Page 15 of The Way Home

JB’s frantic footsteps stomped up behind him, and suddenly, a smartphone was being shoved in his face.

“I found him, you know.” A headshot of Caleb in a collared Chelsea F.C. shirt appeared on the screen, and Jamie’s face flamed.

JB continued, “Caleb Reed. Chelsea Women’s new assistant athletic doctor—”

“Trainer,” Jamie corrected.

“Ugh, whatever,” JB said in his thick French accent. Jamie flinched as JB shoved the mobile closer to his face. “All I know is that this American man ishot.”

Jamie turned around. “Don’t you have a job to attend?”

“Yes—to make sure you go out with…” He jabbed a finger at the screen. “This man. And have sex with him.”

Jamie’s eyes went wide as he glanced around. “JB!” he hissed. Luckily, no one was nearby.

He was fairly certain that if Clarence heard them talking about sex, the man would drop dead.

“What? You must!” JB insisted.

As always, the man was dressed like a fashion model out of some magazine. A perfectly tailored grey suit hugged his lean frame, the fabric hugging slim shoulders and tapering sharply at his even slimmer waist. A matching bow tie sat crisp and symmetrical at his throat, like it had been adjusted with a protractor.

His dark skin glowed against the pale fabric, rich and perfectly smooth, catching the light when he shifted.

Back when Jamie was dating Ellie, trying to convince himself he was still straight, he frequently caught himself staring at his coworker. JB was so beautiful, and he knew it. People liked to joke that ticket sales had skyrocketed when they hired JB because middle-aged British women flocked to him.

Jamie wasn’t sure this was entirely inaccurate.

JB held out his hand expectantly. “Hand over your phone. If you do not want to text him back, I will.”

Okay, this was getting ridiculous.

“No! Caleb was probably just being nice when he texted. I haven’t had time to respond, alright? I’ve been busy.” He gestured to the poster board.

“Doing what? Putting together this—?” JB turned to the exhibit, then back, deadpan. “This sad-looking exhibit is not the reason.”

Palming the back of his head, Jamie said, “It’s opening week for this exhibit. I really don’t have the time. You know I’ll be here until eight every night, and I go to bed early, so…”

JB’s large brown eyes softened, his teasing expression morphing into one of concern. “Mon chéri, if you are nervous—”

“I’m not! I just… don’t have time to date. That’s all.” Jamie tried to keep his face neutral, hoping it didn’t show how disappointed he felt.

Going to clubs was one thing. Talking to men, hooking up a little. But the thought of dating someone forrealsent all of these panicked thoughts flooding his brain.

What if he went out with Caleb and got attached, only for Caleb to change his mind? Or what if they fell in love? And then Jamie would have to actually tell his mum. His siblings—

The dread in his stomach twisted sharply against the small spark of hope that flickered whenever he thought about Caleb actually wanting him.

No. He was getting ahead of himself. Caleb had sent himonetext about getting coffee, not a declaration of love. And his family would probably be fine with him being gay, right? His mum had always been open and accepting. Pippa too. His brothers… less so.

The simple truth is that he wasn’t ready to have those conversations yet.

“Okay,” JB said slowly, pulling his attention back. “If that is the case, you should still tell him you cannot go, yeah?”

“Yeah. You’re right.”

“Good.” A bright smile spread across JB’s face. “Then I will setyou up with my friend, Paul. You will love him. I think I’ve convinced him to come by the library next week. He has anenormous—”

“JB,” Jamie groaned.