Page 31 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“You’re probably friends with most of them.”

“Maybe.”

Henry leaned over the table and kissed him. “Plus, it’s darn sexy that you stood up for me. No one’s ever done that, and I want to show everyone you’re my man.”

“I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been treated with respect, but I’m not sorry I did it. I protect my business and my partner,” Jack said. “All the way.”

“I can hold my own but thank you.” He kissed Jack again. “Finish up and we’ll grab supper, then make our next debut as a couple. I’m proud to have you on my arm.”

“I’m falling for you,” Jack said. “Hard.”

“Wonderful, because the feeling is mutual.” Life was going in the right direction for a change and he wasn’t about to argue his good luck.

* * * *

An hour and a half later, Jack still wasn’t sure what to expect when he’d agreed to attend the support group meeting. Would it be something like a twelve-step thing? He’d avoided going at all costs. His ex-boyfriend, Tab, has been part of the group and Jack wasn’t sure he wanted to show his face. God. He had no idea what Tab might have told them, but his ex loved to talk shit. For all he knew, Tab had made him look like a jackass. Would they laugh at him? Turn him away?Christ.And he needed to tell Henry, but he wasn’t sure how.

“Nervous?” Henry asked. “I am.”

“A little.” He ventured away from the car and into the community center. Thank goodness he had Henry beside him. He might have turned back. When he and Henry made their way into the community room, Jack stopped short. He spotted a few kids, some teens, but mostly adults. Some of the faces were familiar—Farin Baker and his husband, Steve, Colt Harrison and his partner Ashley. Colin Baker strode right up to Henry and Jack.

“Hi. Welcome. Good to see you,” Colin said. “It’s very informal because the group got so big.”

“Remy told me to come,” Henry said. “He thought it’d do us good.”

“Sure. Remy’s going to be here. He and Bobby are probably running late—as usual.” Colin grinned. “If you want a nametag, we have them somewhere. Most everyone just mingles.” He turned to Jack. “Question for you. You’re part of the chamber of commerce, yes?”

“I am.” He let go of Henry’s hand. He appreciated Henry’s suggestion to wear one of his shop shirts as a walking advertisement. “We haven’t had many meetings.” He couldn’t recall the last chamber meeting.

“No, because it got swept under the rug.” Colin folded his arms. “Farin and I are trying to get it regrouped. We’re having decals made for placement in each establishment’s window.”

“Good idea.” He glanced over at Henry. He sort of missed Henry, but liked seeing him happy and in the wild. Henry grinned and winked at him, then resumed his conversation with a guy Jack didn’t recognize from the back. Jack couldn’t help but be impressed with himself. He didn’t feel threatened by someone else chatting with Henry.

“So you and Henry Lord.” Colin stepped between Jack and his view of Henry. “I never thought you’d settle down.”

“Because I’m old?”

“You’re only five years older than me and no.”

“Oh? Then why?” He could have sworn he was older than Colin by a lot more.

“You never leave the safety of your shop,” Colin said. “You keep yourself hidden in plain sight.”

“I like flying under the radar.” But he had to admit he did hide a lot.

“You looked so lonely.”

“I dated a lot.”Sort of.

“I heard and saw. Everyone who visits your shop comes to the bookstore, too. The town isn’t that big.” Colin laughed. “I’m sure we could share war stories about the gossip we’ve heard and not even share names.”

“We probably could.” Jack paused. “People talked about me?”Why?He wasn’t exciting.

“A few asked if you’d settle down.” Colin shrugged. “For a while, people thought this group was a gigantic dating pool. It’s not, but whatever. A guy told me you dated too much. I mentioned it wasn’t any of his business.”

“Charlie?”

“Oh God.” Colin snorted. “He’s a nice kid, but don’t get me started. He loves to gossip.”

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