Chapter 39

“If you believe me…” He poked Jack’s shoulder. “Why are you getting so bent out of shape about him then?”

“Because I know you, Tom,” he burst out. “You’ve had plenty of lovers…”

Tom looked surprised, which pissed Jack off. Did Tom think Jack was unaware of how he’d lived his life?

“…and they didn’t mean a thing to you. But a friend…” Jack risked another glance at him. “I’m sorry. You’ve never said much about your time in Florida, except to talk about your grandpa. I guess it…well, it’s thrown me.”

“You’re my lover, Jack, and my best friend.” Tom’s warm hand rested on Jack’s thigh, kneading the muscle. “You’re the only one who’s ever been both things to me, and that means a hell of a lot to me. Youmean a hell of a lot to me.”

“Thank you.” Those two words came out gruffly, and he cleared his throat. It meant a great deal to him, too, more than he thought Tom realized.

“Asshole. Now, if you’ve got that out of your system—You have got that out of your system, haven’t you?”