Page 5 of Embracing James

James sat down again. “You asked me out.”

“I did.” There was no denying it now.

“You’re interested in me?”

“Is that bad?” He hoped not, but he was making a mess of this whole situation.

“No.”

“But you’re not interested in me. I got the hint last night.”Loud and clear.

“I didn’t say that.”

He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from replying. Normally, the guy realized about now that Paul had money. Guys who wanted in on the dough tended to get really nice and cozy starting now. He hated making friends—fake though they might be—this way. “Then what?”

“I’m having a hard time rectifying in my mind that the guy I’ve chatted with for the last month and been jealous of his work with foundation is my landlord. It’s hard to conceive that a guy like you would want me.”

“Why?”

“I’m not a fancy guy.”

“So says the man with blue hair and smoky eye.” A damn good application if he did say so himself.

James blushed. “It’s not smoky eye. I smudged it at the shop. It’s been a day.”

“The look works for you.”

James’ blush deepened. “Thank you.”

“Why is it so terrible that I would want to go out with you?”

“It’s not.” James held up his hand. “I didn’t think you’d want me.”

“You’d be wrong.”

James shook his head. “I need time to process this.”

He hadn’t asked him for another date, but he’d given him permission to keep the dog. “Sure.” He wasn’t sure why he’d said that, but he wanted to make James happy.

“Thank you for letting me keep my dog. Thanks for allowing me to keep the salon, too.” James left the chair. “I’ll see you around.”

“Sure.” The meeting hadn’t gone the way he’d wanted. He thought James would appreciate his kindness and that the connection between them was real. Maybe he’d pushed James too hard.

He sat down as the door slammed shut. The last time someone had walked out on him, he’d cut them from his life and business dealings. He should just walk away from James. He’d messed up and needed to lick his wounds. Except he liked James and wanted to see if they could have something together.

He sighed. If he pushed now, he’d never get James to talk to him. Just like with business, he had to bide his time and show James he wasn’t a flake. They just might be able to be more than friends.

He hoped.

Chapter Three

James left the office and fumed. How could someone be so duplicitous? So infuriating? He’d thought Pauly was his friend. He’d been attracted to him. He’d even considered going out with him. But as was his luck, Pauly wasn’t just the cute guy who visited the salon. No, he was multifaceted and pretty…and a little sad.

James paused in his hallway.Shit.The guy had really put himself out there by asking him out and how had James reacted? He’d run away.

Okay, yes Paul had sort of given himself away as he’d revealed little details of James’ life. At the time, it felt odd and didn’t feel much better now, but knowing the truth, that they’d already known each other, it made more sense.

No wonder Paul had been so hesitant when he’d asked James for the date. He must’ve been worried James would reject him.

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