Page 10 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

Colt arrived. “Would you like something to eat?” He offered a pair of menus. “Jack, I’ll bet you’re tired of hot dogs.”

“Not at all.” Jack took the menus. “But I’m dying for some of that meatloaf with green beans, please?”

“Make that two.” Henry pushed the menu back to Colt. “Thank you.”

“I wish everyone were that easy.” Colt tucked the menus under his arm. “They’ll be right up.”

When Colt left, Jack dipped his head and met Henry’s gaze. “Are you okay?”

“No.” He hated his inability to lie. He wasn’t good at conversation, either. “It’s…”

“I’m boring. I get it.” Jack laughed. “I know. All the guys in town have kids and the clubs are full of younger men. I’m not looking for a cub and I don’t want children.”

“It’s not that.” Henry relaxed a little. “I’m not a kid person.”

“Is it because I don’t have a fancy job? The shop is plenty enough for me—I don’t need the fanciness of a bigger shop.” Jack didn’t pull away from him, but he did tense. “I’m not going to be a famous chef.”

“No. Famous isn’t everything.”

“Because you are?” Jack asked. “I saw your website. You’ve been on television.”

“No…I mean, yes, I was on television, but no, that’s not what I’m talking about.” He’d made a mess of the conversation. “Wait.”

“You know what? I’ll get the bill at the door.”

“Jack.” He reached for Jack. “Stop.”

“What?” Jack folded his arms. The muscle in his jaw tensed.

“I liked the relaxed feeling at the shop. You’re happier and at ease. That’s the real you. You’re trying to be real now, but you’re tense,” Henry said. “I don’t care if you’re famous or if you make a lot of different stuff. I like the guy who laughs with all the jokes, listens to the stories even when you’ve heard them a thousand times and you come alive when you’re there.”

Jack stared at him. “I haven’t dated in a while, either. I’m not sure how to impress you, but you’re doing a good job impressing me.”

“You don’t need to make me like you. I already do.”

Jack blushed and reached for Henry again. “Sorry. I’m used to guys wanting me to be something I’m not.”

“I know that feeling.” Before he could say anything else, Colt arrived with their food.

“Here you go. If you need anything, hot sauce or a refill, let me know.” Colt backed away, giving them space.

Jack laughed and bowed his head. “I hate tension. I’m terrible with dating and I tend to jump to conclusions. It’s silly because you’re not like the guys I’ve dated—you’re not acting like a foodie or failed restaurateur.”

“I can cook, but I have no desire to open a restaurant.”

“Good.”

Henry and Jack ate in silence, but shared glances. The heat filled Henry’s body again. He barely tasted his food. Jack consumed Henry’s attention.

Jack downed his beer, then finished his meatloaf. “This is good. I liked the gooey cheese.”

“It’s tasty.” He didn’t eat as fast as Jack. “There’s a bit too much seasoning on the beans.”

“It’s a tad heavy-handed.” Jack pushed the empty plate and his beer bottle away. “But the chef might have felt like being generous.”

“Maybe,” Henry said. He drank a great deal of his water. “Want to go for a walk? It’s pretty downtown and we can be ourselves. No one trying to impress anyone. Just talking.”

“I’d like that.” Jack pulled his wallet out. “I’m paying for this.” He took the bill Colt had left on the table and paid at the register.

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