Page 57 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“No. I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt anymore.” He slips out of the vehicle and walks around the front.

They choose a table closest to the shoreline. Nathan sets the pizza boxes and smiley bag at its center and hops up to sit next to them. Patting the spot for Jamie to join.

He riffles through the bag, pulling out two waters, a little cardboard box and a lighter. The box holds a child’s birthday cake candle in the shape of a number two. He flicks the lighter and blazes the candle wick. Setting it on the table between them.

“Dinner by candlelight.” He grins.

Oh, he’s real smooth. Jamie is putty, ready to be molded by this man. He doesn’t have words, but his smile beams in the glow of the street light overhead.

The little birthday candle fights to stay lit against the ocean winds carrying up the grassy knoll. They both enjoy indulgent slices from one pepperoni and one loaded pizza. Staring out at indigo waves crashing on massive gray boulders below. Moonlight shimmers off sea foam floating back onto the drifting currents.

“I think this is better than the tour.” Nathan speaks softly through the space between them. He turns to Jamie with pure bliss on his face.

Jamie answers with a smile. “Why are you so interested in me?” The little demon perched on his shoulder speaks through him. Fucking hell you oaf, way to spoil a vibe.

“There’s just something about you Jamie Carter.”

Jamie gazes back at the sea. His cheeks flush. Just roll with it. He shakes the little demon away and takes a long swig of water.

Nathan puts his hand on Jamie’s. Hooking his fingers under the thumb, gently squeezing.

Jamie peers from the side of his eye. His crooked smile forms the deepest dimple. He curls his fingers around Nathan’s and squeezes it back.

Nathan slides the pizza boxes back on the table, clearing the space between them. Moving over, shoulder to shoulder. He weaves his arm under Jamie’s and pulls it onto his lap. Clasping fingers, palm to palm. He raises their arms and kisses the back of Jamie’s hand.

The sweet gesture sends a fluttering of electricity up his arm, rolling around his chest and through the top of his head. The waves crash against the shore. Jamie closes his eyes and inhales the cold salty air. He feels it through his whole body. Relaxing every cell of his being.

Chapter 20

Kiss

Nathan crawls the Jeep up to the curb in front of Jamie’s apartment building. He’s not ready for the night to be over, but he does have to work in the morning and poor Mabel is probably waiting by the door with her stumpy legs crossed. “I’m really glad we hung out tonight.”

“Me too.” Jamie’s face is euphoric.

“Thank you for giving me the chance to redeem myself.”

The soft glow from the moon blends with neon dashboard lights casting pale hues of blue, orange and gold through the cab.

Jamie doesn’t move to exit the vehicle. “Oh. You think you’re redeemed?” He grins. “Why did you block me right after we met.?”

“I knew you’d be a tempting distraction.” Was that smooth? “I was right.” Nathan extends his pinky to the back of Jamie’s hand hung off the arm rest between them.

The cutie’s cheeks flush. His eyes tell that he’s searching for more to say.

“I’ve just gotten used to being on my own for a long time.” He slips a hand under Jamie’s fingers and strokes the soft skin with his thumb. “People don’t tend to stick around. It’s just easier to keep things casual.”

Jamie’s brows cave and he chews the inside of his cheek. “I can understand that.” He turns out the window. The moment may be getting too somber for the cutie. “Poor Andrew has been stuck with me for three years already.” He shrugs and nods toward the second-floor apartment. Crooked grin pinching dimples and gently squinting his big brown eyes.

Nathan leans over the armrest. “He’s lucky.” He needs to feel that mouth against his again. Soft and warm. The heat of Jamie’s breath spreads over Nathan’s cheeks like wildfire. His dick swells in his pant leg. He’s lost count how many times he’s had to control the urge to maul the cutie the way he did in the sanctuary. His hand reaches for Jamie’s thigh and climbs toward the cutie’s bulge.

“Mm—nope.” Jamie’s hand blocks the move. He cuts the kiss with an index finger breaking the bond and pulls back just a few inches.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Jamie grins with a quick peck. “It’s very tempting, but I’m not really that easy.” His breath still smells of delicious pepperoni spices. “You caught me off guard last time.” He laughs.

A low growl comes from who knows where. “What are you doing Thursday night?”

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