when I look at this house, I do picture you and me living here…together.” He shrugged and looked down “Maybe not immediately, but someday.”
Fuck! “I can see it, too.” He should have told Jack then, but maybe he would react badly, and then this moment where he could have maybe met the man of his dreams and the life he dreamed of would all go to crap.
"I have nieces and nephews.” Jack smiled as they looked across the backyard, which was huge. “Maybe we could add a pool. The swing set is way in the back, and we could add some more playground stuff. It’s just waiting there for some kids to enjoy.
Eli moved in closer to Jack and snaked his hand around Jack’s neck. He pulled Jack to him, and they kissed. He let himself imagine living with Jack in this house. His son having two dads. Because Damon would always be first.
Even though this was a lifetime of dreams come true, Damon would always come first. And you won’t know if he could come first to Jack unless you’re honest with him. After all, honesty was the key, just like Jack had said before. Now, it was up to Eli to make sure he was being honest with both of them.
They were in the car on their way back to his shop, and they were both quiet when Jack said, “It’s only the first house we’ve even looked at. If the sale goes through, then we’ll find another. I’m not worried about it, and neither should you. Anyway, you said you wanted to discuss something with me. It seemed pretty important, and I know you have to get back to work, but maybe you could just tell me now. Nothing you say can scare me away.”
Eli studied Jack for a moment. He seemed caring and warm. Jack was nothing like Parker. Right? He hoped Jack wasn’t anything like his ex. He would have waited, but he figured if Jack were to show him his true colors, it was better now rather than later when Eli was already over the edge in love with him. Right now, he could still back away from the edge of the cliff.
“I think we’re good. It can wait.” Maybe Eli needed to stand on the edge of the cliff a little longer. “Maybe the next time we go out we can discuss it. It’s really not that big of a deal.”
Jack’s brows furrowed. “Are you sure? You know you can discuss anything with me, right? I promise you that I will listen and only listen. Share with me if you need to, it may be too soon to say this, but I think we can get through anything.”
“Why do you say it’s something we need to get through?” Eli asked, his voice raised a couple of notches.
Jack shrugged, pulling up in front of the bakery. “I was… it’s just a saying. I just mean if there’s something wrong, you can tell me. You can tell me anything. I just wanted you to know that.”
Eli nodded slowly. “And I get that, but let’s just discuss it later this week. Please! I promise you that there’s nothing to worry about. I’m just being silly.”
Jack nodded, his expression softening. “Alright then. Well, enjoy the rest of your day at work. Call me when you get home and tell me whatever it is when you’re ready.” Jack leaned in and kissed Eli. “Anytime.”
“I will. Thank you. I’ll talk to you later.” He got out of the car and headed back into work. Once inside, he saw that Jace was at the cash register ringing up a customer. When he was done, he looked up at Eli.
“So…did you tell him?” Jace asked.
Eli groaned and shook his head. He’d been so close to telling Jack the truth but immediately got cold feet. “I’ll tell him soon.”
Soon.
11
Jack
The next morning, Jack decided fuck it, no one was getting his house. So he sent a message to Bryan telling him he would pay the full amount for the house, no mortgage, and he would throw in extra for the playroom furniture. He figured the inheritance that had been collecting interest could finally be put to use.
But it didn’t take away the heavy feeling inside him. He didn’t like the way they left things the previous day at the bakery. He considered texting Eli that night to make sure everything was okay but decided against it. Jack didn’t want to pry and be