Signs of Love: Spring

Chapter 5

After they had cooked and cleaned that night, Flynn curled up on his side of the couch more glumly than usual, while Jack lounged in the middle, arms slung casually over the back.

Fingers prodded his shoulder. "What's up?"

"Nothing."

"Try again."

"Cynthia came in today, before heading to you."

Jack shifted. "Okay. What did she say?"

"That you're moving on from the bouquets."

"Ah. Yes. We both thought it was time."

Flynn nodded and nodded. "That's cool. Yep."

Jack hesitated. "Did she say anything else?"

"She asked how well I knew you and showed me the present she bought for you."

"Right. The shirt."

Flynn's jaw clenched. "She's trying to change you."

"Do you think I'd let someone do that?"

Flynn's gaze dropped to Jack's coffee cat T-shirt. "Maybe not."

"Don't worry about that."

Flynn squirmed with an indecipherable frustration. "You have other options, you know."

Quietly. "Is that right?"

"I've seen some of the women you've dated. You like them short."

Jack cocked his head. "Huh. Never realized. But they have been, yes."

"There are a lot of short people out there who might be a better fit. Someone who likes you the way you are."

"As I am?"

"You know, outrageously social, easy on the eye, successful, smart, kind, caring, compassionate. I mean, you could have anyone."

Jack's fingers drummed over the back of the couch. He seemed like he wanted to say something and was forcibly holding himself back. Maybe he wanted to defend Cynthia.

"Like . . . who?" Jack murmured.

"Like . . . like . . . my sister. In fact, my parents are visiting this weekend. They're staying at Becky's, but I invited them for dinner tomorrow. You could come over."

Jack's fingers froze mid-drum. He blinked. "Becky?"

God, fuck. Why had he ever suggested her?

Eyes narrowed. "You mind the idea of me dating Cynthia, but you wouldn't mind me dating your sister?"

Flynn gulped. "I mean . . . I can handle it."

Jack's expression grew pensive.

"You're upset."

"No." Jack smiled. "Actually, I'm glad."

"You are?"

"Yes."

Jack smirked, and Flynn turned his back to the arm of the couch, knees tucked to his chest. They went back to watching their show. Had he harbored feelings for Becky in high school? Shifting colors lit his profile, turned his hair red and then blue. "Yes?"

A sly, sideways glance. "Wishing me into your family . . . You've definitely forgiven me."

"Well. I don't always like my sister that much, so . . ."

Jack ruffled a big hand through his hair. "You like me." His hand dropped, skating over Flynn's ear, drifting briefly over his knees. "I like you, too."