Page 17 of Single Greatest Threat
“Congratulations.” Salem sounded genuine and not at all bothered Dodge wanted to fight an old man.
“You can come live with us if anything goes wrong,” Quest cut in.
Joesph shook his head. “Thanks, guys.” Genuinely, Quest wasn’t wrong to feel that way. Shaw had never done Joesph right in the past. This time was different, though. He felt that in his gut.
The iPad made a sound, reminding Joesph he held it. He quickly typed in Shaw’s password. As he did so, it truly washed over him how much he knew about the guy. They had been much deeper in each other’s lives than either of them wanted to admit. Joesph blinked at the device.
“I heard you put out feelers for a wedding venue. Surely, you’re not planning to marry that cripple. Not only is he beneath you, but you’ll end up taking care of him full time once he’s bedridden. You should come warm my bed instead.”
Joesph had no idea who the message was from. He was too hurt and angry to care. Why in the hell was everyone calling him a cripple today? Like, what the fuck? He almost would prefer if they called him the F slur. Goddamn. His chest hurt.
Dodge touched his arm. “Are you okay?”
Joesph tried for a smile. Dodge had the sweetest eyes. They almost broke Joesph. It was obvious he cared, and goddamn it. Shaw was above him and he would have to take care of Joesph. He shouldn’t have agreed to this marriage. Joesph didn’t want to ruin Shaw’s life. With his brain numb, he simply handed the iPad to Dodge. “It’s Shaw’s.” That was all he could say.
Dodge’s expression snapped closed. He passed the iPad back. “Don’t worry about that person. It’s only how Shaw reacts that should matter to you. Seriously. People hit on me all the time. It would crush me if Salem or Quest blamed me for it. Just hold out and see what he says.”
Joesph quickly checked over his shoulder. Shaw’s dad was gone and Shaw looked at his phone. The angry scowl he had taken on while dealing with his father was still in place. He watched Shaw type.
Joesph’s gaze immediately dropped to the iPad as Shaw’s message came through.
“Get fucked. Don’t contact me again.”
Joesph bit his bottom lip. This time would be different. He believed in them.
Shaw appeared over his shoulder. “Is it okay if we eat with you? Dad will be less likely to interrupt again with an audience.”
Everyone immediately rearranged their chairs to make room.
As soon as Shaw was settled, he draped his arm across the back of Joesph’s chair. “Did Joesph tell you the good news?”
Joesph’s face hurt from smiling. He prayed he wasn’t wrong. If Shaw woke up one day and resented him, it would kill Joesph. Right now, though, he was the happiest man alive. He couldn’t picture a day without Shaw.
It had been a full damn day, and it wasn’t even two yet. After lunch, they drove from building to building, checking out possible office spaces with their realtor. Joesph kept swapping between happy and looking lost in thought. Those thoughts looked sad, and Shaw felt a little sick. Dealing with his dad had mentally drained him. He couldn’t deal with anything else bad today.
After their fourth location, Shaw couldn’t take it anymore. He pulled Joesph aside. “What’s wrong? Are you regretting me?”
Joesph’s face screwed up in confusion. “Of course not. Why would you ask that?”
Shaw didn’t know how to explain. He made a wild motion. “You just keep getting this look about you and I can’t figure out what I’ve done wrong.”
“I’m sorry, baby.” He stroked Shaw’s arm. “It’s not you.” Joesph hesitated. “Have you considered that you might end up caring for me full time one of these days?”
Fuck. He had seen that message. Shaw had hoped Joesph had been too busy talking to Dodge that he missed it. Shaw went down on his haunches and held Joesph’s stare. “Have you considered you might have to take care of me full time someday? I could have a stroke. A heart attack. Anything. You know life doesn’t give a fuck how healthy you are. Anyone can get stricken down at any moment. I want to grow old with you. Do you know what that entails? Growing old.”
Joesph looked serious as he held on to every word. “There’s nothing that could happen to you that I wouldn’t be there with you for every step. I love you.”
Shaw gave him a sharp nod. “Exactly. That’s how I feel too. I’m not being rash. This isn’t me blindly rushing in. You’ve been the biggest part of me for years. Long before this wheelchair, youwere mine. You’ll still be mine, no matter what happens from here. I need you to know that.”
Joesph nodded.
Shaw straightened. “Now, have you liked a single one of these office spaces?”
A smile exploded across Joesph’s face. “No. Am I being too picky?”
Shaw glanced around. “No. There’s just something…” He turned in a circle. “Maybe we should be looking at houses instead. We can find a place that has a home office. There’s no one we represent I wouldn’t let come to our house.”
When he focused on Joesph again, Joesph wore a huge smile. “You really want to buy a house together?”
