Unarm (Hooked Book 5)

by Charity Parkerson

  “Well, that was a dick move.”

  Jimmy sounded calm. There was that. Since Jimmy was the most hot-tempered person Tyler knew, that was saying a lot. There was nothing else for it; Tyler turned and met Jimmy’s stare. He had one arm slung over Eli’s shoulders, holding the man tight against his side. Eli looked as if he too braced himself for Jimmy’s explosion.

  “Which part?” Tyler asked, because he’d be damned if he’d incriminate himself.

  “All of it,” Jimmy said, still sounding eerily unaffected by the entire scene. “But, mostly, I was referring to what you did to Jace. I mean, I’m a fucked-up mess. At least I have an excuse for not being what the guy needed when we were together. That said, I never fucked him, so… you, you’re just a dick.” He shook his head. “Of all people, you should know sex is a weapon. When used just right, it can destroy a person. Congratulations on demolishing a genuinely nice guy.”

  Tyler felt sick. He didn’t think there’d ever been a day when he’d lost so many people’s respect all at one time. Of all the days for Jimmy to be the levelheaded one. “You should be screaming at me right now.”

  Jimmy’s lips twisted, as if Tyler left a bad taste in his mouth. “Eli doesn’t like it when I yell. Besides, today has been one of the best days of my life. Not even you can ruin it. You should go after Jace.”

  Eli nodded, reminding Tyler of his presence. “You should. He didn’t deserve that.”

  He hadn’t, but Tyler was in a tough spot. He liked Jace. A lot. Way more than anyone he’d met in years. Jace was Jimmy’s ex. Jimmy was all the family Tyler had. Fuck.

  As if reading his mind, Jimmy nodded toward Tyler’s truck. “Go on. The longer you let this fester, the worse it’ll be. You have my blessing or what the fuck ever you’re waiting on.”

  Tyler chewed his bottom lip, trying to decide what to do. They had more they needed to talk about other than Jace. In the past few weeks, Tyler had made some real progress with Jimmy. Hell, not ten minutes earlier, Jimmy had called him family. As much as he craved Jace, he didn’t want to lose this connection with Jimmy for someone who probably wouldn’t want him six months from now. After all, he worked late hours, was surly as hell, and would make Jace tired. Goddamn. He’d also fuck Jace until the man couldn’t stand, proudly hold his hand wherever they went, and do some naughty shit to those sexy lips. Jimmy was right. He needed to go after him.

  “So we’re cool?” Tyler asked, still unsure of Jimmy’s odd calm.

  Jimmy features hardened. “No. We’re so not cool. In fact, we may never be cool again, but that has nothing to do with Jace or the fact we used to date. I couldn’t care less who the man fucks. This is about you screwing with someone’s head. I thought you were better than that.”

  Without giving Tyler time to formulate a response, Jimmy steered Eli away. Eli flashed Tyler a sad smile as they passed. Damn, he really liked that kid. Eli was the only reason Jimmy had given him a shot recently. Tyler wanted to growl. He’d known messing with Jace was a bad idea. He just hadn’t been able to stop himself. Jimmy didn’t care about a lot of shit—most shit, actually. But any hint of manipulation of anyone he cared about was a deal-breaker for him. Goddamn it. Tyler honestly hadn’t meant to hurt Jace. He’d come here today, touring the club in hopes of getting closer to the man. Tyler was in a fucked-up position. For a full five minutes, Tyler stood on the sidewalk while staring at nothing. He had no idea where to go from here. All he knew was that he really wanted to talk to Jace again, even if Jace yelled at him while it happened.

  * * *

  “New patient waiting.”

  Jace flashed his assistant, Paige, a smile. “I’ll be right there.” He grabbed one more stack of gauze before leaving the stockroom with his haul balanced in his arms. He kept his gaze locked on the tiny piles of supplies as he stepped back inside his exam room. He was always torn between making several trips and risking everything falling onto the floor. A smile exploded across his face as he dumped the supplies safely on the counter. It was the little triumphs in life.

  “Hey, babe.”

  Jace’s knees weakened even as his spine stiffened. It was insane how he knew Tyler’s voice after only one night together. Yet Jace felt certain he could find the man in the dark and in a crowd of hundreds by his voice alone. Jace drew a deep breath for courage and turned. Even sitting in a dentist chair with blue paper clipped around his neck, Tyler looked fucking delicious. It wasn’t fair.

  “Tyler. What brings you in today?”

  Tyler toyed with the paper resting on his chest. If Jace wasn’t mistaken, the man fought back a blush. “Oh, you know, getting my teeth cleaned.”

  For some reason Jace couldn’t explain, the heavy humor in Tyler’s voice pissed him off—like Tyler thought Jace was a joke. “Fine,” Jace said, moving his tray closer and taking a seat at Tyler’s head. “How long has it been since your last cleaning?”

  The humor melted from Tyler’s expression. He cleared his throat. “Um. I’m a little behind. My insurance changed and no longer covers my old dentist. So, maybe eight months?”

  Jace nodded, keeping his professional face in place. Paige stepped into the room. Her presence helped Jace keep his shit together. “Do you have his x-rays?” he asked Paige while trying to pretend Tyler was just another patient.

  “Yes, sir. I’m pulling them up now.”

  Jace kept his gaze plastered to the computer screen behind Tyler’s head, refusing to look Tyler’s way. Images appeared across the screen. Jace slipped into work mode.

  “Everything looks good,” he said as he switched on the light over the chair and adjusted it. Jace pulled up his mask and focused on Tyler. “Turn your head this way,” Jace said unnecessarily since Tyler was already focused on him.

  “Goddamn, Jace. Your eyes are even sexier in this light. I didn’t think that was possible.”

  Jace ignored Tyler’s remark, but he could feel Paige’s stare boring into the top of his head. “Open up.”

  As soon as Tyler did as told, Jace retreated into the familiar. “Suction, please?” Jace said, knowing Paige would be right where he needed her. They’d worked together for nine years now. She was his best friend, and—unfortunately—she knew all about what happened with the bastard sitting in Jace’s chair.

  He finished one side. “Turn your head toward Paige. I’m starting on the other side.”

  “You’re being amazingly gentle, considering how much you hate me,” Tyler said before Jace had a chance to get his instruments back in his mouth.

  Jace went back to work, stopping Tyler from saying anything more. “That’s because I’m a professional,” Jace said, letting some bitterness slip into his tone. Paige glanced between them, looking worried. She knew Jace well enough to know he’d never be hostile toward just anyone. Jace tried to stop his rage from building. It didn’t happen. “Why should I let some guy who used me for sex interfere with my job? After all, you’re not special. Everyone treats me that way.” Jace never looked away from his task during his tirade. “Of course, my mom always told me—act like a whore, and people will treat you as one.” He set his tools aside, slamming them down harder than intended before snapping off his gloves. “We’re done here. Paige will brush some fluoride on your teeth. You can eat and drink right away, but don’t brush for twelve hours.” He stood and headed for the door. “Dr. Swanson will want to check out your teeth before you leave. Make sure you set up your next appointment at the front desk.”

  “Jace.”

  Jace didn’t slow. Why wouldn’t this man leave him alone? He didn’t want Jace. Tyler had made that abundantly clear. There was no reason whatsoever for Tyler to keep up this torture.

  “Jace,” Tyler repeated.

  Paige snapped, “Sir, he’s already told you he’s a professional. I’m not. I will stick this straight into your gums if you move again.”

  An evil smile pulled at Jace’s lips as he moved away. Damn, he loved that woman. Maybe they should move in together and adopt
fifteen cats? Jace’s smile turned bitter once more. He was allergic to cats. Seemed he would be growing old alone after all.

  *

  Showing up at Jace’s work was strike two as far as Tyler was concerned. The gym had been bad enough, but the dental visit had been brutal and not well thought out. Jace had kept him quiet by being in his mouth the whole time, and not in a good way. Once he’d left the room, his she-devil protector had taken over Tyler’s torment. She’d readjusted the light, ensuring it shined in Tyler’s eyes before stabbing him several times in the gums with some kind of wooden swab. If her fury hadn’t been directed at him, Tyler might’ve found it funny.

  Now he was on to plan “C.” That was why he was knocking on the man’s door at seven in the morning on a Saturday. He knew Jace didn’t work weekends. Tyler was off for the first time in forever. Come hell or high water, Jace would spend time with him today. A guy who couldn’t be older than twenty finally opened the door. Tyler’s mind went blank. It hadn’t occurred to him Jace might be with someone else.

  The guy’s eyebrows rose when Tyler didn’t say anything. “I’m assuming you’re here to see Jace.”

  Tyler couldn’t look away from the guy’s nose ring. Under no circumstances could Tyler picture Jace with a guy who wore a ring in his nose. “Uh, yeah,” Tyler finally stuttered. “Is he around?”

  Nose Ring Guy waved him inside. “I’m Adam,” he said as he closed the door behind Tyler.

  “Tyler,” Tyler said while still trying to decide who this guy was to Jace.

  Adam immediately reopened the door. “Get out. Uncle Jace will kill me if he sees I’ve let you in.”

  Tyler didn’t budge. Instead, he snapped his fingers as he realized who Adam was. “You’re the makeup artist. Did you get the internship?”

  Adam’s entire demeanor changed. “I did. Thank you for asking. Jace is getting sick of hearing me talk about it. I leave for New York in three days. I still can’t believe it.” Adam was near to dancing in place in his excitement.

  “Are you going alone?”

  Adam nodded and pressed a hand to his stomach. “I’m nervous as heck. It’s a huge city and I’ve never been on my own, but I’m too thrilled to care.”

  Tyler bit back the desire to lecture Adam on ways to keep himself safe. Instead, he changed the subject. “Do you live here?”

  “Yes, he does,” Jace said, pulling Tyler’s attention toward the kitchen doorway. He had no idea how long Jace had been standing there, but the man didn’t look happy to see Tyler.

  Adam closed the door. He flashed Tyler an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Uncle Jace. I didn’t realize who it was until I’d already invited him inside.”

  Everything else fell away as Tyler stared at Jace. Dressed in gray sweatpants and a black T-shirt, he looked lickable. Jace never looked bad or out of place, but this relaxed version of Jace was hot as hell.

  Jace’s gaze never wavered from Tyler, even as he directed his words at Adam. “It’s not your fault. Tyler has a way of sneaking into places where he’s not wanted.”

  Ouch.

  “I think I’ll go,” Adam said, making his escape down the hall and proving his intelligence.

  Tyler waited until they were alone before speaking. “You have a way of dodging my attempts to apologize.”

  Jace’s expression gave no hint to his thoughts. “Are you apologizing?”

  “I’m trying,” Tyler said, refusing to let Jace’s less than welcoming tone deter him. “I’m sorry, Jace. Truly. I was wrong. You should punch me in the nuts. Please don’t, but you should.”

  For a moment, Jace eyed him, as if assessing his earnestness. “That’s it? You’re not offering excuses?”

  “I have none,” Tyler admitted.

  Jace nodded. “Fine. You’re forgiven.”

  “That’s it?” Tyler asked, stealing Jace’s earlier question. “No cutting remarks or getting even?”

  Jace shook his head. “I’m not a vindictive person.”

  “Does that mean I can take you to breakfast?”

  “No.”

  Tyler blinked at the finality in Jace’s tone. “Oh.” He swiped his palms on his jeans. Jace might not be a vindictive person, but he was obviously still done with Tyler.

  Jace released a loud sigh. “I was in the middle of breakfast when you showed up. It’s not much. Fruit and muffins, but there’s enough for another person if you’d like to join me.”

  Tyler headed for the kitchen, accepting whatever time in Jace’s company the man was willing to mete out. His steps slowed as he crossed the threshold of the kitchen. It was an open style and huge. The countertops appeared to be marble and all the appliances were something Tyler expected to see inside an upscale restaurant. There were several types of fruit, an open container of yogurt, and muffins spread out on an oak table.

  Jace grabbed another plate, spoon, and fork before motioning for Tyler to sit. “You can sit wherever.”

  Since there was only one plate on the table, Tyler chose the chair next to it. Jace set the plate he was carrying in front of Tyler before snagging his own plate and moving to the opposite side of the table. Tyler swallowed down his laughter. Point taken.

  “What are your plans for the day?” Tyler asked, hoping to get a firm read on where he stood with Jace.

  Jace shrugged as he tore off a piece of muffin. “I just got home from the gym, so I guess I’ll take a shower before helping Adam pack. We don’t have much time left to get him ready to go.”

  “Would you like some help?” Tyler paused for half a heartbeat before adding, “With the packing, not the shower.” It took all his willpower not to tack on his willingness to help there as well. Tyler imagined Jace wouldn’t appreciate the offer.

  Jace’s face scrunched up in confusion. Tyler had to take a deep breath to control his body’s reaction to the sight. Damn. Everything about Jace was sexy. “Why would you want to help? Packing sucks.”

  “Because I like spending time with you and I’ll take whatever I can get.”

  After swiping the crumbs from his hands, Jace sat back in his chair and eyed Tyler with open suspicion.

  Adam dumped some dishes in the sink, pulling their attention his way. “You should let him help. He’s only trying to be nice, Jace.” Adam walked away as if he hadn’t gotten involved.

  Tyler’s gaze landed on Jace once more. He kept his features carefully blank, not wanting Jace to sense an ounce of gloating.

  Jace pushed away from the table. “It’s his stuff. If Adam wants you to help, then whatever. Finish your breakfast,” Jace ordered. “I’ll grab a shower and we can get started.”

  Tyler dutifully chewed his muffin, determined Jace wouldn’t see his triumph. After all, Jace was headed to the shower alone. That meant Tyler hadn’t won shit yet.

  * * *

  Between the three of them, it took no time at all to get Adam squared away. Tyler genuinely liked the boy. He was witty and upbeat. He’d do well on his own. Still, he was way too pretty to be walking the streets of New York by himself, but that was the side of Tyler that had seen too much, talking. Tyler kept his concerns to himself.

  “Did you talk to Jimmy and work things out?”

  Tyler shook his head. “He’s not answering my calls or texts. Eli is still talking to me, but I’m not sure Eli has ever been mean to anyone in his life.”

  Jace stood and grabbed his keys. “Come on.”

  Even though he had no clue what was happening, Tyler stood. “Okay. Where are we going?”

  “To fix things with Jimmy,” Jace answered, as if it was as simple as saying it.

  Tyler dutifully followed Jace into the garage. When Jace reached the driver’s side door of his car, the black BMW M4 automatically unlocked. Tyler opened the door for Jace. He watched the man slide behind the wheel while beating down his hunger. Jesus. It was like he was always on when Jace was around. Before he could do something stupid—like talk—Tyler closed the door and moved to join Jace inside. The car was nice�
�like way more than Tyler expected nice. He clasped his hands in his lap to keep from running them over the soft leather.

  Unfortunately, keeping his fingers locked together didn’t stop his lips from moving. “I get the impression you make a lot more money than I do.”

  Jace’s chuckle let Tyler know he wasn’t bothered. “It’s a good thing too. Raising a teenager on my own wasn’t cheap.”

  “You raised Adam?” Tyler had no idea why he asked, since Jace had just said as much. He was more surprised than anything. He’d never had so much in common with anyone. Tyler wanted to know everything.

  Jace nodded as he backed out of the garage. “My sister and her husband were killed in a car accident eight years ago. Adam was with them at the time but didn’t even have a scratch. Since my parents were already well past retirement age when Adam was born, and Evie hated Brock’s parents, I agreed to be Adam’s godfather.” Jace shook his head. “No one ever thinks that title will get called in. Mine did.”

  Tyler shook his head—amazed by this gorgeous man. “How old was Adam?”

  “Twelve. He didn’t say a word for three years afterward. Trauma from what he’d witnessed,” Jace explained while keeping his gaze locked on the road. “But he’s always been a great kid.” He flashed Tyler a smile. “Even if I hadn’t already been his godfather, I would’ve fought for him.”

  “That’s because you’re amazing.”

  Jace shook his head. “No. It’s because he is.”

  All Tyler could do was shake his head. For the life of him, he couldn’t understand why Jace didn’t see what he’d just said was exactly what made him so fucking fantastic.

  *

  Jimmy’s bar didn’t open for another two hours. Jace expected he’d have to bang on the man’s alleyway side door to get his attention. As they pulled in the parking lot, Jace realized that would be unnecessary. The front door stood open and loud music spilled out. Almost every parking space was already taken, forcing Jace to hunt for a place to park. Inside, boxes of liquor and kegs of beer sat stacked in every corner. Logan, the bar’s manager, glanced up from the box he was unpacking as Jace and Tyler came through the door. The man possessed the lightest green eyes Jace had ever seen. They always sparkled with laughter. Everyone liked Logan.