Chapter 9 #2
“Why are you thanking me? I had no part in planning that party. If I had, we’d have been the only two people there.”
Amused by Gray’s likely accurate joke, he smiled. “I was struggling with Jeffrey.” That would have been embarrassing to admit, but Gray knew him too well to have missed it. “I’m sure you noticed.”
“I did.” Gray brushed his palm down Jack’s cheek and curled his hand around the side of his neck. “I’m sorry I put you in that position.”
“It’s not your fault.” Jack swallowed down the thickness in his throat.
“You were so sweet to me.” Gray had hyperfocused on him the entire night.
He hadn’t left his side, always maintained some level of physical contact, and kept up a steady stream of funny comments for his ears only. “I was being childish.”
“No, you weren’t.” His palm still on Jack’s neck, Gray moved his thumb up his jaw and over his lips.
“I told you that, when it comes to you, the jealousy thing does it for me but hurting you absolutely doesn’t.
” He leaned forward and gave Jack a gentle kiss.
“I’m sorry. I genuinely barely remember him. ”
“You don’t have to apologize. You didn't hurt me.” Gray had always been straightforward and honest with him. Jack trusted him more than anyone he knew, which was why he felt comfortable enough to share his insecurities. “I don’t know where this is coming from. I don’t normally get jealous.”
“It’s probably wrong for me to take that as a compliment, right?” Gray’s lips tilted up. “Kidding.” He traced Jack’s earlobe, his touch feather light. “What can I do to make you feel better?”
He laid his hand on Gray’s chest, enjoying the warm skin and firm muscles. “You already did.”
“Are you sure?”
He did feel better about Jeffrey. “Yes.” He moved forward and took Gray’s bottom lip between both of his. “Thank you,” he whispered as he tilted his head and then he pressed his mouth against Gray’s more firmly. “This okay?”
“Kiss me anytime, anywhere.” Gray returned his kisses and opened his mouth, giving Jack space to press his tongue inside. “Mmm, Jack.”
The taste of him, the sound of his moans, the heat of his body, ramped up Jack’s arousal in record speed. “Jesus.” He dragged his lips across Gray’s jaw, down to his neck, and then gently sucked on his skin. “We were having a conversation, and two minutes later, you have me ready to burst.”
“Go ahead,” Gray rasped. He pressed his hips against Jack’s, rubbing their underwear-clad erections together.
“I haven’t done this a lot,” Jack warned, his anxiety spiking. They’d talked about his limited experience the previous day, but he wanted to make sure Gray understood. He didn’t want to disappoint him.
“Don’t worry.” Gray looked into his eyes and smirked. “I have.”
The comment took Jack off guard and distracted him from his impending panic. That wasn’t an accident. Gray was a master at reading his emotions and finding a way to make him feel better, however unexpectedly.
“Too soon after the jealousy conversation to joke about that?” Gray asked, eyes twinkling.
“You think you’re funny?”
“I know I’m funny.”
“Apparently, I'm a possessive monster now. Be careful taunting me, Mr. McClellan.”
Arching his eyebrows, Gray said, “Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it, Mr. Storm?”
Jack pushed into Gray’s chest, shoved him onto his back, and lay on top of him. Gray didn’t resist; instead, he grasped Jack’s hips and tugged him closer.
“Is that all you’ve got?”
Eyes narrowed, Jack dipped down and swiped his tongue from Gray’s clavicle to his lips. “There. I licked it so now it's mine. I’ll make sure to let Jeffrey know.”
“You do that. As a matter of fact, expand your audience.” Gray arched up and gave him a quick peck. “I’ve been trying to tell everyone I’m yours for a very long time. Maybe if they hear it from you, they’ll believe it.”
He laughed, but from the look on Gray’s face, he wasn’t sure they were joking around anymore.
Gazing at him, still smiling, but now in a way that looked more fond than amused, Gray said, “Jack?”
“Yes?”
“Do you believe it?” His tone had shifted from teasing to serious.
Definitely not joking around.
“Yes, I believe you care about me.”
Fingers gently running through Jack’s hair, Gray searched his eyes. “Anything else?”
Heart galloping, Jack genuinely considered the question and his feelings. “I believe…” He licked his lips. “I believe you’re attracted to me.” That was a small miracle, one that Jack knew he’d likely obsess over when Gray went back to his own house and he was alone with his thoughts.
“I'm glad you finally realize that.” He smoothed his hand over Jack’s hair. “Is that all?”
Gray wasn’t one to talk in order to hear the sound of his own voice. If he asked a question, it was because he wanted to know the answer or he was making a point. But try as he might, Jack wasn’t sure what he wanted to hear. They stared at each other in silence.
“Jack?”
“Yes?”
“I’m going to tell you something and I don’t want you to say anything.” He brushed the back of his hand down Jack’s cheek. “Listen. Take some time to absorb. But don’t respond yet. Sit with it for a while. Can you do that?”
The air felt heavy between them. “Of course,” Jack whispered.
Gray cupped both of his cheeks and watched him carefully, his expression warm and tender. “I’m in love with you. Always have been. Always will be. Only you. Believe that.”