Page 7 of Hitting the Jackpot (Las Vegas Littles #4)

Jesse

He nervously wiped his palms on his pants before Jesse rang the doorbell. Jesse knew he didn’t need to be so formal and maybe the suit pants and white button-down shirt was too much, but the clothing was his armor.

If Jesse looked the part, then maybe he could forget the years of living in filth and dirt. Not having enough to eat. Sharing his bed with his twin, bugs, and other things he wanted to forget.

It was still a surprise to him sometimes when he reflected on the last twenty years.

When Jesse and his twin had bought the first house to remodel and flip for profit, it had been out of necessity.

Now Jesse couldn’t even remember half of the properties that he’d once owned.

That first house, he did remember that, and how it felt when he’d deposited the big check into his bank account.

“He’s here!” Jesse heard Dom shout from inside the house.

Jesse shook his head as he chuckled. Dom was a handful, but Remi ended up being the perfect partner and Daddy for the young man.

Jesse was used to staying in the background and watching those around him.

He’d gotten used to being alone, or he’d thought, until Dom had changed Jesse’s entire world.

Instead of being intimidated by Jesse or his money, Dom had treated Jesse just like he treated everyone else.

Jesse was more thankful for that than he could ever say.

The boy was a brat and Jesse probably didn’t help that he often found himself spoiling Dom and the entire friend group.

Without words he was trying to show them how grateful he was for their acceptance of who he truly was.

It wasn’t about the money for the boys. That comfort was rare in his world.

The door opened and Remi grinned at him. “Hey, man.”

“Afternoon,” Jesse said with a tilt of his head.

“Everything okay in here?” He was only halfway joking.

Lake could have changed his mind. Jesse wouldn’t blame them.

One fun, laughter-filled dinner didn’t mean that Jesse had won Lake over.

Lake still had reservations about them. Jesse could read it in his face.

“Everything is fine. Lake is almost ready.” Remi motioned Jesse inside. “I think Dom might be more excited than Lake.”

“Does Lake want to cancel?” Jesse asked and held his breath. He would respect Lake’s wishes.

“No,” Remi replied sharply. “Dom is just really excited. He’s been helping Lake get ready for over an hour and won’t let me in the room with them.”

Jesse chuckled. Okay, Jesse wasn’t too worried then. He knew Dom was rooting for him and Lake getting together. All their friends were.

Stepping into the foyer, he closed the door behind him. The new house was really starting to come together. It had been slower than Remi or Dom had wanted but life did often get in the way of dreams.

Remi had put the offer in on the house right before Dom had gotten the call that he’d be receiving a new kidney. Jesse had helped with the business side of things for Remi to concentrate on taking care of his boy.

It hadn’t been his money that was needed.

Jesse would have been happy to help in that way, but they’d needed his business expertise and Jesse had taken on getting the house closed in time for them to bring Dom home.

It had made Jesse really feel like part of the team.

Plus, Lake had been involved, giving Jesse the chance to spend more time with the boy.

“It looks good in here,” Jesse said.

Remi grinned. “It’s perfect for us. A little chaotic especially since we tore down the back fence and Brandon and Ezra drop by all the time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jesse nodded as he pushed down his jealousy.

He’d had too many houses to count but currently found himself holed up in a suite on the top floor of his casino/ hotel.

Jesse didn’t have the time to maintain a house.

He also hated living alone now that his brother had settled permanently in California.

“Sounds like fun,” Jesse said.

Remi snorted. “Most of the time. Would you like something to drink? Water? Lemonade?”

“I’m fine.” Jesse strolled into the large living room and peered at the pictures lined up over the mantel. He paused at one he hadn’t seen before. One that he was in with all the boys. Christmas. He vaguely remembered Ezra going crazy with his new camera.

“That’s Lake’s favorite,” Remi said quietly.

Jesse glanced over his shoulder at his friend.

“Not that he would tell us that, but he was smiling so big when Dom put that in a frame,” Remi told him.

“I like seeing Lake smile like that,” Jesse admitted.

“We all do,” Remi agreed. “And he’s been smiling ever since he got home last night. The two of you have a nice dinner?”

“We did.” Jesse shrugged. “I would spend every minute with him if I could. I know that’s not possible when—”

Remi hummed as he leaned against the back of the couch. “You’d be surprised what’s possible. Even with me back to work full-time and Dom taking a few shifts a week, we see plenty of each other. And the boys have one another so they’re never alone. It works for us.”

Jesse nodded.

“It could work for you too,” Remi finished.

That was what Jesse wanted. “I listened to what you said before. To all the advice that you guys gave me. I’m in this with Lake. For as long and as much as he wants. I’m in it !”

“I believe you,” Remi said. “But I’m not the one you have to convince.”

“I’m trying to show him,” Jesse responded.

“I know.” Remi sighed. “We all know how you feel about him. You haven't made it a secret from us. Lake wants to trust you.”

Jesse’s heart gave a twinge. “I would never hurt him.”

“Good. Because he’s been hurt enough in his life. Just have him keep smiling like when he came home. We like that.”

A door opened down the hall as Dom laughed loudly.

“Come on! He’s waiting!” Dom coaxed.

Lake’s reply was too soft to hear. Jesse ran his hand over his shirt to make sure all the buttons were still in place and he wasn’t wrinkled. He wanted to look good for his boy.

“You look wonderful! I love that color,” Dom said.

Jesse waited.

Damn, he felt like he was seventeen again waiting on his prom date with her parents staring at him. Jesse hadn’t been the kind of kid any parent would have wanted for their child. He’d changed since then. At least on the outside. What was inside was only for him and Jacob to worry about.

Dom came around the corner first but he dragged Lake along with him.

Jesse’s breath caught.

He barely even noticed Dom standing there.

Lake was beautiful. Just stunning. He wore a pale-yellow waffle fabric loose pants and matching top outfit. His dark hair was curled around the ends, hanging into his face, but Jesse could still see his eyes were lined.

“You look gorgeous, baby,” Jesse whispered.

Lake immediately flushed.

Dom yelled, pumping his fist.

Remi grabbed Dom, pulling him from between Jesse and Lake.

Jesse stepped forward until he hovered before Lake. “I mean it.” He gently cupped Lake’s face, brushing his thumb over the white sparkles that highlighted his cheeks. “Beautiful.”

Lake met his gaze. “Dom helped me.”

Jesse nodded. “I’m glad he encourages you to be yourself.”

“I…” Lake swallowed hard. “It’s okay for lunch and shopping?”

Jesse would be a fool to say no, and he was no fool. “It’s perfect. And I’m proud to be your date.”

“You really like it?” Lake sounded so shy.

“I swear that I love seeing you like this. The way you were meant to face the world.” Jesse was getting a little emotional having Lake take this chance with him.

“Thank you. I think I’m ready to go,” Lake said.

Jesse was now doubly glad he booked a private session for their shopping trip. “Great.” He looked down. “Is Zeb not going with us?”

“Oh!” Lake’s eyes widened. “He can come?”

“I’m sure he’d like to meet his new brother or sister,” Jesse replied.

“I’ll get him!” Dom shouted and raced off.

Jesse was finding it nearly impossible to take his gaze from Lake, so he was pleased they weren’t momentarily separated. Even for such a quick trip to grab Zeb. Lake really was beautiful. Lake could look at him all day.

“Thanks,” Lake whispered.

Leaning forward, Jesse brushed his lips over Lake’s cheek. “You never have to thank me for inviting Zeb along. I got him for you, so I knew you’d always have a friend by your side.”

Lake shook his head. “Not that, well, yes that but…but for everything.”

Since he could tell that Lake was getting overwhelmed, Jesse simply nodded.

“Here he is!” Dom ran back into the living room. “And I grabbed a little backpack that you can carry him in!”

“Good idea,” Jesse praised. He accepted the backpack and Zeb. “Hello, pretty fellow,” he said before kissing Zeb’s head. “Let’s go get lunch.”

Lake and Dom giggled as Jesse got Zeb inside the small backpack with his head sticking out. Each time he’d seen the zebra, Zeb had a new outfit on. Lake was taking very good care of their little one.

Dom hugged Lake, whispering something that made Lake’s cheeks turn red. Remi cleared his throat, making Dom drawback, and Jesse took that opportunity to grasp Lake’s hand with his.

“We’ll see you guys later,” Jesse said.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Dom called after them.

Lake snorted without even looking back. “If you wouldn’t do it, then it’s probably illegal.”

Jesse laughed. That was possibly true. He led Lake out the front door and to his silver SUV waiting in the drive. He opened the door and ushered Lake into the passenger side.

“Are you holding Zeb or should I buckle him in?” Jesse questioned.

Lake pressed his lips together before finally answering. “He’d like to see where we’re going. He’s a little nervous.”

“Make sure you give him extra hugs on the drive. I’ll explain the plan for the day as I drive so he knows he has nothing to worry about.”

Relief flashed over Lake’s face. “He’d like that.”