“I would love that. But, if you’re busy, it can wait. I know you guys are trying to get as much work as you can. We can always go out when things aren’t so crazy—”

“If things go the way I hope they will, business will always be busy and crazy.” Evan rose from his seat and threw away his empty cup. He sauntered over to where I sat and leaned over, one hand on my chair and one on the table—completely closing me in.

He pressed a soft kiss right below my ear and whispered, “I’ve waited for this date since I was fifteen years old, and I’m not waiting anymore.” I stiffened as his wet and warm lips lingered on my skin. My breath hitched, and I was sure Evan noticed as he stood with a sweet and satisfied smile.

“See you Thursday, Daisy.” I watched him stroll out the door, too tongue-tied to say anything in reply. Sweet, butter-doesn’t-melt-in-his-mouth Evan was hot as hell, and had a little alpha streak.

I had a lot to learn about nice boys, and couldn’t wait for Evan to teach me.

I didn’t have to deliver the printouts for the new sign for another week, but I needed an excuse to come back and speak to Jack alone. I didn’t like the way we ended things the last time we spoke, and after all the years of him taking care of me, it was time that I grew up and returned the favor.

I headed to his office early, but stopped to get donuts and coffee—my version of a peace offering—then steadied myself as I rang his office doorbell.

Jack answered the door with a smirk as he waved me inside.

“I don’t remember ordering breakfast.” He grabbed one of the donuts and coffee cups before strolling over to his desk.

I plopped into the chair fronting his desk and opened up my bag to take out the printouts of the sign.

“I think two and three look awesome in blue, but I could show you other options if you want. Plus, the blue would offset the red brick outside.” I handed Jack the papers and took a deep breath as I opened my coffee cup. Apologies between us didn’t come easily. My grandmother, rest her soul, used to laugh at how we were both ‘thick as shit’ when we fought as little kids. One of us would bring the other a cookie, and we would make up and move on. Twenty something years later, we did the exact same thing.

“Don’t go crazy. I think this is perfect. The early visit and breakfast really wasn’t neces—”

“Yes, Jack. It was.” I leaned back in the chair and raked one of my hands through my hair. More than apologizing to Jack, I needed to know what exactly was going on. I hated the fact he was sick, but it was a reality I couldn’t run from anymore.

“I never should have acted like that. You were always so against having a partner, and I know deciding to make Evan one is a big deal to you—and not something you wanted to do unless you had to. We always told each other everything, mostly anyway. I know it’s my fault that you kept me in the dark. I’m asking you to stop treating me with kid gloves and tell me the truth.”

He let out a long sigh as he gazed up at the ceiling, and then folded his arms as he lowered his eyes to meet mine.

“You’re sure about that?” He took a deep breath and reached for his coffee cup. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it for dear life.

“Yes. Is this drug really working?” Jack folded his hands and leaned forward.

“They pay me to take it. That alone should say something. The doctor is pleased with how I’ve tolerated it, and all the tests look good since he’s given it to me, but he has no real proof this will work. Everything can turn on a dime. I could sit and wallow and wait for it to get me, or I can keep going, make sure my family is taken care of, and try to get the most good out of my life until . . . until I can’t anymore.”

I nodded, but didn’t look away—even as the tears I swore I would hold in escaped from my eyes and streamed down my cheeks.

“I . . . I love you. You know that, right? I’ll do anything you need me to . . .”

“I love you too, you pain in the ass.” I chuckled as Jack got up from his desk and squatted next to my chair. “What I need is for you to just go on with life like I am. I could have a couple of years, or less, or more. I don’t know. I just don’t want my wake to start before it absolutely has to. You know Aunt Rose is always the first one at those things and she never leaves.” I smacked him on the arm and he nudged me in response.

“Today. That’s all any of us really have. Let’s just focus on that, okay?” He took both my hands in his and raised his eyebrows at me.

“Okay.” I gave him the biggest smile I could manage through my still falling tears. The possibility of losing Jack had been a looming black cloud over my head since he first shared his diagnosis. Not denying it anymore made me feel a calmness I didn’t expect.

Jack stood and made his way back to the chair behind his desk as I wiped the wetness off my face.

“So, now that we have that all settled, I hear you have a date tomorrow.” Jack bit into his donut and smirked at me.

“So you’re all right with that? Me, Evan—”

“Yes! I’m actually very okay with it. You need to date a guy that’s not a jerkoff. That poor bastard has had a crush on you for years.” Jack laughed as he shook his head.

I nodded at Jack. “He told me.”

“No shit? Really?” Jack’s face dropped mid-chew.

I nodded again as I reached for a donut. “He told me he noticed me for years and has been waiting for this date since he was fifteen.”

Jack chuckled and shook his head. “Yep, that sounds about right.”

“Why didn’t I ever see it? Am I that dense?”

“Yes, unfortunately,” Jack replied with his mouth full, still laughing at me.

I narrowed my eyes at him as I drank the rest of my coffee. The slam of the front door startled me. I forgot for a moment that this wasn’t only Jack’s office anymore.

“Mornin’ Jack. Hey, Paige! I didn’t know you were coming in today,” Evan gave me a big, heart-stopping smile as he strode to his desk. I had no idea how they both worked together in this tiny back office without being claustrophobic.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by and show you guys the printouts of the new sign.” I reached over to hand Evan the papers I already showed Jack.

“Hmm, this is really good. I like it in blue.” Evan only glanced at the designs for a moment. His eyes had been on me since he came into the room. I glanced over at Jack and he rolled his eyes at me as he tilted his head in Evan’s direction. My cousin was right as usual, I was absolutely fucking clueless.

“I’ll let you guys get back to your day.” I stood to grab my bag before heading out the door.

“Paige, wait. I’ll walk you out.” Evan shot up from his chair and jogged to where I was standing. Jack shook his hand at Evan’s back like he was cracking a whip. I sighed and shook my head.

“I can see you, asshole,” Evan growled at Jack without turning around, but he was trying to hold back a smile. I couldn’t help but laugh at both of them.

“Far be it from me to stand in the way of romance,” Jack placed his hands over his chest and mimed his thumping heart. “You kids have fun; just remember one of you needs to come back to go through the new tile samples.” After our talk, I enjoyed seeing the sarcastic jerk I grew up with was still very much there.

I shook my head and followed Evan out the office door to the storefront beyond.

“Looking forward to tomorrow night?” Evan asked as he turned and leaned against the door.

“Yes, absolutely.” He surprised me by taking my hand and pulling me close. I was speechless as he cradled my face in his hands. Every single hair on the back of my neck stood straight up. His fingers were rough, typical of a man who worked with his hands, but his gentle touch sent shivers up my spine.