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“I’m not at home often. It wouldn’t be fair on him, and besides, there’s so many dogs. If I take one home, I’ll end up taking them all.”

Another aww, Aaron was on a roll, but when he looked at Jett, all his confidence vanished. Jett saw through his bullshit as easily as he’d seen through Marlon’s.

Jett wasn’t smiling, and his eyes weren’t round and awed. They’d narrowed, and a dimple appeared at the top of his nose, still adorable, but annoyed.

“Anyway, part of the reason I can visit the shelters is because of Jett running my bar. I don’t have to worry; I know he’s got everything covered.”

Jett’s lips popped open, and Aaron continued.

“He’s the best barman in the country, I’d say the world, but then again, I’m biased. I trust him completely, know whatever he tries will be a success, and I’m so lucky to have him.”

“Hear, hear,” Mary-Sue said, raising a glass. Aaron did the same, then everyone of Marlon’s entourage, before finally Marlon himself, lifted his.

“To Jett,” Aaron said. “I’d be lost without him.”

Aaron didn’t break eye contact with Jett as he downed the rest of the cocktail. Jett’s eyes were bigger than Aaron had ever seen them, glassier, and Aaron swore he was standing taller. Aaron was pretty sure Jett was so affected by his words, he’d stopped breathing, but then he slumped, and broke eye contact. The reaction wasn’t good, and Aaron glanced at Mary-Sue for help.

She shrugged, eyeing Jett with a worried expression on her face.

Marlon turned his back to Aaron, and he preferred the sight of it to his face. It meant he’d won whatever game they’d been playing, but even so, the prize wasn’t his.

“What?” he mouthed at Jett.

Jett sighed, and craned his neck over the bar. It was difficult to have a private conversation surrounded by so many, but Jett rested his lips on Aaron’s ear as he spoke.

“Don’t tease me like that.”

He leaned back, a sad expression crumpling his face. Aaron gawped, and shook his head.

“I’m not.”

Jett went to turn away, but Aaron reached for his hand, and stopped him. “I swear I’m not. You’re amazing, what you’ve done, all you do, is amazing. This place is incredible because of you.”

Jett peeked a look at him. “You mean it?”

His uncertainty cut deep, and Aaron squeezed his hand tight, not to crush bones like with Marlon, but in pulses for reassurance.

“Yeah, I do, and I’m sorry I’ve not told you before. I should have.”

The smile came back, cautious at first, then full and bright, and Aaron hated himself for never complimenting Jett before. He’d denied himself that level of adoration for years. Jett radiated pure unfiltered happiness, and Aaron just wanted to bottle it up. The look made his insides turn to jelly, and his heart skip a giddy tune. He was a hardened criminal, but Jett could make him feel like a lovestruck teenager. He liked and hated the feeling in equal measures.

Mary-Sue patted the box. “So?”

Jett looked down at it, then laughed. “What awful outfit did you get me then?”

Before Aaron could speak, Marlon was there again. “What’s this?”

“I had a deal with Aaron. He’s fulfilled his side, and now it’s my turn. I’ve got to wear whatever’s in this box.”

Marlon lifted his eyebrow. “Oh really?”

“I’m hoping it’s not awful.”

“You could never look awful.”

Aaron beat back his temper and grinned at Marlon, a grin that was all fake, and told him to back the hell off.

“Come on,” Mary-Sue said. “I’ll help you get ready.”