Page 38 of Street of Dreams
Turning the pickup truck onto Mac’s street put a genuine smile on Jake’s face. Before he left the house, he told the twins about a money-making opportunity restoring Mac’s old Chevy. They didn’t ask questions or suspect an ulterior motive, so it became a viable reason for Jake and Mac to spend time together.
Jake never thought he’d be able to just drive over to Mac’s house without the fear of crucifixion looming over him. Not having to look over his shoulder every 30 seconds felt strange but immensely gratifying and emancipating. He rolled into the driveway, jumped out of the truck, and walked up to the side door without hesitation. He stuck his finger on the doorbell and the heavy wooden door opened.
Mac’s handsome features appeared through the screen storm door and recognition made his eyes brighten. “Jake. This is a nice surprise.”
“I got something for you.” Jake pushed his way inside and kissed Mac against the wall.
Mac smiled with their lips still smashed together and pressed his hips forward. “I can see that.”
“Put it back in your pants, Mackenzie.” Even though every cell in Jake’s body was aching for more physical contact, his excitement at the gift he brought for Mac took precedence. “I didn’t come here for a booty call. I got something for you outside.”
“What?”
“New interior for your car. I got two primo black leather bench seats from a 1964 Nova, and they look brand fucking new.”
“How? Where? That’s virtually impossible. I know. I’ve looked.”
“Yeah. Well. I know a guy who knows a guy.”
Mac blinked a few times, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes, and he shook his head. “You’re unbelievable. But wouldn’t it have been cheaper just to have my seats reupholstered?”
“Then you’d be without a car for a few weeks, and I know you need your vehicle. It was easier this way.”
“Jake . . .”
“Don’t worry about it. Come take a look.”
Without bothering to throw on a pair of jeans, Mac led the way to the front of the house in his sweats, bare chested and barefoot. He glanced over his shoulder several times as he walked down the driveway and gave Jake an inquisitive smile.
“Keep walking.” Jake was reveling in the posterior view. Those God damn low-slung sweats were inching lower with each step, showing off more and more of Mac’s spectacular waistline. A few more strides and the crack of his ass would make an appearance, and Jake didn’t know if he’d be able to stand it. Just when his dreams were about to come true, Mac hiked up his loose-fitting pants. “Killjoy,” Jake murmured, as he brushed past Mac.
Mac chuckled in response.
“So what do ya think?” Jake unlatched the tailgate and lowered it so Mac could take a better look at the seats. “Pretty fucking awesome, huh?”
Mac ran his hand over the smooth leather, and his face glowed with animation. “These are amazing!” He walked toward Jake, arms open wide, ready to embrace Jake in a hug.
It made the hair on the back of Jake’s neck rise. He panicked and jumped back when he saw the lady across the street on her front porch. “What the fuck are you doing? Get away from me.”
The smile immediately fell from Mac’s face. “Nothing. I—”
Jake’s eyes darted to the woman, to the corner, and then back to Mac. “Don’t fucking touch me. I’m just dropping off parts for your car.” The hurt in Mac’s eyes tore at Jake’s heart, but he steeled himself and rebuilt the old barriers. “Get the other end,” he said, as he jumped into the pickup and lifted one side of the bench seat. “And don’t fucking snag it on anything. If you rip it, you’re paying for a new set.”
Mac, still unaware that they had an audience, scowled as he lifted the car seat but remained silent until they got to the garage. “You’re a fucking asshole!” Mac finally spat, his face red with anger and fire igniting his bright green eyes.
Jake took in a deep breath and held up his hand, ready to explain. “Just calm down.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down! Fuck you, Jake!” Mac marched out of the garage, stomped into the house, and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.
Jake chased after him, but the door was locked, and he was stuck outside talking to the wood slab. “Open the door,” he sighed. “C’mon, Mac. Let me in.” When a few seconds went by and Mac still didn’t reply, Jake got nervous. The nerves turned to fear as he realized he went too far. Why couldn’t he have just toned it down a notch instead of sounding so fucking arrogant and nasty? He knocked gently and spoke softly, guilt gnawing a hole in his chest. “I can explain.”
Still nothing.
Jake put his lips to the seam where the door met the frame. “I’m really sorry,” he whispered, his voice cracking a little.
The door finally swung open, and Mac stood there with hurt and anger in his eyes. “What’s wrong with you? You do something sweet and then act like such a fucking asshole. How dare you speak to me like that?”
Jake stepped into the house and closed the door. He felt like shit, and he thought the best way to make it up to Mac was to show affection, something he wasn’t good at and something he rarely displayed. So, he took Mac’s face in his hands and gave him an intoxicating kiss that, he hoped, conveyed how much he cared.
