Page 26 of Just Is Not Enough

Ihaven’tseenKadeninalmost three weeks, and it keeps getting harder. I’ve been working every day of the week getting the final details ready for the opening at the end of the month. Most nights I’m not walking in my door until after midnight. I would’ve asked Kaden to come over some nights but knowing I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off him, it’s a sure-fire way to not get any sleep. If we didn’t have to work early every morning it wouldn’t be a big deal. I’m trying to hold out until Lanie’s birthday knowing I’ll see him then, but with him sending me selfies like the one I’m staring at, I don’t know how much longer I’ll last. This one is of him in bed last night, shirtless, on his side half asleep looking at the camera. Caption reads ‘this could be your view right now if you were here.’ He has no idea how much I wish I were there.

“Stop making googly eyes at your boyfriend’s sexting pics,” Gabe says over my shoulder standing where I’m seated at the bar.

I lay my phone face down on the bar next to the paperwork I was supposed to be working on. “It wasn’t a sexting pic you dickhead.”

Gabe takes the seat next to me. “So, you haven’t sexted after not seeing each other for three weeks? What the fuck, man? You like torturing yourself? Send him a fucking dick pic, I guarantee he sends one back.” He wiggles his brows and gives me a shit-eating grin.

“You know just because you like unsolicited dick pics doesn’t mean everyone does, right?”

“Fine, tell him to send me the dick pics and I’ll make good use of them.”

“Stay away from Kaden’s dick or you’ll have to find a new best friend along with some new teeth.”

“Oooooohhhhhh, getting possessive already. I can’t wait to meet him on your birthday. This is going to be so much fun.”

I invited Gabe to Lanie and my birthday hang out at The Garden. I told Jackson not to make a big deal about it being my birthday, too. Well, my birthday is the day after Lanie’s on March 4th, but Jackson said he’s starting a new tradition for us to celebrate our birthdays together since he plans on marrying her. My jaw dropped to the floor when he said that to me. He’s known the girl for two months and he thinks he’s ready to marry her. I’m trying to convince myself this is simply another one of Jackson’s impulsive moments. Only time will tell, so I’ll entertain his whole shared birthday party tradition. As of now, he hasn’t told anyone it is my birthday, or I imagine Kaden would have said something already.

“Gabe don’t fuck with me around Kaden. I won’t be held responsible for what happens.”

“Man, chill. I’m not going to hit on your guy.” He gets quiet for a minute while I get back to the papers in front of me.

“You really like him, don’t you?” Gabe genuinely asks with interest.

“Yeah, I do. It easy with us. We haven’t technically spent a lot of time together but between texts and phone calls I’ve gotten to know a lot about him. He’s funny and witty. He’s sexy as hell in spite of not trying to be. We like the same foods and movies, even sports. I mean, how many gay guys like hockey, besides you of course?”

“Uh Luke, have you actually seen how hot hockey players are? Trust me, plenty of us watch hockey, especially the warmups.” He fans himself, overheating thinking about it.

I shake my head at him, “Yeah I guess some of them are kind of good looking.”

“Yep, you got it bad.” Gabe slaps my shoulder and saunters off towards the kitchen.

“Hey,” I call after him, he turns to listen. “Do you think you can stick around for the servers’ training sessions with Jessica on Saturday? I want to take the day off.”

“Of course. Have a good time, buddy.” Gabe nods with a knowing grin and turns back onto his path.

I text Kaden as soon as Gabe is out of sight.

Hey sexy. I cleared my schedule for Saturday.

Do you want to join me and veg out on the couch, watching mindless shows all day with my arms wrapped around you?

Please say yes so I don’t have to come kidnap you.

He reads it as soon as its delivered. Dots pop up right away. I hope that’s a good sign.

As much as I want to, I have plans this weekend already. Ender has been really down lately, and Connor saw his favorite band is playing in Atlanta this weekend.

He got lucky and was able to get us some tickets.

So, we made it a weekend trip. We’re leaving tomorrow and coming back on Sunday.

My stomach cramps up. Why did I wait until the last minute? Of course, he has plans. What do I expect, him to wait at home for me.

Okay, no problem. I’ll try and make some time next week. Have fun and stay out of trouble *winky face emoji*

Well, there goes that idea. Guess I’ll be cuddling with Fred all day. My phone chirps again.

Can I make it up to you?

---