Page 50 of Finally
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Jack shook his head. “I just remembered something. The last time you called me monsieur, you asked me if I understood how you felt about me.”
“I remember.” Gray cradled his cheek.
“I didn’t understand then, but I do now. I’m sorry it took me this long to see it.” He lowered his gaze. “I wasted all those years missing what was right in front of me.”
“Hey.” He curled his free arm around Jack’s waist and held him close. “Don’t be sorry. We’ve had a great time along the way. I’ve enjoyed every moment with you, Jack.” He kissed Jack’s forehead. “Not one second has been a waste.”
“You’re right.” Jack nodded and wiped his hand over his eyes. “I’ve loved being with you too.” He pressed a soft kiss toGray’s mouth. “You are the best friend I’ve ever had.” He got into the car and looked up at him. “Thank you for choosing me.”
Smiling, Gray closed the door behind him, his heart full.
Their dinner was delicious and the orchestra was fun, but Gray was glad to get back to Jack’s house so they could continue their Valentine’s Day celebration in private.
“Are you dropping me off at the front door, mister gentleman, or are you coming inside?”
“Oh, I’m coming.” Gray pressed the button for Jack’s garage and pulled into what he now considered his space. “And you are too. I’m all done being gentlemanly.”
Jack laughed as he got out of the car. After getting an envelope out of his glove box, Gray followed him.
“Do you want something to drink?” Jack asked as they stepped inside.
“Just water.”
They walked into the kitchen and Jack got a glass from the cupboard and filled it. “Here you…” He looked at the card in Gray’s hand. “What’s that?”
“It’s for you.” Gray took the glass from him. “You’re my valentine. That means you get a gift.” He hoped Jack would appreciate it and wouldn’t feel like he was being pushed.
“Oh! I completely forgot.” He turned around and picked something up off the counter. “I was going to give you this before we left for dinner but then you went to the front door instead of coming in from the garage and...” He shook his head. “Never mind.” He stepped over to Gray and held out a beautifully wrapped box. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Gray.” He smiled at him. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” He set the card on the counter and took the box from Jack. After pulling the gold ribbon, he carefully unwrapped the paper and opened it. His jaw dropped when hesaw what was inside. “A vintage Audemars Piguet.” He glanced up at Jack. “Where did you find this?”
“I don’t think you have one like that.” Jack stepped closer. “Do you like it?”
“Of course I like it.” He picked up the watch and carefully examined it. “Seventies?” he asked.
“Yes. They said it was made in nineteen seventy-three. It’s supposed to be in perfect condition.”
“This is too much, Jack.” He enjoyed wearing watches and he had several vintage ones, but nothing close to this caliber.
“I love you, Gray. Nothing’s too much for you.” Jack removed the watch Gray was wearing. “Besides, I want you to think of me all the time.” He strapped the new one onto Gray’s wrist. “Now you will.”
He pulled Jack into his arms. “I think of you all the time anyway.” He kissed Jack’s head and then tilted his chin up and brushed their lips together. “I love the watch. Thank you.”
Jack beamed and hugged him tightly.
“Do you want to open your gift?”
“Yes.” Jack nodded.
Gray picked the card up from the counter. “Where’s your laptop?” he asked. “We’ll want to look at pictures after you open it.”
“Pictures?” Jack asked. “It’s in the TV room. I had to send out a few things before dinner and I wanted to be comfortable.”
They walked over to the other room, sat on the couch, and Gray gave Jack the envelope.
He glanced at him, confused, and then he opened it and took out the paper inside. “It’s a list of…” He scrunched his eyebrows together. “Is this exercise equipment?”
