Page 12 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“See you tomorrow.” Jack let go and wandered to his car.

Henry waited for Jack to safely get out of the lot, then climbed behind the wheel of his car and left, too. Holy shit. He had another chance with Jack. He’d never thought it would happen. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

Chapter Four

Saturday morning, Jack prepped the ribs and adjusted the temperature in the smoker. He didn’t use the appliance enough for his liking. But barbecue, especially low and slow smoking, was an art. He tucked the temperature gauge in his pocket and set the alarm for the temperature he wanted, then set about cleaning the house. He wanted to impress Henry.

Sure, they’d said they weren’t out to impress each other, but he knew better. He didn’t want Henry to see his house in a mess. His home wasn’t exciting, but why not clean up the papers he’d left around, and dust? He didn’t spend much time at home and didn’t do nearly enough to make it look lived in.

He thought about the date the night before. Things had been too tense, but once Henry got him to open up, he’d had fun. He’d enjoyed himself. But that was Henry—he knew how to make Jack feel at ease. No pretensions, no need to be anything but himself.

He checked the remote temperature gauge to ensure the heat level was correct and resumed cleaning. The house wasn’t too much of a mess, but was so dusty. Damn. But he was never home. Anna claimed he lived at the shop. Maybe he did.

His phone rang and when he checked the number, his heart sank. He’d wanted Henry to call.Not Dexter.He sighed and answered. “Hey.”

“Hi, love,” Dexter said. “How are you?”

“I’m good, but I’m not your love.” He tossed the rag into the hamper, then headed out to the smoker. “You’re calling me. What’s happening?”

“Well…I’m on my way through Cedarwood and I thought I’d stop by. I’m an hour out and I haven’t seen you since we split. Come on. You know you want to see me,” Dexter said. “It’s been so long and I’m not taking no for an answer. I’m on my way.”

“Dexter—” Before he could say anything else, Dexter hung up. No byes, nothing. Just hung up. Jack gritted his teeth and sent Henry a text.

Call me when you’re on your way.

Did that sound silly? Probably. He didn’t want to come right out and say his ex would be there, hopefully only for a little while, but he’d be at the house. Henry wouldn’t come by. He tried calling Henry, but didn’t get an answer.

Shit.

He tossed the phone onto the bed, then undressed and climbed in the shower. He had less than an hour before Dexter arrived. If anything, Dexter would be on time. Jack finished the shower faster than he wanted to then dressed. He checked the ribs again and hoped he had enough food for three.Damn Dexter.

The doorbell rang. Jack tensed. Trust Dexter to pick today to be early. He strode up to the front door. Henry stood on the porch. “Hi,” Jack said. The tension in his shoulders released. “You made it.”

“You thought I wouldn’t?” Henry offered up a bowl of salad. “I need to get the potatoes from the car.”

“Sure.” He took the bowl and waited at the door. When Henry returned with the second bowl, Jack held the screen door for him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“You can’t wait for my wit and sparkling conversation?” Henry laughed. “There’s a little bowl with dressing in there. I didn’t know how much you’d want.”

“Perfect.” He placed the bowls on the island. “This is my home. It’s not much and rather plain, but it’s home.”

Henry tipped his head. “You’re tense. I can see it in the lines forming between your brows. What’s wrong?”

He had to tell Henry the truth and deal with the consequences. “Okay, so here’s the thing. My ex-boyfriend called. He’s on his way through Cedarwood and wanted to stop by. We didn’t end on bad terms, and I don’t mind that he wants to visit, but not tonight.”

“But you can’t tell him no because he doesn’t listen?” Henry asked.

“Pretty much.”

“We’ll figure it out.”

We’ll?He liked the sound of that. Jack had expected jealousy, but appreciated Henry’s cool response. “You’re not upset?”

“You have a life, and so do I—and they happened before we met.” Henry shrugged. “It’d be awkward to get mad.”

“You’re too good to be true.” But he liked Henry even more.

The doorbell rang again and Jack closed his eyes. Any other day, he’d happily talk to one of his exes, especially one that he’d parted with on good terms. He liked some of his exes as people—just not romantic partners. Dexter was on that list. But Henry was here.

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