Page 22 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“What happened? Do you want to talk about it?” Henry asked.

“Josh happened.” He glanced down at their interlocked fingers, then met Henry’s gaze. “I’ve known Josh since high school. We sort of dated a while when I came back after college. We’ve been friends because we just are. He’s like that old coat you keep in the closet. It’s not your favorite and it’s a little worn, but you just can’t quite bring yourself to get rid of it.”

“I’ve got a couple like that.” Henry half-smiled. “Go on.”

“He came to the shop today and said his father was moving into an assisted living facility. I’ve known his dad as long as I’ve known Josh and I wanted to help. We were slow, so I went with him to help with the move. Turned out, Josh wanted to relocate a sofa and his father was already in the elder home. It was a big lie to get me to do what he wanted.” He hated the pain in Henry’s eyes, but he’d caused it by not telling him earlier what was going on. “I should’ve made him tell me the truth.”

“But you wanted to help. You’ve got a big heart,” Henry murmured.

“Maybe.”

“Hey, you thought you were doing the right thing. He’s the one who lost out because you won’t believe him a second time.” Henry shrugged and didn’t let go. “Was he the one you were supposedly seen hugging? The one you said you loved?”

“Huh?” He had no idea what Henry meant. “I didn’t hug anyone. If I had, I would tell you.”

This time, Henry sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand. “I should’ve guessed. The little shit.”

“What?”

“I’ve been going crazy thinking you’re stepping out on me,” Henry said. “I ran into Charlie Grover from the paper. He told me he’d seen you hugging someone and telling them you loved them. Said you had a private party at the restaurant yesterday, too. Me, being terrible at dating, let it get under my skin. I knew it was a lie, but I got scared.”

“He saw me with Ray.” Jack scooted closer to Henry. “That’s one man I will never date again. Remember me telling you about the ex that wanted me to go upscale cuisine? That’s Ray. He showed up, informed me the restaurant was a dump, I should go high class and when I refused, he got snippy. No hugging and no I love yous involved.” He slid his palm around Henry’s throat to the back of his neck and tugged him close. “The only man I want to be hugging or kissing right now is you.”

“Same here.” Henry kissed him, then rested his forehead against Jack’s. “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. It might not seem like much, but I can’t handle being second best. I know you’re a social person. So am I and I get you’ve got a past. We both do. It’s hard because I’ve been shuffled to the back burner other times and I don’t want that with you. I don’t want you to date me or have sex with me because you think I’m a good worker or you feel sorry for me.”

“Henry?” He hadn’t seen any of that coming. “That’s not how I feel at all.”

“I’m not a jealous guy, but I need to know the truth. I’m pushing fifty and not getting any younger.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t clue you in to what was happening, but you’re not second best with me.” He was to the shop, but that wasn’t important right now.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m not good enough or that I’m only here to soothe your ego.”

“Things between us are going fast and I don’t blame you for being concerned. I doubt I’d like seeing you with a bunch of your exes or knowing you’d gone with them to do anything. It’d drive me crazy. But this is a small town and some of mine live here. I tend to interact with them because I have a business and I have to keep things positive. I don’t talk politics with the customers because I know half of them would stop visiting the shop if I did. Same thing with exes. It’s better to use honey, you know? My restaurant is the only thing that’s number one uncontested in my life. That said, I want us. I want you. I can’t cut everyone from my past out of my life, but my focus is at the restaurant and with you.” He did have to get the prep work done, but he liked being with Henry too much.

“I can accept that,” Henry said. “My writing is my top priority, too. I’m sorry I’m being so moody. I guess I missed you today more than I thought.” He half-smiled. “I had to eat at one of the food trucks. It’s just not the same.”

“I bet not,” Jack said. “Closing early wasn’t the same, either.” He kissed Henry, needing his calming spirit. “I’m glad I came over, even if it was impulsive. You’re good for me.”

“Want my help at the restaurant? I’m free this evening,” Henry said. “I wanted to write, but I can’t get my head in the game.”

“It’s okay, but I appreciate the offer.” The restaurant was his responsibility. He’d shirked his duties earlier. Time to make up for them now. “But we’re a you and me?”

“You and me,” Henry said, repeating him.

“Work with me, write and be my boyfriend.” He threaded his arms around Henry. “Yes?”

“Stay here,” Henry said. “I want you to.”

“I can’t tell you no, even if I should be going to the restaurant.” He’d never get caught up.

“I’ll help you in the morning.”

Henry knew how to say the right things. Jack kissed him hard. He cared way too much about Henry. The man made him impulsive and all a mess, but he liked the way Henry churned him around.

Being home with Henry felt right. His life wasn’t so empty and bland. He never considered his life boring, but Jack swore Henry brought a certain electricity to his existence. He followed Henry into the kitchen.

“You don’t bring many people home, do you?” Henry asked.

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