Page 38 of Embracing James

He stared at Paul. The words were right there. All he had to do was open up. “I started this relationship with the understanding that it wasn’t real and in these last few days, I realized I’m not good at faking it. I’m not good at lying, either. I’m not ready to move in together, but I’m ready to tell everyone we’re together. I’ve dreamed of being surprised just like this. Being in a relationship like this.” He waved his hand. “This is all romantic and perfect.”

“Then fuck Craig. This is us and it’s real and we’re happy.” Paul shrugged. “I’m on board.”

“Even through my fears and freakouts? Even with my dog being so pushy?”

“Even then.” Paul squeezed James’ fingers. “You’re safe here and I believe we’re a good team. You and I balance each other. Plus, you’re good in bed.”

“So are you.” He sighed. Paul was right. So many things had changed, but not in a bad way. He’d gotten things he wanted and his life was good. Stressful, but nothing he couldn’t handle. “Thanks.”

“For?”

“Talking me down and letting me vent.”

“Always.” Paul kissed James’ knuckles. “Eat. You can’t walk your dog if you’re hungry.”

“I can, but this smells delicious.” He let go and left the table long enough to fill the bowl of water for Doob and check the bowl of food was full. While the dog ate, James joined Paul outside.

“Better?”

“Gotta feed the dog.” He smiled and relaxed. Things were happening fast, but they felt right. Being with Paul was easy and sweet. He liked the pacing and what could be their routine. He glanced into the condo to ensure Doob ate before filling his own plate.

“Is he good?” Paul asked. “I left the water out for him.”

“Thank you. I had to refill it. He’d drained it.” He sat across from Paul at the little table. He wanted to make small talk, but no words came to him. He simply ate in silence.

Paul fixed himself two tacos and ate. He said nothing, but did rub James’ foot under the table.

James loved the closeness between them.

Paul finished his first taco.“Do you normally do two miles with Doob? Or three?”

“Sometimes three, but most of the time only two.” He dabbed at his mouth. “We go as far as Doob wants.”

“I’m keen to go when you’re ready,” Paul said. “I should’ve run this morning, but I didn’t have time.”

“Business?” James at his other taco.

“Between the dealings for the center and the other rental property issues, yeah.” Paul picked at the fallen cheese. “I had a lot to keep straight.”

“I have enough trouble keeping the business with the salon under control, so I understand and applaud you for keeping yours in order.” He finished his other taco.

“It’s stressful, but that’s why I have my staff and bookkeepers to handle it. I always check their work, but I do trust them.” Paul picked up a piece of shell from his plate. “I admire you for doing most of this yourself. I need my team.”

“Thanks.” Sometimes owning the salon felt like a thankless job. “I need to go over my books tonight, but I don’t have the bandwidth. Maybe you could look at them with me when we get back?”

“I can.” Paul grinned. “Then we have sex.”

“Yes.” He ate the bits of hamburger and lettuce that had fallen out of his tacos. “I should check on Doob. He’s been rather quiet.”

Paul finished his dinner and carried the plates to the kitchen. While James collected the other plates, Paul loaded the dishwasher. James peeked into the living room where Doob had stretched out on the couch, like it was his own personal spot.

“He’s lounging.” James shook his head. “It’s like he lives here.”

“Hey, it’s a comfy couch.”

James returned to the patio and blew out the candles, then carried the platter into the kitchen to Paul. He helped Paul finish cleaning up. Once the leftovers were put away and the dishwasher started, plus everything else handled, James dried his hands on the towel.

Paul retrieved his shoes from the closet. “Let me get some socks.”

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