Jax watched him as he added salt, sugar, and milk to the pan along with a bit of vinegar,

spices, and a large dollop of Miracle Whip.

I do a lot of signing tours. Youd be surprised how many people are interested in erotic
fiction, he admitted with a laugh. I may not make the best seller list, but I am very popular in
other circles.
Dylan grinned. I just bet you are. He washed his hands and put the pan in the oven
before he started on the potatoes. But you said your first book was controversial, right? he
asked as he filled a pan with water and went to work with the peeler.
Yes. It was not an erotic novel like the others. He wasnt forthcoming with any
additional information, and Dylan frowned. Wow, it smells exactly the same. Jax forked up a
piece of chicken and blew on it for several seconds before taking a bite. He chewed and
swallowed with obvious pleasure. Oh my God, Dylan. Its better than I remembered.
Yeah? Dylan asked, genuinely pleased. He hadnt cooked for anyone but Tom in a long
time.
Jax had taken bites of carrot and potatoes while Dylan was talking. Yes. Its really, really
good. All of it. Jax gave him a soft smile. I really have missed this. Thank you, Dylan.
Dylan lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. No problem, man. Any time you need a homecooked meal, you let me know.
He tried to keep his tone light, but there was something that twisted in him at the idea that
Jax didnt get comforts like this. Jax had no one taking care of him the way Dylan felt he should
be. For a moment, he entertained uncharitable thoughts about Poppy and her suitability as a
girlfriend, but he shunted them aside. That way lay madness and unhappiness.
Then dinner was over, and there really wasnt any further excuse he could use to keep Jax
there. Since Jax had to drive him to his car and then drive himself the forty-five minutes home,
Dylan didnt really feel like he could ask him to stay and watch a movie or anything. Jax,
however, insisted on doing the dishes.

No, Dylan, look. You cooked for me, and I barely helped. Let me do this. Besides, I had
a little too much wine, and I probably shouldnt drive yet. He was carrying plates to the sink as
he talked, and Dylan allowed it.
Well, all right. How about you wash, Ill dry?
Fair enough, Jax conceded with a smile. He ran the water, then told Dylan, I like your
apartment. How long have you lived here?
Its been, uh. Gosh, I guess its been two or three years now. Ever since the divorce,
anyway. Dylan took the glass Jax had just rinsed and swiped it with a towel before putting it in
the cabinet.
Oh, its been that long? For some reason, I assumed it was more recent.
Probably because Im still single, and you remember me as the guy who jumped from
person to person, Dylan said with a self-deprecating laugh. After Melissa, though, I really felt
like I had to do some soul-searching.
That was probably for the best. Have you dated at all since the divorce?
Dylan shook his head. Not really. I mean, Ive been out a few times, but it never went
anywhere. It was always just too complicated, you know? He dried and put away a plate and
fork. Like I either had to really search for something to talk about, or talking was okay but there
was no attraction, but it was never just.
Simple?
Yeah! Like, somebody that Im attracted to but that I can also talk to about whatever.
Ive never really had that. Well, I had it once, but it didnt work out. He hoped the It was you,
Jax wasnt showing on his face.
Thats unfortunate. What happened that time? Jax smiled sheepishly and ducked his
head. Sorry, am I asking too many questions? He handed Dylan another plate to dry.
Nah, man, its cool. That time, uh the attraction wasnt mutual, and I misread the
signals. He took the glass Jax held out.

Jax nodded slowly. Ive been there. You think its one thing, but turns out its something
else, and no one gets what they want. He started on the pots. Theres only ever been one
person in my life that I thought could be a long-term thing. No one else has ever made me feel
that way. He shrugged and passed Dylan the first pot.
Yeah, you know, same here, except Melissa was kind of the exception? But weve
already established why I let myself think she was. All the signs pointed to it not being more than
sexual, till Kip. He smiled at Jax, trying to be happy that the guy had Poppy. Must be nice
having someone, huh?
Mmm, Jax agreed, looking lost in thought as he cleaned the potatoes from the pot. I
think fate has a way of bringing people together. Sometimes, even if you cant be with them in
the way you want, you can have them in your life in a different way. He looked at Dylan, eyes
gray and wistful. I dont know. I think sometimes we devalue relationships that arent romantic,
even though they are probably equally important.
Dylan nodded, unconsciously staring at the little scar on Jaxs chin, wanting to kiss it. He
mentally shook himself and smiled, looking Jax in the eyes again. Yeah. Friends, siblings Just
because theres no sex doesnt mean a relationship with the right person isnt worth more than a
hundred romantic relationships with the wrong one.
They were silent while they finished the dishes. Once everything was done, they looked
at each other and smiled, a little sadly.
Dylan, I want you to know Ive had a very good day today. I am so pleased you decided
to look me up on Facebook.
He held out his arms for a hug, and Dylan obliged. Same here, man. Its been a great
day. Lets do it again sometime, okay?
After Jax drove him back to his car, they exchanged phone numbers. Then Jax drove off
into the night toward Ashland City, and Dylan drove back to the apartment hed just left. He
smiled the whole way back and for an hour after he returned. He couldnt help it. He hadnt felt
this good in a really long time.