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Lake was beyond thrilled that Jesse appeared to be more like their friends. Jesse was totally embracing Zeb as the pretty princess he was!

“Look at your brush!” Lake said, showing Zeb.

Zeb liked the brush.

Lake set the brush down beside Zeb as he spotted another couple heading down the hall toward him.

The club was located in a section of the casino that could only be accessed with a code. It kept the space around them safe. The setup was well thought out and Lake appreciated that Jesse had taken extra steps to make sure they were all comfortable.

* * * * *

Jesse

He checked his phone for the third time in as many minutes. Dinner should be delivered at any moment and Lake wouldn’t be too far behind. Looking around his office, Jesse wondered what Lake would think about the space where Jesse spent most of his time.

Having his office located on one of the top floors of his casino just made sense logistically. Jesse didn’t want to spend hours in a car trying to get around town when traffic this close to the Las Vegas strip was always hectic.

Jesse lived in the top floor penthouse, had his office a few floors below that, and even ate most of his meals from one of the many restaurants they housed. He walked over to his desk where the plans for the newest restaurant lay.

His casino already hosted the highest-rated steak house, Italian restaurant, bistro, and coffee house. What had been missing? A special place for people who wanted a fresher and healthier option. A vegan restaurant that would be perfect for Lake.

Was he opening a restaurant all because of one man? Yes, yes, he was. However, Lake’s preferences had just shown Jesse there was a lack of options in town. That was just smart business, and Jesse was a fucking genius at business.

He jumped then hurried for the door when he heard the knock.

Jesse swung open the door and smiled at the young lady bringing up dinner. “Thank you, Christy.”

“My pleasure, sir.” Christy pushed the cart inside. “Would you like me to set this up at your desk or on the table?”

“I can do it.” Jesse wanted everything perfect for Lake. It was technically their first date after all.

“Are you sure, sir? I don’t mind,” Christy replied.

“I appreciate it, but I’ve got it from here.” He passed her a hefty tip before walking her to the door.

“Thanks!” Christy strode away and Jesse turned back to the cart.

He’d already placed a peach tablecloth over the small table in the corner that he hardly used. Most of the time Jesse ate sitting at his desk while working. Bad habit, yes, but Jesse was determined to turn his life around. After some serious conversations with his friends and brother, Jesse was ready to make the changes necessary for getting what he wanted most out of life. A partner to share everything with.

Jesse had been paying close attention to Lake for months now.

He loved seeing Lake in the lacy peach bodysuit that he’d worn a few times. The soft color stood out against Lake’s dark tanned skin. The softness also fit Lake’s kind nature. Jesse wanted to cradle Lake in his arms and make sure no one ever hurt him again.

And Lake had been hurt.

Jesse was around their mutual friend group enough to hear some whispered conversations about Lake’s family. Jesse never pushed for more information although it killed him not to. Jesse hoped that someday Lake would trust him enough to share his story.

In the meantime, Jesse would show Lake that he was serious about the two of him.

It had been eye-opening when Jesse had been called out by his friends and brother. Jesse complained about being alone but no one in his support group had given him the sympathy that Jesse had thought he deserved. Instead, Jesse was forced to face the fact that he was the one to blame. Or that his need for more was the culprit.

Jesse hadn’t liked that revelation and even taken off a few weeks to spend with his brother, who Jesse had expected to understand. Jacob had agreed with his friends. There had been some hard talking between him and his twin, but Jacob had never been scared to tell Jesse the truth.

Returning home, Jesse had vowed to change.

He thought it would be easier.

His businesses were important, but they couldn’t be the most important thing in his life any longer. Not if Jesse wanted the boy that had caught his attention so long ago.