Chapter Three #6
Angel was waiting just beyond the door, happily bouncing around. Henry retrieved her leash, and as soon as it was clipped on, she trotted right over to Jackson, begging for attention. “Told you she wouldn’t mind.” Henry laughed.
“She is a very friendly little girl.” Jackson had given in and was patting her head while she snuggled against his leg.
“She doesn’t usually warm up to people this quickly. It took almost six months to get her comfortable with my friends. It’s only been a couple of months since she decided my brothers were okay. You must be special.” Henry winked then instructed Angel to walk.
“This was fun Henry,” Jackson told him.
“Yeah, I had a great time too.”
“I haven’t been out to dinner with a guy in forever.”
“Why not?”
“Because dating is stupid.”
“Valid.” Henry laughed. “What was your worst date?” he asked.
“Let’s see.” Jackson took his hand as he seemed to ponder the question. After a few moments, he nodded. “Got it. It had to be the time I took this guy out and his wife showed up at the restaurant.”
“His wife? You’re kidding.”
“I wish I was.” Jackson shook his head. “She caused a huge scene. You have no idea how embarrassing that was.”
Henry squeezed Jackson’s hand. “Well, I promise I’m not married.” He laughed hardily.
Jackson smiled at him. “This definitely would not be anywhere near my list of bad dates.”
Henry felt his heart speed up. “Was this a date?”
Jackson looked over at him, their eyes locked. “Yeah,” he said in a husky whisper.
“Just checking,” Henry said softly, unable to stop the smile on his face. Why does that make me so happy? Why was Jackson making him rethink everything he thought he wanted in life?
They had completed their walk and were standing in front of Henry’s house. “What time should I be ready tomorrow?” Jackson asked.
“I leave at six thirty.”
Jackson lightly kissed his lips. “See you then.” With that, he walked off toward his own house.
Working with Henry had been fun. He really liked watching Henry in his element. The man was incredibly talented, and he had a manner that put his clients at ease. It didn’t take him long to have them smiling or laughing along. It was just after six when they pulled up to Henry’s office.
“What do we need to do?” Jackson asked as they walked through the door.
“Unloading then a little paperwork,” Henry answered.
“What if I put everything away while you do the office stuff?” Jackson suggested.
“That would be great. We can grab dinner as soon as we’re done.”
Jackson went back out to the SUV, taking out a couple of totes, and the leftover paint they’d been using.
He took it all to the storage Henry had shown him earlier.
He put the paint on a small table near the back wall, next to a shelving unit of other cans.
He was impressed with the area. It was so well organized that he had no problems putting away the contents of the totes.
When he was done, he went to find Henry.
On his way to the man’s office, he passed a door marked supplies.
An incredible idea popped into his head, so he cracked the door open to check if the room would suit his needs.
It definitely would. Continuing on his way, he found Henry at his desk, typing with impressive speed.
He quietly walked in, taking a seat across from him.
“Almost done,” Henry told him.
“No rush,” Jackson said. As he watched, he saw that Henry lightly nibbled his bottom lip when he was concentrating.
So fucking adorable. The attraction had been almost instantaneous.
Part of Jackson was hoping Henry would be an asshole, and this inconvenient crush on the cute guy next door would end.
The other part hoped he was as sweet as he seemed.
Jackson had seen him patient as a saint with his dog and the kids down the street.
He’d also seen him helping his elderly neighbor with her groceries and lawn.
Not to mention that the man was hot as shit, in bed and out.
“All done,” Henry announced, interrupting his thoughts.
“Great.” Jackson threw on his most seductive smile.
“There’s something I want you to show me.
” He took Henry’s hand then pulled him along to the supply room.
Henry looked quizzically at him when he opened the door.
“Show me what you would have done in that closet with Bender,” Jackson whispered with a raised eyebrow.
Henry’s eyes sparkled as he drew Jackson into the small room.
He pushed Jackson against a shelf, giving him a wicked grin before raising up on his tiptoes to press their lips together.
Jackson wrapped his arms around Henry, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss.
“Damn,” Henry said breathlessly when he pulled away.
He looked up at him with a sexy grin. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I would much rather be in a closet with you any day. ”
Jackson chuckled then lightly kissed his lips. “Let’s get takeout, go back to your place, and watch The Breakfast Club.” He ran his finger along Henry’s bottom lip. “Then we can make out on your couch like teenagers.”