Page 182 of The Waiting Game

Felix stepped forward, sliding past the island to wrap his arms around Jonah. “Very well,” he said, kissing his temple. “We’re engaged for real …”

His voice trailed off as he spotted the man on the screen. Like Felix had imagined, Dr. Henry Brown was handsome, with a dark tan and bright blue eyes, creased at the corners from laughing.

But it had been years of laughter, apparently, because he was about fifty years older than Felix pictured.

“And there he is. The fiancé himself!” he crowed.

“Uh, that’s me,” Felix agreed. “Dr. Brown?”

He laughed. “Just Henry, please.”

God, and to think Felix had been jealous of him for sending Jonah underwear.

The doorbell rang and Jonah jerked in surprise. “Ahh, crap. That’s probably the grocery delivery. I’ll be right back.” He ducked out of Felix’s arms and walked toward the door.

Felix and Henry glanced awkwardly at each other for a moment.

“Congratulations,” Henry said, his tone earnest and sincere. “Jonah’s a wonderful guy. I’m so glad you were able to work it out.”

“He is,” Felix agreed with a smile. “I’m lucky to have him.”

A thought popped in his head and he leaned forward, dropping his voice. “Hey, I’d like to do something special for Jonah and I figured it should involve plants. Would you have any ideas about what ones he’d like but has never been able to find or something like that? I’d welcome any suggestions.”

Henry’s face softened. “Yeah. I could help you out. Why don’t you give me your email address and I’ll come up with some ideas for you.”

Felix rattled off his email, then gratefully added, “Thanks, man, you’re a lifesaver.”

“Sure. No worries, mate. Tell Jonah I’ll talk later. You two should enjoy yourselves in the meantime.”

The video blooped and with a little wink, Henry’s face disappeared from the screen.

Jonah appeared a moment later, holding several bags.

“Sorry,” he said. “We were out of a few things I needed.” He rounded the corner and frowned at the screen. “Oh no, did Henry have to go?”

“Uh, yeah. He said we should enjoy ourselves.”

Jonah sat the bags on the counter with a shake of his head. “Dirty old man.”

“Yeah, speaking of which …” Felix backed him against the cabinet. “Why didn’t I know Henry was in his seventies?”

Jonah gave him a quizzical look. “He’s eighty-three.”

“Well, he looks great for eighty-three,” Felix said, though that sort of missed the point.

“Why does it matter how old he is anyway?” Jonah asked. He narrowed his eyes. “Wait. Were you—were you seriously that jealous of Henry?”

Felix shot him a sheepish glance. “Uhh.”

Jonah laughed. “You were! Oh my God, Felix.”

“It was before we were together!” Felix protested. “Probably before I even realized what the jealousy was about. I …”

“You just wrapped around me like an octopus,” Jonah said drily. “To stake your claim.”

“Maybe a little bit?” Felix admitted sheepishly. “Look, I don’t want to be a dick about it. Even if Henry was young and hot, I shouldn’t get in the way of your friendships with other guys. I know that.”

“Good.” Jonah looped his arms around his neck. “But maybe I don’t totally hate you staking your claim.”

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