Page 31 of Embracing James

“I know.”

James nodded. “But I’m safe with you.”

“You are.” He stood James on his feet, then guided him to the bed. “Stretch out and relax. You need to.”

“I do.” James crawled between the sheets with him and tucked into Paul’s side. “I need to leave early.”

“Why?” Not that he minded, but he was nosy.

“To open the salon and meet the students. My truck comes with our supplies every morning at ten, too,” James said. “I’m not trying to duck out on you, but I do have to go.”

“Understood.” He did. Sometimes work had to come first. “I’ll be up when I finish my paperwork and various dealings for the day.”

“Good.” James snuggled in close.

Doob settled on their feet again and within a few minutes, both he and James were asleep.

Paul smiled to himself. He’d made progress today—not just with James, but with himself. He’d opened up more with James than he’d done with other men.

He’d allowed James to see the real man and James hadn’t shied away. Knowing he’d been so bare freaked Paul out, but it also gave him confidence.

James was one in a million.

* * * *

Paul woke the next morning to an empty bed. He should’ve known this would happen. James had told him as much. James had had to go and when Paul looked at the clock, he sighed. It was almost ten in the morning. No wonder James wasn’t there.

Paul left the bed and padded nude to the shower. He turned on the water. While steam billowed from the open stall, he rubbed his face.

He hated feeling so old, but he’d been up late with James. He had the right to sleep. Still, he wished he’d been awake when James was gone.

He stepped into the shower and cleaned his body before shampooing his hair. As he soaped, he smiled to himself. He had a boyfriend. He had someone to love.

He rinsed, then turned off the water. He dried himself and he couldn’t wait to see James. Hell, he couldn’t wait to tell everyone he was happy.

He dressed in slacks and a button-down, then checked his phone. He had fifteen emails, four missed calls, a voicemail and three texts.

He checked the texts first—all from James.

Had to get to the salon.

Had a perfect night. Can’t wait to see you.

See you.

Not the most eloquent texts, but they made his heart sing.

He typed a quick reply.

I understand. See you later.

Part of him wanted to add something else, but what? He was enamored with James, but was it love? Too soon to tell.

Way too soon.

He focused on the voicemails. There was one from the real estate agent for the Nesper house. His offer had been accepted.Hot damn.He needed to complete the paperwork, but soon the shelter would have a new location.

He called Tad.

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