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)
“It’s not silly.” He smiled gently. “But we need to come up with some sort of system because I need to know if you’re salty jealous or sad jealous. Because your possessive side gets me going, but you being hurt kills every part of me, including my libido.”
“I’m not hurt. I’m worried.”
“What are you worried about?”
“That I'm not who you could want when all those other people want you.”
“What people?”
“Let’s see. There’s Kevin, the waiter from brunch last weekend, the young guy at the gym, probably everyone else at your gym because as Thom pointed out that one night, you’re naked there. Oh, and we can’t forget about Jeffrey, who like the men at your gym has seen you naked and is now apparently part of our friend group, which means he’s not going anywhere. And that’s just off the top of my head. There's always someone trying to catch your eye or flirting with you. You know what I'm talking about.”
“I honestly don't, Jack,” Gray said sincerely. “Because when you’re around, I'm way too busy looking at you to notice anyone else.”
Jack was truly the most amazing person Gray had ever met. He was beautiful and smart and thoughtful and funny. Yet for some reason, he couldn’t see his own appeal. Well, not some reason. One reason. A reason with a name. Jaime fucking Snow.
He ran his knuckles down Jack’s arm and twined their fingers together. “I don’t want to be with any other people. I never have and I never will.” He raised their joined hands and kissed the back of Jack’s. “I only want you.”
Chapter 12
“How hungry are you?” Gray asked.
Rushing around the kitchen and fretting over his doomed meal had wiped out Jack’s appetite. “Not that hungry, honestly, but you must be so we can go out.”
“I had a late lunch. I don’t need anything heavy for dinner.” Gray brushed his hand through Jack’s hair.
“You probably don’t want to do that. I’m sure I’m gross and sweaty from the”—he waved his hand around the kitchen—“failed effort at seduction through the power of my cooking.”
Green eyes sparkling, Gray grinned. “You were very successful in your seduction efforts.” He gave Jack a gentle kiss. “Not that you need to make any sort of effort with me. You existing is enough.”
“I should take a shower so I can exist cleaner.” He looked around the kitchen. It had never been as messy. Then again, he hadn’t ever tried to cook a real meal in it. “I just need to clean up first.”
“Do you have a bunch of work to catch up on since you left the office early?”
“Probably.” Jack sighed. “But I’m too drained to do it tonight.”
“Good. Then I have a plan.”
Gray was happy and smiling, and Jack couldn’t help but smile back, his mood lightening in reaction. “What’s your plan?”
“You go take a long, relaxing shower while I clean up the kitchen and figure out something we can eat from the fridge and pantry. Then we’ll go to bed early.”
“It’s what?” Jack turned Gray’s wrist and looked at his watch. “Not even six thirty. There’s no way we’ll fall asleep in the next few hours, no matter how worn out I am.”
Gray tugged Jack against him. “That’s what I’m counting on,” he said, his already deep voice lower and huskier.
As close together as they were standing, Gray surely could hear Jack’s breaths huffing out quicker and feel his chest heaving, but he didn’t call him on it.
“You shouldn’t have to clean up my mess.”
“It’s not that bad and you made it cooking for me.” Gray rubbed his thumb across Jack’s jaw. “You really are beautiful, you know that?”
He hadn’t thought much about his appearance. It wasn’t important for his work and it wasn’t something anyone had commented on. No one other than Gray. “You make me feel that way,” he confessed.
“Good.” Gray gazed at him, his smile gentle. “Since we’ve agreed not to work tonight and you don’t have a TV in your bedroom, we’ll have to come up with a way to pass the time and get you nice and tired so you can fall asleep.” He skated his hand down Jack’s back and caressed his ass.
Jack blinked, licked his lips, and tried to say something but his voice broke.
“I have an idea for that too.”
“What…” Jack cleared his throat and tried to school his features. “What’s your idea?”
“You seduced me with your cooking efforts, remember? I need to collect on the implied promise.”
“How are you going to collect?”
“I think we should make out.” He grinned and winked.
Jack snorted and pressed his face into Gray’s neck. He laughed and sniffled at the same time, fragile from admitting his feelings and overcome by emotion. “Okay, Gray. I’d love to spend the evening making out with you.” He wrapped his arms around Gray’s chest, rested his head on his shoulder, and held on tightly. “I just need a minute.”