“Likely saved my life,” I finish for him. “Or at least stopped me from becoming infected.”
“Holy shit,” he breathes. “Thank god you made that decision.”
“Aye. And that was all him. He insisted on it. I would have ditched the condoms a few years after we were exclusive. We fought about it several times, actually. But it was an issue he would never budge on. He said he would never want to put me at risk.” I swallow hard.
“Oh, Martin,” Jesse whispers. “I’m so sorry you lost him too soon. He sounds like he was a special person.” I turn to look athim, and his eyes are shiny.God. This man is so sweet. He’s so full of goodness and empathy.
“That he was. Losing him was the worst thing I’ve ever had to live through, but even knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change anything. My time with him made me who I am.”
I pause, unsure if I should say the next thing that comes to mind.Ah, feck it.“You know, Jesse… You remind me of him in some ways. You’re both eternally optimistic, always looking for the good in people. You have the same ability to find joy in the little things, to be silly and have fun. It’s… nice.”
It’s Jesse’s turn to blink at me, and his Adam’s apple bobs in his throat as he swallows hard. “Thank you,” he whispers, his eyes soft. “I’m glad I can remind you of those happy times.”
Friday of the following week, I'm up earlier than normal, since I've a busy day planned. Jesse and I are meeting with a Realtor to check out a possible site for the shelter, but before that I've got several scheduled meetings. I'm not exactly at my best in the mornings, but I manage to make it to the kitchen before Jesse for once. I’m settling into my seat at the breakfast bar clutching my coffee mug like the lifeline it is, when Jesse strolls in, looking far too chipper for this ungodly hour.
“Top o’ the morning to ya, Marty,” he chirps. I grunt in response, not nearly caffeinated enough for his enthusiasm and his terrible attempt at an Irish accent.
“So,” he says, leaning against the counter, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I need you to pack an overnight bag before our meeting with the Realtor today. I'll swing by here to pick you up and we can head out there together.”
I blink owlishly at him, not understanding. “Come again?”
“An overnight bag,” he repeats, grinning like the cat that got the cream. “You know, clothes, toothbrush, clean undies.”
“And why, pray tell, would I need an overnight bag for a meeting with a Realtor?”
Jesse’s grin widens. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
I narrow my eyes at him, and he barks out a laugh that makes my heart flip in my chest.God, he’s adorable.
“Just trust me, okay?” His smile is wicked, and it’s stupidly endearing.
I try to tamp down the flutter of anticipation in my stomach. “Fine,” I grumble, unsuccessfully trying to sound as if I'm put out.
"Great," he grins. "I know we've both got busy mornings planned, but I'll be back here just after ten to pick you up."
I spend the rest of the morning curious as hell about what he’s got planned. It’s been years since anyone’s surprised me like this, and I’m looking forward to it so much it makes me feel a bit sad. While my lifestyle since losing Richard has certainly been heartache-free, I realize now that it’s been missing these little joyful moments. The kind you can only experience when you let someone get close. But before I go too far down that particular rabbit hole, I force myself to focus on gathering what I’ll need for tonight.
A few hours later, come back downstairs, bag in hand, to find Jesse waiting by the door, practically bouncing on his toes. “Ready?” he asks, eyes sparkling.
“As I’ll ever be,” I reply, unable to keep the smile off my face. “Lead on, mystery man.”
An hour later, we pull up to a dilapidated building that’s seen better days. Graffiti covers the walls, and weeds poke through cracks in the concrete. But there’s potential here. I can see it.
As we step out of the car, a young man approaches us with a million-dollar smile. “Mr. Greenwood? Mr. Benoit? I’m Cassidy, your Realtor.”
Christ on a bike.Cassidy looks like he stepped out of a fashion magazine—tall and lithe, with sun-kissed skin and perfectly tousled blond hair. His crisp white shirt and tailored slacks hug his body in all the right places, and his bright blue eyes sparkle with charm. He’s exactly my type. Normally, I'd be eyeing him for a night of fun. No strings, no complications, just pure physical pleasure. But strangely, there’s not even a flicker of interest from below my belt.
He extends his hand, and I shake it with a friendly smile. “Nice to meet you, Cassidy.”
“The pleasure’s all mine,” he purrs, his eyes roaming over me in a way that leaves little doubt about his interest.
I clear my throat, acutely aware of Jesse standing beside me. “So, shall we take a look?”
“Of course,” Cassidy says, flashing us another mega-watt smile. “Right this way, gentlemen.”
As Cassidy leads us through the building, I can’t help but notice the way he moves, all fluid grace and subtle invitation. Normally, a guy like this would have my full attention. I’d be plotting how to get him alone, maybe suggest grabbing a drink after the tour. But today? Nothing. Nada. Not even a whisper of interest.
Instead, my eyes keep drifting to Jesse. He’s examining the space with intense focus, that adorable little crease forming between his brows as he considers the potential of this run-down building. When he turns to Cassidy with a question about the property’s zoning, I’m struck by the warmth in his soulful brown eyes.
