62. Chapter 61
Chapter 61
AJ
I snagged a moment alone with Jack and finally told him about my childhood, the abuse, and my fears. As expected, he was empathetic and supportive.
“I love her, but I’m afraid I’ll end up just like my father.”
“I understand your fear, but I’ve never seen you treat any woman with anything less than respect,” he said.
“What if I lose my temper?” Once I’d opened up, it was surprisingly easy to keep baring my soul. I'd held so much of myself back, always afraid I'd reveal too much and be judged for it. Not anymore . At least, not with Jack. I'd be slower to open up to anyone else.
“Listen, I’ve known you a long time and stood by your side during some of the worst situations a person can imagine, and I have never seen you lose your temper.”
"But-"
“Never, Brother, not once.” He clapped my shoulder. “I think it’s time to put the past to rest and embrace your future.”
I stood there, looking and feeling like an idiot. Could it really be that simple? And if it was, how had I missed it all this time?
“Thanks, Jack.” I pulled him into a hug, grateful I could call my best friend a brother.
“Anytime,” he pulled back, “Andrew.”
“Don’t.” That name was reserved for Blake and Blake alone.
Jack chuckled. “Good to know where I stand.”
“Damn straight.”
Ashley pulled me aside as we said our goodbyes. “Being in love looks good on you.”
It feels good too.
“Blake seems really nice, even if she is a bit overwhelmed.”
“This crowd can be a bit much,” I agreed with a smile. They were one hundred percent over the top, and I loved them for it.
“The women of the greater Dallas area will be disappointed to hear you’re off the market. Well, not me. I’m happy for you.” She punched my arm playfully.
“Thanks, Ashley.” Her words meant a lot to me.
Thinking back to what Jack had said, I asked, “Was I ever mean or disrespectful to you?”
“AJ, you were always a perfect gentleman,” she answered. “Why do you ask? Did someone say otherwise?”
“No, I’m just worried about my temper.” There. I’d said it. Well, I hinted at it. But it’s more than I’d normally admit.
“Temper? I never worried about your temper.” She made air quotes around the word temper. “I’ve seen you in work mode and you can look pretty fucking mean and scary, but that’s part of your charm.” She laughed. “Seriously though, I never felt anything but safe with you.”
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Maybe Jack was right; I’d learned how to control my anger along the way without even realizing it.
“Thanks.” I hugged her.
“You’re welcome. Now take your girl home. She’s been through hell and deserves a couple of orgasms to take her mind off things.”
I was on board with giving Blake as many orgasms as she wanted, but couldn’t, wouldn’t, talk about them with Ashley.
“Jesus.” I prayed Blake hadn’t heard her. “I can’t discuss this with you, or anyone.”
“What? I’ll always advocate for my friends getting lots of big Os.”
For the first time in my life, talking about sex made me uncomfortable. I didn’t want to share what I had with Blake with anyone, not even someone advocating for multiple orgasms.
“I’m glad you like her,” I said, desperate to change the subject.
Meg, Emily, and Ashley were the type of friends Blake needed in her life. They’d stand by her side through thick and thin, celebrate her wins, and cry for her losses.
Not that I knew many of Blake’s friends. I’d only met the two. The jury was still out on Paige, but she was growing on me now that I’d seen a different, Fuckface-free side of her. And Fuckface, he could fuck right the fuck off.
Ashley would be proud of the nickname I’d given him.
I looked at Blake. Hopefully, hanging out with Ashley won’t be weird for her . They’d see a lot of each other now that we were an item.
Just say it, Janerek. You’re dating. And living together. Because I had exactly zero intention of letting our living arrangement be temporary.