Page 48 of Dance With Me
Seb nodded. “I’d like that, thanks.”
“Well, goodnight then. I’ll see you in the morning.” Joe backed out of the room reluctantly, wishing he could just tell him what he wanted now and drag him to his bed to sleep, his arms wrapped around him. He couldn’t think of anything better.
“Goodnight, Joe.” Seb stepped towards the door and closed it with a soft click.
Fuck it, Joe thought. If only he weren’t such a coward. He turned and entered his own bedroom, leaving the door ajar. He lay for a while, just listening. He couldn’t hear anything from Seb’s room but could hear Rocco snuffling about downstairs, then settling.
Eventually, he must have dozed off; he dreamt of him and Seb. It was nothing sexual, and he couldn’t really remember the details, but he woke the next morning feeling refreshed and relaxed, the way he hadn’t felt in a while.
That was… until he realised he couldn’t move his legs. He sat up to see a fifty-kilogram dog lying on the end of his bed. Ah, that would explain it. A grin split his face. So much for Rocco sleeping downstairs.
He managed to move his legs without disturbing him, relieved himself in the bathroom, and went downstairs to put the coffee on. He was surprised to see Seb there, looking all kinds of delicious and sleep-rumpled, the coffee already made. He poured himself a cup and sat next to him at the breakfast bar.
“Have a visitor last night?” Seb smirked.
“I couldn’t feel my legs this morning. It was a shock; I can tell you.”
“Should have warned you to close your door; he loves sleeping on the bed.” Seb grinned at him.
“Yeah, well, he’s certainly made himself comfortable. I couldn’t move him.” Joe stood up and stretched, watching Seb’s eyes follow his movements.
“So, breakfast. Eat in or eat out?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Seb
They decided to eat in. It was by far the easier option as they had Rocco with them, and Seb wasn’t comfortable leaving him in Joe’s house unattended. Plus, he didn’t want to travel all the way across the city to take him home.
It was another beautiful, sunny morning, so they decided to eat outside. Seb set the table and Joe cooked them bacon with scrambled eggs and mushrooms. Joe had some raw chicken in the fridge, so Rocco had a great breakfast too. He lounged in the garden after having chased a few squirrels.
Seb sat at the table, Joe at his side—a perfect picture of domestic bliss. He could get used to this. Joe was being fidgety, though, and seemed nervous about something.
“You OK, Joe?” Seb sat back in his chair, a cup of coffee in his hand, full from his breakfast.
“Yes, yes. Of course. I, er, wanted to tell you something.” Joe ran his hand through his hair. He was clearly on edge. “I suppose I should be telling Clare first, and I don’t know why I’m not, actually.”
Joe stood up and walked to the edge of the patio, his fists clenched. He paced a little, then sat again, facing Seb this time.
Seb placed his hand on top of Joe’s. “Whatever this is, it can’t be that bad, can it?” His concern for Joe grew. Joe moved his hand and rubbed his face.
“OK, so I’m just going to say it.” Joe puffed out a breath. “I’m calling off the wedding.”
Seb was stunned. “You’re what? Why? I thought Clare was on her hen weekend.” What did that mean? Well, he knew what it meant, but he definitely needed to know why.
“You haven’t told Clare yet? Should she not be aware of this? Fuck, Joe. That’s a big bombshell to drop.”
“I know, it’s been playing on my mind for a while now. I have several reasons for my decision.” Joe paused to take a drink. “Clare and I haven’t been getting on well, as you might have noticed, and it’s only been getting worse lately. I’ve been feeling a bit antsy, if that’s the right word, a bit off about the whole wedding and the settling down thing, to be honest.”
“Should you be telling me this? I mean, you should tell Clare before you tell me, surely.” Seb was getting a little nervous now. He couldn’t understand why Joe was confiding in him, but he had to admit, he wasn’t unhappy to hear the news. Was he wrong to think he had a chance? He knew they’d become good friends, and he’d really enjoyed last night and this morning, but didn’t Joe have someone else he could discuss this with? Unless. “Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”
“I’ve talked it over with my sister and her husband. They agree I should call it off.” Joe looked him in the eye. “I’ve met someone else.”
Seb’s heart dropped. “Oh, I see.” He stood up and started to clear the breakfast things from the table. Oh my God, he was going to cry. He could feel the tears stinging his eyes and turned away quickly so Joe wouldn’t see. This wasn’t what he wanted to hear at all. Why would he do this?
“Wait, Seb. Please sit down. I need you to know.” Joe reached for Seb’s wrist, but he wrenched it from his grasp.
“That’s great, Joe. I’m really pleased for you.” He carried on into the kitchen, placed the plates on the work surface, and made his way to the stairs. But before he could get there, he felt Joe’s hand grasp his wrist and hold on tight.
