Page 43 of Embracing James

“Just thinking.” He stroked James’ back. “How life throws us curve balls and how we handle them. I’m glad I decided to go this direction with you.”

“Me, too.” James walked them back to the bedroom. “I’ll still be here in the morning, so go to sleep. I hate sleeping alone.”

“I do, too.” He crawled into bed with James and tucked up to him. He appreciated James’ ability to talk him down, too. James understood what was wrong without saying anything and seemed to know how to make it better. He fell asleep in seconds, holding on to the man who held his heart.

* * * *

Paul woke to the scent of coffee in the air. He left the bed and dressed in a pair of shorts, then shuffled to the kitchen where James stood with a glass of juice.

“You made coffee.” He accepted the cup James offered him. “Thank you.”

“Thought you could use it.” James sipped the juice. “Doob had to go out so I let him and made you coffee.”

“You don’t drink it. Coffee.” He stood with James at the back door. “This is perfect, but if you don’t drink it, you don’t have to make any for me.”

“You like coffee.” James shrugged. “It wasn’t hard, but no, I don’t drink it.”

He slid his free arm around James. “Well, other than that, this is perfect.”

“What?”

“Having you here with me. With Doob. We’re a family,” Paul said.

“We are.”James sighed and leaned into Paul.

“I’ve never had a family. Not like this. I love you, James.”

James froze. “What?” He tipped his head and met Paul’s gaze. “You love me?”

“I do.” He knew his heart and he saw no reason to hold back the words.

“Even so fast?”

“Even so.”

“I don’t know what to say.” James stayed in his arms, but remained tense. “Wow.”

“I know. I don’t expect you to say anything. I threw something huge at you this way and it’s a lot to take in,” Paul said. He stared at James’ eyes. He loved the way the man’s eyes sparkled with and without the makeup. He was the sexiest thing Paul had ever seen.

“It is.” James toyed with the wisp of hair between Paul’s pecs. “I care about you. So much. I care and I want this to work. I’ve never felt this way about anyone else.”

“But?” He tipped his head. “What else?”

“But I’m scared to fall in love. I’m scared to admit I’m falling for you, too. I’m not ready to say those words.” James trembled slightly.

“I know.” He stilled James’ hand. “That’s okay. We have time to figure this out. I’m not rushing you.”

“I know.” James brushed his mouth across Paul’s, then nuzzled his cheek. “Give me time. I know how I feel and I want every second with you. I want the happy ending.”

“You’ve got whatever you want.” As long as he could make James happy, he was set.

“Thank you.”

Something buzzed and Paul recognized the noise—his phone. Jesus. Why couldn’t he have a sweet moment with James without someone else pushing in?

“Is that your phone?” James nipped at Paul’s throat. “Answer it. Might be business.”

“It could be.” But he doubted it. He let go of James and rounded the counter to pick up the phone.

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