Chapter Eight
Jaxon
I had no idea why Theo’d said what he had, but I wasn’t about to dispute it. In fact, I planned to take advantage of it, so I took his hand, lacing our fingers together. As I expected, Theo froze, but I held on to him tight.
George peered closely at us, and as much as I disliked his personal values, I knew him to be a sharp-as-hell prosecutor.
“That so? I had no idea, Jaxon. Last week you were pretty cozy with Judge Michael’s law clerk at that little talk you gave in Albany. Or so I heard.”
“Little?” I smirked. “There were over a hundred people there. It was a great turnout. And as for Craig, he and I had a discussion about search and seizure. Nothing more.” I leaned into Theo.
“Don’t try to make waves between me and Theo.
” Brushing my knuckles down his cheek, I heard the hitch of his breath and saw the flutter of his long lashes. “It’s pretty new between us, right?”
His gaze firmly planted on the floor, Theo nodded and whispered, “Yeah.”
George shook his head. “So…Theo, is it? What do you do for work? Are you a lawyer too?”
“N-no. I run a bar.”
“That so? Which one?
“S-Sweeny’s on Main Street.”
“Hmm. I’ll have to stop by sometime. Check it out. I’m sure you’re there most nights, Jaxon. Keeping your friend company.”
I knew exactly what George was doing, and he had no idea how much he was helping me. I wasn’t sure why Theo had changed his mind about us, but I was grateful, and if I needed to plant my ass across the bar from him every night for him to see it, so be it. It wouldn’t exactly be a hardship.
Theo gazed at me, and I smiled into his eyes. “You know it.”
“Welcome, everyone.” Devlin Summers stood with a microphone in hand. “Thank you for coming to the GAINS winter benefit.”
“Excuse us, George, but Theo and I want to listen to the speeches, and I’m sure you do as well, having come so far.” I gave him a big shit-eating grin, and with a curt nod, he strode off.
Devlin explained GAINS accomplishments for the year—funding homeless shelters for LGBTQ+ youth, donating to high school sports programs and afterschool centers, and funding crisis prevention hotlines for at-risk people—then handed the microphone to Ripley Tremaine.
Several news organizations were there—Out in Sports, Football Daily, and Channel 8 News from New York City.
“Nice turnout, don’t you think?” I leaned in to ask Theo as we clapped in response to Tremaine stating the Brooklyn Blades were donating a quarter of a million dollars to GAINS, with other teams set to match.
“Yes,” he responded softly, inching away from me but, I noticed, not releasing my hand. “And, I—I think your idea is good.”
“About the sports memorabilia? Thanks. With so many players up here now, it makes sense. And if Devlin and Brody begin to hang out at Sweeny’s, that’ll be a huge draw for you as well.”
“They seemed so nice. I’ve been to these events before but never had the chance to talk to them. I guess Jet and Harte were right. They’re just regular people.”
“They are.”
With the speeches done, music started playing.
Finger food was passed, and the two bars set up on opposite sides of the room were hopping.
Normally, I’d be working the crowd, shaking hands, and talking to as many people as possible, and I could see George parading around the room. But I remained by Theo’s side.
“Can I ask you a question?”
Theo released my hand, a slight blush tinting his cheeks.
“Sure. What is it?”
“Why?”
“Why what?” he murmured, even though I was certain he knew what I was asking since his blush deepened.
“Not that I don’t appreciate it, but you were so adamant about not…you know…pretending this thing.” I lowered my voice and waved my hand between us. “Then you take the initiative and tell George we’re together. What changed?”
About to answer, he paused and Jet approached us with a quizzical face.
“Hey, you two. Aren’t you going to mix and mingle?”
“Theo and I were talking about the sports memorabilia. Is Harte going to contribute?”
“Yeah. He’s got some signed photos of him throwing a touchdown in the Super Bowl, plus some jerseys.”
“Cool.”
“I met George Winston.”
Jet’s pained expression set me off laughing.
“That bad?”
“The guy was so uncomfortable, I wanted to tell him not to worry. You can’t catch gay,” Jet replied with a snicker, and Theo and I joined in.
“I’ll take a turn around the room, but I was going to see if Theo wanted to get a bite to eat. I didn’t have time for dinner before I came.”
Jet addressed Theo. “I’d hoped to introduce you to some other athletes. There are a bunch of people you haven’t met yet, and they could be good for business.”
I watched indecision flicker across Theo’s face. He was torn between wanting to be with me and not disappointing his friend. I was annoyed that Jet was thwarting my time with Theo, but I didn’t want to be the cause of any issues, so I came up with a suggestion.
“I agree. Why don’t we split up for a while, then meet in about forty-five minutes or an hour and go get some food?”
“Okay,” he answered simply.
Theo allowed Jet to walk him away from me, and my irritation spiked. I wasn’t about to let him dictate who Theo could and couldn’t see.
I did my due diligence and played the room, chatting with the superintendent of the state police, the governor’s assistant commissioner for human rights, and several judges.
“Heard you’re a favorite for Gloria Rodriguez’s seat, Jaxon,” Hugh McDonald, a thirty-year veteran of the bench, said as we stood in line at one of the bars. “I want you to know you have my backing.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest. “Thank you, Your Honor. That’s very kind of you, and I appreciate the support.” I could lay it on thick if necessary.
“My grandson married his boyfriend last month. Can’t say I’m used to it, but it’s not my business. I’m just glad to see him settled down. He’s too old to be running around. I’ve been with my wife for almost fifty years. Find yourself a good man. That’s my advice.”
The bartender handed me my drink, and I smiled faintly at the judge. “I appreciate it, Your Honor. I’d better not monopolize your time.”
I walked away but saw George Winston was watching me.
Damn. He suspects something.
I spied Theo in a crowd of football and hockey players. He looked awkward and uncertain, and a wave of protectiveness swept through me, so I strode across the room to the group and put a hand on his shoulder. At my touch, he attempted to pull away, but I held him firm.
“How’s it going?”
“Great,” Ripley Tremaine acknowledged me with a nod. “We’re putting together a list of everything the Blades will be sending to Theo. You know, I was born in upstate New York, so this is like coming home to me. My brother has a country house but closer to the city. I kind of like it up here.”
“Join the club.” I chuckled. “This area is becoming a magnet for sports legends. I hope we see you again very soon.”
“You will,” Adrian, Ripley’s husband, said and I recognized his face. He was a reporter and occasional weekend anchor from Channel 8 News. “They decided Valentine’s Day would be a good day for the auction. So we’ll be back in a little over a month.”
“That doesn’t give you much time.” I hoped Theo wouldn’t become overwhelmed. “Will you be able to arrange things on such short notice?”
“Not a problem,” Ripley reassured me. “Patrick Sloane’s husband is a superstar at organization, and he’s already on it.”
“Y-yeah. Fallon’s g-gonna help with everything, even down to ordering the f-food we’ll need, since I-I’ve never done anything like this.”
Theo’s stuttering alarmed me, and I gave him a comforting squeeze.
“I’ll assist in any way I can. You know that.”
Was it my imagination, or did Theo lean into me? I wasn’t about to question it, liking how he settled into my shoulder.
“Thanks. I’ll need all the help I can get.”
“You’ll be great.” I moved my lips to his ear, careful not to touch him, but he trembled anyway. “Should we blow this popsicle stand and get some dinner?”
God, he smelled good. Had he always? Maybe so, and I just hadn’t noticed. I should think about getting closer to Theo more often.
Red crept up his neck. “S-sure. I’m ready.”
“Great to see you all, and I hope it won’t be too long until your next visit.” I shook hands with each man, and Theo did the same. I held out my hand, and he hesitated only a second before taking it.
Progress.
We were headed toward the coat check when George stepped in our path.
“Leaving so soon?” he asked with a toothy, fake-ass smile.
“We’re going to get some dinner,” I answered. “I was so busy I came directly from the office, and I’m starving.”
“I’ll let you go, then. Nice to meet you…Theo, was it?” Theo nodded. “I’m looking forward to seeing your establishment. Probably drop by at some point this week. Guess I’ll see you as well, Jaxon.”
“No doubt about it. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” I tugged Theo’s hand. “Let’s get going.”
Without another word, we left George standing there and collected our coats.
The temperature had dropped and the wind had picked up, and our breaths puffed out smoky air.
I turned up my collar, wondering if the fireplace I’d spotted in Theo’s house worked.
It would be cozy to spend a freezing night in front of a warm blaze.
Where had that come from?
“W-we came in separate cars,” Theo stated as he reached into his wallet for his valet ticket. “How should we do this? I mean, we really don’t have to—”
“Theo.” I put my hand on his. “Let’s go to The Cutting Edge. We’ll have a nice dinner and talk.”
His brows arched high. “That’s expensive—”
“It’s all right,” I interrupted. “It’ll be our first official date, and we should make it a nice one.” I winked and handed our tickets to the valet. “After all, I’ll be hanging out at Sweeny’s the rest of the week.”
Our cars appeared, and I took a five-dollar bill from my wallet. “Meet you there, okay?”
Uncertain big green eyes met mine. “I don’t think—”
“But I do. Please, Theo. I’m starving.”
“All right,” he relented and tipped the valet before sliding behind the wheel of his sedan.
I drove away, still unsure whether or not he’d follow. When I reached the restaurant, I parked and entered to inquire about the availability of a table for two.
“Of course, Mr. Polaris.” The hostess picked up some menus. “It’s not busy tonight.”
“Great, thanks. I’m just going to check outside to see if my party’s arrived.” It wasn’t necessary, as the door opened and the chilly air ushered in a rosy-cheeked Theo. “Never mind. Here he is.”
He unzipped his parka, and the hostess led us to a circular banquette in the back of the large, dimly lit space.
“Would you like me to check your coats, gentlemen?”
“Yes, please.”
I took Theo’s jacket from him and handed her both garments. We sat facing each other, and Theo looked around the restaurant.
“I’ve never been here. It’s really nice.”
I was only a few years older, but he seemed so much younger and more innocent. All of a sudden, I wanted to know about the men he’d been with and if he’d ever given his heart away.
“Not even on a date?”
Theo’s smile was filled with raw pain. “My dates rarely go past a cup of coffee.” His lashes fluttered downward.
“Well,” I said lightly. “I’m glad to be your first.”
Our water glasses were filled, warm, crusty bread with butter was placed on the table, and menus were proffered. Theo was chewing on his lip, and I figured I should offer him some advice.
“I recommend the French onion soup and the rib eye.”
He scanned the menu, and from the slight widening of his eyes, I surmised he wasn’t used to the prices. My theory was strengthened when he shook his head.
“Just the soup is fine.”
“I invited you, so this dinner is my treat. Now, if you really only want the soup, okay, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re hungry and you skip the main course.
I know it’s expensive, but I want to show you how you deserve to be treated on a date.
Please. Have the steak.” I grinned, closing my menu. “Our next date can be at Sweeny’s.”
Theo sighed. “Has anyone ever told you you’re persistent?”
“Occasionally.” I gave him my most winning smile. The one I turned on for jurors.
“Fine. I’ll have the steak.”
The server approached, and I ordered us each the soup, the rib eye, and a plate of french fries to share.
“I’ll have a club soda as well. Do you want something to drink, Theo?”
“Iced tea, please.”
Once we were alone, I reached for the bread and tore a piece in half before I asked him the same question again.
“Why did you do it?”
“Do what?” Theo repeated my action and took a bite.
“Tell George we were dating. Why did you change your mind?”
He gazed at his hands clasped in front of him on the table.
“I’m not sure I have.”