Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55627 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
“You’re being hard on yourself again.” Jack had been doing that for as long as Gray had known him, which wasn't all that long after he had started dating Jaime Snow, so while Gray wasn’t sure if that unhealthy relationship was wholly responsible for Jack’s issues, it had unquestionably exacerbated them. Jack’s confidence and happiness had diminished during the time he was with Jaime, and while he had healed in the years since then, he still didn’t have a clear image of himself.
Jack sighed and then smiled and shook his head. “Everyone has bad dates. It isn’t an indictment of me.”
“Perfectly stated.”
“Glad to know the therapy’s paying off.”
The waiter walked up to their table, so they paused their conversation and situated the plates and glasses. Gray relaxed into his seat. He was having dinner with his favorite person who was smiling and happy. The only way the situation could be better would be if they were at home, naked, for the meal. And for the first time, Gray thought he had a genuine chance of making that happen.
“Eric told me about your New Year’s resolution,” he said when the waiter left, and they were alone again.
Brow furrowed, Jack said, “What New Year’s resolution?”
“Something about putting yourself out there. He said that’s why you were dating that guy.”
“This was only the third time I’ve been out with him.” Jack shook his head and laughed. “The resolution thing is all Eric. You know how he’s into all that stuff.” He waved his hand as he spoke. “I told him about what my therapist said about me being ready to give dating a real chance, and he turned it into a resolution because I guess that makes it more likely to happen?” Jack shrugged. “If he finds out about that scene at the bar, he’ll probably say it fell apart because of my horoscope or something.”
“Probably.” Gray chuckled. “At least he means well.”
“He does.”
“Resolution or not, I’m glad you’re finally ready to really try another relationship.”
“Not sure ready is the right word after I crashed and burned tonight.”
“That guy was a no-go but look at you.”
Jack arched his eyebrows in question.
“How do you feel right now?”
“Good,” Jack quickly responded and then tilted his head to the side, paused, and repeated himself. “I feel good. A little embarrassed because of the theatrics and the yelling, but otherwise…”
“You’re not blaming yourself for things not working out with what’s-his-name from the bar?”
“No, Gray,” Jack sing-songed.
“You don’t want to run home, put on those gray sweats with the fleece lining, and hide under your duvet with a bag of salt and vinegar chips?”
Jack coughed into his hand and lowered his gaze. “I may have given it a fleeting thought earlier, but the chips were going to be those lime-flavored ones you got me.” He looked up at Gray from underneath his eyelashes. “And I’m glad I didn’t go home.”
Damn did that shy expression and those red-tinged cheeks do it for Gray. His lips tingled with the need to kiss Jack’s sweet mouth, and his breath quickened with the hope that, someday soon, he would finally have that opportunity.
“I'm glad too.” Gray winked at Jack. “But the night’s still young. The sweats and the chips are waiting for you at home.”
“Not that I’ll have room after this huge meal.” Jack looked down at their table.
“I’ll take one for the team and help you out,” Gray said. “I’ll come over after dinner. We can cuddle under a blanket and make a dent in the next episode of the Great British Bakeoff while we regain our appetites.”
“Good plan.”
***
“Maybe I should learn to bake,” Jack mumbled, his feet curled under him, his body relaxed into the sofa, and his attention on the television where a man was kneading dough. “Then I’d have fresh bread and more developed muscles.” He leaned his head toward the television and squinted. “Really, really well-developed muscles.”
Next to him, Gray chuckled. “We’ve reached the time of night where you see thirst traps everywhere.”
“Didn’t mean to say that out loud.” He had known Gray for twenty years, and the last couple of years, when they weren’t working, they were together more often than not. Gray knew about his insecurities and had witnessed his failures, and none of them had scared him away or changed his demeanor. He trusted Gray implicitly, which meant he had no filter with him. “He does have great arms though, right?”
“You’re adorable.” Gray patted his leg and then rested his hand on Jack’s knee. “And he’s not my type.”
Jack wrapped his hand over Gray’s bicep. “My fingers can’t reach even halfway around your arm, and I’d have an easier time squeezing a rock but you’re telling me you aren’t into muscles?”
“I said the British baker isn’t my type. I enjoy lifting the same way you enjoy running.”