A Worthy Man

by Jaime Reese

  Drayton bit his lip to hide a smile. He missed Vann’s playfulness.

  Vann fought back a smile before encircling Drayton’s waist with his arms and whispering in his ear. “Thank you.”

  “What did I do?” Drayton pulled him close, inhaling a deep breath as he brushed his cheek against the side of Vann’s head.

  “What you always do. You make me forget about the crap around me. I’m sorry I screwed this up.”

  Drayton pressed a kiss to Vann’s temple. “You didn’t screw anything up. So stop it.”

  Vann pulled back from the embrace and sighed, taking a step back and breaking their physical connection. “Are you coming by tonight?”

  “Count on it.”

  Vann stared at him for a few seconds, watching him while a slow-building current buzzed between them.

  Drayton’s blood heated as it coursed through his veins, awakening the desire in his body with the heated stare, imagining how every inch of Vann’s body looked underneath his clothing and how it compared to the memory scorched into his mind.

  The spark was undeniable, the pull between them still strong.

  “Don’t be late.” A faint hint of a teasing smile ghosted over Vann’s features before he turned to walk toward Julian’s truck.

  Drayton swallowed heavily but firmly held his position as Vann settled into the passenger seat and clipped his seat belt in place. They held each other’s stare, neither wavering until Julian put the truck in gear and pulled out of the parking spot, breaking their connection.

  He closed his eyes and ducked his head, taking a few deep breaths to settle his pounding heart. He hated having their weekend stolen from them, but he had mastered the skill of patience over the last decade. Three weeks. He could handle that.

  Maybe.

  Drayton exited the elevator and strode down the hall, ignoring the curious glances as he passed some of his staff. No one ever spoke to him unless he initiated it, and conversation was usually limited to a “good morning” with those employees who started the day at the crack of dawn. He didn’t need to interact with people. If someone needed something from him, they’d usually filter their request through his attorney, assistant, public relations, or department heads.

  “Mia, in my office, please,” he said to his assistant as he walked past her desk and down the hallway to his office.

  He pushed open the doors and walked to his desk, withdrawing his wallet and keys from his pocket and tossing them in the top drawer. He settled into his desk chair just as his assistant entered.

  She sat in the chair opposite his desk and waited with her pen and notebook in hand.

  “I need you to get a list from Human Resources of available jobs and send them over to Matthew Doner at Halfway House.”

  “I believe Natalie already did that several weeks ago after we received the application approval.”

  “Then I need you to get the list of openings she sent over.”

  Mia nodded and smoothly rose from the seat. “I’ll be right back.” She returned to the office a few minutes later with a sheet in hand and a frown on her face.

  “What is it?”

  Mia slid into the seat again and shook her head.

  “Just say it.” One thing he respected about his assistant and the reason he trusted her with his day-to-day was her no-nonsense attitude and candor. Somehow, she seemed to anticipate what he needed to manage things in the office at precisely the right time…regardless of whether he knew it or not.

  “I don’t want to sound judgy.”

  Drayton covered his mouth with his hand, hoping to hide the smile he knew had sprouted on his face. “Go ahead, be…judgy.”

  She handed him the sheet with job postings. “I have a feeling she deliberately selected job listings we wouldn’t be able to fill with the program.”

  He scowled and took the sheet, scanning the listings. All executive-level positions or jobs in the development team where a background check was required. He set the sheet on his desk and pursed his lips. He steepled his hands and tapped his fingertips against his lips as he plotted his next step. “Here’s what I’d like you to do.”

  A grin slowly spread across Mia’s face. “You’re dangerous when you get that look in your eyes.”

  Drayton’s laughter echoed in his office. He rested his forearms on his desk and leaned forward. “I want Natalie to assemble a list of every job description we have in the company. If the position is filled, I want to know who is currently holding it and how long they’ve held that position.”

  Mia scribbled notes as a smile played on her lips. “Including Natalie’s position in HR?”

  Drayton chuckled. “Yes. And yours and mine as well.” He raised an eyebrow when she glanced up at him and narrowed her eyes.

  “You wouldn’t fire me.”

  “I wouldn’t. Because I know you always have my best interest in mind.” He chuckled when an almost flirty, sneaky smirk appeared in her expression. “Yes, even when you’re conspiring with the enemy.”

  “Taylor is not your enemy. He’s your friend and lawyer. He always has your best interest as well even if he merits a kick in the ass every now and then.”

  Drayton burst into laughter and shook his head.

  “It’s nice to hear you laugh so much.”

  His laugh slowly faded to a hint of a chuckle. He sighed and cocked his head, prompting Mia to continue.

  “It’s him, isn’t it?” She pointed the tip of her pen to the old framed photo on his shelf. The one of him and Vann at a race more than ten years ago. “He’s the reason for the work program and this list. The reason you’re doing everything in your power to leave at a semi-normal time at the end of the day.” She paused for a moment as her features softened. “And the reason you’re smiling more and laughing.”

  “Yes.”

  She rose from the chair. “I’ll tell Natalie you need this before the end of day. That’ll get her on this ASAP since she never leaves the office a second late, especially on Fridays. Will he be starting next week?”

  “Yes. Monday morning.”

  “Then I’ll have her prepare a welcome package as well.”

  “Thank you.”

  He checked his wristwatch as she closed the door on her way out. He had a few hours and more than a week’s worth of work to complete before he could escape.

  A stupid mistake had stolen their weekend from them. Vann wasn’t the only one feeling the loss. Vann was moving forward, had made progress at his job, the house, and with opening up, showing hints of the old Vann who hid deep within this new hard shell.

  Drayton squeezed his temples and shut his eyes, taking a few deep breaths to try to ease the tension in his body. With this setback, he wondered how far Vann would retreat into his protective shell.

  He reached for the weekly report from the design team to check on their progress, needing to distract himself from the ever-present man who was at the forefront of his mind.

  Vann peeked out the bathroom door and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. He had about an hour before Drayton showed up at the house tonight. He rubbed the towel in his wet hair, smiling at his quickening pulse at the mere thought of the man. He was surprised at how quickly a hint of a smile came considering how fucked up the day had been. He walked over to the bathroom sink and stood in front of the mirror. He twisted the towel on the counter and fisted his hands in the damp cotton.

  He closed his eyes and exhaled a deep, cleansing breath, hoping to settle the anger that had lingered since this afternoon, waiting to take hold of his body and mind. He’d lost their weekend together. And while he hadn’t done something to merit what had happened, there was nothing he could do to fix things or make them right.

  He pushed off his tense stance and grabbed the towel, hanging it on the rack to dry. He scowled as he glanced at his reflection, taking in the scar cutting through his eyebrow that served as a constant reminder of the night when he’d almost lost everything. A lost weekend was definitely an ea
sier hit to take than losing Drayton. Three more weeks of foreplay torture. He’d just have to deal with his blue balls turning a really nice shade of plum. He missed the way Drayton felt, the sounds he made, the way they always moved in sync. They might not have known much about what to do growing up, but they sure as shit figured it out along the way and explored new things.

  He shifted his junk in his underwear and groaned.

  This was far more foreplay than any sane man should endure. Luckily, Drayton was worth it.

  He walked into his room and dressed, then made his way downstairs. He slowed his steps, trying to make out the voices, stopping at the base of the stairwell when he recognized Bill’s voice coming from the kitchen.

  Vann took a deep breath and continued, never being one to back away from his commitments. He hadn’t had a chance to say “thank you” or “bye” after what had happened, and he hadn’t felt entirely comfortable leaving things the way they were with just the phone call to Cam earlier and a message to Lucy and Bill with a simple “I’m sorry” because they were out at the time he’d called.

  Bill, Matt, and Julian dug into several bags set on the dining room table, pulling out sandwiches and boxed salads while Ryan and Ben set out napkins and poured drinks.

  Julian grabbed the container of cookies before Bill stopped him. “Those are for the guys. Lucy sent you your own goodies,” Bill said, handing him a smaller bag.

  A huge grin spread across Julian’s face as he opened the bag and took a whiff of the contents. Bill chuckled, turning to face Vann when Julian did a chin-up gesture in his direction.

  “Hi,” Vann said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

  “Hi, yourself.” Bill sauntered over toward him, stopping and crossing his arms when he stood in front of him. “Lucy wanted to be here but her legs swelled up too much so she stayed home. She sends her love.”

  “Thanks.”

  “What happened today wasn’t your fault. I wanted to make sure you knew that.”

  Vann nodded. “I’m sorry I left you hanging, waiting on me for the supplies. I gave Julian the money and list.”

  Bill nodded, planting a hand on Vann’s shoulder. “You didn’t ‘leave me hanging,’ son. Julian told me you insisted he bring me the supplies. And he did. The lunchtime rush lasted a heck of a lot longer than usual so it all worked out.”

  Vann glanced up at Julian and snorted a chuckle when Matt snatched the bag of cookies from Julian’s hand.

  “You’ll ruin your dinner,” Matt said, re-sealing the bag.

  “It’s going to take a lot more than two cookies to ruin my appetite,” Julian said, with a mouth full of chocolate chip. He slowed his chewing. “One cookie. It’ll take more than one.”

  Matt shook his head as he walked away to stash the bag.

  Julian looked over to them and stilled, finally swallowing the mouthful of treats. There were definitely more than two being devoured.

  “Thanks,” Vann said to him. “For making sure Bill got his stuff. I didn’t realize you had gone back into the bodega to get them in time for lunch.”

  “I didn’t,” Julian said, wiping his mouth. “That fucker called the cops the second you walked in.” He shook his head and frowned. “I went to the grocery store instead.”

  Ryan and Ben each took a sandwich and sat while Matt and Julian set the rest of the table. “Aren’t you staying?” Vann asked Bill when he saw him grab his car keys.

  Bill shook his head. “I’m heading home to check on Lucy. I brought enough so you guys would have plenty of leftovers.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” Vann said. He waited until Bill said his goodbyes to the group then accompanied him down the hall and out the back door. Bill halted and abruptly turned as soon as he stepped onto the back porch, forcing Vann to stop mid-step to avoid running into him.

  “You’re a good kid.”

  Vann nodded once in acknowledgment, ducking his head to stare at his boot tip.

  “No, Shaw. I mean it. We only had you in the diner for two weeks, but during that time, I saw how you were with the customers and us.” He paused for a moment and hooked his hand on Vann’s shoulder. “And don’t let one customer who was an asshat stop you from reaching your potential. Nothing is ever perfect or flawless. You know that firsthand.”

  He nodded. No shit.

  “And you’re not going to get along with every person you meet. You’re good with people and you want to interact with them. Don’t deny yourself that because of your past. And don’t let one jerk stop you.”

  Vann chewed his lip, absorbing every word. He loved observing people, figuring out what motivated them to say and do things. But people usually avoided him. He hadn’t quite figured out yet if it was his somewhat harsh appearance or his overall demeanor that steered people away. Or maybe it was his past always shadowing him a bit too closely for his comfort.

  “You’re a smart kid. You’ll figure it out.”

  Vann glanced up. His laser focus pinned on Bill.

  “You are smart. And you’re strong.” Bill straightened and chuckled, poking Vann’s biceps. “And I’m not talking about this.”

  A small smile tugged at Vann’s lips.

  “I’m talking about this.” Bill tapped his own temple. “You’re resilient and tough. And most people wouldn’t be able to survive what you have.”

  Vann shoved his hands in his pockets, not able to utter a word. Aside from Drayton, no one had ever voiced so many positives about him. He sure as shit didn’t want it to stop.

  “Learn from your past and everything that happened. Use what you’ve learned to change things. You adapt quickly.” Bill leaned in closer, pinning Vann with an intense gaze. “I know you’re tough enough to handle anything that comes with it.”

  Vann lowered his brow, memorizing each of Bill’s words. He was sure as hell going to miss this old man and working with him every day. He might appear grumpy to most people, but he was a big teddy bear wrapped in a hissing cobra’s body. And every now and then, he’d get protective and paternal with Cam and preach words of wisdom. The same way he had with Vann just now.

  “Thank you,” Vann finally whispered through his tight throat.

  They both looked to the parking area when a car door slammed shut. A flutter in his chest awakened. Funny how that never seemed to go away whenever Drayton was near.

  “Please tell Lucy I said thank you.”

  Bill gave him one of his rare, lopsided grins. “Will do. You don’t work there anymore, but you can still stop by for lunch.”

  Vann nodded and smiled, fighting an odd burning in his eyes and tightness in his chest.

  “Hey,” Drayton said, walking up to them.

  “Don’t you let this guy put a cap on his potential,” Bill said to Drayton in a reprimanding tone.

  Drayton smiled proudly. “Trying not to. But he can be a little stubborn sometimes.”

  Bill laughed as he walked over to his small car. “Sometimes?” He gave them a knowing smile before closing his car door and driving away with a wave in the air.

  Vann quickly wrapped his arms around Drayton when he stepped onto the porch. He sighed, welcoming the comforting heat and strength as Drayton slid his arm around his back. “You’re here early.”

  “I wanted to beat traffic and go over these employment papers with Matt.”

  Vann separated from the embrace and pressed a quick kiss to Drayton’s lips. He pulled him by the hand into the house and worked his way to the kitchen. “We’ve got sandwiches. Come on.”

  “Hi, Drayton,” Matt greeted when they stepped into the kitchen, taking the manila envelope Drayton handed him. “Grab a sandwich and a seat.”

  They sat at the table, quietly eating their casual dinner as the other members of the household talked over each other. Vann remained pensive, processing everything from the day again—what had happened and what Bill had said. He glanced around the table, enjoying the teasing and jokes, and how Julian caught Ryan in a lie and feigned anger. He
didn’t yell, he didn’t hit, he didn’t send him to his room or toss him outside the house. Instead, he reached out and tousled his hair then told him he couldn’t have dessert afterward.

  Knowing Julian, he probably wasn’t punishing Ryan, but rewarding himself for coming up with a sneaky way to steal another cookie.

  He wondered if this was how family dinners played out in normal homes—a table overflowing with food options and enough laughter to fill the house.

  Drayton leaned over to him and whispered in his ear. “You okay?”

  Vann quickly nodded and was immediately rewarded with a kiss to his temple. He glanced up, and there was Ben, staring. Vann narrowed his eyes and clearly mouthed, “You’re staring,” then hid a smile when Ben’s cheeks reddened.

  Bill was right. Vann did want to interact with people. He just wished more people wanted to interact with him.

  ∞ ♥ ∞

  “Pick something else,” Drayton said, pinching the bridge of his nose.

  “No.”

  They were coming up on almost an hour now, sitting on the back porch bench, arguing about the job list and possible placement. Damn, he hated when Vann limited himself. Vann had enough with the world constantly kicking his ass. He didn’t need to compound things by doing it to himself.

  Drayton ran his fingers through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh.

  “I’m not taking someone’s job,” Vann said with a deep scowl.

  “You won’t.”

  “Are you telling me you’re going to pay two people to do the same job?”

  “Companies do that all the time.”

  “But you won’t. Your mind is always on efficiency and streamlining. Figuring out what works and breaking it down to put it back together again to make it work better. There’s no way in hell you’re going to have me believe you would have two people doing the same job.”

  Drayton quieted. Fuck. He sometimes hated how well Vann knew him. And how the hell did he know that was exactly why he didn’t think it made sense to employ entire departments of people doing the same tasks? He believed in team synergy to yield quality, not quantity. “I would set it up as a junior position. Think of it as ‘in training.’”