Chapter Fourteen

Ash

" H ow's everything going at the bar? It always seems so busy in there, full of workers whenever I walk by," Marie comments while sweeping the shop floor, as I stack cans of soup.

"Things are going really well. I'm surprised at how quickly they're progressing, actually. Jaxon has been helping Gage; he's super-efficient and doesn't like to waste time. The other day, he took me out with him to teach me about photography, rather than all of us sitting around waiting for a delivery. I was terrible at it, by the way." I smile as I remember the look on Jaxon's face when I nearly dropped his expensive camera. "There's a short deadline to get everything done, so he's cracking the whip."

"Well, that's nice. I'm glad you've made a friend. Maybe now you'll think about staying for a while?" she asks in a hopeful voice.

"I'm not sure," I hesitate. "Don't get me wrong, I love being here and working for you, but I don't want to make any commitments just yet. It's like… I have this fear that if I do, I might jinx it somehow."

"Yeah, I understand that. Well, I, for one, love having you here. And I know Dan feels the same way. We appreciate all the help you've given us in the shop. Sorry, we can't offer you more paid days right now. With everything getting more expensive, we gotta keep our costs low." She throws a regretful glance my way.

"Don't worry, two days is enough for me. You and Dan have already done so much. Besides, once the bar opens, Gage has agreed to let me perform on Friday nights, so that'll help me earn some cash."

"That's wonderful news. You be sure to let me know the date. I'll even close the store ahead of time to ensure I'll be there. I'll be one of your groupies. That's what they're called, right?"

Chuckling, I murmur, "Yeah."

With a gentle touch, she places her hand on my shoulder. "I'm not sure if anyone has told you this recently, but I wanted to express how incredibly proud I am of you. Moving away from your family to a new town and starting over can be really daunting, but you've taken to it like a duck to water, making yourself a little home here, even if it's just for a short while."

Marie's words hit me so deeply that tears threaten to spill from my eyes. It's a rare moment for someone to express pride in me, aside from Jim. Mom certainly never told me, not in recent years anyway. It's possible she told me when I was younger, but my recollection has faded over time. I've deliberately hidden them away to avoid thinking about her. While it mostly works, there are moments when thoughts of her still creep in, making me wonder about her well-being. But then I remind myself she didn't want me anymore.

"Hey, are you doing, okay?" Marie asks. "You seemed lost in your thoughts for a moment." She tilts her head, a worried frown between her brows.

"Sorry, I'm alright, just... never mind. Gotta get back to it. These shelves won't stock themselves." Picking up the empty box, I head back to the storeroom, taking a moment to compose myself. Shit, I was on the verge of telling Marie that I wished she were my mom. How fucking needy is that? She doesn't need me to go all emo on her.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Pulling it out, I glance at the screen and see a text from Jace. I'll reply to him during my break; he's been distant with me lately. I'm chalking it up to Jim introducing him to his new partner, but I can't shake the feeling he's actually upset with me for some reason. I know I left pretty much out of the blue and I get how he could feel left behind somehow, but I didn't exactly have a choice. It wasn't him I was leaving.

With my phone stowed securely in my pocket, I retrieve a large box of pasta from the storage shelves and make my way to the aisle, placing it on the floor to prepare for unpacking. Gage asked me to make spaghetti for dinner tonight since it's my turn to cook.

It's been a couple of weeks since I moved in above the bar. Things have been going great with Gage, especially since we all had that important conversation about his finances. Now, he's much friendlier and more comfortable around me. We've come up with a system where we take turns in cooking and doing chores. It works out especially well on the nights when I'm home late.

All sorts of endearing terms now roll off Gage's tongue when he addresses me, and although it initially struck me as odd, I now understand that it's just his personality. Despite his cockiness, I find his playfully flirtatious demeanor rather enjoyable. It's not that I'm into guys, but I like the attention he gives me. I no longer feel left out like an unwanted guest when it's just the two of us or when Jaxon and Max join us for dinner. They've all welcomed me as warmly as Marie has. It feels... nice to have someone who cares about you like that.

Each night after work, I love catching up on the daily progress in the bar. I enjoy being involved in the renovations, whether it's helping select items for the new space or sharing my thoughts on the place. The sum of these small, mundane things is beginning to make me feel like I belong in this town.

Later, as I make dinner, a conversation I had with Jace on my work break plays through my mind. His curt replies each time I gushed over our work on the bar have left me with more questions than answers. Not seeing him every day has caused our once-strong connection to feel frayed. Right now, I don't know how to go about getting our friendship back on track.

Just as I'm dishing up the steaming pasta onto two plates, Gage walks through the door.

"Hey, tater tot," he teases. "You know you look good cooking for me in the kitchen, all domestic-like. I could get used to this." Gage's voice is borderline flirtatious, which is pretty common, and I know he probably doesn't mean anything by it, given our age difference and the fact I've never discussed my sexuality with him.

With his proximity, though, my heart thumps in my chest as he leans over my shoulder to get a better look at the meal. It's been doing that when he's around lately. Thumping like it's trying to break out of my chest to reach him. There's something about Gage's energetic personality that just pulls you in. There's something oddly captivating about seeing him smile; it's like he lights up the fucking room within seconds. It makes me feel good inside, this warm fuzzy feeling spreading through my limbs.

Gage's playful side is infectious, and it's refreshing to be around someone who embraces life with such childlike enthusiasm. It rubs off on you. I really like how I am when I'm with him after a lifetime of walking on eggshells. I don't understand any of it, but I'm enjoying his company.

"It smells mouthwatering," he murmurs softly, his words brushing against my ear. You'd think my body would tense up with him being so close, but surprisingly, it doesn't. If I were to turn my head and look at him, our lips would come into contact, and that's something I want to steer clear of. Not only is he my landlord, making it highly inappropriate, but he's also a guy and I don't go around kissing guys. Instead, I turn the other way to grab a couple of cold sodas from the fridge.

"Don't let the plates get cold. Bring ‘em over," I tell him.

"Sure thing, boss," he grins.

We find ourselves side by side on the sofa, the sound of the TV channels changing in the background as he flicks through them. We finish our meal before he even chooses something to watch. When I look at the screen, I see he's picked the Gay Bachelor. There's absolutely no way I'm watching that; he can have his own private drool-fest once I'm in my room.

"How did things go today?" I ask him. "Did you get a lot done? I slipped in through the back of the bar earlier because I didn't wanna interrupt you."

"Feel free to interrupt me anytime," he says, smiling. "It's crazy how much you can get done when you actually pay people to do a job."

Gage grabs our plates and brings them to the kitchen. "Let's go downstairs. I'll give you a tour. With everyone gone for the day, it'll be just the two of us," he says, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I roll my eyes and smirk. "Sure, I'd love that."

Getting up, I head to the door. He opens it and makes a gentlemanly gesture for me to go out first. "After you, cherry pie."

I chuckle as I walk past him. "How much longer do you think it will be until the work is done?" I ask as we descend the stairs. "Will you be able to finish within the thirty-day timeframe? There's only like two weeks left now, right?"

"I mean, I'm really hoping so. Tomorrow, the Business Association's appraiser will come to check the power and ensure it meets standards. I'm no longer concerned like I would've been in the past because it has all been fixed by a licensed electrician. But I'm still worried he might find fault with something else."

"I'm sure it'll be fine, since it sounds like everything's heading in the right direction. I'm looking forward to seeing the place come alive."

Stepping into the dimly lit bar, I stand by and wait for Gage to switch on the lights.

"Same here. It feels like a dream come true. I can't thank Jax enough for his generosity. I'll never forget what he's done for me." There's a rare seriousness in Gage's voice, and I know it was a huge and not easy step for him to accept help from anyone, let alone a friend.

The bar lights up. Looking around, I take in the sight of dark beams on the ceiling, accentuated by spotlights that cast their glow in every direction. In the far corner of the space, low-hanging light shades in a striking gold color hang above the tables, creating a secluded and tranquil area for those seeking a more intimate setting. Under the bright lights, the golden brass around the bar glimmers and shines, creating an elegantly luxurious feel. The walls are painted in gold, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. Currently, there are no bottles behind the bar, but the shelves are ready to be filled with an array of colorful liquor.

Catching my attention on the other side of the bar is the raised platform, a project I have contributed to—a stage I'll be the first to play on. The bar, perfectly coordinated with the dark hardwood flooring, sits patiently, awaiting the arrival of customers. The newly added burgundy-upholstered booths and fixed wooden sofas line the wall under the freshly installed windows. There are vacant spots waiting to be filled with chairs and tables. I'm in awe as I stroll around. The bar has been transformed.

"So?" Gage says, looking at me hopefully. "What do you think?"

"I think it's absolutely unreal. There's been so much progress even since last night."

"Everyone put in a lot of effort today. I think they're just as pumped to finish up and open."

"I mean, you can't blame them. This place is practically summoning people to come inside, like the pied piper of bars."

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. "I sure as hell hope so. We're not quite there yet, but I have high hopes that we can wrap everything up within the next week to ten days. If all goes smoothly, we'll be able to celebrate the grand reopening on my birthday." Gage blushes slightly.

"Fortieth, right?" I vaguely recall Max making a joke about it to him.

"Yeah, seems like a great way to mark the milestone of turning forty. But first, we need approval for the official opening to the public."

"You'll get it," I say, truly convinced that he will. I'm beyond impressed with his dedication and work ethic. "I mean, you've gone above and beyond with this place, doing everything they've asked and more, from what I can tell."

The moment my words reach his ears, his face lights up instantly, filling me with that delightful affection again. When he licks his lips, my mind immediately wanders to thoughts of what they would feel like. I reprimand myself for entertaining such things, shaking my head to dismiss them. I don't need to complicate things now that things are finally going my way. Gage is a hundred percent certain he's into guys. It'd be a cruel thing to explore these rogue thoughts with someone who isn't confused, like I am.

"So… when's your birthday? I'll need to know so I can get you a card."

Gage winks and says teasingly, "Oh yeah? You gonna write me sweet nothings inside?" I bet his voice could charm the panties off a nun.

"I highly doubt it, sorry," I smirk back at him.

The thought of my upcoming birthday lingers in my mind, and I wonder if Jace will remember. He hasn't missed one since we became friends. Maybe I can get him to come visit, so I won't be by myself. I mentally remind myself to ask him tomorrow.

"It's July tenth, in case you change your mind," Gage says.

"Huh?"

"My birthday. It's July tenth. The day this place will finally open."

My eyes widen so much that it feels like they could pop out of my head. "That's my birthday!" I exclaim.

"Are you kiddin'? Your birthday is July tenth?" he repeats, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Yeah, I'll finally be able to enjoy all the privileges that come with being twenty-one." So if my math is correct, there's a nineteen-year age gap between him and me.

"Fuck me," he says and with a swift motion, he scoops up his hair and twists it into a disheveled man bun before running his fingers through his short beard.

My body becomes a blazing inferno in response to his provocative words, as I struggle to resist the allure of saying, ‘Yes, please' while my conscience insists on maintaining my composure toward Gage and that growled ‘ Fuck me. ' What do I even know about men fucking?

"What are the odds of that?" he wonders, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that we share the same birthday. "And they'll both be big ones, too. Forty and twenty-one" He shakes his head, a cheeky smile playing on his lips. "Well," he says. "We'll celebrate both."

"Oh, no. Don't worry about me. It's your day."

"Sorry, darling, that's not gonna happen. You only turn twenty-one once, so we're celebrating together. Unless, of course, you have other plans, perhaps with your family or a friend."

"Umm." With my hands tucked in my pockets—which seems to be my go-to when I'm feeling unsure—I start rambling. "I don't have any plans, and my family isn't in the picture, but I was thinking of asking my friend Jace if he wants to hang out that day. Birthdays aren't really a big deal to me."

"It's a big thing to me, so I wanna make sure you have a day that you truly deserve."

"Honestly, you don't need to do all that. Just focus on the bar opening and celebrating your own birthday. To me, it's just another ordinary day. I gave up on celebrating my birthday a while back, but I'm really pumped to be part of your celebration and have the opportunity to play again."

Walking over with a frown on his face, he surprises me by pulling my hands out of my pockets and taking them in his, causing me to question if this is typical behavior among friends. Jace never held my hands like this. Maybe they do things differently around here. Maybe it's just another Gage thing.

With his big hands enveloping mine, my heart rate quickens once more, overwhelmed by his proximity and vanilla scent. Tilting my head back to meet his gaze, I'm mesmerized by his hazel eyes and the gentle creases beside them. Gage's lips begin moving, but all I can focus on is how pink and plump they appear, and how his beard would feel scratching my face. I need to stop these thoughts.

"Hey," he says, capturing my attention. "Turning twenty-one is a birthday that deserves celebration, and that's exactly what we're gonna do. I dunno what you've experienced before, but now that you're here with me, I'll ensure that all your birthdays are celebrated. Do you understand?"

My eyes well up with tears, but I fight the urge to let them fall. He's as sweet as candy, tempting me to devour him even though I'm not a fan of dessert. But there's something about him I can't resist, a sweet spot I can't ignore.

"Okay," I mumble.

"Thank you. I'll let the guys know about it tomorrow." For a split second, I think he's going to kiss me. Another rampant thought in my crazy mind. As he releases my hands, an urge to cry out for him to grasp them again rushes over me. My stupid brain is all messed up. It's weird, I'm not used to getting this much attention. Being with Gage just feels different. Whenever I'm with him, it's as if he's a balm for my soul, delicately smoothing out all the jagged parts.

I really need to discuss this with someone, and Jaxon is my first choice. He and I have become quite close, probably because there's only a five-year age difference, and we're both newbies in town. Once I'm done with work some nights, he picks me up from the store and we go for drives in his car, enjoying loud music together. Jax took me to a cove that wasn't too far from where I'd been staying in my van. He's been giving me cooking tips, too. Getting to know him has been a lot of fun and I'm confident he'll have a logical explanation for my strange thoughts.

"Have you figured out which songs you'll play for the opening night?"

"Yeah, sort of. Jax has invited me to his place tomorrow. Since I have the day off, we're going to sit down together and create a setlist. He's eager to listen to me practice. Are there any specific songs you enjoy listening to?"

"Oh, so Jax gets to hear you play before I do," he says jokingly, with a hint of mock jealousy in his voice. "No way. That's some bullshit. Why don't we go up now and you can show off your skills?" There's a flirtatious undertone to his suggestion, the word skills drawn out, causing a shiver to run down my neck.

"If it's alright with you, can I keep it a surprise?" I croak, both hating and loving how his mere presence affects me.

"Course you can." He winks at me. "It can be your birthday gift for me. Love drawing the anticipation out. All good things come to those who wait, ain't that right, sweetheart?" Gage rubs at his beard as he seems to contemplate something, then he hums, "Now I'll just have to think of something to get you."

"It's fine," I wave him off. "I don't need anything; a roof over my head is more than enough. Plus, I'm afraid you may have built up some kind of musical expectation in your mind, putting me on a pedestal. If I'm terrible, you can't fire me until after I've finished playing!" I banter with him.

"Hey now, don't toy with me like that. It's not fair. I'll have you know my mind is all for putting you on a pedestal, but not the kind you're thinking of. Instead, it involves a symphony of sounds that won't be coming from a guitar," he purrs, hitting me with a sexy smile.

Jesus, someone kill me now. His flirting skills are off the charts, leaving my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I feel like I should burst his bubble, but the odd excitement the compliment stirs in me refuses to. Changing direction back to safer ground, I ask, "What kind of music do you enjoy?"

"I'm down with everything. I'm what you call polyjamorous . I love all genres: rock, punk, country, pop, and soul," he slurs, and his seductive voice hits me right in the chest. "Slow tunes that get your heart beating fast and your dick hard, and the ones that get you moving and grooving with a sweat on. My favorite is a good ole grinding session, if you catch my drift." He rotates his hips suggestively.

Another mental note: anything and everything triggers Gage's horny side. But I can't help but laugh at his moves; I have no idea how he convinces anyone to dance with him.

"Ah shit," he says, wincing in pain. "I think I pulled a muscle."

"Well, that'll teach you," I warn. "One wrong move and you could pop a hip."

"You little shit. You've been spending too much time with Max."

Max was right, though. There's a certain thrill in teasing Gage. I let out a laugh and start walking toward the door that takes me back upstairs. "Come on, old man, let me massage your tired feet while I find an antiques show for you to enjoy." I wonder if this is some sort of torturous foreplay, but how can it be when I'm not into guys? On the other hand, it feels strangely like a precursor for sex; the slow teasing, the banter, the stolen looks, and the occasional endearment slipping from Gage's lips. I see how you could easily fall for this guy who, when he gives you his attention, it's like you're basking in the warm glow of the sun. Almost like you're the center of the universe.

"That's it," he says, his voice echoing behind me as he gives chase.

I let out a yelp and scramble up the stairs, the sound of his thundering footsteps close behind. Bursting through the door, he lifts me over his shoulder and playfully drops me onto the sofa, causing my laughter to bounce off the walls. Holy shit, he's strong. When I look up at him, it's as if the air has been sucked out of the room. Our laughter fades away, and we're left staring at each other, our chests heaving from the exertion.

Breaking away first, he swiftly passes the remote to me. "Start The Bachelor. I'll get us a soda."

And that's how I spend my evening. Surrounded by a strange but cozy silence, watching half-dressed men engaged in heated arguments, avoiding any and all eye contact with Gage, while constantly and completely aware of his all-consuming presence.