Page 107 of Beautiful Disaster

“Thank you, but I’ve eaten already.”

They plate their food and sit across from me at the kitchen island. It’s one of the few spots in the house that feels loved and lived in. You can tell they spend a lot of time in here. Kitchens have always been the heart of the home. That’s what my mother taught me, and something I tend to agree with.

Before he takes a bite, Julien stares pointedly at me. “I’m assuming you’re here because Jinx is… well, being Jinx.”

Aleks smiles fondly and nods. “Yep, he’s a stubborn one.”

“Indeed. Yes, it’s why I’m here. He sent me a text and told me not to reach out, but I can be as stubborn as he is.”

Julien blows on his bite and puts it in his mouth. He chews and swallows before replying. “He’s worried about you and the ranch. What he’s doing is coming from a good place.”

“I know it is. He’s trying to protect me.”

“Mason,” Aleks says with careful consideration. “He needs you. I think he knows that, but he’s dead set on protecting you and your restaurants. I think what he said on the community group is enough, and you should be fine, but I hate that he’s risking his relationship with you. He loves you.”

I run my hand over the cold stone surface of the counter. “I love him, too. And our relationship isn’t at risk unless that’s what he wants. I need to see him in person first to be sure. Besides, I have a plan for us. I refuse to hide our relationship. While I haven’t disputed what he said in the group, I have an idea of how to make us work and not hide one other. But… it’s huge. He’s not going to like it, judging by his reaction today. It will also affect you all.”

Julien wipes his mouth and takes a sip of water. “Don’t worry about us. Jinx deserves happiness, and if you can give it to him, you have our blessing.”

Unlike Julien, Aleks frowns, processing my words. “Can you tell us what you mean?”

“Not yet. I’d like to talk to Jinx about it first.”

The sound of the front door slamming and boots dropping to the floor makes me turn. My heart leaps at seeing Jinx, flushed from the cold, his hair wrecked by the hat he just removed.

A kaleidoscope of emotions crosses his face, from want and sadness to anger. Typical Jinx. He feels so much, sometimes at the same time, and he fights it all so hard.

His eyes water, and he drops his hat on the counter, staring at his feet with folded arms. “I told you not to reach out to me. I’m not fucking changing my mind.”

“Did you really believe for a second I’d listen after everything we’ve been through? Do you really think I can just stop loving you without a fight?”

“Yes.”

I sigh and stand. “Let’s talk privately.”

“No. Go home, Mason. I’m sorry, but it’s over. It’s the only way.”

“Stubborn!” I lift him and toss him over my shoulder before turning to Aleks and Julien. “Excuse us. We need to have a chat.”

They wave at me, smiling as Jinx fights out of my hold.

“Put me down, dammit!”

“Not on your life.”

“Fucking let go… I hate being so fucking short! You can’t just manhandle me whenever you want, Mason!”

I carry a bitching and squirming Jinx, finding a place in the house that’s private with a door. The dogs are barking and following us, but I ignore them as long as they leave me alone.

I stumble into an office, block the dogs, and shut the door. Then I set Jinx on his feet. He comes at me and slaps my chest.

“Careful, Precious, I’m going to have to punish you for that.”

“You’re so stupid! You’re ruining everything that I sacrificed!”

“No, that was all you, sweetheart.”

As soon as I cup his face, the tears spill down his cheeks. He’s clawing at my wrists, but he’s not fighting me either. Baby steps.