Page 36 of Embracing James

As Lance left, James locked up the rest of the way. He liked the quiet of the end of the workday. He checked the doors once more, then collected the receipts, his messenger bag and tablet, before stopping at the hamper to get the bag of washing. “Hey, Doob?”

With the dog in the lead, he slung both bags onto his shoulder, then ventured over to the Annex. He locked the door behind him. Doob surged ahead as James went upstairs to his apartment. He left the washing and his satchel, then packed an overnight bag. While he worked, he tossed Doob a chewy bone. He needed to look through his mail and shouldn’t leave the damp towels behind. He flipped through the envelopes, noting the couple of bills he needed to pay.

He’d work on the bills tomorrow, but the towels wouldn’t wait. Once he collected everything for the night at Paul’s, he texted his boyfriend.

Heading over soon. Mind if I bring stuff to wash? The towels will get moldy if I don’t.

While he waited for a reply, he walked his other bag to the car. When he returned to the apartment, his phone buzzed. A text from Paul.

Bring it over. I don’t mind helping. Plus, moldy doesn’t sound good.

He replied right away.

Thank you!

He tied up the laundry bag, then hooked the leash onto Doob. He tucked a bag of dog food beneath the knot in the laundry bag. “Ready, Doob?” He patted his pockets to ensure he had his keys, then picked up his satchel and the laundry bag before he grabbed the leash. He headed to the hallway and locked up before going down to his car. Doob settled on the front seat while James loaded the other bags into the trunk.

“Do you like Paul?” he asked the dog while he opened the garage door. “You seem to. I do.” He pulled out of the garage, then ensured the door closed before he drove off. “He seems to like us, too. I want to keep him around.”

Doob barked as James stopped at the end of the alley and clicked the dog’s harness into the seatbelt. He’d almost forgotten to engage the belt.

“I’ll take that as approval.” James drove off, leaving the Annex and salon behind. He motored over to Paul’s condo. His heart soared. He’d be with the one man who cared about him and that was a heady thought.

He pulled into the driveway alongside Paul’s condo. The garage door opened and Paul stood in the cavernous space. Paul gestured to him so James stopped in the garage and parked beside Paul’s car. He felt like he’d come home. Odd, since he didn’t live there, but he knew his heart belonged to Paul.

Paul closed the garage door, then joined him at the trunk end of his car. “Need help?”

“I could use some.” James let Doob out of the car first. “I hated bringing the laundry, but I didn’t want it to get gross.”

“No problem. The washer is right inside the door,” Paul said and carried the bag into the house. “Help yourself. I made tacos for dinner.”

“You’re too good to me.”

“You need to eat.” Paul helped carry the rest of the bags into the house. Doob surged in front and bounded to the living room with his leash still on. “It would appear he needs to run.”

“He could use a walk. I haven’t been able to take him in a while.” Guilt washed over him. “I’m a lousy dog parent this week.”

“You’ve had a lot to do and we all understand,” Paul said. “Let’s eat and we can take him around the neighborhood.”

“Deal.” He liked that idea. “Let me put the first load in the washer.”

“Sure. I’ll take him out back while you do.” Paul winked, then left.

“Thanks.” James dumped half of the bag into the washer, then pulled a couple towels out before adding the detergent and fabric softener. He’d run them through the sanitizer machine tomorrow.

As the washer started, he leaned on the machine. He’d never felt like this before—the strange combination of relief in having someone to lean on, but coupled with the weight of his day on his shoulders. He massaged his temples, then ventured through the condo to the back patio.

The moment he stepped outside, his breath caught in his throat. Paul had strung oversized clear outdoor lights across the ceiling of the porch. He’d strung twinkle lights along the railings and the table featured not only a white tablecloth, but two white taper candles. There was a single red rose in the vase in the middle of the table.

“Paul.” James’ breath clogged in his throat. “Wow.”

Paul sat on the steps and petted Doob. He glanced over at James. “Done already?I wanted to do a grand unveiling.”

“I am.” He lingered in the doorway. “Paul.”

Paul stood. “Yes?”

Doob trotted up to James and sat at his feet. He swished his tail, but made no other noise.

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