Page 45 of Finally
“Pretty much.”
“Jesus.” Gray shook his head. “Do you want me to talk to him?”
“At this moment, I don’t even want you in the same room with him, but that’s impossible because he’s our friend so I’llhave to deal.” He dropped his forehead onto Gray’s shoulder and sighed. “I have a lifetime subscription’s worth of issues. Are you sure you want to be with me?”
“I’m absolutely sure.” There was literally nothing he had ever wanted more than a lifetime with Jack. “I love you.” He rubbed Jack’s back. “This can’t all be about Kevin. Talk to me.”
It took a little time, but eventually, Jack straightened and looked Gray in the face. “I love you too and I hate that everyone wants you and flirts with you and looks at you.”
One of the many things he admired about Jack was his honesty and willingness to share his vulnerabilities. Very few people were as brave.
“I don’t flirt back. I’m only interested in you.”
“I know.” Jack nodded. “You’ve said that and I trust you. It’s silly but I’m still jealous.”
Knowing that his boyfriend didn’t react to other men should have been enough to curb Jack’s anxiety, and it probably would have been enough for someone whose self-esteem when it came to relationships hadn’t been so damaged by the last man who had claimed to love him. But Jack needed more reassurances than other people and that was fine. Gray was devoted to giving him everything he needed.
“It’s not silly.” He smiled gently. “But we need to come up with some sort of system because I need to know if you’re salty jealous or sad jealous. Because your possessive side gets me going, but you being hurt kills every part of me, including my libido.”
“I’m not hurt. I’m worried.”
“What are you worried about?”
“That I'm not who you could want when all those other people want you.”
“What people?”
“Let’s see. There’s Kevin, the waiter from brunch last weekend, the young guy at the gym, probably everyone else at your gym because as Thom pointed out that one night, you’re naked there. Oh, and we can’t forget about Jeffrey, who like the men at your gym has seen you naked and is now apparently part of our friend group, which means he’s not going anywhere. And that’s just off the top of my head. There's always someone trying to catch your eye or flirting with you. You know what I'm talking about.”
“I honestly don't, Jack,” Gray said sincerely. “Because when you’re around, I'm way too busy looking at you to notice anyone else.”
Jack was truly the most amazing person Gray had ever met. He was beautiful and smart and thoughtful and funny. Yet for some reason, he couldn’t see his own appeal. Well, notsome reason. One reason. A reason with a name. Jaime fucking Snow.
He ran his knuckles down Jack’s arm and twined their fingers together. “I don’t want to be with any other people. I never have and I never will.” He raised their joined hands and kissed the back of Jack’s. “I only want you.”
Chapter 12
“How hungry are you?” Gray asked.
Rushing around the kitchen and fretting over his doomed meal had wiped out Jack’s appetite. “Not that hungry, honestly, but you must be so we can go out.”
“I had a late lunch. I don’t need anything heavy for dinner.” Gray brushed his hand through Jack’s hair.
“You probably don’t want to do that. I’m sure I’m gross and sweaty from the”—he waved his hand around the kitchen—“failed effort at seduction through the power of my cooking.”
Green eyes sparkling, Gray grinned. “You were very successful in your seduction efforts.” He gave Jack a gentle kiss. “Not that you need to make any sort of effort with me. You existing is enough.”
“I should take a shower so I can exist cleaner.” He looked around the kitchen. It had never been as messy. Then again, he hadn’t ever tried to cook a real meal in it. “I just need to clean up first.”
“Do you have a bunch of work to catch up on since you left the office early?”
“Probably.” Jack sighed. “But I’m too drained to do it tonight.”
“Good. Then I have a plan.”
Gray was happy and smiling, and Jack couldn’t help but smile back, his mood lightening in reaction. “What’s your plan?”
“You go take a long, relaxing shower while I clean up the kitchen and figure out something we can eat from the fridge and pantry. Then we’ll go to bed early.”
