Page 39 of Touch Me

“I see,” he muses, nodding his head with a grin on his face. “Well, I’m sure he appreciates the company.”

Jace jogs down the hall with a big pink bag with pink and purple polka-dotted tissue paper sticking out. “Sorry about that. This is for Mattie. I remember she said she wanted some dress-up stuff for Henry. Please take pictures if she manages to get it on him. I have to see that.”

“Thanks, man. I’m sure she’ll love it. And I’ll call you later, huh?” He says, giving Jace a look that could only mean,You have some explaining to do.

Jace gives a quick nod, avoiding his eyes. “Sure thing.”

“Well, have fun. I’ll be back to pick Henry up next weekend.”

Max leaves and Henry’s still sitting in front of me, tail swishing the floor a mile a minute.

“Looks like we’ll have company for dinner. You want to go for a walk, Henry?” Jace asks, and the dog slides to the floor with a groan, lying on his side with his eyes closed, and Jace nudges him with his foot. “You’re so lazy. Get up.”

Henry groans again, and I use my hand to cover my smile, stifling a giggle.

“I’ll get you a hot dog and a sugar nugget,” he singsongs, and the dog's ears perk up, but he doesn’t move. “I’ll bring the frisbee, and we can go to the dog park.” Still nothing. “Fine, we'll ride the cable car, and you can sleep in bed with me tonight.” He points to Henry when the dog opens his eyes and lifts his head. “But only tonight.” The dog jumps up and bites the end of his own leash, walking himself to the elevator.

I point between Henry and Jace. “I’m sorry, was that a negotiation?”

“Sure was. Just wait until he learns you have a belly button.”

I scoff and wave my hand. “Already been there.”

“Jesus, Henry, you don’t waste any time showing all your cards.”

Henry trots to the elevator and sits with his leash hanging out of his mouth.

“So you’re dog sitting?”

“Kind of. Henry’s owner used to live in the building. When he passed, no one could find any family to take him. Everyone in the building loved him, so a few of us decided to share custody of him. Max recently bought a house in the suburbs, so he has him more than the rest of us. He has room to run, not that his lazy ass actually runs anywhere, but he loves it there, and Mattie loves him.”

“Mattie is his girlfriend? Wife?”

“Daughter, actually. She just turned five. She likes to play dress-up with Henry, and he’s so lazy, he lets her do whatever she wants. They’re a cute pair.”

It’s reassuring to hear Jace talk about interactions with other people. At least he gets some human contact. Even if it is only with Max and his daughter. He’s the last person I picture buying a little girl a birthday gift, but it makes my heart melt a little just thinking about him shopping for a pink bag with polka dot tissue paper.He likes kids. Our babies would be gorgeous. Images of Jace and I walking hand in hand, following a little girl with jet-black hair carrying the leash of a dog that looks more like a horse fill my mind.

Slow your roll, honey.

Another fruitless daydream.

“Are you ready to go?” Jace asks as the elevator doors open.

“Sure, just one question. What’s a sugar nugget?”

ELEVEN

JUST…DON’T MOVE

After a very eventfuland exhausting trip for hot dogs while showing Cassie around, I need a workout to clear my head. Being out with Cassie and Henry, even though he’s an utter embarrassment, was... not ideal. It has my head all messed up. I wanted it to be comfortable. I could see how it might be for others. A ride on the cable car. A beautiful day to walk around. No time constraints. Good food, better company. Cassie looked gorgeous and smelled even better. And aside from Henry assaulting strangers and trying to get his jollies off sniffing random belly buttons, it should have been relaxing.

It was anything but. There were too many people. Everything was loud. People were gawking. Mostly at Cassie, because duh, she’s hot, but I could feel their eyes on me. Probably thinking we’re just a normal couple out for a Saturday night date. I don’t know why it bothers me. I know we aren’t a couple. No one else does. So why do I care? I should be proud to have her on my arm. Maybe that’s it. She wasn’t on my arm. I can’t even hold her hand for fuck’s sake.

We were out on the town, and I couldn’t stake my claim. Show everyone she’s mine. Not that she is, but I don’t want anyone else looking at her, thinking they have a chance either. They do, of course. I certainly am not the guy she deserves. But I don't want her to be with anyone else. I don’t want her to find anyone, and I can’t have her myself. Hence, themessedupednessof my head right now.

I change my clothes and already have my workout planned in my head.

“What kind of tricks do you know, Henry?”

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