Page 44 of Embracing James

James let Doob in, then filled the bowl with food for the dog. While Doob happily munched on his kibble, James finished his juice.

Paul dragged his focus from his lover and forced himself to pay attention to his phone. He had three emails, a text and two voicemails. He checked the missed calls—both from Noel.Fuck.He’d have to get rid of his ex or just plain block him at this rate.

“Anything wrong?” James rinsed his glass, then left it in the sink.

“No.” He shook his head. “Just business.” He shouldn’t lie. James deserved to know the truth and since he’d done nothing wrong, he shouldn’t have to hide what was going on. “It’s not business.”

James rested his hands on his hips. “Okay.”

“My ex has been texting me and he’s left a couple voicemails. I haven’t heard them yet, but he’s trying to come back,” Paul said. “He knows I’m in the black and I’m doing well. He thinks he’ll be able to have a slice of my good fortune.”

“One of those.” James smiled. “Do you love him?”

“No.”God, no.He’d never been in love with him.

“Then don’t worry about it.” James tweaked Paul’s nipple. “I’m not threatened. I know what I’ve got and what I want—you. I don’t need your money or your prestige or whatever. I just want you and to keep falling for you.”

“That’s what I want, too.” Paul held him close and breathed him in. Life wasn’t perfect, far from it, but with James, he had everything he wanted. James was the one.

His one.

Chapter Eleven

Over the next month, James spent his days at the salon and his nights with Paul. He’d grown more comfortable with him and they’d shared plenty of dates in public. He loved being able to go out with the man he craved and let everyone know he and Paul were together. Paul didn’t wear his makeup only at home or when they went to the clubs, but all the time now. He’d relaxed his look as well. Where Paul had been buttoned-up and full-business before, he’d started wearing his collar loose and stopped wearing the tie. Sometimes he even wore jeans with his sport coat.

James loved the slight changes because it meant Paul was more comfortable in his own skin.

James settled into a good routine with Paul, too. He liked having someone to share his walks with and Doob appreciated going on so many walks. They ate dinner together and had become a team. He’d even been able to join Paul at the closing for the Nesper Street house and was able to be there when Paul signed over the house to the LGBTQ center. Tad and his team of young people had already started on the improvements. Most of the rooms had been painted and they’d even moved some furniture in. There had even been an article in the paper about the sale and new usage of the structure for the center. James hadn’t been in the photos, but he beamed as Paul stood with Tad and the young people at the transfer.

James applied his makeup and admired his reflection in the mirror. He’d made it to the salon on time for the last three weeks, and all because of Paul. He finished putting on his eyeliner. Life was good. He hadn’t been given any threats from Craig and he’d been able to move forward with his life.

He joined Paul in the kitchen as Paul poured a cup of coffee. “You look fantastic,” Paul said. “A million bucks.”

“Thank you.” He’d allowed Ky to open the salon that morning, despite his misgivings and worries about losing control.

“When do you go in?” Paul sipped the coffee. “At ten?”

“Ten-fifteen.” He packed up his tablet, wallet and phone, then checked he’d left his keys with his messenger bag. “Are you staying home today?” He paused. “Or is this a workday?”

“A work-from-home day,” Paul said. “Why?”

“I’ve got to speak with the lady from the vocational school today. Would you be willing to keep Doob here? She’s afraid of him.” He hated saying that, but the lady hadn’t been fond of Doob hanging around during her first visit.

“Sure. We’ll have a guys’ day.” Paul rounded the island and put his coffee down. He enfolded James in his embrace. “What would you like for dinner tonight?”

“Surprise me.” He had no idea what he’d like. No, he’d prefer to get through the day first. “I should get going. Thanks for keeping him here.”

“James.” Paul kept him in his arms. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“I might not, but it’s good manners to thank you.” He kissed Paul hard. “Plus, you deserve that.”

“Thank you.”

James chuckled. “Now I’ve got you saying it.”

“You do.” Paul let go. “Have a good day. We’ll be here when you get home.”

“I know you will.”

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