14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Jacob
All day, all I can think about is this meeting with Aaron tonight. I do my best to stay focused on my afternoon dates, but it’s harder than it should be.
When I kissed Caroline, all I could think about was how Aaron’s lips tasted better.
When I held Deanna’s hand and walked her to her door, all I could think about was how her hand in mine felt so small compared to his.
And when I collapsed on my couch, next to my brother, all I could think about was how perfect my body felt next to his this morning when I woke up.
“What’s your deal?” Noah asks as he settles into the cushions. “I know you had a rough night and all, but you are even mopier than usual.”
I frown at him. “I’m not mopey.”
Noah raises an eye brow. “You might be able to hide that you are the eighth dwarf from your dates, but not from me, man. You can’t fake that shit with a guy who shares your DNA . ”
I glare at him, hating that he’s right.
My gaze drifts to his duffel bag, which is tucked beside the coffee table.
I noticed it when I got in this morning, but I haven’t asked him about it yet.
I probably should, if only to focus on problems other than my own, but I’m too tired to think.
Besides, it’s nice having him here. It’s nice having another body in this place. Especially one I’m comfortable with.
Over the years, I thought of getting a roommate, but when I saw the list of requirements I came up with, I thought maybe I should refrain from sharing my space with just anyone.
Though I wouldn’t mind if he moved in, I know realistically, after a month or so, I’d want to kill him.
I love my brother, but despite sharing the same genes, we couldn’t be more different.
Even after a couple days already, my stuff is coated in cheese curl dust and the couch is a damn mess of blankets and snacks and games.
I’m not one of those OCD people or anything, but I just like my things a certain way.
I like to come home to an oasis, not a dumpster fire.
Part of me wants to press him about his break up.
He hasn’t said much about it since he showed up, and instead seems to be focusing on me, which is classic Noah.
I swear, you could put a neon sign in front of the guy and he’d find a way to ignore it.
If my brother was a trope, he’d be the hot mess player who can never commit.
It’s always the same song and dance. He blames work, and I guess I can understand that to an extent, but it’s not just the job that prevents him from attachment.
He took our parents’ divorce harder than I did, even though it wasn’t as bad as some of the other kids we knew with divorced parents.
But Noah idolized our dad. At least, he did, before Dad got remarried and moved across the country with his new wife to start a new family.
Sometimes I think that’s why he pushes away every girl he meets outside of Foxy’s. He’s afraid if he goes all in, they’ll leave.
You’re not any better, Jake.
My vicious thoughts permeate as I try to push them away.
I know I’m guarded, but I have my reasons.
I might be young, but I know what I want when it comes to a relationship, and I’m not asking for much.
Just a good man who can see past my job and the things I’ve done, and see me.
Not the guy I pretend to be most of the time.
Someone who can accept all the different eras of me and embrace the ones I haven’t discovered yet.
Am I crazy for believing someone like that exists? Have these damn books rotted my brain for real?
I sigh as I curl up with my TTPD blanket and watch as Noah starts up his game again. I focus my gaze on the screen, noting he’s playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
I figure he’s right, and it’s pointless to keep it in, so I just tell him the truth. If there’s at least one person in the world I can be honest with, it’s him.
“Aaron called,” I say. “Or texted, I mean.”
Noah stops, raising an eyebrow at me. “Oh… so it’s Lover Boy.”
I roll my eyes. “Quit calling him that.”
He’s been calling him that ever since he picked my ass up from the Tempest Hotel this morning. Though, I have to admit, I was a bit shocked to see we weren’t staying at one of Aaron’s family’s properties. Seems like a hotel heir would want to stay within his family’s net, but what do I know?
“Negative,” Noah says. “What did he say?”
I sigh, figuring it’s best to just be out with it. “He said he has a job offer for me.”
Noah sets the controller down and turns to face me.
“Jake, that’s great!” he says with a grin. “I mean, that must mean you did a hell of a job. Or you fucked him really good.” He sticks his tongue out at me, and I shove a pillow at him.
“I told you we didn’t,” I bite defensively.
“Sorry. My bad. I mean you must have sucked his dick really good.” I shove him again and groan, telling him to fuck off.
Noah’s attitude changes at that and his voice softens. “Hey, you know I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant—”
“I know what you meant.”
I lean back into the couch, into the plush cushions.
I’m thankful my brother is as accepting as he is.
Truly, I know that. Our dad didn’t take it well when I came out in high school.
And seeing as he and Mom got a divorce a year later, sometimes I wonder if it was the final straw.
Mom tells me no. I’m sure finding out his son was dancing at The Anchor didn’t help my case, either.
We never had the best relationship, period.
Not like him and Noah did. But Noah’s always been my ride or die, no matter what.
I know part of it is just biology, but I like to think even if we weren’t related, Noah would still be my best friend.
His shoulders loosen as he offers me a soft smile.
“Maybe he likes you, too,” Noah says with a shrug. I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, right. He just likes Prince Charming,” I say. Noah looks at me in question. “Don’t ask.”
He holds his hands up.
“Okay. I’m just saying, Bella hires you all the time because she likes you. Maybe this guy will be a new top client.”
I doubt it. I can’t be that lucky. Though the thought of Aaron returning all the time to go on dates doesn’t sound like a bad thing…
I lay on the couch and watch Noah run the fields and cream the monsters until I can’t push off the inevitable anymore.
With a groan, I peel myself off the couch, Noah not even blinking as I announce that I’m heading for the shower.
I dress, and get ready for meeting with Aaron in record time.I was lying about the date at seven tonight. I don’t have one.
But I didn’t want him to think I was waiting around for him to sweep me off my feet. I didn’t want to appear like more of a loser than I already feel like I am, because last night was…
Amazing, apparently. But also, awkward as hell because I don’t remember everything clearly. I made a mistake, and it can’t happen again.
Even if I want it to.
I’m packed with dates back to back for the next two weeks.
It’s the middle of graduation season and wedding season, which means I’ll be in the throes of dates at least until September.
And while I generally love grad parties and weddings because I love a good party and there’s always an opportunity to dance—something I miss more that I care to admit—I can’t deny it’s exhausting.
But this is my busiest season, so taking it easy really isn’t an option if I want to make money and keep my bills paid.
I throw on a pale blue button down and roll the sleeves up and opt for a pair of chinos. I spritz my hair with some spray, apply my cologne, and make sure I look like I haven’t been rotting on the couch for three hours watching my brother play video games.
I’ve been in a weird mood ever since this morning. Endings are already sucky, but this…
This is worse. So much worse.
I head into the coffee shop with ten minutes to spare. I don’t see him yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s not here. I make my way to the counter and order myself a caramel macchiato, and once it’s up, I find myself a seat by the window so I can watch for him.
While I wait, I pull up my e-book copy of Ice Breaker and start reading, hoping reading about two men who obviously can’t stand each other will be a suitable escape.
I swear, I smell him before I see him. I look up from my phone and have to remember to breathe.
I saw him earlier, of course, when I woke up naked next to the man covered in dried spend, but now he’s more put together in his slacks and a printed shirt with blue pinstripes, rolled up to the elbows.
The style draws attention to his forearms.
Which somehow look even hotter with that tight cuff and those veins running through his muscle.
His hair shines, catching the light and even with that five o clock shadow gracing his perfect jaw, he looks sexy. When I don’t shave, I look like Charlie from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, going off on a tangent that the gang reluctantly goes along with.
But Aaron? He looks like a damn Ralph Lauren ad.
He takes a seat, glancing at my phone, and I know he sees my screen.
“What are you reading?” he asks, the tone of his voice smooth, familiar. Content.
“Gay contemporary romance,” I say, much too plainly, considering our banter last night.
He nods. “Sounds interesting.”
I set my phone down, folding my hands in my lap. “So…”
His expression shifts to an unreadable one, his shoulders straightening.
“You said you had an offer for me.” I cut to the chase because the longer I stay here, small talking, staring, the more I’ll start to break.
Aaron sits back in his chair. I notice he doesn’t have a coffee. Interesting. Considering he wanted to meet for coffee…
“I do, it’s a.., little last minute, I know, but…”I roll my eyes. “You know, I’m starting to think this is a thing with you.” I lick my lips. “Last minute plans.” My voice is steady, but I can’t help the edge of humor in it.