Vince scratches Bones behind, making his entire rear end wiggle. “He’s just saying hi.”
“No, he’s declaring allegiance. I’m being overthrown. Georgie better watch it. She’ll lose her dog to you too.”
Bones huffs, which I swear is deliberate. Vince actually smiles, leaning forward to hug the beast. His whole damn face lights up as Bones nuzzles him. “I like you.”
“Yeah, well. He clearly likes you, too.”
Vince must hear something in my voice because he glances over at me, the corner of his lips hitched into a crooked smile. It’s amazing to see this side of him. For over a year, all I’ve known is the stoic, quiet bouncer at the bar. He’d barely spoken more than a dozen words to me. Barely cracked a smile. But these last few weeks, as we’ve stayed up late talking, he’s let his guard down enough that I can see past the armor.
And I have to say, I really like it. Vince is far more beautiful than I ever realized.
I wish he’d let the world see it.
Vince picks up his empty wineglass and pushes off the couch. Bones instantly follows him.
He washes the glass in the sink and sets it on the drying rack, then offers to wash mine. I lean against the counter, trying not to watch the way his forearms flex under the water.
“Tell me about your day,” he says. “You got home earlier than I expected.”
I cross my arms and try to focus. “Yeah, we wrapped up the structural part of the Skyview Plaza project today, so I sent everyone home to refresh. Tomorrow we start the flooring, which… sucks. That’s everyone’s least favorite part. Oh, and Declan called.”
Vince’s brow lifts. “Yeah?”
“He’s going through with the bathroom remodel at the bar.”
Vince seems pleased. “I’m not surprised. He’s been talking about it for weeks. And he knows you’ll do a great job.”
His compliment warms me.
“It means I’ll be at the bar a lot more, since we’re starting next week.”
Vince’s shoulders tighten. “That soon?”
“Yeah.” I frown. “Is that a problem?”
“No, of course not. I just…” He hesitates before saying, “I haven’t told anyone I’m staying here yet, so if they see us talking, it might look weird.”
I hear what he’s really saying: he hasn’t told anyonewhyhe’s staying here.
I shrug. “I figured. It’s fine.”
When he doesn’t relax, I circle the counter to touch his arm. “It’s not my truth to tell, Vince. When you want them to know about your illness, you’ll tell them. Until then, we’re just two guys getting to know each other.”
Vince steadies instantly.
Bones bumps into me. His attention drifts to the door and back, eyes pleading.
“Oh, you want a W-A-L-K, don’t you?” I say, scratching his side.
Vince chuckles. “Mind if I join you?”
I smile instantly. “Not at all.”
After clipping Bones’ harness on, we head outside. The dog walks ten paces ahead, steady and calm. The night air is cool and crisp, and carries the scent of pine from the trees at the back of the neighborhood.
Vince walks beside me, hands tucked into the pocket of his hoodie. His shoulders are loose, steps easy. “Feels good tonight.”
“Yeah. It’s nice to get out of the house after a day like this.”
