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
home-cooked 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. The
Story of Jax and Dylan | Jamie Dean 22
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. The
Story of Jax and Dylan | Jamie Dean 23
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.