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)
In all the years he had waited and hoped and fantasized about being with Jack, he hadn’t imagined how truly wonderful the reality would be. “I love you too, sweetheart.”
They both stayed silent for a few seconds and then Gray forced himself to remember that it was Monday morning and they needed to get back to work. “It sounded like I interrupted a meeting. I’ll let you get back to it. I just wanted to thank you.”
“I’m glad you called. I’ll talk to you after work.”
They said their goodbyes and then Gray set his phone on his desk and dipped down to smell the bouquet again. The flowers were delicate, elegant, and beautiful, just like the man who sent them. Gray couldn’t recall ever being more touched.
***
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Gray said as soon as Jack opened his front door.
“Why are you ringing the doorbell?” Jack laughed. “And why are you out front when you have a code to the house?”
“I’m here to pick up my date. I’m being a gentleman.”
“A gentleman, huh?” Jack grasped Gray’s jacket lapels and pulled him forward for a kiss. “Come inside so I can test the bounds of that gentlemanly propriety.”
“You can test me when we come back home.” He pressed his mouth to Jack’s. “We can’t be late for our dinner reservation or they’ll give away our table, and we’re already on a tight schedule if we want to make the show.”
“Mmm,” Jack nuzzled his neck. “I have been looking forward to the candlelight rock orchestra.” He pressed his face into Gray’s skin. “You can’t smell this good if you expect me to resist you.”
He adored seeing Jack this way—carefree, confident, horny. “I don’t want you to resist me. Just put a pin in it for a few hours while we celebrate Valentine’s Day outside of the house and then we can come back and have our own celebration inside.”
“Okay, okay.” Jack took a deep breath and then straightened Gray’s jacket. “Let’s go.”
They walked to Gray’s car, which he had parked in the driveway. He opened the door for Jack and held his arm toward it. “Monsieur.”
With a smile, Jack took a step forward and then he froze. “Gray?” he rasped.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Jack shook his head. “I just remembered something. The last time you called me monsieur, you asked me if I understood how you felt about me.”
“I remember.” Gray cradled his cheek.
“I didn’t understand then, but I do now. I’m sorry it took me this long to see it.” He lowered his gaze. “I wasted all those years missing what was right in front of me.”
“Hey.” He curled his free arm around Jack’s waist and held him close. “Don’t be sorry. We’ve had a great time along the way. I’ve enjoyed every moment with you, Jack.” He kissed Jack’s forehead. “Not one second has been a waste.”
“You’re right.” Jack nodded and wiped his hand over his eyes. “I’ve loved being with you too.” He pressed a soft kiss to Gray’s mouth. “You are the best friend I’ve ever had.” He got into the car and looked up at him. “Thank you for choosing me.”
Smiling, Gray closed the door behind him, his heart full.
Their dinner was delicious and the orchestra was fun, but Gray was glad to get back to Jack’s house so they could continue their Valentine’s Day celebration in private.
“Are you dropping me off at the front door, mister gentleman, or are you coming inside?”
“Oh, I’m coming.” Gray pressed the button for Jack’s garage and pulled into what he now considered his space. “And you are too. I’m all done being gentlemanly.”
Jack laughed as he got out of the car. After getting an envelope out of his glove box, Gray followed him.
“Do you want something to drink?” Jack asked as they stepped inside.
“Just water.”
They walked into the kitchen and Jack got a glass from the cupboard and filled it. “Here you…” He looked at the card in Gray’s hand. “What’s that?”
“It’s for you.” Gray took the glass from him. “You’re my valentine. That means you get a gift.” He hoped Jack would appreciate it and wouldn’t feel like he was being pushed.
“Oh! I completely forgot.” He turned around and picked something up off the counter. “I was going to give you this before we left for dinner but then you went to the front door instead of coming in from the garage and...” He shook his head. “Never mind.” He stepped over to Gray and held out a beautifully wrapped box. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Gray.” He smiled at him. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” He set the card on the counter and took the box from Jack. After pulling the gold ribbon, he carefully unwrapped the paper and opened it. His jaw dropped when he saw what was inside. “A vintage Audemars Piguet.” He glanced up at Jack. “Where did you find this?”