Page 21 of Liberating Love

Jovany clasps Aiden’s shoulder. “I decided I owed this poor guy lunch.”

Narrowing my eyes at Jovany, I phrase my question carefully so my concern for Aiden isn’t blatant. “You aren’t working too hard, are you?”Meaning, you aren’t working Aiden too hard.

“Na, we haven’t been putting in overtime or anything, but we’ve been stuck in my office for weeks going through files.” He nods at the men I’m with. “How are you all?” He turns back to me. “I didn’t realize you guys were friends,” he says pointing toward Jack.

Both of them know Jack since many of the officers come in here, so Dwayne and Chet introduce themselves and the men all shake hands.

Once the formal introductions are finished, Chet reaches across the table again, something he’s done throughout lunch, and places his hand on my forearm. Then he smiles sweetly at Jovany. “We go way back with your father. We all grew up together.”

Jovany startles. “Oh, I didn’t realize.”

It’s hard to pay attention to the puzzled expression he’s shooting me when I’m transfixed by the way Aiden’s hazel eyes darken, narrowing in on Chet’s hand on my arm before moving to the floor.Aw, gotcha, Freckles. You’re jealous.Subtly, I pat Chet’s hand before moving my arm to sling it around Dwayne’s neck. “Remember, I told you an old friend from high school rented me the townhouse.”

The gleam in Jovany’s eyes is calculating as it bounces around the table with what I’ve coined his cop-smile plastered on his face. “Yeah, I guess I didn’t realize that you had your own little crew from high school. Or that Jack was part of it.”

Jack’s boisterous laugh eases the tension created by my son’s lack of knowledge of those who were closest to me growing up. “Why do you think you and Jameson have always gotten special treatment, huh? We’re good to the police here, but you boys are one of my oldest and dearest friend’s kids. Of course, we take care of Foxy’s sons in my place.”

Aiden’s eyes pop up to my face as Jovany snickers. “Foxy, really? That’s pretty funny since Holden calls Jameson that. That’s kind of gross, Dad. How do you feel when you hear your son’s boyfriend calling for Foxy in that lovey-dovey voice?” he teases. As the others start telling tall-tales about why they call me Foxy, Jovany mouths, “Oldest and dearest?” at me. I shrug, knowing another serious conversation with my boys is in my future, and this time it will be them demanding answers from me.

Jovany and Aiden listen politely—my son enjoying the stories entirely too much—for a few minutes before excusing themselves to get back to the precinct. The minute they’re around the corner, I say, “I’m so sorry.” My shame has my barely digested lunch rolling in my stomach.

“For what?” Jack asks. “Not telling your kids about your closest friends growing up? I already knew that, Foxy. Those boys never showed a lick of recognition when they came in for the first time.”

“I just— “

“Wanted to protect us?” Chet stretches out both hands this time, and I lay mine across his as I nod. “We figured. You have nothing to be sorry for. But”—his lips twitch mischievously—“I think you better give a certain young man a call and let him know I’m married to a wonderful man or you may be sorry.”

“Huh?” Dwayne asks.

“What I miss?” bellows Jack.

“Nothing, guys,” Chet says, smoothly changing the subject. “So are you going to tell Laney what the job would entail, Dwayne?” Chet winks at me as we all turn to listen to Dwayne’s surprisingly appealing offer.

As soon as I get in my truck, after spending several hours in Jack’s, I pull out my phone and text Aiden.

Me: It was a nice surprise seeing you today.

Aiden: I bet.

Me: I don’t suppose I could convince you to come over tonight for a little while?

Aiden: I’m sure one of your friends would be more than happy to come keep you company.

Me: I don’t want anyone else’s company. I want yours.

Aiden: I’ll pass.

Me: No problem. I was just a little concerned about how Jovany took meeting my friends. I guess I could take Chet up on his offer to go have dinner with him and his husband.

I don’t really have any intention of having dinner with them, but I want to make sure Aiden knows that Chet’s married without making it obvious that I noticed his irritation and running him off. Lord knows, I’m not interested in anyone else but Freckles. I’ve weighed all arguments in my head, and at the end of the day, I’m sick of denying myself. Besides, our first encounter was because he was desperate to get out of his own head, and I’m the perfect man to give him that. Others may see age as a hindrance, but if my years of experiences can help Aiden, then why care? Of course, it would be easier if I could make it plain that the only person that I want to pursue any type of relationship with is him, but he’s not there yet, and I’m a patient man. As I pull up in front of my house, the chime on my phone alerts me I have a new text.

Aiden: I guess I can come by for a few to talk about Jovany.

Me: I’ll order dinner.

Aiden: Don’t do that. I won’t be staying that long. This is strictly to talk about Jovany’s reaction. I know how important your sons are to you.

Me: Thanks. See you soon.

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