Page 40 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

Anna rounded the counter, then stopped short. “Shit.”

“What?” When Jack looked up, Ray strolled into the restaurant. Fuck. “Ray.”

“I’ll be back here.” Anna stayed behind the grill and out of the way.

Ray sashayed up to Jack. “You seem happy.”

“Why not? It’s Saturday, business is good, the sun is shining and I’m closing.” Jack wiped his hands. “You’re here. Why?”

“See? Now the day is the best it can be,” Ray said. “It’s perfect.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” He tossed the rag onto the closest table. “What’s wrong? You only come here when you have a problem. I’m not about to lift your spirits or blow you because you’re feeling poorly about yourself.”

“You wound me.” Ray clutched his chest. “You misunderstand, too.”

“No, I don’t.” Jack folded his arms. “I’m busy, so if you’re here to gloat or whatever, save it for another sucker.”

“Gloat? Me?” Ray squared his shoulders. “Did you get my present?”

He narrowed his eyes and said nothing. Present? The photos? Only Ray would be that big of an ass.

“I sent you a gift.” Ray toyed with his thick gold watch. “Or didshekeep it from you?”

“I didn’t do anything,” Anna said. “I’m innocent.”

“Hardly,” Ray snapped.

“Enough.” Jack rested his hands on his hips. “What gift?” He wanted this asshole to admit what he’d done.

“The photos. Your Romeo isn’t faithful.” Ray pulled his phone out. “I looked him up. He posted photos of his trip and he’s not alone.”

Jesus. Jack tamped down his frustration. “I see.”

“You should.” Ray pointed to a photo. “He’s with another guy.”

Jack looked at the image. Sure enough, Henry had posed with someone. The pose was rather platonic. The guy had a wedding ring and didn’t strike Jack as Henry’s type. Henry and mystery man stood in front of a gallery. “It’s for his job.” Probably to go along with the article.

“And this one?” Ray brought up another image. “He calls this guy his boyfriend.”

“He does.” And now that he looked closer at the picture, he recognized the man—Henry’s ex-boyfriend, Carter. “So?”

“You’re not mad? He’s stepping out,” Ray said. “Why are you okay with this?”

“I’m not okay with it, but I don’t have to be,” Jack said. “Want to know why? Because that picture is old. He posted that four years ago. If you paid attention, you’d see the date.”

“Jack.” Ray recoiled. “Stop.”

“Why don’t you stop?” Jack directed Ray to the door. “I don’t know what your play is here, but it’s not working.”

“I want you to ditch the old guy and come to San Francisco with me. We belong together,” Ray said. “You belong there.”

“I’m good.” Jack steered him closer to the door. “I don’t want to leave my business.”

“Jack. Be reasonable,” Ray said. “You’re not.”

His irritation hit its zenith. He’d never stood up to Ray before and it was high time he did. “Listen up. I’m only saying this once. I like Cedarwood. It’s my home. I like my shop because it’s mine. I built this business up all on my own and I don’t want to give it up. I’m not going to San Francisco or anywhere else. Got it?”

“Jack.” Ray pouted. “That’s not fair.”

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