Page 57 of Finally
“One of the newer partners, who I barely know and haven’t seen more than a time or two, came into my office and propositioned me.”
Jack stilled. “What?”
“I’m sorry.” Gray wrapped his hand around Jack’s. “I dealt with it. It won’t happen again.”
He closed his eyes and willed his trembling muscles to loosen.
“Jack?”
Drawing in a deep breath, he looked back down at Gray. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Gray smoothed his hand up and down Jack’s forearm. “I get it.”
“I’m glad one of us does.” He shook his head in frustration. “I shouldn’t still react like this. I know you love me. You tell me and you show me, and Iknow.” He put his hand over his heart. “Butsometimes there's still a voice inside me that says it can't last, that you won’t want me anymore. I’m doing better at shutting it down but when stuff like this happens...” He winced. “I just love you so much that sometimes I can't breathe. My chest is so full it hurts. I can't lose you; I won't survive it.”
“I will never, ever stop loving you and wanting you, Jack. Not ever. Not for any reason. No matter what.” Gray’s expression was sincere, unwavering, certain, and it soothed him.
“Thank you.” He combed his fingers through Gray’s hair again, the familiar motion and Gray’s calm demeanor helping clear his mind from the red haze that washed over him when other men came onto Gray. “Did you talk to Thom about it?”
“Yes.”
“Do we need to worry about any backlash at work?”
“Thom doesn’t think that’ll happen and I don’t either. He’s in another practice group, he’s a partner, and he has a wife and seems to be at least partly in the closet so he’s not likely to make a scene.” Gray rolled his eyes. “The guy’s an idiot but he doesn’t seem like a threat.”
“Okay.” Jack trailed his finger across Gray’s jaw. “Good.”
Gray closed his eyes again. “How was your day?”
“It was fine. Since we’re already talking about not thrilling things, I want to ask you for a favor.”
“Sure.” Gray opened his eyes and sat up. “What do you need?”
“I talked to Jaime today.”
“You talk to Jaime all the time. He’s your business partner.” Gray chuckled. “What’s going on?”
“He mentioned that we haven’t all spent time together. The four of us.” He knew Gray wasn’t Jaime’s biggest fan. Not that he said as much, but his expressions when Jaime’s name came up spoke for themselves as did his body language when they wereall together with their friends. “What do you think about having him and Oliver over for dinner this weekend?”
“Sounds good,” Gray said, his grimace and tone sounding like he felt the exact opposite.
“Are you sure?”
He sighed. “I’m sure. I’m an adult. I’ll deal.”
Jack laughed. “He’s not that bad. Everyone loves Jaime.”
“Yeah? Well, common sense is not common. People have remarkably poor judgment.”
“Stop.” Jack said with a smile. He gave Gray a kiss. “Once you spend time with him in a smaller setting, you’ll see. Jaime’ll charm your socks off.”
“You’re the only person with that power, but we can have Jaime and Oliver over for dinner. I’ll behave.”
Chapter 15
“Can you hear and see me?” Jaime asked. “Because the way you’re looking through me makes me feel like a ghost. I’m considering setting myself on fire just to feel alive.” He laughed like he had said something funny. He hadn’t.
“Taking that action may have the exact opposite result,” Gray said. “I’ll get you a lighter,” he mumbled as he gathered the empty plates and stacked them.
