits to their demands.”
Titus chuckled. “That’ll never happen. Barb won’t kowtow to anyone that way.”
“No. Especially with them wanting the design aesthetic to be historically accurate, complete with Confederate flags, weapons displays, and ugly, uncomfortable furniture. Other than her living quarters, no modern conveniences allowed. They want to turn it into a museum.”
“How can they do that? She owns the house. She lives there for God’s sake.”
“They can’t,” Pedro said, hanging his towel over the shower door. “But they can dangle funds in front of her like a carrot. Hawthorne House is a massive expense. Until Barb can get more tenants, she may end up being at their mercy.”
“Well, that pisses me off.”
“Yeah. Me too.”
“It also explains some things, like why she so gung-ho on me following in Daddy’s footsteps. I guess maybe she thinks I could pull some strings somehow.”
“You said you were a good problem solver.”
“I am, but–”
“But it may mean using your status and influence to make change.”
“Big Britches.”
Pedro lifted a hand to Titus’s cheek, caressing. “I know you struggle with other people’s perceptions of you. But you changed them, remember? You told me you proved yourself to those doubting your abilities. Why can’t you do it again?”
“Now you sound like her.”
“I’m just saying.”
“I can’t imagine myself being in charge of a small town.”
“I can’t imagine being a US citizen. Doesn’t stop me from trying, though.”
“That’s good football mentality. I’ll consider it–” Titus said, then added, “–I just need some time, OK?”
“My words from before.”
Titus grinned. “I may be a big lug, but I pay attention. I also picked up your wanting me to be more dominant in the sack. Using that Spanish dirty-talk to lead me on.”
“You won’t hurt me, Titus. I can take it.”
“Can you do what we did with the opposite leg… maybe on the corner of the bed with me standing?”
“Most definitely.”
“Tucker won’t be up for at least half an hour.”
“Entonces fóllame otra vez, gran oso.”