Page 75 of The Finding Series: Vol. 1

“Yeah,” Dane managed to say though Logan’s expression said the other man didn’t believe him for a second. “How did you know I was Jax’s friend?” Dane asked, the term friend sounding completely wrong on his tongue. “Did he tell you about me?” he asked hopefully.

“No, Jax isn’t much of a talker. Cade told me about you.”

Dane wanted to groan at that. Cade wasn’t exactly his biggest fan. He must not have managed to wipe the frown off his face quickly enough at the mention of Cade because Logan laughed and said, “Yeah, Cade has that effect on a lot of people.”

Dane sighed. “We didn’t exactly hit it off when we met,” he admitted.

“Cade can be a little rough around the edges but get him on your side and you’ve got a friend for life.”

Dane fell silent as Logan maneuvered through the crowded streets. As beautiful as the city was, the throngs of people and cars had Dane missing home. But he would give it up in a heartbeat if it meant he could have the life he wanted with Jax.

“Everything will work out, Dane. Have faith,” Logan said gently.

Tears stung Dane’s eyes. “I think I’m too late,” he admitted. “All he asked of me was not to break his heart and that’s exactly what I did. Maybe it’s not fair to ask for a second chance.”

Logan laughed softly. “Never be afraid to ask for a second chance. Dom had to give me a lot of chances before I finally got it right.” Logan pulled the car to a stop in front of a newer looking building with at least a dozen floors. “Parking’s kind of a pain around here so why don’t you head up while I look for a spot? It’s 7B.”

Dane swallowed back his fear and nodded. He got Emma out of her car seat and headed inside. The elevator to the seventh floor took only seconds and then he was standing in front of Jax’s door. He began to shake as he realized his entire life was about to change and he forced himself to knock on the door before he chickened out. But when he saw the man standing on the other side of the door as it opened, his stomach bottomed out and agony tore through him.

“Dane,” Cade said in surprise as he finished buttoning up his shirt.

He was too late. Dane felt his knees give out and he managed to lock them just before he crumpled to the floor.

“Jax is in the shower,” Cade said. “Come on in. He should be out in a second.”

“Uh, no, that’s okay. I made a mistake,” he managed to get out. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled as he turned to leave.

“Dane, wait,” he heard Cade call but he was already moving towards the elevator. How had he let this happen? Jax was his. Jax had chosen him.

Dane stopped in his tracks. Jaxwashis. Jax lovedhim. Jax wantedhim. Dane swung back around and nearly slammed into Cade.

“Dane, listen,” Cade began but Dane brushed past him and stalked into Jax’s apartment. As soon as Cade entered behind him Dane went on the attack.

“He’s mine, Cade. I don’t give a shit what you think of me, but he’s mine until he tells me he isn’t. I don’t care how long you’ve known him – you had your chance.”

“Dane-” Cade interjected, his hands out in supplication.

“I may not be some hot, gun-toting, save the world badass like you but I’m a good man. I’m a good father and a loyal friend and I take care of the people I love. I deserve him and he deserves me. So go ahead, try to run me off again and see what happens. Because I love him and I am not leaving until he tells me to go.”

“Cade.”

Dane turned around to see Jax standing in a doorway behind him and heat flooded his system at the sight of the man who’d changed everything he’d ever known about himself. Seeing Jax with wet hair and wearing just a pair of jeans was a harsh reminder of what he’d walked in on but he shoved it away because it didn’t matter.

“Jax, he thinks-” Cade started to say but Jax just shook his head, his dark gaze never leaving Dane’s.

God, how had it taken him this long to realize how much he loved this man? Why had he let the voices from his past hold more sway over his decisions than his own heart?

“Hey guys,” he heard Logan say from somewhere behind him but he was too lost in Jax’s gaze to care at the moment. “Everything okay?” the man asked warily.

Dane’s heart lurched against his chest as Jax closed the distance between them. He finally took his eyes off of Dane long enough to focus on Emma and the second he held out his hands, Dane handed her over.

“Hi baby girl,” he said softly as he kissed her check and let her grab his face. He held her against his chest as he stepped past Dane.

“You mind watching her for a bit?” he asked Logan.

“Sure, no problem. We’ll be at the diner,” Logan said.

Dane turned around to see Jax handing Emma to Cade who shook his head. “Jesus, Jax, give her to Logan.”

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