Page 39 of Embracing James

“Sure.” He donned his own shoes, then clicked the leash onto Doob’s collar. The dog sprang into action, ready to go on the walk. He danced around James’ legs, catching him up in the leash.

Paul came back into the room and laughed. “He likes his walkies.” He sat on the bench and donned the socks, then his shoes. He picked up his keys and pocketed them. “Ready.”

“We are, too.” James allowed Doob out of the house first, then tugged on the leash to keep him in step beside him. Paul settled in on James’ right side.

James loved this. He had a partner. “Do you get to walk around the neighborhood a lot?”

“I do. I try to run here and head down to the paths at the park at least once a day. The distances are good for getting my heart rate up and working on my 5k pace.” Paul held James’ hand. “I bet you like walking with Doob.”

“I do. The walks are our adventures.” He nodded to the people working in their yard. This was the exact picturesque place he wanted to live in. But he was jumping the gun. He and Paul weren’t living together.

But they were together officially.

With Paul beside him, they walked most every street in the complex. Some of the condos were bigger and some smaller, but most looked a lot alike. Still, James rather liked the atmosphere of the area.

What he liked best was being with Paul in public. Everyone could see them and know he was happy. Paul was right. Fuck Craig. No more letting his ex have power.

He, Paul and Doob returned to the condo. Once in the dwelling, James unhooked the leash. Doob bounded through the living room.

“Ah, a happy pup.” Paul closed the main door after already closing the screen door. He removed his shoes and placed them on the mat. “We did three miles.”

“I bet.” He was tired and his feet ached. He hadn’t really felt the distance until he returned. Being with Paul made the long walk feel shorter. Now that he was back in the condo, he had no desire to work on his books. So the work needed to be done? He wasn’t in the mood.

“Want help with those figures?” Paul asked. He sat beside James. “Or are you just looking for someone to encourage you to get it done?”

“Encouragement would be nice.” He needed all the pushing he could get. “I’d rather be naked with you.”

“And dance with me on the patio?” Paul asked. “I didn’t string those lightsout there and doll myself up for no reason.”

“You did that for me?” He’d never had anyone do anything so romantic. “I’m touched.”

“Good. I want to take care of you.” Paul winked. “Let’s get that stuff done so we can dance. I’ve got a playlist cued up and I hate dancing alone. I’ll even switch your laundry for you.”

“Thank you.” He couldn’t blame Paul for being persistent. He wasn’t a fan of dancing alone, either. Besides, the faster he got his bookkeeping done, the sooner they could indulge in each other. “Let’s get my shit sorted out because I’m dying to dance with you.”

Chapter Ten

Paul turned on the playlist he’d programmed into the smart system. Music filtered through the condo and played softly on the patio speakers. When he’d bought the condo, he hadn’t thought he’d use the expensive sound system. Now, he appreciated having it.

He held his hand out to James. “Will you dance with me?”

“I’d love to.” James accepted his hand and joined him on the patio. He cuddled in Paul’s arms.

Within seconds, Paul had them swaying to the beat of the song. He pressed a kiss to James’ temple.

“This is perfect,” James said. “Like a movie.”

“Yeah.” He couldn’t have said it better himself.

“So romantic.” James tilted his head and grinned. “You’re spoiling me.”

“It’s not hard to do.” He rested his forehead on James’ and sighed. “I know we said this was fake, but I don’t want it.”

“What?” James froze. “Paul?”

“I mean, I don’t want fake. I want this to be real. You and me,” Paul said. “If you want me.”

“I do.” James slid his hands into Paul’s back pockets. “Very much.”

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