24. Chapter 24
Mason
It’s Christmas Eve, and I have to make an appearance at the restaurant. I’ve invited Jinx and his family to dinner tonight, which is on me.
I’ve spent the last hour greeting people coming in, but now I have some work to do before I head back to the floor. My restaurant is flourishing tonight, everyone filling up on delicious food with their families before they have to cook all day tomorrow.
As I’m placing orders for some bottles of wine, there’s a knock on my office door.
“Come in.”
Maximus Rossi, my restaurant manager, steps in and sits in the chair across from my desk.
“What’s up, Max?”
He crosses his legs and taps his fingers on the chair’s armrests, appearing to be processing something with a frown on his face. That doesn’t bode well. When he does that, I know there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
“I’m not sure how to put this…”
“Then don’t. Just say it.”
He nods slowly. “I’ve been dealing with the issue, hoping it would go away, but it’s not.
” I sigh and wait him out, as much as I want to push.
He’s clearly being careful with his words.
“There’s a man, a frequent diner, Mr. Bush…
Well, he’s recently stopped coming in.” He runs a hand through his black curls.
“Mason, he’s been accusing you of some serious things. ”
My stomach dips painfully. I was wondering if running into Mr. Bush at the ski resort would bite me in the ass. I eventually pushed it aside and forgot about it when I never heard anything from him again. “I can imagine what he’s saying.”
His thick, dark brows rise. “So… you know?”
“Not until you just mentioned Mr. Bush.”
“Mason, he’s saying you’re grooming boys. He’s been posting shit online, showing pictures of you and a young man—who just happens to be here tonight. The pictures look innocuous enough, but he’s been harassing the staff and me. He’s been talking to anyone who will listen.”
I lean my head back on my leather chair and close my eyes. “Fuck…”
“I’ve known you for years. I hate to ask you this, but—”
“It’s not true, Max. What the fuck is wrong with him?”
My manager visibly relaxes. “I didn’t think it was true, but clearly you have something going on with that young man. Even if the picture looks innocent, it’s clear on your face what he means to you.”
Well, I may as well tell him the truth. “I’m in a relationship with him, but I didn’t fucking groom him for fuck’s sake.
It was a surprise to me, too, trust me. He’s a lot younger, but he’s a grown adult.
He’s not a child. I only met him two months ago.
He and his family own the Sugar-Sweet Ranch.
And I definitely worried his age would play a factor in how people see me. ”
“Who you date isn’t my business, but as a business owner, you know how much perception matters. It can make or break a business.”
I rest my elbows on my desk and comb my fingers through my hair.
“I know. Jinx needs me, though. He’s not going to do well if I sever things.
” I look up at Max and his concerned eyes.
He has every right to be worried. “You already know the basics about the other man I dated back in New York and how he died, but what you don’t know is that I was forced to make a choice.
A tragic choice. I swore to myself that if I dated again, I would never end things with someone I love because someone is fucking forcing my hand. I won’t do it again, Max.”
He leans forward and looks down at his hands.
“Look, you and I are friends, too. I respect you, and I love working here. It’s a wonderful restaurant you’ve created.
But this guy… Mr. Bush? He’s making traction.
Even if it’s not true, people are starting to believe him.
” He waves a hand at my door. “What you see out there is a busy restaurant. What I see is that, compared to last Christmas Eve, we’ve lost over fifty reservations. ”
Max pulls out his phone, swipes it open, and shows me a post from the Durango community page on Facebook.
“They’re talking about you. Some don’t believe it.
Some are smart and need proof before they react.
But you know how most people are on social media…
quick to judge and cancel. Everyone needs a reason to rage these days.
Mr. Bush has the potential to ruin us if he keeps gaining momentum. ”
I swallow deeply, but I don’t have any saliva.
Once again, I’m facing a crossroads that could end up hurting someone else.
I can’t fucking do that to Jinx. No way will I leave him over this just to save my own fucking skin.
At the same time, I have employees to think about.
It’s not only about Jinx and me. People could lose their jobs if I start hurting financially.
“I’ll post a message there to address the issue and hopefully calm people down.”
“That might help. I’ve done all I can on my end, but to them, I’m just a middleman set out to protect you, which is true.”
There’s another knock on my door.
“Christ, what now?” I grit.
Max stands and answers the door. Jinx is standing there with a smile, which instantly drops when he sees me.
“Max, this is Jinx, my partner. Jinx, this is Max, my manager.
“Pleasure, Mr. Jinx,” he says, reaching for his hand.
“Hey.”
Max gives me a nod and leaves my office, and Jinx takes his place in the chair. “Did I interrupt something? I stopped by because I haven’t seen you on the floor yet.”
I hold out my arms, reaching for him. He smiles, stands, and sits on my lap. Jinx should know the truth. No hiding anything from him if I want to maintain a healthy relationship.
“Yes, it’s only a rumor, but it’s concerning.”
“What rumor?”
“Do you remember Mr. Bush from the dinner at the lodge?”
Jinx stiffens and scowls. “Did that bastard stir shit up? Why now?”
“He’s trying to, saying shit on the Facebook community group.
Don’t worry. I’ve got some things in mind to calm it down, but I just wanted you to be aware of it; that’s all.
If anyone comes to you and says something, you and I are together.
I’m not hiding you. But they may grill you about me. I want you to be prepared.”
“What a fucking dick. What’s his obsession with us being together? Lots of people have age-gap relationships.”
I sigh and nod. “I know. Still, I understand their concern. They’re just worried about you. The last thing this little town needs is some predator.”
He growls at me and stands. “What the fuck? If anyone understands predators, it’s me!
I do! Not them, living in their little precious bubbles surrounded by happiness, who’ve probably never suffered a day in their fucking lives.
I know what it’s like!” he growls again, pacing.
“That’s it! I’m gonna say something, because this is bullshit!
” I reach for him, but he steps back. “No!”
“Jinx, take it easy. I know it’s upsetting, but don’t do anything rash. Let me handle this. Your new ranch is just starting to get off the ground. And I have my restaurant to deal with. We need to think with clear heads. Be professional. Please.”
“Don’t you dare tell me to take it easy! But…” His shoulders sag, and he sits back on my lap. “But I’ll listen to you.”
“Gee, thanks.” I chuckle and kiss his cheek.
He snorts a laugh and leans against me. “Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. I love your energy. But perhaps I should remove your bracelets. I don’t want people figuring it out.”
“Oh, hell no! Fuck ’em.”
“We’ll leave them on for now. Go back to your family. I’ll be up shortly to greet you all.” He stands, and when he reaches the door, I say, “See you tomorrow afternoon, too?”
His face finally lights up. “Yeah, I can’t wait.” As he’s leaving, he stops and turns to me, his eyes sad. “Give me a chance.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let me say something to the community. I think I can persuade them, but it’s gonna have to wait until after the wedding. Too much shit is going on, and I need to take my time and be careful with my words. I think it can wait until then. Please?”
I nod, relenting. “Very well.”
I pull the prime rib out of the oven and let it rest off to the side.
Everything else is ready for dinner and Jinx’s arrival.
It’s my first Christmas with someone since my parents died.
I didn’t even get a chance to celebrate the holiday with Jude.
We always did something together the next day so that I could spend it with my parents.
It’s been a lonely holiday until now. Hell, they’ve all been lonely.
My self-flagellation and guilt were the only things that kept most of the loneliness at bay.
Excitement courses through me in a pleasant rush when I hear the doorbell. I wipe my hands and head to the door, taking a deep, calming breath. As a Dom, I can’t act like an excited teen, for god’s sake.
Despite yesterday at work and worries about my business, my love for Jinx hasn’t wavered.
In fact, I plan to tell him how I feel tonight.
Still, the chance that I could lose my business because of my relationship settles painfully in my gut.
It mostly makes me angry. I’ve dedicated years and countless hours to growing my restaurants, having zero life outside of them until I chose to raise horses and then met my beautiful sub.
I open the door to a freezing Jinx, holding a couple of wrapped gifts, his nose bright red. It’s only 6°F out there, and the snow that’s still on the ground is frozen over.
“Merry Christmas,” I say, standing back so he can walk in.
“Merry Christmas.”
After I shut the door, I unwrap him, starting with his scarf, then removing his knit hat and gloves, and taking his coat. “You’re the best Christmas gift ever,” I say, putting his things in the front closet.
Jinx smiles, and pink dusts his already pink cheeks, smoothing his static, flyaway hair. “I’m not a present.”
“You are absolutely a gift, Jinx.”