Page 16 of Unwrapped
Chapter Seven
Adam
Adam settled back against Jack’s chest and relaxed as the conversation flowed around them.He and Jack had been invited over for dinner at Ronan and Caleb’s after the couple learned they had gotten back together.Because of all of their busy schedules, this was the first time during the holidays the group could since the disastrous charity event.
Well, for Adam anyway.
With great food courtesy of Caleb and wonderful company in their friends, Jack and Adam found themselves having a great time.Adam felt guilty that he’d been so wrapped up with Jack and their relationship that he’d neglected his friends over the past couple of months, but enjoyed catching up.
When Adam had arrived at the party, something about Ryan and Max alerted him that something was off between the two.When Max had moved in around the time of Ryan’s divorce, he’d noticed his friend had moved on past his bad marriage and amicable divorce in quick succession.He believed it was all due to Max’s influence.Max had attended dinners and even Ronan and Caleb’s wedding and he’d integrated into their group with ease.Ryan and Max had been inseparable, even though neither of them realized their friendship bordered on more.
Max was a popular personal trainer and he was speaking to Dylan’s new fiancee, Jessica, across the room and it gave Adam an opportunity to grill Ryan on why they were avoiding each other.
“How are you, Ryan?”Adam noticed it took a minute for Ryan to pull his eyes away from Max.When Adam glanced at Max, although he spoke to Jessica, his gaze never wavered from Ryan.
Ryan sighed.“Erica found out that I had a roommate and dropped by one afternoon when I was at work.”
“Why?”
“I have no idea.When I walked in, Max was trying to put distance between them and when he spotted me, he darted behind me.She had the nerve to flirt with him and I’m sure it was more awkward for Max knowing she was my ex.I asked her to leave and not come back, but you know Erica.She’s going to make herself a nuisance.After, Max started to keep to himself.”
Adam held his breath.“I have a feeling there’s more.”
“A couple of weeks after, I missed hanging out with Max, who had started to go out more and asked him to hang.We watched a couple of movies and got a little drunk.I was stupid enough to tell Max that I started to have feelings for him.In retrospect, with my ex-wife flirting with him and then me needing liquid courage to tell him how I felt wasn’t the best idea.”
“It went that badly?”
“He said he wanted to be friends and offered to move out if I found it weird.I barely managed to talk him into staying, and in return, I promised to stay out of his way.I think I can move past my feelings for him, but I miss our friendship.”
Adam understood exactly how he felt.Although Ryan had never had an interest in men before Max, it was obvious to Adam that he truly fell for Max in the time they’d known each other.
“Why don’t you go and talk to him?Work at his pace.If friendship is all he can offer now, be his friend.But he could be scared because although he identifies as bisexual, he’s only dated women.Also, I don’t want you to get your hopes up or rush him into anything, but he hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night.”Jack said as he wrapped his arms around Adam’s waist and pulled him closer.
Adam nodded in agreement.He had also seen the way Max watched Ryan since they were introduced and he understood the look on Max’s face whenever he looked at Ryan.It was the same look he probably had whenever he looked at Jack before their relationship.
Jack kissed the top of his head and Ryan smiled.“I’m glad you guys worked it out.You’re good for each other.”
Ryan got up and walked toward the kitchen, disappearing from view.Adam settled against Jack and they both watched as a few minutes later, Max followed.Adam knew that somehow, they would be fine.
Hawk and Garrett came in from the kitchen and took seats next to Jack and Adam.When Adam noticed the teasing look on Hawk’s face, he decided to bypass whatever the ginger had planned for him.Earlier, Hawk had gone on a fact binge, quoting statistics about marriage and the rate of divorce, how cheating is prevalent among all married couples, gay or straight, and on and on.It didn’t bother him, but Jack took offense because their relationship was still new, two weeks since they’d gotten back together, and he still felt guilty.
Knowing how much Hawk hated knowing the details of Adam’s job, he pulled out his phone.“Hey Hawk, do you want to see the stomach contents of an eighty-five-year-old who wasn’t discovered dead until several days after her passing.They’re really interesting, but we were trying to determine if it was corn or hominy.”
Hawk blanched, turning as white as a sheet, and quickly walked away.Garrett laughed and moved closer to them on the couch.But when Garrett noticed Jack tightening his hold on Adam, he sobered and glared at Jack.
“I know I fucked up.I’ve been seeing a therapist and we’re working on my issues.”
Garrett nodded and his expression lost some of its intensity.“When I left the service, I need to see one for a couple years.It took me a while to open up, but once I did, it helped.I still contact him from time to time if I need to talk.”
Jack nodded and Adam smiled when he loosened his hold.“I was scared the therapist would blame everything on me, even though I know it was my fault I hurt Adam and I drove him away.I started to understand why I made the decisions I had.Adam has helped me a great deal since we got back together.”
Ronan clapped Jack on his back and smiled.“I’m happy for you two.And that you finally pulled your head out of your ass.”
Adam laughed when Caleb smacked Ronan’s arm, and Caleb squealed when he was pulled to sit on his husband’s lap.
“No, I deserved it, Caleb.But yes, I did, Ronan.Thanks for the friendly advice.”
Ronan laughed and the conversation started on what everyone planned for Christmas and Caleb wondered if they could get together the day after for dinner.They all agreed, but this time, Adam and Jack offered to cater the dinner at their place.
