Page 33 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

Henry kept telling him to trust him and he couldn’t keep going not quite halfway. Jack nodded.

“I pushed and I shouldn’t have,” Henry said. “I understand if you’re upset.”

“I’m not.” He’d changed in a good way. “Thanks for helping me grow.”

“You helped me find my heart and my purpose.” Henry kissed him. “I’m in over my head and I like it.”

“I do, too.” He kissed Henry. “Come inside with me.”

“You need sleep,” Henry said. “You’ve got work in the morning, and I need to write. I’ll come over tomorrow.”

“You’re inspired?”

“Of course, but you’re the most.” Henry grinned. “I’ll be over when you’re done with work.”

“And we’ll finally watch that movie we keep putting off.” He had no idea what movie they’d watch, but whatever. “I love it.” He slid his palm over the bulge in Henry’s pants. “Night.”

“’Night, handsome.” Henry groaned. “I should’ve parked this in the garage.”

“You’ve still got to drive home. I’ll put it away.” He left the car and walked with Henry to his vehicle. “Go or, I’ll con you into staying.”

Henry kissed him once more, then climbed behind the wheel of his car. He backed down the driveway and sped off. Jack pulled his car into the garage and parked, then put the door down. He hurried inside, but Henry was already down the street and nearly out of sight. He sank into his armchair. He’d said he loved something. Sure, it was Henry’s suggestion, but still. Henry was important to him. Did he love Henry? He cared about him more than he had about anyone outside of his family.

He laughed and his stress dissipated. He’d fallen for Henry Lord.Yeah, I love Henry.He wanted to shout it from the roof. He loved Henry.

He couldn’t tell his lover in a text, though. He needed to do it in person. It was too late to rush over to Henry’s tonight. No, he’d tell him tomorrow. He’d plan out a nice evening and make it a date with good food, too. He’d show Henry how he felt.

In love.

Chapter Nine

Over the course of the next month, Jack worked Henry into the schedule more and had him help on Saturdays. When Henry wasn’t at the restaurant, he spent most nights at Jack’s house. He’d invited Jack to come with him to the support group meetings and on one of his assignments for the paper. He enjoyed his time with Henry and loved being less stressed. If he could just manage to tell Henry he loved him, he’d be set.

Jack turned theopensign toclosedthen locked the front door. “Another successful Saturday in the books. How’d we do?”

“Well enough I had to thin out the register twice,” Henry said. “It’s all in the two money bags.”

“Well enough that I’m worn out,” Anna said. “You know…we make a good team. Henry, you’re the closer this shop needed. Thanks.” She winked at Jack. “Better keep him.”

“Thanks, Anna. See you.” He waved as she left, then relocked the door behind her. A sigh bubbled in him. He grinned. “She’s a great worker, but she’s pushy.”

“She’s good people.” Henry rounded the counter. “Want me to help clean up?”

“I did most of it already.” He gasped Henry’s hand. “Come over tonight. Again.”

“I’d planned on it. My bag’s in my trunk.” Henry smoothed the wrinkles in Jack’s shirt.

Jack’s hands trembled. He needed to tell Henry so many things, but first he had to ask him something important.Christ.He hated being nervous. “Next Saturday is the Chamber of Commerce Dinner. It’s formal and I have two tickets. You wouldn’t want to come along, would you?” God, he was the east coast distributor of smooth.

“Go black tie with you? Count me in.” Henry kissed him. “I haven’t gone black tie in forever.”

“Not just as my boyfriend, but as my partner.” Jack’s stomach lurched. He needed to be sure Henry wanted to go.

“Jack?” Henry’s eyes sparkled.

“We should’ve defined this all along,” Jack said. “I like you. You like me. No dating anyone else and I love the sex. That sounds like partners to me.”

“Partners.” Henry rested his forehead against Jack’s and brushed his nose along Jack’s. “I’ve got to say it. You do control so well and you keep yourself together, but I love when you’re flustered. You blush, your words get jumbled and it’s adorable.”

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