Page 16 of Embracing James

So much for help from the dog.

James shook his head. He’d have to worry about the consequences of his actions later. He ducked into the bathroom to fix his face and ensure his hair looked right. He hated that Paul had seen him in such a rumpled state earlier.

He touched up his makeup and winked at himself, then left the bathroom. Something Duke had said came back to him.

“Don’t use your face as a shield.”

Tough words, but true. Could he do it?

He changed his shirt and cleaned up the kitchen. He wanted everything to look perfect. Considering they weren’t really a couple, he’d gone to a lot of trouble.

Doob sat up and looked around, then growled. He rushed to his feet. Doob bounded to the door and barked. The hairs on his back stood on end.

“Is he here?” James asked. He arranged the towels, then strode to the door. He glanced down at Doob and realized not only was his back fur on end, but so was the fur between his shoulders. Doob only reacted this way with someone he didn’t trust.

Not Paul.

He checked the security hole. Craig stood in the hallway.

Well, fuck. That explained a lot.

“James, I know you’re in there. I smell food,” Craig said. He pounded on the door. “Open up.”

He engaged the chain and quietly clicked the deadbolt into place. He refused to let Craig in.

“James, open the door. We need to talk,” Craig said. “Now.”

He knelt on the floor next to Doob and hugged his dog. Why did Craig have to keep chasing him?

“I talked to Nick. He said you’ve got a new boyfriend.”

How did Nick know already? They’d only made the decision this afternoon. James kept his mouth shut. Maybe if he didn’t speak, Craig would think he was gone and leave himself.

Probably not.

“James. Open the door.” Craig pounded again. “You need to open the door.”

No, he didn’t.

“James. Come on, James.” Craig whacked at the door. “Open up. Now.”

“Excuse me. Do you have business here?”

James recognized that voice. Paul. He managed to stand, but his hands trembled as he pressed his fingers to the door and peeked through the security hole.

“I’m here to see my boyfriend,” Craig said. “Who are you?”

“I’m here to see my boyfriend.” Paul stood at his full height, a good four inches taller than Craig.

“James?” Craig said and gasped. “No.”

“Yes.” Paul didn’t move. Just stood there taut and glaring.

“I knew he’d cheat. I knew it. James, you’re a piece of shit. You led me on. Fuck you,” Craig shouted. “Fuck you.”

James bowed his head. Jesus Christ. Why did he have to have such an abusive man in his past and why did Craig have to be the method through which he’d hooked up with Paul?

A gentle knocking resonated on the wooden door. “James? He’s gone.”

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