Page 10 of Embracing James

Without saying a word, Paul offered him a pristine laundered handkerchief.

James accepted the hankie and blotted his eyes. “Sorry.”

“Whatever happened, you’re shaken. You don’t have to tell me, but I’m listening. I’m here for you,” Paul said. “I am.”

He wanted to argue, but he remembered what Duke had said. If he kept preventing himself from being loved and having someone in his life, he’d never have what he wanted.

“I know what you want to say. You want to ask me why. Don’t you?” Paul asked.

“I do.” He sighed to regain his composure. “I was a jerk yesterday.”

“So?” Paul shrugged. “Everyone has their moments and it was a tough one for us.”

Us.Why did that sound so reassuring? Because he wanted to be part of a couple.

“Want to talk here or upstairs? I can help you take your groceries to your apartment,” Paul said. “I can explain the situation with Chip Torkelson.”

“Sure.” He wasn’t in the mood to fight. “Thanks.” He left the car and gathered his things from the trunk, then realized he’d forgotten to retrieve his keys from the ignition. “Shit.”

“Keys?” Paul grinned. “I’ll get them.” He hefted the bag of dog food against his shoulder, then reached into the car and snagged the keys. “I forget mine sometimes, too.”

“Thanks.” He fell in step with Paul. “We should start over.”

“We should.” Paul opened the door for him. “We can use the elevator.”

He hadn’t used the elevator in so long that he’d forgotten all about it. He joined Paul in the enclosed space. He kept glancing over at Paul and wondered why he hadn’t noticed his smile was so bright. Why hadn’t he seen the sparkle in his eyes before now? He’d observed it before, but hadn’t realized how warm it made him feel.

The bell dinged and shook him from his thoughts. Paul gestured for James to leave first. He followed James to the apartment.

“Which key?” Paul asked. “I didn’t issue them, so I don’t know which one.”

“The silver one with the blue head.” He flexed his fingers around the bags. He loved using the cloth ones, but the handles bit into his flesh.

Paul unlocked the door and Doob rushed up to them. He jumped on Paul, wanting the dog food.

“I forgot to tell you he’s pushy when there’s a new pack of dog food around.” He carried his bags to the counter as Paul nudged the door shut.

Doob barked and twisted around Paul’s feet, wanting the food in the bag.

“He’s incorrigible.” James pushed the groceries to the back of the counter. “Doob. Let him put the bag down.”

“He’s fine.” Paul set the pack on the kitchen floor then knelt by the dog. “Come here, Doob.” He ruffled the dog’s fur and petted him.

James mused at how well Doob took to Paul. “He likes you. Normally, he wants to love on people, but he’s hesitant in the apartment.” He’d been able to gauge the acceptability of his last two dates by his dog’s reaction. They hadn’t liked Doob and he didn’t like them, either.

“He’s a nice dog.” Paul sat on the floor while Doob practically crawled into his lap. “He’s a lover.”

“He is.” He put the groceries away, then packed the bags into one to be put back into the roadster. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Paul smiled. “Want to talk?”

When Paul looked at him, a big piece of his defenses melted. He didn’t want to just talk. He wanted to start over. “Yeah, I do.”

Chapter Four

Paul held his concern in check, but not by much. He’d seen James harried before, but not like this. He wanted to comfort him and at least be a friend.

“I’ve got coffee in my office and it’s two floors above your apartment, so you’re welcome to bring Doob if you want to come. I can brew us coffee,” Paul said and continued to pet the dog.

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