Page 7 of Embracing James

“Nope.”

Well, that sucked. His exes could find him and so could Craig. Great.

“It’s true,” Duke said. “Now about Pauly. You turned him down because you thought he was odd, but you’ll give him a chance tonight?”

“No.”

“James.” Duke groaned. “Come on.”

“He’s my landlord.”Let him chew on that.

“What? That’s crazy.” Duke laughed, then sobered. “You’re serious.”

“I am.”

“The jogger with the sparkle owns the theater?”

“He’s not just a jogger who’s great with concealer. He’s a businessman with all kinds of rental properties. He’s JP Henderson.”

Duke removed his sunglasses from the top of his head and tucked them on his collar. “You do realize he’s worth a couple million dollars.”

“So?”What does that matter?

“Would I lie about this?”

“I never said you would.” He shrugged. “Money isn’t important to me.”

“James, he’s been featured on television and the internet. He’s well-known,” Duke said. “And he asked you out. You must’ve really made an impression.”

“Maybe.” He wasn’t sure. Nothing made sense.

“You should do what feels right.”

“Ugh.” James stopped to let Doob pee and sniff the hydrant. He couldn’t believe he’d been too overly cautious and callous. Still, a man’s financial status didn’t matter to him.

“What?” Duke asked. “Are you second-guessing yourself?”

“Yes.” Duke knew him too well and there was no need to fib.

“Hold up.” Duke hooked his fingers in the front pockets of his jeans. “Think about it this way. He’s just as scared and cautious as you, but I bet he’d give you a second chance if you asked.”

“What if I don’t deserve it?”

“Oh God.”

“What?”

“I knew you’d talk yourself out of this,” Duke said. “Why don’t you think you deserve it?”

“I dismissed him.”

“Try being more lenient with yourself. You should be happy and loved as much as anyone else.” Duke tipped his head. “Don’t let Craig live rent-free in your mind. He’s trash and I bet my best drums that Pauly isn’t like him.”

“Paul.”

Duke rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

“I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure what to think.

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