by K. C. Wells
“Well, that’s good, because I’m not takin’ you home,” Jon fired back at him.
“I don’t have a helmet.”
“Then I’ll have to be real careful, won’t I? Now get on.” Sunset had to be just over a couple of hours away, and he already had an idea where he wanted to be when it got there. Then he reconsidered. “Here,” he said, unfastening the chin strap and removing the helmet. “You wear this.”
“But then you won’t have one!”
“And like I said, I’ll be real careful. Now Get. On.”
“All right, all right!” Kendis clambered onto the bike. “Is there something wrong?” Christ, he sounded worried. I did that.
Jon struggled to breathe evenly. “I needed to get some air, so I’m going for a ride. I won’t go as fast as Chaz does, I promise. I’ll take care of you. I just… don’t wanna be alone right now.” He twisted around to look at Kendis. “What do you say?”
Kendis regarded him thoughtfully for a moment. He smiled. “Let’s go then.”
Jon nodded. “Grab onto me.” Kendis wrapped his arms around Jon’s waist, and they rode out of the parking lot, heading for Highway 25. Jon kept to a steady speed, hyper conscious of his passenger. He took a left when they reached East Central Avenue, and continued on the highway as it curved around the hillside that rose up to the right of them, cutting them off from LaFollette.
“Where are we going?” Kendis yelled.
“To a place I know,” Jon shouted above the noise of the engine. “I haven’t been there in a while.” It was the first place that came to mind when he got on the bike. A place where I can think clearly. And a long way from Del.
“Does this place have food? ’Cause I’m starving.”
Despite the tension in his body and the mess inside his head, Jon laughed. “They do. And if they’re not too busy, I’ll buy you dinner. How’s that?” He couldn’t wait to see Kendis’s face when they got there.
“Okay. You don’t have to. How far is this place?”
“Only six miles out of LaFollette.” They were almost at the turnoff. Then he saw the sign. “Here we go. You might wanna hold on tight for the next few miles.”
“Why? What’s the—Jesus!” The road climbed and took a sharp left-hand bend.
“It’s pretty much like this, all the way up,” Jon shouted back at him.
“All the way up to where?”
“The top.” Jon leaned into the curve, following the road as it twisted and turned up the hillside. There was nothing to see but trees and sky. “This is the McClouds Trail.”
“It’s beautiful, even in winter.” They passed a red barn, the only thing to stand out against the stark landscape. Up and up they went, climbing higher and higher. When the road widened into a viewpoint ahead of them, Kendis tightened his grip on Jon’s waist. “Can’t we stop? I wanna look at the view.”
“Sure.” Jon smiled to himself. If he wants a view… He pulled the bike off the road and stopped by a signpost, leaving the engine running. Kendis got off, removed the helmet, and wandered over to the edge, looking down into the woodland below.
It was only then that Jon realized there might be a flaw to his plan. He got his phone out and called up the restaurant. “Hey. I need to book a table for this evening. You haven’t closed yet for the season, have you?” He’d totally forgotten that tables had to be reserved by phone.
The young man on the other end chuckled. “No, but if you’d called in a few days’ time, it would be a different story. What time shall I reserve a table for?”
“We’ll be there by four.” That gave him time to show Kendis what a real view looked like. He gave his name, and the man thanked him before disconnecting the call.
“What are you up to?” Kendis was walking toward him.
“It’s a surprise.” Jon’s anger was bleeding away with every mile. Then he glanced down, and quickly averted his gaze. Kendis had a very obvious hard-on.
Lord, he ain’t small, is he?
Jon cleared his throat. “Come on. We’re not there yet.”
Kendis chuckled. “As if I know where there is.”
Jon waited as Kendis approached the bike and fuck, it was as if his eyes were drawn to Kendis’s package, because he glanced down again. For fuck’s sake. You’ve seen a boner before. It’s probably the vibrations from the bike. Quit lookin’.
“Helmet,” he barked out, not turning around. Shame flushed through him, and he hoped to God Kendis hadn’t noticed his gaze. Then he figured he was safe when Kendis said nothing. He focused on the speedometer as Kendis slipped his arms around Jon’s waist. He pulled back onto the trail, trying his damnedest not to think about Kendis’s erect dick pressed up against his ass. Not that he could feel it.
What filled him with guilt was the thought that he wanted to.
On and on they went, until finally the white painted walls that surrounded the restaurant and lodge were in sight. He drove through the open gateway and into the parking lot. “This is where we stop.” Jon switched off the engine and lowered the kickstand. Kendis got off, and Jon followed after stashing the helmet.
“Is this a hotel?”
“Lodge, restaurant… This is the McCloud Mountain Restaurant. We’re at the top of the Cumberland trail. You can see for miles from up here.” Then he cocked his head to one side. “Does your momma need to know you’ll be late?”
Kendis smiled. “That’s what I like about you. You’re always lookin’ out for me. Momma’s working a late shift. She won’t be home till gone seven. Now… where’s this view you keep talking about?”
Jon smiled, and beckoned with his finger. “Step this way.”
“How high up are we?” Kendis followed him as Jon walked through the parking lot toward the Skywalk.
“About two thousand seven hundred feet. The restaurant has a balcony with a view to die for. It’s perched on the edge of the cliff.” Thank God there were clear skies. Sunset was about five-thirty, and they’d be seated at their table by then. “You should see the view from up here first thing in the morning, when there’s fog blanketing everywhere. It’s like you’re flyin’ above the clouds.” Jon paused at the entrance to the Skywalk, a walkway that jutted out over the rocky outcrop. The railings made it safe, and at various points there were little stations affording spectacular views.
Kendis walked out onto the wooden structure before turning to gaze at Jon in obvious awe. “This is amazing. Thanks for bringing me.”
Jon joined him, drinking in the magnificent view of the valley below. He could understand Kendis’s reaction. The sight still filled him with awe, and this had to be the third or fourth time Jon had visited the place.
Kendis rested his hands on the railing, looking out over the valley. “Why did you bring me here?”
Jon sighed. “My reasons for coming here were selfish, plain and simple.” Except that wasn’t quite the whole truth. “But I wanted to give you a minute to breathe. Sounded like you’d had a tough day. To my mind, there’s nothing like losing yourself in nature’s grandeur to remind you how… insignificant we are, compared to all this.” He swept out his arm to encompass the view.
Then he realized Kendis had gone quiet on him. “What did I say?”
Kendis gave a slow smile. “I think I know you, then you go an’ say something so… beautiful and eloquent, and I realize I don’t know you at all.”
Jon chuckled. “You ain’t had time to get to know me.” He snorted. “Trust me, my moments of speaking eloquently are few and far between.”
“Hey, don’t go and spoil it for me.” Kendis’s eyes sparkled. “I kinda like it when you go all deep and meaningful.” Then he stared out at the landscape with a sigh. “But you’re right. Seeing all this… A man can forget his troubles.”
Jon stared at him. It was like he was seeing Kendis for the first time, and it wasn’t as a kid, but a man of twenty years, starting out on a new career, hopeful, scared…
He pulled himself together. “How about w
e walk to the end of the Skywalk and take in the view before the sun sets?”
Kendis peered at the tiny platform overhanging the sheer drop. He grinned. “As long as you don’t try any sudden moves to scare the bejesus out of me. We’re awful high up here.”
Jon crossed his heart. “I’ll be good, I promise.”
They walked slowly to the end, where they stood side by side and gazed out over the stunning scenery. Kendis tried to get a panoramic shot, which included Jon pulling faces, which made him laugh.
He’s right. A man can forget his troubles up here. Jon’s stomach clenched. Except those troubles will still be there when I leave all this behind. He became aware of Kendis’s hand on his arm.
“You wanna talk about what’s botherin’ you?”
He huffed. “Not really.”
Kendis shrugged. “Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone you don’t know that well.” He shivered as the wind picked up. “And getting someplace warmer would be good right now.”
That, Jon could do. “Let’s go to the restaurant,” he suggested. “I’ve booked us a table. We can have a bite to eat and watch the sun go down.”
“And talk?” Kendis suggested hopefully.
Jon was past arguing. “Okay,” he agreed grudgingly. It might help at that.
They headed back toward the buildings that comprised the lodge and the restaurant. Jon wasn’t sure about eating in the open air—it was too damn cold for that—but he knew the views would be awesome from inside too.
The hostess directed them to a table, and Jon had to admit luck was on their side. They were seated by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows that rose up to a steep pitched roof covered in pine. At the other end of the large room was an enormous Christmas tree, covered in a mass of golden lights, with brightly wrapped presents standing around its base.
Kendis peered at the menu card. “This looks really good.” He leaned closer. “Is the food good here?” he whispered.
Jon chuckled. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.” He placed the menu on the table. “Well, I know what I’m havin’.”
“Is that Jon-speak for hurry the fuck up and decide?” Kendis asked in a low voice. He glanced at the menu. “Okay. I’m ready.”
The server came over with a carafe of water and proceeded to fill their glasses. When he disappeared, Kendis gazed at the landscape beyond. “So what am I looking at?”
Jon pointed. “Over there is Knoxville. That’s Norris Lake, and all the way over there? Those are the Great Smoky Mountains.”
Kendis shook his head. “I never realized you could see so much from up here.”
“I was checking out the Cumberland Trails when I first found this place. That was before Del moved here from California.” His throat tightened. He didn’t want to think about Del.
Kendis opened his mouth to speak, but the server reappeared. Jon ordered his cheese nachos with pulled pork, and shrimps and grits to follow. Kendis ordered the crab cakes, followed by smoked brisket. Once the server had left them, Kendis regarded Jon with a thoughtful expression.
“Okay. Now tell me what brought you up here today. Because it sounded like you were trying to get away from something.”
Hell, ain’t that the truth? Kendis was pretty astute. It was on the tip of Jon’s tongue to say yet again that he didn’t want to discuss it. But he’d told Kendis they’d talk, and maybe there was something to that old saying about a problem shared.
Jon took a deep breath. “Yeah. You nailed that one.” He relayed the conversation with Del and Taylor, and as he spoke, resentment bubbled up inside him, until he was just as angry as he had been when he’d stormed out of the bike shop. It was less of a retelling, and more like a rant. When he finished, he helped himself to water, in the hope it would cool his rage.
Kendis stared at him in silence.
“What? You think him offering to set me up on a date was okay?”
Kendis blinked. “I think… I don’t get it.”
“What exactly don’t you get?”
Kendis took a sip of water before continuing. “Look, I can see you’re upset, but… to me at any rate, it seems like…”
“Like what?” Jon demanded, his voice rising a little. When diners glanced in his direction, he took a deep breath. “Like what?” he asked, more calmly.
Kendis gave a shrug. “Your reaction seems… out of proportion. To my mind, the only reason you’d have for bein’ so… offended would be if you were already seeing someone, but you’re not. So I guess it feels like your reaction doesn’t make sense.”
It had felt like a disproportionate response the moment Jon had opened his mouth to lash out at Taylor. Kendis recognizing that did not help.
“Jon?” Kendis was staring at him, his brow furrowed. “Where is all this anger coming from? What’s really going on?”
Fuck.
Chapter Eleven
“You know what?” Jon held up his hands. “I’m not ready to talk about this with anyone just yet.” The rant had only brought it all back.
“Fine, then let’s change the subject.” Kendis glanced over at the Christmas tree. “Isn’t that beautiful?” His wistful expression caught Jon’s attention.
“I was thinkin’ of getting a tree this year.”
Kendis gave him a puzzled look. “Don’t you usually?”
Jon sighed. “Not since Momma died. If she’s watching right now, she’s pretty pissed. All her ornaments and tinsel are sitting in boxes in the attic, gatherin’ dust.”
“But you’ll be using them again,” Kendis said with a smile. “Sounds like your Christmas memories are as sad as mine.”
“Why are yours sad?”
“When I was little, I used to help my daddy put lights all over the house. Momma used to complain the electricity bills went sky high every holiday, but you could tell she didn’t mean it. Daddy would make her stay indoors until he was done, then bring her outside and do the grand turn-on.” Kendis’s eyes glistened. “She’d cover her mouth, and her eyes would be huge. Then they’d hug, and Daddy would bring her back into the house to where he’d nailed up some mistletoe.”
“He died, didn’t he?” Jon asked softly. He figured that had to be the case. It was the first time Kendis had mentioned his daddy.
Kendis nodded, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “When I was seven. The holidays are when I miss him most, I guess. Kids always remember Christmas, right?”
Jon didn’t give a flying fuck who saw him. He reached over and took Kendis’s hand in his. “You’ll never forget him. Just hold on to those memories.” As the server approached with their starters, Kendis freed his hand. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why. When he walked away, Kendis gave Jon an apologetic glance.
“Sorry about that. You never know how some people will react.” He smiled. “And that was sweet, by the way. Thank you.” Kendis glanced at the plates. “This looks awesome. Let’s eat.”
Jon’s food was delicious, and judging by Kendis’s rapturous expression, his was easily as good. They concentrated on eating, and Jon was grateful for the comfortable silence.
“So how did your first day go?” Jon asked as the server removed their plates. He was toying with the idea of a dessert.
Kendis’s eyes widened. “Oh my God. Those tests Mr. Temple talked about last week? He made me go through all of ’em. Said he wanted to see what I already knew. He figured that would help him work out what he needs to concentrate on with my training.” Kendis counted off on his fingers. “Engines, transmission, suspension, brakes, heating…” He rolled his eyes. “I’m surprised I can think straight after all that.”
Jon snickered. “I hate to break it to ya, Kendis, but you ain’t never gonna think straight.”
Kendis laughed.
“You think you’ll like it there?” Jon asked. Granted, it was early days, but it sounded promising.
“I think so.” Kendis shrugged. “Mr. Temple’s great. A nice guy, but I kinda get the feeling h
e can be real firm when he needs to be. Chance is okay, but he’s got a one-track mind.”
Jon guffawed. “His girlfriend, right?” He recalled Eric’s words.
Kendis smirked. “He doesn’t have a girlfriend. He just bangs a different girl every week. Logan? He’s about my age, been working there since he was sixteen. Good hands.” When Jon smirked, he laughed. “I mean, he’s good at handling tools and getting into awkward places.”
Jon couldn’t help it. He cackled. “You got any awkward places you’d like him to get those hands into?”
Kendis stared at him for a moment, then burst into a peal of laughter. “I swear… you and Chaz… the things you say.” He was still chuckling when the server arrived to ask whether they wanted to order dessert.
Jon took the menus cards from him, and waited till the server had walked away. “I know it’s none of my business, but you and Chaz…” He was kind of torn about the two of them. On the one hand, he hoped things were progressing well, because Lord knew, both of them deserved a little happiness. But on the other hand, he wasn’t sure how he’d feel about having the pair of them around the house. More lovesick puppies to cope with. Christ. As if Del and Taylor weren’t bad enough.
Jon took a deep breath. That was mean-spirited and he knew it.
“Jon?” Kendis was looking at him in that thoughtful way of his.
Jon smiled. “Forget I asked. I shouldn’t have. Today was kinda rough. I needed this. Thanks for coming with me.” Kendis had been a breath of fresh air.
“I should be the one thanking you.” Kendis glanced around them before taking Jon’s hand. “I mean it. You went out of your way to help me, and I won’t ever forget that.” He locked gazes with Jon, and his earnest expression left Jon in no doubt that he meant every word.
“You’re gonna be a fine mechanic,” Jon said softly. “You ain’t afraid of hard work, and you’re smart.” And damn, but it felt good Kendis holding his hand like that…
“For the record?” Kendis squeezed Jon’s hand. “I don’t mind you askin’ about Chaz and me. Thing is… we’re goin’ on our first date Wednesday.”
