The red brick building where Jonah volunteered almost daily was a tiny place. John assumed, since there was only one vet inside, they didn’t take on a lot of animals at once. Being as how they were the only emergency clinic for miles, John also assumed Tyrone rarely got any sleep but made decent money. As John cleared the door, the blonde woman who worked the front desk smiled and waved him toward the back without question. Everyone who worked there was nice and used to seeing John hanging around. The main area off the waiting room was a large room with an examination table, sink and counter. There were several smaller rooms for appointments, while the main room served as a stopping point to assess the seriousness of each animal’s condition before moving to the back. John spotted Jonah the moment he passed through the doorway leading to the back. He was down on one knee, running his hands down the back of a dog with a cast on its leg.

“You’re such a sweet guy,” Jonah said in a baby voice. John couldn’t look away. Jonah looked damn sexy in scrubs and this place brought out the happiness in his eyes. “Daddy says I can’t bring home another baby.”

“Are you seriously throwing me under the bus right now?”

Jonah jumped and spun at the sound of John’s voice. The way his eyes lit as they landed on John stole John’s breath. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure Jonah kept looking at him the way he was now. “Well, I have to tell him something,” Jonah said, continuing to pet the huge husky he’d been babying as John cleared the doorway of the vet clinic. Jonah covered the dog’s ears. “I can’t tell him I don’t want another dog. That’s just mean. He’ll think something is wrong with him.”

John chuckled at the idea of Jonah sparing a dog’s feelings. “This isn’t the pound. I’m assuming he already has an owner.”

“He does,” Tyrone said, appearing behind Jonah with a clipboard in hand. “That doesn’t stop all the animals from wanting to go home with Jonah.”

“I understand the sentiment,” John said with a serious tone. There was nowhere he’d rather be.

Abandoning the dog, Jonah crossed the room. The moment he reached John’s side, he went up on his toes and claimed John’s lips. John hauled him closer, uncaring of anyone watching. Jonah chuckled against his mouth. “What brings you by, sexy?”

“I couldn’t stay away,” John admitted. Since Jonah had taken him back and accepted his marriage proposal three months earlier, John had tried to do better about letting Jonah have a life outside of him. It was easier with Jonah living with him. No matter how life pulled them in different directions during the day, Jonah was in his arms at night. Still, there were times when the desire to see Jonah outweighed everything and John still crashed his way in. “I’d hoped I could talk you into going to lunch with me. Maybe Tyrone could join us too if he’s free.” Even though Jonah had confessed to going on a date with the man he now volunteered for, John tried to befriend the guy. It wasn’t like John could blame Tyrone for trying, and he trusted Jonah. Not to mention hell would freeze before John ever gave Jonah a reason to go elsewhere.

Jonah snaked his arm around John’s waist and turned Tyrone’s way. “What do you say, Ty? An extremely handsome man has offered to treat us to lunch. Do you think we can spare a minute for him?”

Tyrone checked his wrist. “Shit. I keep forgetting my watch broke.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and checked the time. “It looks like I have time. My next appointment isn’t for another two-and-a-half hours. Barring any unforeseen emergencies, we should be good.”

John sneaked in another kiss behind Jonah’s ear before he scampered away to wash up. With one shoulder leaned against the doorframe, John watched Jonah’s ass while he waited. He really loved the scrubs. Even John’s heart smiled as he listened to Jonah chatter happily about his day. Occasionally, Tyrone chimed in with an extra detail, but Jonah was the one who held the floor as John drove to a restaurant they loved.

He spotted a familiar market and pulled to the shoulder of the road. “Oops. Hold that thought, baby. I almost forgot something.” John rushed across the road to the store. He knew from experience this particular place always carried the freshest red roses. Jonah needed flowers in his life. John didn’t want to make Tyrone and Jonah wait for long, but they needed gifts. After grabbing a dozen roses for Jonah, John searched the aisles for something that fit Tyrone. He almost gave up when he spotted a glass case at the register and smiled. Gifts in hand, John ran back for the SUV.

As he slid behind the wheel, he passed the flowers Jonah’s way. “For the love of my life.” It never got old watching Jonah light up with happiness. He almost hated to look away as Jonah brought the roses to his nose.

“Thank you, baby.”

John handed the bag he held back to Tyrone. “And for you.”

Tyrone waved off the gift, looking embarrassed. “Oh, no. You don’t need to give me anything.”

Before John’s hackles rose, Jonah stepped in. “Take the gift, sweetie. It’s important to John.”

Tyrone’s shoulders fell. He reached for the bag and peered inside. With a shake of his head, he pulled the watch from the bag. A soft laugh escaped him. “You bought me a watch.”

“Yep,” John said, pulling away from the curb. “You said yours broke. Problem solved.”

Jonah stroked his hand. John glanced his way in time for Jonah to toss him a wink. Even though the gift had been for Tyrone, it was always Jonah’s reaction he sought.

“This was very nice of you. Thank you.” The words coming from the backseat were so quietly spoken John almost didn’t hear them. He cast a quick look at the rear-view mirror and caught a glimpse of Tyrone’s expression. He looked sad. John shook it off. He’d have the man smiling again before long. John didn’t believe in letting people be unhappy.

Thankfully, the restaurant seated them quickly. They’d barely skimmed the menu when a shadow fell over the table. John glanced up to find a smiling David.

“Finally. I think this is the first time I’ve seen the two of you in one place in ages.”

Jonah bounced a little. “Mr. Baker.”

“Just David.”

Jonah ignored the admonishment as always. “How have you been? You should join us.”

David cast a look around the table as if worried he’d be intruding. John rushed to reassure him. “Seriously, David. Join us. We’ve been crazy busy with the wedding planning, but we’ve missed you.”

“In that case,” David said with a nod. He slid into the booth next to Tyrone. “David Baker,” he added, holding his hand out for Tyrone.

Tyrone accepted his handshake. “Tyrone Perry.”

David eyed Tyrone’s scrubs and lab coat. “Doctor?”

“Veterinarian.”

“That’s a great calling.”

Tyrone looked slightly taken aback by the compliment. “Thank you.” No doubt it looked to have come from just another snobbish California rich dude. While David did have more money than God, he also was more of a glorified farmer than anything else. He lived on hundreds of acres of farmland and owned a stable of horses. John was certain there were other animals running around as well.

David nodded before focusing on John and Jonah. “I got your wedding invitation. It made my day. I can’t think of two people more meant for each other.”

“Awww, thank you,” Jonah cooed. “You have to save a dance for me at the reception. Who are you bringing?”

“Hmmm,” David said, looking suddenly uncomfortable. “I have no idea. My life is pretty much work and nothing else.”

“That’s a feeling I know well,” Tyrone said, chiming in.

David looked his way again. “Do you have a date for the big day?”

John’s gaze moved between the two. The memory of Tyrone’s expression after seeing John’s gift filled John’s head. He spoke before bothering to consider his words. “You two should come together.”

Tyrone dropped his gaze to the table as if embarrassed. David looked away. “I’m sure Tyrone would prefer to go with someone closer to his age.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Tyrone said, bringing David’s gaze back his way. “I think we could have fun. What time should I pick you up?”

The way David blinked in surprise had John fighting back laughter. “You want to pick me up?”

Tyrone gave a sharp nod as if the decision solidified in his mind. “Yeah. I’d love to take you if you’re willing.”

“All right. Let me give you my number.”

John glanced Jonah’s way as the pair across from them exchanged numbers. Jonah was already staring at him. John’s hand lifted without thought. His thumb traced Jonah’s bottom lip. The rest of the world fell away. A happy sigh rose in John’s chest. Sometimes, John wondered if there would come a day when his emotions weren’t as powerful when he looked at Jonah. He doubted it. After all, three years had passed, and his feelings only got stronger every day.

“I love you,” he silently mouthed, needing to release some of the building pressure.

Jonah smiled as he returned the words. “I love you too.” John’s knuckles ran down Jonah’s cheek, tracing the line. The whole room could’ve been staring, and John never would’ve noticed. His entire being focused on one grand plan. They would be happy like this for the rest of their lives, and they were.

Keep an eye out for the next Sugar Daddy,

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