Page 39 of Finally
“Very much.”
“I have them in other colors.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing them on you.” Gray swiped his thumb across Jack’s lips. “I’m even more excited to see them off you.”
“Would you have taken him up on it if we weren’t”—Jack paused—“doing whatever it is we’re doing?”
“Probably not because he really was too young, but that’s irrelevant, because we are very much doing what we’re doing.” He cupped Jack’s cheeks. “I meant everything I said. I don’t want anyone else. I only want you and I’m in this for the long run.”
“I know.” Jack nodded. “I believe you.” He winced. “I made such a scene. How embarrassing.”
“You are not the one who made a scene and the person who did has no ability to feel any shame.”
“Something’s going on with Kevin. He’s been a lot lately, even for him.”
“He’s always a lot.” He combed his fingers through Jack’s hair. “Do you want to get out of here?”
“No, that’ll be even more dramatic than running away from the table.”
“You didn’t run. You briskly walked in a very dignified fashion.”
Jack snorted. “Come on.” He took hold of Gray’s hand. “Let’s go back before we miss our chance to order.”
Thankfully, the restaurant was busy, so once they got back to the table, they had time to look at their menus before the server arrived.
“What can I get you all?”
As people placed their orders, Gray got closer to Jack and said, “Do you want to share? We can order one savory thing and one sweet thing.”
“Good idea.” Jack smiled at him. “Banana pancakes and the southwest breakfast bowl?”
“Perfect.” He smiled back.
“And for you?” the server asked.
Before Gray could place their order, the server said, “Oh. Gray. Hi. How have you been? I’m glad I ran into you.” He lowered his voice suggestively. “I’ve been hoping we could get together.”
He wanted to drag Jack away from the table because there was no saving that fucking disaster of a brunch.
“Gray?” Kevin piped in, because of course he did. “Do you want to introduce us to your tall, dark, and handsome friend?”
“I don’t know his name.” It was a rude thing to say, but it was the truth, and Gray hoped it would somehow make Jack feel a little better about this latest clusterfuck. “Can we please order?”
“It’s Gabe. I’m Chuck Bilbrey’s friend.” He squatted down and pitched his voice low. “We have a great barista. Do you like your coffee like you like your men?”
“I do, actually.” Gray twined his fingers with Jack’s and set their joined hands on the table. “Sweet, strong, and able to keepme up all night. I’ll have an Americano with a double shot of espresso and a couple of pumps of sweetener.” He focused on Jack, who looked pale and pained. “Myboyfriendwill have an iced tea and we’re sharing our meals. We’ll have the banana pancakes and the southwest breakfast bowl.”
“Oh. Got it.” He cleared his throat. “Sorry about that. Chuck said you were single.” He quickly finished taking everyone’s orders and left.
“Who’s Chuck?” Jack asked.
“He works for one of the companies I represent. I’ve been to a few business lunches with him.”
“And he introduced you to our very attractive waiter?”
“Maybe?”
“Oh, come on Gray,” Kevin said. “There’s no way you can forget a guy who looks like that. Then again, with the number of men youmeet—”
