Chapter 1
Martin
Four Months Later
Jesse’s waiting for me in baggage claim at the San Diego airport, looking tanned and relaxed in shorts and a T-shirt. He waves when he spots me, a grin lighting up his handsome face. My heart squeezes in my chest as I make my way to him, rolling my suitcase behind me. He looks much healthier and happier than he did the last time I saw him in person.
When he got in touch with me a few weeks after our night together to ask whether I would consider moving to California to help him build a similar shelter toThe Open Door, I jumped at the chance. But that was before I realized the impact that night had on me. I knew at the time it wasn't a regular hookup; our connection was unlike anything I’ve experienced since I lost my partner more than twenty years ago. But I didn't figure onbecoming borderline obsessed with him. It's been months now, and I've not been able to stop thinking about him. I'm concerned things are going to be awkward if I can't hide how much he's been occupying my mind.
I don’t do relationships. Ever. Losing Richard gutted me so badly that I swore off romantic love forever, and I’ve never once regretted that choice. This strange obsession is making me a bit nervous, to tell the truth. But I committed to the job, and it’s an amazing opportunity, so I can only hope things will settle down in my mind now that I’m here.
“You made it! Great to see you!” he exclaims, pulling me into a warm hug. I inhale his clean, citrusy scent, and my travel tension magically disappears.
“Good to see you too. Thanks for picking me up.”
“Of course. I’m so glad you’re here,” he says, smiling warmly.
As Jesse loads my suitcase into his SUV, I suck in a lungful of the warm air. Palm trees line the street leading out of the airport, and lights from the ships in the bay twinkle as we pass by. It’s late since the three-hour flight left after I finished my last official work day atThe Open Door.
“Welcome to sunny San Diego!” he declares as he merges his SUV onto the interstate. “I can’t wait to show you around.”
“Happy to be here,” I say, stifling a yawn. I’m used to moving a lot—it’s how I’ve avoided attachments, romantic or otherwise, since Richard died. I never stay in one place for more than a couple of years, and saying goodbye to friends in each city every time I leave is draining. Leaving Seattle today was no different. I truly loved my time working closely with Penn, but I'm looking forward to this latest fresh start.
Jesse offered me his spare room until I can get properly settled in the area. I accepted, gratefully, but I'm wondering if that might not have been the best choice, given that I can’t stopthinking about him. However, what’s done is done at this point, and he does seem genuinely excited to host me.
Half an hour later, he pulls up in front of a small but stylish home in an older neighborhood just a couple of blocks from the ocean. The surrounding houses are a mix of beautifully remodeled older homes and more modern places. Jesse lives in one of the newer-looking, infill-style homes, and it’s gorgeous, with huge picture windows and a crisp, white exterior.
“Welcome to my little slice of paradise.” He grins. “Moonlight Beach, one of my favorite spots in the entire world, is just down the hill.”
The distant sound of crashing waves and the salty tang in the air confirm the proximity to the shore as I get out of the car and follow him to the front door. Our hands brush as he hands me my suitcase, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm.Goddammit.My attraction to him clearly hasn’t dimmed at all in the last few months.
“Follow me. I’ll show you your room first,” he says, leading me up a set of stairs. “I hope this works for you.” His voice is warm as I take in the space—a good-sized bedroom furnished with a modern but comfortable-looking bed, dresser, and a small seating area with a flat-screen TV on the wall and a large, cozy chair and ottoman combination that looks perfect for curling up with a good book.
“It’s perfect. Thank you, Jesse.” I set my bag down and turn to face him, very aware of how close he's standing.
His eyes meet mine, a flicker of heat passing between us. His pupils dilate as he swallows hard before clearing his throat. “I know it’s late, but can I offer you anything to eat or drink?”
I glance at the clock, noting it’s almost midnight. “No, I’m great, thanks. I might have a quick shower to rinse off the airplane funk before crawling into bed though,” I say with a smile.
“Of course. Just make yourself at home.” He licks his lips. “If, um, there’s anything you need, or… whatever… I’m just down the hall.”
“I appreciate that. Thanks, Jesse.”
“Of course. Sleep well.” He lingers a moment longer, his gaze roaming over my face as if memorizing every detail. Then, with a soft smile, he turns and heads for his own room.
I close the door and lean against it, letting out a shaky breath.Sweet, suffering Jaysus.This is going to be even harder than I thought.
A few hours later, I wake to the tantalizing scent of bacon and coffee. For a moment, I’m disoriented, but then I remember—I’m in Jesse’s house in San Diego.
Pulling on a T-shirt, I follow my nose downstairs to find him standing barefoot in front of the stove. He’s wearing low-slung pajama bottoms and nothing else. The muscles in his back flex as he scrambles eggs in a large cast-iron pan, and my cock twitches in my own loose sleep pants. Quickly, I slide onto one of the barstools at the island, effectively concealing myself.Christ, I need to get a grip.
“Morning,” I mumble, my voice rough with sleep.
Jesse turns, a bright smile lighting up his face. “Hey there, sleepyhead. Hope you’re hungry.”
The kitchen is warm and inviting, filled with morning sunlight. It’s been years since anyone’s cooked for me like this. A wave of contentment washes over me.
“Starving,” I admit.
