Page 42 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

“Not when you told me to drop dead.”

“It was a joke.” Jake laughed. “I did ask you to come to the clubs and you said you would. You never did.”

“You and I split and I’m not a club kind of guy,” Isaac said. “I’m sorry, but I’ve had to grow up.”

“You don’t have to be an adult all the time.”

“Yeah, I do.” He watched Stan chase an errant leaf across the backyard. “Sorry.”

“What are you doing? Dating the old guy? He’s old enough to be your dad. That’s gross,” Jake said.

“He’s my boyfriend.”

“Christ. He’s ancient,” Jake said. “Do you realize he’sold?”

“He’s my boyfriend, so yes, I know his age and no, I don’t mind.” He groaned. “Who I’m with isn’t your business.”

“No?” Jake’s voice cracked.

“Jake, why are you doing this? You could have any guy you want. I’m sure you met someone that night at the clubs and had a ball,” Isaac said. “I’m not important to you. Are you trying to fuck up my life? It’s not working, but kudos for the effort.”

“Jesus.”

He rolled his eyes. He’d argued with Jake enough during their relationship. “I’m out.”

“How can you love that guy?” Jake begged. “Money?”

“How about I love him? That’s enough.” He’d never get enough of saying those words out loud. He loved Len.

“Love? That old guy?” Jake snorted. “So you can have his money when he’s dead.”

“Stop.” He didn’t want to think about life without Len. They’d just gotten the relationship solidified.

“Because he’s so good in the sack? Is that it?”

“Enough.”

“I can’t let you make a mistake with your life. You should be with me,” Jake said.

“No.”

“Isaac.”

“We split and I love Len. Accept it,” Isaac said. “Leave me alone.” He didn’t give Jake a chance to argue. Instead, he hung up, then blocked Jake’s number. A dull ache started behind his eyes.

“Are you okay?” Len asked.

“Yeah.” He tucked the phone into his back pocket and followed Stan and Len into the house. “He’s a happy dog when he’s outside, but he loves to be inside, too.”

“Some men are like that, too.” Len held Isaac’s hand. His voice remained calm and even. Concern filled his eyes. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t love him,” Isaac said. “Not a bit.” He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to say that, but he couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out.

“I heard,” Len said.

“And?” He hated fear, but he wasn’t sure what Len would say. He knew his feelings, but he hadn’t admitted to Len that he loved him. Not yet. He wasn’t ashamed of his feelings, though. He loved his boyfriend.

“Tell me how you feel,” Len said. “Be honest.”

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