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Jesse sighed.

Lake was really starting to see where Jesse’s frustration came from. “Technically he’s not. When he’s at the club, he’s here as an advisor, Dom, and safe person.”

Carter blinked at him. “Really?”

Jesse nodded as he rubbed Lake’s back. “Yes.”

“Could I get a double hug?” Carter asked.

“Absolutely!” Lake tackle-hugged Carter before he nodded to Jesse.

Thank you, Jesse mouthed to Lake.

Lake smiled in return, feeling as if he wasn’t just helping Carter but Jesse as well.

Lake was proud of Jesse when he wrapped his arms around the two of them, holding them tight. He didn’t speak or demand answers. Jesse just held them until Carter began to giggle.

Carter’s happiness was contagious, and it wasn’t long until Lake was laughing as well.

Lake was a firm believer in never ending a hug first, so he waited until Carter pulled away.

“That was the best hug I’ve ever had,” Carter stated with a grin. “Thanks, guys.”

“Anytime!” Lake replied.

“What he said,” Jesse joked.

“I better get ready for work,” Carter told them.

“Find me if you need anything else,” Jesse said. He turned to Lake. “I just came in to ask if you would mind trading break times with Callie. Her girlfriend’s coming in to meet her for dinner, if it’s okay.”

“Of course it’s okay.” Since Carter had gone to the other side of the room, Lake returned to his locker. Jesse stayed on his heels. “I never mind trading.”

“I didn’t think you’d have a problem with it,” Jesse said. “I overheard Callie and Mike talking, so I volunteered to ask you.”

Lake unlocked his locker and opened it up before removing his button-up.

“You look very beautiful tonight,” Jesse whispered. “Not that you don’t normally look good, but I love the eye makeup that you’ve been adding.”

Lake kept his head down but inside he was secretly pleased. He was getting better with the makeup and Dom was always there to help. “Thanks.”

“Anyway.” Jesse cleared his throat.

Lake glanced over his shoulder as he removed the button-up that hid his lace camisole he’d picked for the night.

Jesse was sitting on the bench with Zeb on his knee. Lake loved seeing Jesse with Zeb. Every night that Zeb had joined Lake on shift, Jesse had stopped by and greeted Zeb. It was silly but it meant more to Lake than he could ever say.

“What’s wrong?” Lake asked. Jesse wasn’t normally nervous around him.

Jesse looked up from where he was petting Zeb. “I was wondering since your break time is after my last conference call, if you’d join me for dinner? I could have it delivered to my office so you can eat and have time to relax.”

Before Lake could answer, Jesse kept talking.

“I know our date is for tomorrow, so if you would rather spend your break another way, please don’t feel obligated.”

“I don’t feel obligated.” Lake shuffled forward. “What do you think, Zeb? Dinner break with Jesse?” It felt so weird to use Jesse’s first name, but it was getting easier.

Jesse lifted Zeb up before making the stuffie nod.