Page 18 of Embracing James

He’d thought of that. “Have you considered working with the LGBTQ community?”

“How so? I’m not shutting you down, so please, enlighten me.”

“What if you opened one of your apartment buildings as a shelter for the LGBTQ community? The youth especially need a place to go,” James said. “You could be true to yourself and an example to them because you’ve succeeded. They wouldn’t get a pass because they’d have to help take care of the building.”

“I hadn’t thought of that, but I like it.” Paul dipped his head. “Nice.”

“You wouldn’t have to worry about what people thought of you because you’d be a role model to them that you can be yourself and be successful.”

“You’re brilliant.”

He wouldn’t say that. “I do have good ideas from time to time.” He ate in silence, enjoying Paul’s company. Paul exuded strength and character, plus he was solid. God, he was handsome, too.

Once he finished his dinner, James dabbed his mouth. He’d eaten too much, but it was worth it. Paul finished and collected the empty dishes.

“That was good,” Paul said. “Thank you.”

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been thanked for dinner. Maybe never. He sipped his water, then toyed with the condensation on the glass. “What do you need to do tonight?”

“Make a few calls, but nothing exciting.” Paul returned to the table. “I want a doorman here as soon as possible.”

“Having money makes that sort of thing happen faster, doesn’t it?”

“That and just a bit of power.” Paul shrugged. “I’d like to know you’re safe.”

“Thanks.” He sat back in his seat. “Where do you live? Not here or I’d have seen you more often.”

“I’ve got a condo across town. You’d like it because there’s plenty of space, and Doob would like it because there’s a backyard.”

“He would,” James said. “I feel guilty that he can’t run more.”

“Next time, we’ll go to my place.” Paul left the table when James did and joined him in the kitchen. “I’ll help you clean up when I’m done on the phone.”

“I’ve got a dishwasher, so take your time.” James set about putting the extra pasta into a container set for the fridge. The rest of the salad was put in the crisper before he wiped down the counters and loaded the dishwasher. He prided himself on cleaning up as he went so the final job wouldn’t be so overwhelming.

A few moments later, he filled Doob’s bowl, then turned off the kitchen light and joined Paul in the living room.

Paul held the phone to his ear and paced in front of the sofa.

James did his best to ignore the conversation. It had nothing to do with him anyway. He settled on the window seat and watched the traffic. Living in Norville could be a pain. Everyone knew everyone else’s business. The buildings were old and many needed a good refurbishing.

But Norville had charm. People looked out for one another. They did seem to care. One day, he wanted to have a family. Maybe he wouldn’t have children, but rather have dogs as his kids, but he wanted to stay in Norville to raise them. Would Paul share his desire?

“Done.” Paul tucked his phone into his pocket, then joined James on the window seat. “The doorman is on his way and my locksmith is working on a new lock system for the building as we speak. I’ve also informed everyone that Craig is no longer welcome on the property.”

“You’re thorough.” He’d impressed James.

“I didn’t like how he treated you. It was embarrassing.”

“You don’t have to protect me.”

“Okay, then I’ll protect my assets.” Paul shrugged. “I don’t like him.”

“He’s not my favorite person.”

Paul sat across from him on the window seat. “Recline against me.”

He’d wanted to keep some space between them, but why? To protect his heart? To keep up the façade?Too late.He’d developed strings and wanted to be with Paul. He reclined against Paul’s chest. In all the times he’d stretched out on the window seat, he’d wanted the moment to be just like this. No other guy had ever wanted to join him.

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