Chapter Fifty-Four
“Damn, that was good,” Salzy said, his hands lying on his stomach.
“Thanks,” Jamie said. “It was pretty good. Sometimes simple is the best way to go.”
Joesph started collecting the paper plates. “I’m going to have to watch myself. I may need to go on a diet soon.”
Jamie looked over at Mike, who had his hands clasped behind his head, his eyes closed, biceps bulging. “Well?” Jamie asked.
Mike opened one eye. “What?”
“Was it okay? Did you have enough to eat?”
Mike lowered his hands into his lap and leaned forward. “I don’t know why you ask. It’s always good. I’ve never had anything you cooked that wasn’t good. Even plain hot dogs are better when you cook them.”
“Okay, then.” Jamie smiled. He stood. “Joesph, could you hand me the pitcher of iced tea, please?”
Joesph had put the paper plates into the trash can under the sink and was washing the cutlery. “Can’t you see I’m busy?” He turned his gaze on Jamie. “Are your legs broke?”
Jamie nudged Salzy. “You, get the pitcher of iced tea, please, and can you get me some ice?”
“Why me?” Salzy said, standing.
“Because you’re closer and you’d have had to move anyway to let me get by. There isn’t a whole lot of space in here, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Salzy opened the freezer as Jamie pushed his glass across the round table.
“Thanks,” Jamie said as he took the refilled glass of tea.
Mike burst out laughing. “You three are more entertaining than a Tom and Jerry cartoon. You can tell you’re all good friends.”
The three other men stared at him. Jamie shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.”
“I can’t wait for the diner to reopen.” Salzy sat down with a beer.
“Why?” Jamie frowned at him.
“Then we can have apple pie.” Salzy grinned. “I do like your desserts.”
“I have to admit, cooking in such a confined space or only on the grill is making me antsy.”
“Soon,” Joesph said as he sat down, pulling his glass of tea closer. “Just try and be a little more patient.”
“I feel like I’m not doing anything. It’s driving me nuts.”
“The tilers will be back tomorrow to grout. Then the day after tomorrow you can start bringing in your brand-new kitchen equipment.”
“Can’t be soon enough,” Jamie grumbled.
“Someone is getting grumpy,” Joesph stated. “Why don’t you and Salzy go shopping for a stereo tomorrow?”
“What about a sound system for the diner?” Mike asked. “There wasn’t any music in there. It might be kind of nice to, you know, have some background music.”
“Yes!” Joesph said, slapping the table. “The two of you now have the job of going out and finding a stereo for the apartment and a sound system for the diner.”
“At least a boom box like I have,” Salzy added. “You don’t need anything too big for such a small space.”
“No.” Joesph sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. “You need a proper stereo and a television.” He pointed to the old console TV in the living room. “Something that’s... what? 1990s? That thing is so old.”
“I’d go with you, but I have to be at work tomorrow. And I have something on tomorrow night, so I won’t be here for dinner.” Mike said, sounding not happy about it.
“That’s not a problem,” Joesph said. “There won’t be much going on here tomorrow. Just the tilers.”
“Can we take Belinda?” Salzy asked, his face excited.
Joesph glowered at the man sitting next to him. “No one, and I do mean no one, drives Belinda but me!”
Jamie laughed. “You should have seen Joesph when they asked him if they could borrow his car for the gay pride parade one year. His whole face and body sucked in as if he’d just been fed a pitcher of lemon juice laced with cayenne pepper! It was hysterical.”
“And did they use Belinda in such an unbecoming way? With some... politician infecting her with bad karma?” Joesph’s eyebrows had nearly disappeared into the short afro on his head.
“I swear, you and that car have sex,” Jamie laughed.
“You are crude and rude.” Joesph shook his head before taking a drink of his tea. “I do not know how I’ve put up with you for all these years.”
Mike started laughing and laughing hard.
“I beg your pardon. What do you find so funny?”
Mike motioned between Jamie and Joesph. “You two. It’s like watching a comedy of two old married people.”
“You know, in a way,” Salzy said, his head tilted slightly, “You guys remind me of Ms. Mattie and Mr. Solan.”
Jamie’s mouth dropped open. Then he asked, “How so?”
Salzy shook his head slightly. “It’s hard to explain. Sometimes you are just like your grandmother, and at other times you’re Mr. Solan.”
Jamie shrugged. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“It was meant as one.” Salzy smiled warmly at Jamie.
“What am I? The dog’s dinner?” Joesph stood, empty glass in hand.
“Naw, you’re always like Ms. Mattie, I think,” Salzy smirked. “Can I get another beer, please, while you’re up?”
Joesph stood there with a deadpan expression. “You may have another beer.” Joesph opened the refrigerator. “I’m starting to wonder if you’re an alcoholic.”
“I think it’s the heat,” Mike said. “It makes a man thirsty for beer.”
“You’re not drinking one,” Jamie nodded towards the iced water in front of Mike.
“I’d like a beer, but I’m trying to watch the carb intake.” Mike flexed his bicep, which Jamie had many occasions to admire as of late.
“I don’t have that kind of dedication,” Salzy commented as he took the fresh beer from Joesph.
“It does take commitment. Once you get into the routine, it’s easier. I find it hard when I don’t get in a good workout.” Mike drained the last of his water. “I hate to eat and run, but I have a big day tomorrow.”
“Thanks for running me to the store,” Jamie said, also standing. “And for everything else. I really appreciate it.”
“You have no idea how grateful I am,” Joesph chimed in. “I’d have been a nervous wreck worrying about that beam.”
“I like it when you’re around,” Salzy said and then belched loudly.
Joesph shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Rude.”
“Hey, Jamie, would you walk me out?” Mike asked.
“Uh, sure.”
“There’s something I’d like to ask you.” Mike stepped through the doorway.
“Okay.” Jamie followed the broad-backed man down the stairs. “Do you think the tiling will be done and ready to be walked on the day after tomorrow?”
“I think so.” Mike used the truck’s fob to unlock it. He then turned towards Jamie.
“So, what’s up?” Jamie asked, standing in front of Mike and his big-ass truck.
“Two things.” Mile held up one finger. “One, can I kiss you?”
“Do what?” Jamie leaned backwards a little. “Right here? Now?”
“Yes, right here and right now.”
“But... why?” Jamie suddenly looked suspicious.
“Because I really, really, want to.” Mike took a step towards Jamie, their chests almost touching. “I’ve wanted to for a long time to do it properly, and now’s a good as time as any.”
“But...”
“I’ve already taken you to dinner, as you wanted. I’ve tried to let you get to know me a little more, and I’ve liked spending time with you.” Mike laid a hand on Jamie’s shoulder.
Jamie seemed to relax a bit. As he looked into Mike’s eyes, all he saw was desire. No telltale sign of anything other than the genuine man he’d seen over the last few weeks. Slowly, Jamie put his arms around Mike’s waist. “Okay.”
Mike leaned in and lightly kissed Jamie, then pulled back, looking into Jamie’s eyes. He pulled Jamie in, both arms around the smaller man. He brought his lips to Jamie’s, letting the kiss evolve. What started as a tender, easy kiss quickly became more demanding, more passionate.
The only thing Jamie could do was hang on. Their mouths opened, tongues quickly became entangled. Jamie could feel the slight stubble on Mike’s face. When the kiss ended, Mike’s face was still close enough for Jamie to feel his rapid breathing on his face.
Mike caressed the back of Jamie’s head. “That was even better than I had imagined. You’re a damn good kisser.”
Jamie blinked a few times, his own breathing slightly laboured. “You’re pretty good yourself.”
Mike leaned in and kissed him again, this time he was passionate but more... loving, if Jamie had to put a word to it. He lost himself, letting Mike kiss him, and kissing him back.
“Whoa,” Jamie said, breaking off the kiss. “I need to catch my breath.” He put one hand on Mike’s muscled chest, his fingertips sinking into the chest hair above his tank top. “What was...” Jamie took a deep breath. “What was the second question?”
Mike was still holding Jamie close, not making any move to let go of him. He looked deeply into Jamie’s eyes. “Will you marry me?”
“Do what?” Jamie pushed Mike back, well as much as he could. “What the hell?” Jamie took a step back, breaking the hold Mike had on him.
“You heard me.” Mike smiled. “I’ve already asked you before. You said I had to take you to dinner first, and I’ve done that.”
“You can’t be serious. We barely know each other.” Jamie was shaking his head, his hands still on Mike’s chest.
Mike shrugged. “When you know, you know. I want you more than any other person I’ve ever been with, male or female.
I think about you all the time. I want to be with you all the time.
I love your smell, the way your hair feels in my hand, and now the way you taste.
Just watching you makes me want to be with you every moment of the day. ”
“I think... I don’t even know what to think.” Jamie kept looking into Mike’s eyes. “You are serious, aren’t you?”
“I am very serious.” Mike smiled, making Jamie feel a little weak-kneed. “If you say no, I’ll keep asking until you say yes.”
“You’re nuts.” Jamie had to admit to himself that he could stare into Mike’s eyes forever.
“Is that a no?” Mike frowned. “Maybe I should just kiss you till you say yes.
Mike pulled Jamie in close again and proceeded to kiss him, till Jamie was gasping for air.
“How about now?” Mike asked, a twinkle in his eyes.
“No!” Jamie tried to disentangle himself from Mike’s strong hold. “It’s... too soon. I don’t know anything about you.”
Mike tightened his hold on Jamie and kissed him again. Jamie did not resist, his arms going around Mike’s waist again.
When Mike pulled his lips away, he whispered, “Will you marry me?”
Jamie was breathing hard, he felt like he was in a fog, and a little dizzy. “No,” he whispered.
Mike leaned in to kiss him again, and Jamie pushed him back. “No... no more... kissing.”
Mike let his hold on Jamie slacken. “I’m going to keep asking. I swear.”