Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“Are you kidding me?” The yelling had now transitioned to screeching with an added bonus of finger pointing. “Seriously, how are you this cold?”
“Settle down,” a familiar gravelly voice said from behind him. “I’ve only known you for one conversation, but I’m already exhausted by you.”
“Hi, Gray.” Jack rubbed his palms over his eyes. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough.” Big hands curled over his shoulders and rubbed his tense muscles.
“Anyone else with you?” Jack quietly asked, too worried about that possibility to turn around and check for himself. Gray witnessing this humiliating scene was fine, but he didn’t want anyone else to see the level of pathetic that was his attempt at dating.
“No. Kev, Eric, and Thom are at a table.” Gray’s body skated across Jack’s back as he leaned forward. “Or were at a table. Looks like it’s being bussed now.”
“Okay.” Jack relaxed and reclined against Gray’s firm chest. “Thanks.”
“Who are you?” Devon demanded.
“I’m Jack’s,” Gray said.
“Jack’s what?”
“Have you eaten?” Gray whispered into his ear.
“No.” Jack shook his head and then tilted it back and met Gray’s green-eyed gaze.
“I haven’t either.” Gray slid his hands to Jack’s upper arms and gave him a squeeze. “Let’s get a table.”
“Excuse me,” Devon said, both hands in the air. “We are on a date.”
“Date’s over.” Gray curled one arm around Jack’s waist and helped him off the stool.
“Are you sure it's not too late to get a table?” He reached for Gray’s wrist and turned it so he could see his watch. “Huh. It’s only nine fifteen. Feels like I’ve been here for hours.”
Gray flicked his gaze to Devon and then back to Jack. “That makes sense.”
Holding back his laughter, he asked, “Is this a new old watch?” Gray was the only person he knew who wore wrist watches and he had a fondness for vintage ones.
“Yes.” He rubbed his thumb up and down Jack’s waist. “You always notice the little things.”
“So this guy can have his hands literally all over you, but I can’t talk to someone without you freaking out?”
He answered Devon but didn’t look away from Gray. The evening’s drama had him feeling fragile and Gray was his safe space. “It’s not the same thing.”
“Why not?”
“Because Gray’s my friend.”
“Really? That’s not how I touch my friends.”
With Gray pressed to him from thigh to shoulder and Gray’s hand on his nape, Jack could see Devon’s point, but he didn’t need to waste energy explaining his friendship to someone he wouldn’t go out with again anyway. For months, Gray had come to his house in the middle of the night and wiped his tears and his nose while he held him. He had cooked for him and made him eat when he couldn’t be bothered. He had driven him to his therapy appointments, sat in the waiting room while Jack slayed himself open, and then taken him home and curled up on the sofa with him and watched movies late into the night. Gray had taken every call, whether it was at three in the morning and he was asleep or at three in the afternoon and he was in a meeting. He had reminded Jack about his desirable qualities when Jack had stopped believing they existed. Other than his ex, Gray was his oldest friend, and Jack hadn’t exactly been able to count on Jaime to help him heal from the trauma of their relationship.
“Take care, Devon.” He and Gray started walking away from the bar in concert.
“Unbelievable,” Devon shouted.
Gray stopped and turned around. “Devon, is it?” he asked. “Here’s a free piece of advice from my grandmother. If you don't remember your manners, everybody else will. You’re in public. Keep your voice down.” He took a step toward Devon. “And here’s another freebie, this one from me, stay away from Jack.”
Jaw dropping, Devon stared at Gray silently. After a few quiet seconds ticked by, Gray returned to Jack and put his hand on his lower back.
“You okay?” Gray asked.
“Yes. Thanks for your help. Sorry you had to see that.”
“Sorry you had to experience it.”
“It’s a good reminder of why I shouldn’t bother trying to meet someone. It’s easier being alone.”
“I hear you.” Gray smoothed his palm up and down Jack’s lower back, soothing him. “It’s rough out there. But don’t tap out just yet. Your man’s here.”
“Do you really think there’s someone out there for me?” Jack turned his head and looked into Gray’s sparkling green eyes, hoping he really believed what he was saying. The years of therapy had helped, and Jack no longer considered himself worthless. He was satisfied with his life and he was fine alone. But he still desperately longed to find his person in the world. Someone who wanted to hear about his day and kiss him goodbye. Someone who would light up when he walked into the room. Someone who wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off him.