Page 7 of Second Chances in Cedarwood

Henry counted the bills and sorted them by denomination. The twenties were the easiest, followed by the tens. The numbers were more complicated with the fives and the ones. He counted the piles three times, then wrote down his totals. “Done.”

“Good. Switch.” Jack offered up the tape. “I won’t tell you what I have until you’re done.”

Henry totaled the sales, then recounted his math. He waited for Jack to finish. “Done.”

“Show me your figures.” Jack turned his sheet around. The numbers matched and he sighed. “Good. I hate when they don’t work out.”

“Does it happen often?” Henry asked.

“When we get busy and Anna just throws money in the register.” Jack tucked the bills into the money bag, then plunked it in the safe before closing the door. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.”

Jack stood. “You’re coming back tomorrow, right?”

“I am.” Why the hell wouldn’t he? He liked the work.

“Good.” Jack threw his arms around Henry. “You saved my ass. Thank you.”

He hugged Jack back and didn’t want the embrace to end, but he also didn’t want to linger too long. He eased away from him and smiled. “See you.” He exited through the back of the restaurant, leaving Jack in the office.

Holy shit.He’d just had his first day of work, not involving writing, in forever. He’d also sort of had a date with Jack. Sure, the speed was slower than he preferred, but maybe the change of pace was what he needed. He looked forward to the next day with Jack and having time to learn about him before jumping into bed with him.

He couldn’t forget the electricity or chemistry between him and Jack. The whole day had been exciting—and not just because he’d been busy. He still wondered if Jack would be a good kisser and how he’d taste. Probably like heaven.

Chapter Three

Jack barely noticed Henry arriving at the restaurant the next day. Saturday was his best day of the week, with everyone being off and wanting to visit the shop. He had plenty of stock, but he’d have to replenish before Tuesday. No matter how hard he worked, the line never died down.

He stole glances over at Henry. Having the extra help was a godsend, but Henry was easy on the eyes. Henry smiled a lot and was personable. He worked hard and no one complained. The shirt clung to Henry’s upper body and accentuated his thin frame as he handed a man change, then smiled at Jack.

The smile warmed Jack to his core. He wanted to say something, but business was too good. Jack resumed making hot dogs, but he couldn’t forget Henry’s question the day before. Henry wanted to get with him.With me!Although the idea seemed strange, he rather liked knowing Henry had asked. But Henry had to know by now that Jack was married to the shop. He might be open for only four and a half hours, five days a week, but the restaurant consumed his life.

But he wanted Henry to follow through and ask him out. It was nice to know someone was interested in him. Henry fit his desires in a man—handsome, clean, he had a job outside of the shop, a source of income…self-sufficient.

Could they have a chance together?

Hell if I know.

At the end of the day, the line finally died down. “Henry? Put up the closed and sold-out signs.” Jack dropped the spatula. “We’ve run out of everything.”

“Will do.” Henry turned theopenplacard toclosed, then propped thesold-outnotice in one of the windows. “I’ve never seen that one. I’m assuming you don’t use it much?”

“Only maybe once a month.” Jack removed his gloves. “You must be good luck.”

“Or you’ve got good product.” Henry grinned. “I filled two money bags.”

Anna locked up. “If you two want to count, I’ll clean up out here.”

“Deal.” Jack tossed his gloves in the trash, then collected the bags from Henry. “Bring the register tape and drawer.”

Henry did as told and joined Jack in the office. “There’s still money in the drawer and I pulled the startup out before I filled the second bag. Make sure I counted it right.”

“Will do.” He sat across from Henry. “Count this bag and I’ll count this one, then we switch.”

Henry nodded.

Jack sorted the bills, but didn’t have to do much since Henry had already arranged it according to denomination and all going the same way. He counted the cash and wrote his figure down, then counted again. When he came up with the same number, he placed the money in the bag and switched with Henry. He did the exact routine with the second amount of money.

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