Chapter Eight #2
She blew her nose. “I want to play this one.” They continued the current game then played two more. “I’m getting tired, Henry.” Piper yawned.
“I’ll grab some stuff, and you can lie on the couch.” When Piper nodded, Henry went to his linen closet for a pillow and blanket. She was sitting on the couch when he returned. He handed her the pillow, and she lay down. Henry covered her up.
“I had fun today, Henry.” She smiled at him.
“So did I, sweetheart.” Henry patted her head, and she closed her eyes.
It was three in the morning when Jackson drove himself and Melissa back to his house.
It had been a really long day, but thankfully his mother was stable and would be okay.
Neither he nor his sister felt the need to talk.
They pulled into his driveway, walking over to Henry’s when they got out.
He had been texting Henry all night. His encouragement and concern helped him keep calm all day.
He knew he was headed for a huge adrenaline drop and hoped that Henry would be willing to hold him through it.
He knocked, and Henry answered seconds later.
“How are you guys doing?” he asked.
“Relieved.” Melissa blew out a breath.
“Piper is on the couch.” He led them over to her.
“Piper.” Melissa gently shook her.
“Hi, Mom,” Piper said sleepily when she’d opened her eyes.
“Let’s get you home, baby.” Melissa helped her daughter stand. “Say goodbye to Henry.” Piper did.
“I’ll walk you out,” Jackson told his sister before whispering to Henry. “Can I come back?”
“Of course,” Henry told him. Jackson kissed his cheek then walked his sister to her car.
“Henry was super nice all day. I like him a lot,” Piper told him as he put her into the car.
“So do I, Ladybug.” He kissed her head. “I’ll see you soon.” He shut her door then walked around to the driver’s side.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Melissa kissed his cheek then got into the car. He watched as she backed out then drove down the street.
Jackson went back to Henry’s, opening the door without knocking and locking it behind him.
Henry was standing by the kitchen island.
He went over to the man, taking his hand to pull him over to the couch.
Jackson sat, pulling Henry into his lap.
He put his head on Henry’s shoulder and let out a heavy sigh.
Henry wrapped him tightly in his arms, just holding him for a while.
One of Henry’s hands moved up to caress the back of his neck.
“Damn that feels good.” He raised his head, pressing his lips to Henry’s.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you today. ”
Henry traced Jackson’s bottom lip. “It’s never a problem.” He yawned.
“I guess I should let you get to bed.” But Jackson couldn’t make himself let go.
“Yeah, it’s really late.” Henry stood up. The loss of Henry’s warmth caused disappointment to course through him. He looked up at the man. He was smiling and holding out his hand. “Do you want to join me?”
“Yes,” Jackson said immediately. He wanted nothing more than to sleep next to him.
He followed Henry to his bedroom where he watched the man strip out of his clothes.
Fuck, he’s gorgeous. He pulled his own T-shirt over his head with very little thought then quickly shed the rest. Henry pulled the covers back so they could both climb in.
Jackson arranged them so that Henry’s head was on his chest. Henry put his arm across Jackson’s waist. He ran his fingers up and down the man’s bare back.
“Thank you, baby.” Henry looked up at him with a smile.
He leaned down to gently kiss him, but Henry turned up the heat. “Henry,” he whispered.
“Are you ready to go to sleep? Or…” He trailed off. The look in Henry’s eyes caused his groin to tighten.
“Or.” Jackson kissed him again.
“Come on, Owens, three more. Let’s go,” Second Lieutenant Martin Schwoz encouraged.
Jackson dug deep, pushing the two hundred twenty-five-pound laden bar up and down while the other man counted.
“Eight, nine, ten.” Schwoz helped him rack the weights.
“Great job, Major.” Jackson sat up, reaching for his sweat towel to wipe his forehead. “How do you feel?”
“I feel good, man.” Jackson stood and rolled his shoulders.
“Pain level?”
Jackson moved his arm in a variety of ways and angles before smiling. “Zero.”
“Excellent.” Schwoz picked up his chart, made a few notes.
“I have some amazing news for you, Major. I’m clearing you to return to duty.
I know Lieutenant Zene has made the same recommendation.
” Schwoz lightly slapped him on the back.
“You’ll be back by the end of the month.
” Schwoz walked away with his chart, leaving him to get dressed.
He should be elated, but he wasn’t. Instead, he was sick to his stomach.
He felt like he couldn’t breathe and his heart was racing.
His hands trembled slightly as he buttoned his shirt.
This was it. The thing he knew was coming, but lately he had been wishing never would.
He was leaving. Henry. Henry was all he could think about.
He made it out of the office and to his Jeep.
Henry. His breaths came out in huffs and he felt a little dizzy.
He was going to leave Henry. “Fuck!” He did not want to do that.
What would it be like not to have Henry’s warm, comforting presence by his side?
To not be able to see that dazzling smile that never failed to brighten his day.
To never hold or kiss him again. To be hunkered down in a desert somewhere as bittersweet memories of the man played in his head.
What the fuck was he supposed to do? How was he supposed to look into Henry’s big blue eyes and tell him that he was leaving?
What if the worst possible thing happened; what if he made Henry cry?
Just the thought of Henry in tears tore at his soul.
What if this broke Henry’s heart? He knew their relationship was way deeper than the fling they had agreed on.
He was way more attached to Henry than he thought he was capable of. And now it was all going to be over.
Feeling as if his heart was being ripped out, he texted Henry. Can you have dinner with me tonight?
What are you making me? Henry sent back with a smiley face.
Anything you want, Jackson promised. That was the least he could do before hurting him.
I would do anything for that roasted chicken and potatoes. And I do mean anything.
Fuck, his stomach was in knots. Just being you is enough, baby. See you soon.
Jackson checked the clock for what seemed like the hundredth time. Henry was over an hour late. He probably just got caught up with a client. He picked up his phone, sending him a text. Is everything okay?
Please come to my office.
On my way. Jackson grabbed his keys, jumped into his Jeep, and sped all the way to Henry’s office.
When he got there, the doors were locked, and all the lights were off.
He pulled out his phone, but Henry appeared before he could call him.
The click of the lock echoed through the almost-silent night.
Henry pulled him inside and quickly locked the door again.
Before Jackson could speak, Henry buried his face in his chest, sobbing hard.
He immediately wrapped his arms around the man.
And damn if he hadn’t been right. Henry’s tears were tearing at his soul.
“What happened?” The question only made Henry cry harder.
“Where’s your office?” Henry pointed at a door off to the left.
Jackson took his hand, pulling him along toward the room.
Glass crunching under his feet caused him to pause.
The office window was broken. He opened the door then turned on the lights.
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Henry’s office was wrecked.
Papers and files littered the desk and floor, the computer was on its side, his chair was missing its wheels, and a lamp shattered into pieces.
He whirled around to face Henry and froze, not even breathing.
Henry’s hair was mussed, the right side of his face was red and swollen, his lip was busted, and his shirt was torn.
“Henry,” Jackson whispered, gently caressing his cheek before pulling him back into his arms. “What happened?”
Henry sniffed a few times then let out a slow breath. “I told Keith no.”
“Keith did this to you?” Jackson’s jaw clenched, and rage filled him. Henry nodded, tears falling again. “Tell me what happened.” He had to work hard to keep his voice calm and gentle.
“My dad is really coming down on him because of what happened at dinner. So, it’s my fault that his life is uncomfortable now. I’m supposed to tell Dad that I gave him a high-paying job and am going to let him stay at the house. I refused.” Henry took a shaky breath. “He got so mad.”
“How badly did he hurt you?” Henry hugged him tighter. Jackson could feel his body shaking. “I’ve got you, baby.”
“He started breaking things. When I tried to stop him, he backhanded me so hard that I almost fell. He grabbed my shirt and screamed at me.” Henry shook harder, so Jackson held him tighter.
“He punched me in the face then threw me against the door. He put his hands around my neck. I thought he was going to kill me.” Henry broke down again.
“I’ve got you.” Jackson gently rubbed circles on his back with one hand while he caressed his neck with the other. “Do you want to sit in the Jeep while we wait for the police?”
“I can’t call the police, Jackson.” Henry shook his head. “It would ruin my entire family. Just take me home. please.”