Page 7 of Single Greatest Threat
Shaw changed directions, needing to taste the other side of Joesph’s neck to see if it was just as delicious. It was. “So.”
Another of those goddamn toe-curling chuckles vibrated against his lips as he kissed his way lower. “So, that someone is me.”
“It won’t be.” Joesph sounded way too coherent.
Shaw had to fix that. Joesph sounded exactly like a man who needed his dick sucked. He should get started on that.
Shaw still saw that same guy who sent him spiraling out of control and felt that same passion. Nothing had changed exceptthe smudges beneath Joesph’s eyes. Shaw’s brow furrowed. Joesph claimed there was nothing new to tell about his health, but he looked exhausted. Shaw checked the time. It likely wasn’t too late yet. He snagged the throw blanket from the back of the couch and covered Joesph. With that out of the way, he grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found Joesph’s mom’s number. Unless something had changed, Haven didn’t usually go to bed before eleven. For an older lady, she was still a night owl. Even though he knew he had no right, Shaw didn’t hesitate to text her.
Shaw:Hey, beautiful lady. Are you still breaking hearts?
There. He hit send. Shaw hadn’t led with being nosey. To his delight, three little dots danced, showing she worked on a response.
Haven:Shaw! Holy shit, boy. Where have you been?
Shaw:A mental institution. Can I ask about Joesph?
Haven:HA! Just skimming over that comment. I know you won’t tell me anything anyhow. Ask away. Is he not talking to you or something?
Oddly, Shaw didn’t hesitate to say his every thought to Haven. She was just one of those people. Zero judgment.
Shaw:It was a suicide thing. Nothing special. Joesph’s actually asleep on the couch next to me. That’s why I asked. He looks a little more worn down than what matches his health updates.
Haven:Sigh. I see. Ever the prideful one. I keep hoping you two will fall madly in love and you’ll make his life easier. A mother can dream. He’s relapsed. This isn’t a normal flare-up. He ended up hospitalized a couple of months ago and it hasn’t let up since. They’re trying new treatments, but the pain has been crippling. I’m scared as hell of what all this means.
Goddamn it. Haven was right. Shaw needed to take care of him. Joesph was too stubborn and good at hiding his symptoms.
Shaw:Thank you for letting me know. I can’t help if he won’t talk to me. Knowledge is power. I’ve got him.
Haven:I’m glad to hear it. You know I love you, but these old bones need rest. Drag Joesph to see me. He’s been avoiding everyone.
Not everyone. Joesph still had lunch dates with Dodge. Shaw tried not to get jealous, but damn. He wanted to be the only man in Joesph’s life.
Shaw:I’ll get him there. Love you too. Dream of me.
A laugh escaped Shaw as he hit send. Haven was so much fun. She was nothing like anyone in Shaw’s family. He envied Joesph. Not everyone got the love Joesph did. Shaw’s gaze slid back Joesph’s way. He wanted to ask why Joesph fought so hard to hide his pain, but Shaw already knew. Joesph couldn’t count on Shaw and likely would die before showing Shaw an ounce of weakness. It didn’t matter. Joesph didn’t have to ask. Shawneeded to focus on something other than himself and Joesph needed Shaw. It was a win-win. Joesph would see.
Chapter Four
For five minutes, Joesphreveled in the sweetness of waking up covered up. Shaw had obviously taken care of him before leaving. His phone had been on charge and everything. Then reality had set in. His car was back at the office and his wheelchair was in the trunk of Shaw’s car. Joesph got ready and pulled out his phone to hire an Uber. The doorbell rang, saving him. A smile exploded across Joesph’s face when he spotted Shaw through the peephole. He tried tempering his reaction before opening the door.
Shaw didn’t wait for a hello. “Good. You’re still here. I worried you’d try to find another way to work without your chair since I’m running behind.” He handed Joesph the Styrofoam container he held. “I know you didn’t eat. You know you get flare-ups when you skip meals.”
Joesph bit his bottom lip and turned to grab his cane. Before he could fumble too much, Shaw took his keys from him and locked the house.
“Thank you.”
Shaw tucked the keys in his pocket. “Of course. Come on.”
Joesph fought for his life not to smile like an idiot. Two days in a row, he got the good Shaw. His heart couldn’t take it. It was dumb to be hopeful, even though his brain knew this was temporary, that love still existed…on his end.
Shaw opened the passenger side door for Joesph, helping him get settled. When the door closed, Joesph let himself have a second of grinning before Shaw was behind the wheel.
Shaw pointed at the cup holders between them. “The coffee in front is yours.”
“Thank you.” It was all Joesph could think to say. He sipped the drink while the car was still parked and there was no risk of spilling it. The coffee was doctored perfectly because, of course, it was.
Shaw backed from the driveway. When they were on their way, he motioned toward the food sitting on Joesph’s lap. “Eat.”
