Perfect Match

by AG Meiers

  David hesitated for a split second, but then he moved forward and gave Sven his full attention. Sven quickly filled him in about the boarding pass discrepancy. He didn’t feel great discussing it with Dave. It felt like he was betraying Jayden, but after talking to Petrovic, he needed a second opinion. The old man’s suspicion had rattled him.

  “Petrovic was insinuating that something is fishy about the agency?” David asked. “Okay, got it. Can I ask how much money Orla paid for the whole service altogether?”

  “A lot. I was pretty horrified when I found out. It’s hard to compare, because most online agencies have a monthly subscription model instead of a one-time fee plus travel cost, but still, it’s enough to raise questions.”

  “Okay, so crazy high fees.” David used his fingers to count out Sven’s concerns. “Jayden lied about where he started his trip, and this agency doesn’t operate quite like most online dating services—”

  “And the call. The initial call. I can’t help wondering if I really talked to Jayden or somebody else,” Sven blurted out. Shit.

  David shook his head dismissively. “Okay . . . Well, it isn’t much to go by. Just think about it yourself. Yeah, maybe it’s a bit suspicious, but a few inconsistencies and your healthy skepticism of online dating isn’t proof, you know. Still, I like trusting my gut, so if you’re really concerned, I can look into it?”

  Sven’s throat suddenly felt dry, and he took a deep swallow from his beer. His own gut told him something was off. Yeah, maybe there wasn’t any tangible proof, but sometimes he took one look at Jayden and knew he was keeping secrets.

  Shrugging his shoulders to shake off his own unsettling thoughts, he said, “What? No, just be a friend right now, not a police officer.”

  “Hey, you brought it up.”

  “I know. You’re right and I’m being paranoid. Let’s leave it, okay?”

  David relaxed again. “I got enough on my plate, no worries.”

  “Why? What’s going on?”

  “We’ve an arsonist we can’t pin down. With the budget cuts, the station is too small to have a real fire investigator, and the perp is getting more and more out of control. So far nobody’s got hurt, but it’s only a matter of time.”

  “That sucks.”

  “Yeah, we’re getting nowhere.” A deep frown was marring his friend’s face.

  Getting nowhere. Yeah, Sven could relate to David’s frustration. Even though he had shared his thoughts, he didn’t feel like he had made any progress. Silently, he ripped small pieces of label off his beer bottle. Perfect Match. Jayden. If he could just put his finger on—

  “Sven?” David’s word brought him back. “Where did you go? I lost you.”

  “Hey, sorry, I—”

  “Can’t stop thinking about mail-order boyfriend? Yeah, that’s pretty obvious.” David snorted. “So, back to Jayden . . . you have all these concerns, but you haven’t sent him home. How come? Wouldn’t that be the right thing to do if you don’t trust him?”

  “I trust him,” Sven replied without hesitation.

  “But you just said—”

  “I know. Forget what I said. I don’t like online dating—”

  David waved him off. “Yeah, we established that. But you like Jayden?”

  Sven let out a low growl, which made David laugh. “Just asking . . .”

  “Jayden is . . . He’s a real city kid.” Sven knew full well he wasn’t answering the question, but he continued. “That’s for sure. I don’t think he owns a stitch of clothes suitable for Cold Creek. But, he’s . . . nice.”

  “‘Nice’?” Dave made air quotes. “And because he’s nice, you have been playing tour guide for the last week and City Kid is sleeping in your bed?”

  Heat crept up Sven’s cheeks. David’s eyes widened. “Jesus, Sven! You’re blushing.”

  “You saw him. He’s . . .” Sven didn’t even know what he wanted to say. Cute. Hot. Pure temptation. Tremendously fuckable.

  “Sven, I saw him, but honestly, I like my men big and brawny. You’re my type and you know that. So are we going back to your cabin or what?”

  Before Sven could stop himself, he said, “No, I can’t. Jayden—”

  A huge grin spread over David’s face. “Got you!”

  “Shit, Dave. What the hell?”

  Dave gave him a dirty grin.

  “No, no . . .” Sven let out a frustrated sigh. “I mean, don’t you ever get tired of waking up alone every morning? Or worse if . . . once in a blue moon, there’s someone lying next to you, and you don’t even know his name. A body that’s there because you were too drunk to kick him out or too tired to leave yourself—” Sven hadn’t meant to give away this much.

  “I do,” Dave replied quietly. “I get it, okay? I do. But, listen, if you have any doubts, then send him home.”

  “I trust—”

  “Sven, cut the crap. Your concerns are all we’ve talked about and even now, they’re all over your face. Something is bugging you, and you should get to the bottom of it. I understand that you don’t like to confront sweet-cheeks, but unless you ask the guy what’s going on, you won’t know.”

  “Okay, okay, I get your point.”

  “And until you have figured it out, keep these lovey-dovey sparkles in your eyes under control, okay? I’d hate to see you hurt. Not that you’ve told me anything that sounds alarming, but you’re right to be careful. There are a lot of scams. I’ve seen weird stuff. Con artists targeting someone lonely, sneaking into their confidence and then bleeding them dry. Just promise me you’ll be smarter. Don’t let loneliness blind you. That’s how people lose their money and more.”

  Dave was suspicious by nature and jaded by his job. Sven knew that, but he still had a hard time shaking his irritation that Dave seemed so intent on discrediting Jayden, but then he had only himself to blame for oversharing. Trying to divert the conversation away from Jayden, he asked, “Do you ever regret that we didn’t move forward? Do you ever think what if?”

  David blinked at the abrupt change in their conversation, but he recovered quickly. “Hey, you don’t get to ask me that while you’ve got your boy toy tucked into your bed.”

  “Don’t call him that.”

  “Listen, Sven, back then we decided it was too much risk to move in together. We made the decision together and we—” David gestured between Sven and himself “—might have gotten away with it. If you’re with someone like Jayden, you’ll be officially out. There’s no way anybody would think he’s just your roommate. You’ll be out, and there is no going back. You need to be sure that’s what you want. If it is, hell, go for it.”

  Back when they’d been seeing each other in secret, neither of them had wanted to come out, and in the end, Dave, with his uncanny ability to see right through bullshit, had called it as it was. Their love had gotten lost in too much talk and lack of action.

  “I don’t know.” Sven shrugged. “I don’t know . . .”

  David looked at him, expressionless. Sven could read Jayden in a heartbeat, but it had always been different with David. He was all easy-going and friendly, but never gave away more than he wanted to.

  His lack of response urged Sven to fill the gap. “Anyway, I’ve only known Jayden for a few days. I’m not saying it’s anything serious. It’s way too early, but there is something . . . can we leave it at that?”

  David pushed his beer back and forth, drawing invisible patterns on the table. Suddenly he broke his silence. “Shit. I always knew you’d shred my heart if I got too close.” He took another deep pull from his bottle.

  What?

  “Dave, listen . . .” Sven hated the defeated expression on David’s face. He put his hand on the other man’s arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. David’s eyes dropped to Sven’s hand and his throat worked.

  “Cookie?”

  A big plate of chocolate chip cookies was pushed forcefully between them. Slightly stunned, Sven pulled his hand back. When David’s head lifted up, his mask was fi
rmly in place again. No trace of emotion, just his usual crooked smile.

  Sven turned, and his heart did a little jump when he stared at Jayden’s disheveled appearance. He was wearing Orla’s colorful flannel shirt, and his cheeks were still red from the fresh mountain air. Jayden always seemed so out of place with his surrounding and at the same time he always looked so right.

  Their gazes locked and now his heart lost a beat or two—Sven couldn’t remember anybody ever staring at him like this. Jayden’s eyes were bright with purpose and determination, his lips slightly parted. His shaky breath was the only indication of his uncertainty.

  It was Dave who spoke first. “Thanks, I guess, but maybe I’ll take a few for the road. Beer and cookies together is not really my thing.”

  Perfect Match Commitment #13:

  If you work with us, you don’t have to learn a whole new language of acronyms. Our process is simple and personal.

  Dave’s words startled Jayden and made him break eye contact with Sven, who still had yet to say anything. Jayden blushed fiercely. Cookies and beer. Stupid. He should have gotten some peanuts from the bar, but when he’d worked up his courage to come out of his hideout, the two men had been in deep, intimate conversation. He’d watched as Sven put his hand on David’s arm, and his mind had gone crazy. He was kind of proud that he’d managed to grab the cookies instead of throwing himself at David and tackling him to the ground, away from Sven. Getting into a physical fight with the brawny police officer didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.

  Mine. In this moment, Jayden knew his possessiveness had nothing to do with his assignment or Perfect Match. He wanted Sven, and he wouldn’t let him get away without a fight. Trying to focus his scattered brain cells, he repeated Jackson’s instructions over and over. One: Disrupt. Two: Claim. Three: Fuck.

  Sven appeared startled by the other man’s announcement. “Dave, you don’t plan to leave tonight, do you? It’s late. It’ll be dark soon. You just arrived. We can find you a bed here.”

  No. No. No bed. Jayden dropped the cookies on the table, inched closer to Sven, and leaned against his shoulder. Sven pulled back and glanced at him in surprise. Shit. Jayden tried not to take it personally and pushed closer. This probably was not the smoothest claim ever, and maybe he should make a joke but nothing came to mind. His brain was too stretched. Too jumbled with emotions.

  “He’s . . . Bambi.” David’s eyes were huge when they roamed over Jayden. “Well, fuck. That makes sense now.” He broke into a wry laugh. “Yeah, a lot more sense.”

  Bambi? What the fuck? Jayden’s eyes drilled into Sven. Say something, Sven. Please. Anything.

  Instead Sven’s eyes connected with David’s. There was a silent exchange between the two men. Then, David broke into a knowing, friendly smile, and Sven responded with a low exhale. Jayden’s stomach dropped. He absolutely hated the look between the two of them. This was the understanding of two men who had been close and knew each other well. Cared for each other.

  Sven suddenly stood up. It unbalanced Jayden, who’d been caught in his own rambling thoughts, but Sven grabbed his arm and steadied him. Jayden kept his eyes low. Okay, so it was going to happen. Any minute now, he would be sent away and asked to find a bed in the lodge. Desperate, Jayden couldn’t help himself. He leaned closer, just to catch Sven’s warmth one more time. His chest tightened and battled for air.

  Sven placed a hand under his chin and pulled up so that Jayden had to look at him. Jayden bit his lip hard. He prepared himself mentally to deal with the rejection sure to come.

  “Jayden, why don’t you go and take a shower.” Sven’s eyes were warm and his voice gentle. Jayden barely heard the words. As expected—he was being sent away. Nothing new, but it still hurt.

  “I want to stay.” Jayden immediately regretted saying it. Stupid. Heat crept into his face. There was a snort to the side—David. Was he laughing? Asshole! Jayden couldn’t help a quick glare across the table. Clearly, he was bumbling through all this, but Mr. What’s-his-name could be a bit more generous in his victory.

  “No, go ahead. I promise, I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.” Sven turned him toward the door and gave him a push. Jayden grumbled, but started toward the kitchen to find Orla and ask for a room. He channeled one more I-hate-you look at the other man even as Sven’s words finally registered.

  “Wait. What? Catch up with me?”

  “Yes, Jayden, catch up with you.”

  “So, you mean go shower…in our cabin?” Jayden felt foolish for asking for clarification.

  “Ahh . . . my cabin? But yeah.”

  Dave brought it to a point. “Kiddo, he’s asking you to wash your ass. If I were you, I’d be halfway up the road by now.”

  “Dave! Christ!” Sven growled at his friend.

  “Sorry, just seemed somebody had to spell it out for him,” Dave replied with a devilish grin.

  Jayden’s eyes locked with Sven’s. The day had been an emotional rollercoaster ride, and he didn’t trust his own abilities to read the situation accurately. He’d gone from certainty on top of the mountain to near devastation within such a short time span. Right now, he needed some assurance that he understood things correctly.

  “Sven?” Jayden hated the insecurity in his own voice. He wished he could be like David, who seemed so relaxed and sure of himself, sprawled out and leaning back in his chair.

  “Jayden, please, I promise we’ll talk, okay? Let me finish my beer with Dave. Go, take a shower and wait for me.” Sven’s face was slightly flushed, and he brushed his hand through his hair repeatedly. His gaze kept darting back and forth between Jayden and David.

  Jayden felt like an idiot, but his feet still weren’t moving. He stood frozen. Sven took a step forward and wrapped his arms around Jayden. He pressed a fleeting kiss on Jayden’s scarred eyebrow. Before Jayden could react, it was all over and he was once again shoved toward the door. This time, he went outside.

  His mind was swirling again. Sven had just kissed him in front of another person. Real PDA.

  His phone buzzing in his pocket brought him back to reality.

  Jackson: Jayden, are you okay?

  Jayden stopped and sent a quick yes back, but in all honesty, he wasn’t sure if that was true. Out of habit, he scrolled back to see if he’d missed any another message, but Step 3, fuck his brains out was right there. Jayden couldn’t help a grin. Hell yeah!

  The cabin was dark, damp, and freezing cold when Jayden got there. Sven had shown Jayden a few times how to get the fire started. Crumpled-up paper on the bottom, starter and small twigs in a tepee stand. It took Jayden a little longer, and he used a lot more of the small fire starters than Sven, but the fire finally burned brightly. Score one for the city kid! Jayden added a few bigger logs and stayed right in front of the fireplace, trying to wrap his head around the fact that Sven had chosen him. That he was coming back to the cabin to be with him.

  Jayden should take a shower, prep . . . Jackson’s list swirled around in his head, but somehow it felt wrong. The list belonged to Perfect Match. It was meant to get Jayden ready for meaningless sex to manipulate his mark. It didn’t feel right for tonight. After all, tonight wasn’t for Perfect Match. Tonight, he was gonna celebrate his victory over Dave What’s-his-name. It would only be about him and Sven, and the rest of the world could just get lost.

  Closing his eyes, he tried to remember what the old Jayden would have done. The Jayden in his first few weeks of college. Before the rumors had started again. Before his mom had gotten sick, before his whole life had gone to pieces. Before Perfect Match and Jackson’s coaching.

  He went to the closet and quickly pulled a few of his things together to take to the bathroom. The only clubbing outfit he’d brought with him. His eyeliner and his lip gloss. Excitement rushed through him—he was almost drunk with it. No more waiting. Tonight he’s mine.

  Perfect Match Commitment #14:

  No hidden surcharges. All our rates are final. Love shouldn’t be
nickeled and dimed.

  Walking back to his cabin, Sven still felt guilty that David had decided to drive back tonight instead of staying as he originally had intended. His friend had been his usual unruffled self for the rest of his stay. There’d been some friendly teasing about his boy toy, but also more talk about David’s elusive arsonist and, of course, David asked about the job in Vancouver. Greg, Sven’s overly talkative cousin, had apparently pulled his pros and cons list out again when David had been waiting for Sven to come back from his hike. However, after less than an hour, David had gotten up and left to drive home. Sven wondered if their friendship would survive today. It had been frail after their breakup, and today was just another blow.

  He should take David’s advice to heart and ask Jayden about the inconsistencies. There had to be a way to ask questions without coming across accusatory or confrontational. He didn’t want Jayden to retreat back into his shell, but the secrets between them were starting to weigh heavy on him. Still, as he got closer to the cabin, his concerns slipped out of his mind and anticipation took over.

  Sven had no idea what to expect when he stepped through the front door. Most men would read him the riot act for the hot/cold rollercoaster ride he’d put Jayden through all day. He cringed at the memory of how he’d treated Jayden after their hike. He’d done everything he could think of to keep Jayden at arm’s length. To keep his cool. The kiss on top of Cold Creek Mountain had rattled him. For a few minutes up there, the world had disappeared and all he had cared about was the amazing man in his arms. The fact that he hadn’t wanted to stop kissing Jayden was what had had him running down the mountain like a mad man. Smooth, Larson. Mature and all that.

  In any case, he should apologize and explain, but maybe lengthy explanations wouldn’t be necessary anymore. By brushing a kiss on Jayden’s forehead in front of David earlier in the lodge, he surely had tipped his cards. He was done hiding his crazy attraction to Jayden. Control had been out the window for a while. He wanted Jayden. Naked. In his bed.