Page 41 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

“Probably not, but your little trick was dirty. You lied and thought you’d get your way,” Jack said. “I’m not listening to you any longer. You’re nothing to me.” He stepped into Ray’s personal space. “If you ever set foot in my shop or bring up Henry again, I will call the police. Do not come back. Understand? You’re not welcome here.”

“You used to love me,” Ray said. “You did.”

“And I grew up.” He opened the door. “Ray, get out. You’ve got a boyfriend—I think. He deserves better than you hanging around here.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying,” Ray said. “We were good once.”

“We were and that moment is gone.” Jack checked his watch. If he goofed off much longer, he’d be late to pick Henry up. He spotted Deputy Jordan Hargrove ambling up the sidewalk. Good. He’d get help in Jordan. “Deputy?”

“Is there a problem here?” Jordan waved. “Jack.”

“There is,” Jack said. “This gentleman is loitering on my property and I’m closed.”

“I see.” Jordan swept his gaze over Ray. “Seems to me you should be moving on.”

Ray struggled and flexed his hand. “It’s really over?”

“Yes.” Jack wished Ray would get the damn hint.

“You love Henry?” Ray asked. “Do you?”

The muscle in Jordan’s jaw twitched. “Sir.”

“Say it and I’ll go. If you can’t, then I won’t leave because I’ll know you still care,” Ray said. “You don’t want to let me go.”

“I love Henry,” Jack said. “With all my heart. Only him.” If he wanted to be with Henry, he had to trust him and he believed Henry loved him, too. Besides, Henry probably had no idea what Ray had done.

“Then I’ll go.” Ray shrugged away from Jack. “Thank you, Deputy.” He adjusted his sport coat. “Goodbye, Jack.” He walked away, leaving Jordan and Jack alone.

“’Bye, Ray.” A Chapter in his life seemed to be closing. He didn’t mind, despite the change feeling a bit odd.

Jordan placed himself between Jack and Ray’s retreating form. “Thank you, Sir.” He turned to Jack. “I’ll keep an extra eye on your shop in case he comes back. See you tonight?”

“Should see you. I’m going to pick Henry up at the airport in a bit.” He checked his watch. “Shit. I need to go.”

“Then go.” Jordan followed Ray down the sidewalk.

Jack ducked back into the restaurant. “I need to get moving.”

“We’re good. I got the grill and counter squared while you talked to Ray. Go. We’ll lock up, you can count the take when you get home, then you can have a great night with Henry.” She pulled the shades for the evening and checked the door. “You’d better tell Henry you love him. He needs to hear it.”

“He does.” He shoved the money bag and receipts into his satchel, then packed up the rest of his things. He had his phone, keys, wallet, tablet… It wouldn’t hurt to come in before Monday to make chili and do more inventory.

“Go.” Anna engaged the security system. “You’ll be late.” She headed to the back door first. “Come on.”

Jack locked the office and walked to the rear exit of the shop. He ensured the alarm had been set. His heart hammered. Soon, he’d connect with Henry. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.” She hugged him again. “Good for you to not let Ray win. He’s a jerk.” She nudged him. “Go get your man.”

“I will.” He settled behind the wheel of his car. He should bring flowers or something, but no time. All he had was himself. He hoped he’d be enough for the man he loved. He’d learned a lesson with Ray. Only a desperate person would stoop so low as to try to divide a couple. But only someone so distressed would try to hold on to a lover so tight. He loved Henry that much and he wanted to hold tight but wanted Henry’s love in return. He’d take no less.

* * * *

Henry disembarked from the plane and checked his phone again. He hadn’t heard from Jack since the day before. He worried if something had happened. He missed their conversations. Jack wasn’t good at radio silence. He talked and texted a lot. There was a chance he could be sick or tired. Maybe he’d had a super busy day at the shop?

He walked through the terminal to the down escalator. Which carousel was his baggage supposed to be at? He’d have to check his information.

“Hi.” Jack stood at the bottom of the escalator.

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