Page 24

“Oh!” Lake bounced. “I passed that place. It looks nice.”

“It’s very nice. I’m talking to the owners about opening a location inside the casino. I want to be able to offer more options for visitors when they come.”

Lake leaned closer, showing interest in the conversation. “Are they thinking about it? Really? That would be great!”

“They’re very intrigued and we’re in negotiations,” Jesse shared.

Lake was quiet for a few minutes. “It’s not just for visitors though.”

Jesse waited until he was stopped at a red light before speaking. He glanced over at his companion. “I happen to know a boy at work that would probably enjoy the restaurant as well.”

Lake bit his lip.

While Jesse would have loved to continue to watch him, the light turned green. “What are you thinking?”

Lake sighed. “You know you don’t have to buy a restaurant to show me you’re interested, right? I’m already on a date with you.”

Jesse chuckled. That might have been the most Dom thing that Lake had ever said to him. And not Dom as in Dominant but meaning their friend. “I’m not buying the restaurant,” he corrected. “I’m adding to the already highly sought after food and entertainment options that I already offer.”

Lake opened his mouth before quickly closing it.

“Although it was you that opened my eyes to the need for more food options. I hate to admit that I never thought how hard it was to find vegan food until I looked for it.”

“I can usually find something to eat anywhere as long as they let me make substitutions.”

“I bet that’s true, but it must be nice to be in an environment where you don’t have to worry about that,” Jesse pointed out.

“It is,” Lake agreed. “No one really cared whether I could eat somewhere or not. Before, you know.”

“I’m sorry about that.” Jesse reached over and grasped Lake’s hand.

“It’s no big deal,” Lake said with a shrug.

Jesse knew the boy wasn’t telling the complete truth. He pulled into the parking lot of the small restaurant, knowing that he needed to address one more thing that Lake said.

As expected, the restaurant wasn’t too busy this late in the afternoon and Jesse was able to find a parking spot easily. He left the vehicle running as he turned in his seat.

Lake was running the fingers of his free hand over Zeb’s back.

Jesse gave the fingers he held a squeeze. “I’m happy that you agreed to this date and acknowledge that I’m interested in you.”

Lake nodded. “The others…they told me, but I didn't believe them.” Lake huffed. “Or I didn’t want to believe them.”

“Can you tell me why?”

“I…” Lake stared hard out the front window. “I don’t know what I have to offer you. You have so much—”

This wasn’t the first time that Jesse had heard this concern. It hurt more hearing Lake say the words.

“Dang it!” Lake said suddenly.

Jesse realized he’d been getting lost in his own head again. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I promised Dom I wouldn’t do this!” Lake exclaimed.

“Do what?” Jesse was confused.

“Start doubting myself,” Lake explained. “I want to enjoy my date with you. You make me feel special and beautiful and…and normal.”