Page 159 of Adored

“Thank you, Brian. I also wanted to give you a heads-up. We’re going to be leaving at some point in the next few days,” he said, trying not to be specific.

“Oh, really, Sir?”

Gamble went there.

“We’re going on an extended trip, a honeymoon, if you will,” he said.

The man simply nodded.

“Very good, Sirs.”

Poe continued.

“We’re going to shut down the estate, but keep everyone employed. You’ll be getting checks from my attorney, so that you have income.”

He didn’t look disappointed.

“That is kind of you, Sir. I’m sure the staff will be glad to hear that. Is there a return date in mind?”

Poe lied.

“The new year,” he said. “We’ll be in contact. Please tell everyone what to expect, and there will be Christmas bonuses in December.”

That only made the man look happier.

Who didn’t want to get paid for sitting at home in their pajamas?

Gamble wished they were.

Instead, they were playing games.

“Anyway, we’re going to be busy the next few hours, so call me if there’s a situation with any of the catering or security handling the gate and media.”

The man nodded.

“Very well, Sir.”

Poe went back to walking around, making sure the bar was ready for later, and that the kitchen was already in prep for the tea.

When that was handled, Poe was free to get ready for their date.

Together, they headed up the stairs and to the room. When they got there, they both were happy to see Rufus, whose tail began thumping.

He hobbled toward them, and Gamble scooped him up to get doggy kisses.

Someone missed them, and he hadn’t destroyed the room. It was a win-win for them.

“Put on something date-like,” Gamble offered, knowing what he was going to do with the man. He was going to catch him off guard.

“Oh, well, say less, Mr. Doyle. I’ll be more than happy to be dressed up for my man.”

Gamble grinned.

This man and his accent made his heart feel so light and happy. He couldn’t get enough of him, and he was curious to know if he’d slip back to a less accented English when they got back to the US.

Honestly, he wasn’t sure he even realized he sounded more British here, or not.

“I’ll go get ready in Hemmingway’s room, and I’ll escort you down to the car, Mr. Doyle,” he said, trying it out.