Chapter 23 Andrew
The bar is buzzing with the low hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. The smell of grilled steak and freshly fried fries mingles with the faint scent of beer.
Jack and I are sitting in a corner booth, plates in front of us loaded with thick, juicy steaks and cold beers within reach.
Jack cuts into his steak, his knife gliding smoothly through the meat. “So, I’ve been thinking,” he starts, his tone casual but his eyes serious. “About starting my own personal protection outfit.”
I look up, surprised, but interested. “Yeah? You thinking of leaving the company?”
“Not right away,” he says, taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully. “But a lot of the guys we knew from the military are struggling to find stable work. I’ve got a few who’ve reached out, looking for gigs. I was thinking I could make a go of it—start something small, just a handful of guys, and see how it goes.”
I take a sip of my beer, nodding. “Sounds solid. You’ve got the skills, and you know what to look for in a good team. It could work.”
Jack leans back in his chair, looking relieved. “I needed to hear that. I wasn’t sure if it was a crazy idea or not.”
“It’s not,” I say, cutting into my own steak. “And if you need contacts, I’ve got a few I can introduce you to. Might be able to help you get off the ground.”
“Man, I appreciate that,” Jack says, raising his beer in a toast. “I owe you one.”
We eat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the sounds of the bar filling the space around us. Jack studies me for a moment, then grins. “You know, I’ve never seen you look this relaxed.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Yeah, apart from those dreaded episodes.”
Jack’s expression changes, his brow furrowing. “Still getting them? ”
“Yeah,” I admit, setting down my fork. “Emily suggested I go for therapy. I’ve been considering it.”
Jack nods slowly. “You should. I did it myself, after I left. It helped a lot more than I thought it would. I can refer you to someone if you want.”
I hadn’t realized Jack had gone through that. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that. I’ll give it a shot.”
He leans forward, pointing his knife at me with a grin. “Emily’s good for you, man. You seem different. In a good way.”
I think about it for a second, then nod. “Yeah, she is. I’ve never felt this in tune and comfortable with a woman before. Except I don’t feel like we really know each other. Not really.”
Jack shrugs, like it’s the simplest thing in the world. “Then get to know her. Take her out for dinner. Go on dates. And maybe stay off her bed while you do so,” he adds with a wink.
I laugh, but the idea sticks. He’s right. I want to know Emily, beyond just what we’ve shared so far. I pull out my phone and, almost without thinking, shoot her a text: Dinner tomorrow night?
The reply comes almost immediately, a laughing emoji followed by, You could have asked me at home, but yes, I’d love to.
I smile at my screen. Jack was right. I want to get to know Emily without the complication of sleeping together. Maybe this could be the start of something more, something real.
“So,” Jack says, “How’s it been working with Emily?”
I can’t help but grin. “Exasperating. She drives me nuts half the time, but she’s brilliant at what she does.”
Jack chuckles, raising an eyebrow. “Sounds like she’s got you on your toes.”
“She does,” I admit, taking a sip of my beer. “But it’s good. Keeps things interesting.”
“Speaking of brilliant,” Jack says, a twinkle in his eyes, “Sarah and I are expecting. ”
I blink, caught off guard. “Wait, what?”
“Sarah’s pregnant. Two months along,” he says, his grin widening. “I’m going to be a dad.”
I reach over to clap him on the shoulder. “Jack, that’s amazing, congratulations, man.”
“Thanks,” he says, beaming. “We’re both over the moon about it. She keeps asking when you’re going to come over for lunch or something. I’ve told her you’re a busy man, but she doesn’t let up.”
A pang of guilt comes over me. It’s been a while since I’ve made time to see Jack and Sarah outside of work or these bar nights. “I’ll come by soon. I promise.”
“You better,” he says, his tone mock-stern. “Because you’re going to be the godfather, and I suggest you start acting like one.”
For a moment, I’m at a loss for words. “Me? The godfather?”
Jack nods. “Yeah. I can’t think of anyone else I’d want. You’ve been like a brother to me for years, and I want our kid to have someone solid to look up to.”
I’m touched, more than I can put into words. I reach out, and we do a quick, firm handshake that says more than any words could. “I’m honored, Jack. Really.”
“Good,” he says, picking up his beer and lifting it in a toast. “To godfathers, babies, and brilliant, exasperating women.”
I laugh, clinking my glass against his. “To all of that. And to you, Dad.”
We stay in the bar for a couple of hours, then I head home.
I unlock the door and step into the house, the scent of home washing over me. Since Emily moved in, it feels more like home, and her feminine scents are everywhere.
Emily’s in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, sipping a cup of tea. She’s wearing one of those casual tank tops and shorts that make my dick stir. For a moment, I just stand there, taking her in before she notices me .
“Hey,” she says, smiling as she puts down her cup. “You’re back. How was dinner with Jack?”
I walk over and drop my keys on the counter, then lean against it, facing her. “It was good. Steak, beer, and a lot of catching up. He had some exciting news, actually.”
“Oh?” Her eyes light up with curiosity. “What’s that?”
“Jack and Sarah are expecting. Two months along.” I can’t help but smile as I say it. “He’s going to be a dad.”
She smiles. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for them.”
“Yeah, and he asked me to be the godfather,” I add, trying to sound casual, but I can’t hide the pride that sneaks into my voice.
Emily steps closer. “I can’t think of anyone better for the job.”
Her words make me feel ten feet tall. There’s something about the way she looks at me, like she truly believes in me, that makes me want to pull her in and kiss her senseless.
I want to take her to bed and forget the world for a few hours, just us, tangled up in each other. But I remember the promise I made to myself earlier tonight. I need to do this right. I want to know her, truly know her, without rushing things.
“Thanks,” I say, my voice uneven.
“I’d love to meet Sarah, and see Jack again,” Emily says.
I blink, a little surprised. “Really?”
“Yeah, they sound wonderful, and they mean a lot to you,” she says, giving me that smile that makes my heart skip a beat. “I’d love to see that part of your life.”
“Okay,” I say, grinning. “I’ll make it happen. Sarah will be pleased, trust me.”
I step closer, my hand reaching out to brush a stray hair behind her ear. God, she’s so beautiful, and it’s taking every ounce of willpower not to just pull her into my arms.
I lean in and kiss her on the cheek, a slow, deliberate kiss, close to the corner of her mouth .
“Good night, Em,” I murmur against her skin before pulling back.
Her eyes search mine, a flicker of confusion in them. “Good night, Andrew.”
I step back, forcing myself to turn away. Every part of me wants to stay, to cross that line, but I have to do this right. I head towards the bedroom, my fists clenching and unclenching as I fight the urge to change my mind.
God, if only she knew how much it’s taking me to walk away, to go to bed alone. But I want this to last, and for that, I need to slow down, no matter how much it drives me crazy.