A Different Light

by Morningstar Ashley

  He went to their usual booth in the corner, ordered his coffee, and tried to shake the feelings that had been weighing him down since this morning. Maybe he could succeed in masking it so his see-everything best friend wouldn’t call him out for once. He rolled his eyes at himself because, if he hadn’t accomplished that in the last thirteen years, this time was going to be no different.

  He was scrolling through his boring Facebook feed when he heard and felt the thump across from him. Mac looked up and grinned. Allison Granger—aka Allie—his best friend and general pain in the ass was in the most inelegant pose any person could get into, then again she was never elegant. “Hey, jackass. Can’t you sit like a normal person for once?” Smirking at her was a sure-fire way to get her eyes blazing and her back up. She hated being locked into the box their small town—and all of society—considered normal.

  Allie was gorgeous, but most just didn’t understand how the blue-eyed, blonde-haired daughter of the town mayor had turned into a tattooed, foul-mouthed bike mechanic. Oh, she loved wearing dresses and makeup and all that ‘girl stuff’ as her dad had called it, but she wasn’t the picture perfect good girl the whole town thought she’d be, because she also wore men’s clothes as often as she wore traditional women’s clothes.

  And her parents loved her all the same.

  “Shut it and get me coffee. You should be nice to me or I’ll start asking questions about what happened at the Cole house this morning.” Allie had that smirk. The one that said he should just spill all because it’d be less painful.

  “All I did was start the crew working on the project, and if I happened to ruffle Princess Bennett’s feathers, well, it was a bonus.”

  “And what about you storming out of his house over an hour later, fuming mad?”

  “Damn. Small towns and their gossip.” Mac was hedging his bets that he might be able to get away with not telling her what he’d done wrong. But then again, that would just make him a coward on top of an asshole. “Fine. I’ll tell you, but for the record, I’d like to state ahead of time that he pushed me.”

  At first, she laughed at Bennett’s reaction, no sane person wouldn’t think it was funny, but then as he proceeded to the part of the whole thing that made him the bad guy, her face went neutral and that was when he knew trouble was brewing. He’d really fucked up.

  “And Allie, before you start yelling, ‘cause I know you’re going to, I’d just like to say I know I was wrong. I know it was a low blow. I just…I don’t even know why it came out.”

  “Mac, I know he always got under your skin, but, man, you’re supposed to be a grown up now. You own that construction company, act like it. And you don’t know him anymore more now than you did then.”

  “Oh, I think I do. He still acts like his shit don’t stink and everyone should be so impressed with his smarts that they ignore the condescending asshole underneath.”

  Allie may have known of Bennett back then, but they never interacted with each other. They hadn’t run in remotely the same circles. Back then, Allie was the perfect mayor’s daughter until she got her hands on his old bike in secret then the real Allie came out.

  Mac knew him. Bennett never saw anything that wasn’t shoved down his throat, and even then, it took a lot to get him to remove those rose-colored glasses he wore.

  “No. I’ve told you before a million fucking times. You think you know him, but you only saw what you wanted to see through the lens of resentment you looked at him with, thanks to your parents.”

  “Yeah, and like I said, you’re wrong. I may slightly resent him for being so fucking perfect but I still saw the bratty kid that he was.”

  “Ugh, you’re fucking annoying. Even if you think you knew him as the bratty kid, you don’t know the adult is he now.”

  He hated when she did that. Always twisting his words around and turning them back on him. “Same person.”

  “Oh, baby, you are just in denial.” Allie sat up, planting her elbows on the table as she leaned forward. “Now, give me more gossip. Does he still look like the geeky, lanky kid he was?”

  “If you’re so interested in seeing what he looks like, why don’t you go pay him a visit? I’m sure he’ll think you’re a part of his little White Acre fan club.” Mac couldn’t keep the disdain out of his voice.

  “Someone sounds a little jealous.” Mac was not jealous. “Knock off the shit, Mac. I know you better than this.”

  “Whatever. We can talk about something else. Maybe why Jarod has been hanging around your shop for the last two weeks, hmm?”

  “I see you trying to avoid talking about Bennett which probably means it’s hitting too close to home. Maybe someone still has a crush on the boy next door. But I’ll let it go…for now.”

  They ordered and ate their meal, catching up on the last few days. She didn’t mention Bennett again, and he didn’t question her further about Jarod. He was glad she was there to call him on his bullshit, but she was wrong in this instance.

  Bennett wasn’t a bad guy, he knew that. And maybe Mac still carried some guilt over the past, but attraction or not, he could never see himself with a guy like Bennett.

  When Mac got home, he stood in his driveway staring at the Cole house. He could go over and apologize. It wasn’t so late that Bennett wouldn’t answer. He’d mean it, but what would it help? Bennett was still like a prickly pear, touch it, and you get hurt.

  Sighing as he made his way up the pathway to the front porch, he knew he’d have no choice but to say he was sorry again, but it would have to wait until tomorrow. He was just too tired at that moment. Maybe he’d chicken out and bring a peace offering instead of just saying the words.

  For some reason, seeing grown up Bennett after all this time, just as strong willed and pig headed, made him want to poke and prod him just like he used to. And nothing had made his crush burn brighter than picking on the geeky kid years ago.

  Something told Mac that nothing had changed when it came to the spark he’d always felt for Bennett.

  He should’ve known. A small part of him hoped that maybe by some miracle Mac’s crew would be one of the ones that started at noon because they hated mornings as much as Bennett did. But no. There they were, on the roof, banging with hammers and yelling.

  After putting on some pajama bottoms—because walking around his parent’s house in his underwear wasn’t happening—Bennett found himself settling back on the couch in the family room sipping his coffee. If he ever owned a house, he wanted a sunroom. Something like this but with more windows, so that the warmth of the sun could fill the room.

  Barely awake, he scrolled through his various social media accounts, catching up with some of the happenings with colleagues and family, liking all the pictures that were posted, and was just about to put the phone down when there was a knock on the door. No one should’ve been able to figure out he was awake yet, but it was probably one of Mac’s crew needing to get into the house.

  When he opened the door to the man himself, Bennett was slightly shocked. He figured after yesterday, Mac would’ve avoided him at all costs.

  “Morning, Bennett. Sorry to disturb you so early but I figured with the noise you’d be up. I need to do some more measuring, so I can make sure that the numbers we have are right and I’m getting enough of the flooring.”

  Bennett stepped back, widening the door, allowing Mac to enter without saying a word. He wouldn’t speak to the man after what he said yesterday.

  Not waiting for Mac to say anything else to him, he walked back to where his coffee was waiting. He picked up his coffee cup, turned to take his seat, and startled, letting out an embarrassing squeak and nearly spilling his coffee because Mac had followed him.

  “Sorry,” Mac exclaimed hurriedly. “I didn’t mean to scare you. This is the first room that we’re removing the flooring, I need to measure here now.”

  Bennett waved him away still not sure how to handle this weird tension that sat between them. It was different than what he
remembered from when they were teenagers. This was awkward and something else he couldn’t pinpoint.

  Not sure if he should sit as Mac walked around, he ended up standing there for a solid minute confused, and he was sure, looking like an idiot. By the time he turned back around to grab his phone and move to another room, he saw Mac staring at him. Or rather his chest. Not understanding what was so fascinating, he looked down and it hit him. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Mac was staring at his naked chest. A heated stare that made butterflies take up residence in his belly. The look in those eyes was one Bennett hadn’t ever seen in them before, and he wasn’t ready to think about what that meant. This was Mac for Pete’s sake.

  Mumbling his excuses, he put his coffee down and practically ran out the room, back upstairs to put on a freaking shirt.

  This time, when Bennett came back downstairs, he went into the kitchen and sat at the table without even bothering to go get his coffee from the other room. He’d just make a new one. Fuck it.

  A new cup of coffee at his place at the table, tablet and muffin in hand, he sat back at the table and started to check his email. Seeing one from Jaden, his best friend, he knew he’d need to reply soon. It’d been a while since they spoke.

  He heard the stomping of boots before he saw Mac enter the room. Probably trying to make sure Bennett wasn’t startled that time.

  “Hey, B. I got what I need for now. I’m going to the home improvement store in Redbush later today, do you know what you need to get started? I can pick it up for you.”

  “There’s no need. I can get it on my own.” Remembering his manners, he gritted out, “Thank you.”

  “Well then, we should just go together since it's a forty-five-minute drive. I'll pick you up at five tonight. Be ready.” Mac walked out before he could say anything in protest.

  Bennett groaned, banging his head down on the table, “What the hell am I supposed to do now?”

  Bennett spent all afternoon with a mixture of panic and dread churning in his stomach at the thought of spending that much time with Mac. He tried to distract himself with menial tasks, like cleaning floors that were already clean or taking a walk. Something that left him too much time to think about the upcoming outing with Mac.

  Deciding nothing was working, he called Jaden and got him to talk his ear off like he normally did.

  “Hello, sweetie. How are things in that small town of yours?”

  “Just fine. Boring though with not much to do.”

  “That’s all small towns. Is that why you’re calling me? To fill your time?” Bennett could hear the smile in his friend’s voice.

  “Yes. God, I’m bored out of my mind. And there’s only so much reading articles on the web and checking emails that I can manage.”

  “Well, do what you’re supposed to do there and fix something, dummy.”

  “You know my parents aren’t trusting me to fix anything. It’s just painting, but I don’t have the supplies yet. Mom just sent me the email with the paint colors last night because she forgot to hit send.”

  “I love your mom.” Jaden laughed. He swore his best friend and mom got along better than he did with his mom sometimes. “Do you have a car to go get the stuff?”

  Shit. Bennett hadn’t thought of that. Silver lining was now he didn’t need to worry about it. “No, now that you mention it, but it makes no difference. My parents hired none other than the kid that had lived next door to us and never told me. He was basically my sworn pain in the ass enemy, and he’s taking me to get what I need.”

  “Wait. I know this story, right?” Jaden paused and hummed while he thought. It was what he always did. Drove his co-workers nuts since they worked in a small lab together. “It’s that boy, Mike? Matt?”

  “Mac.”

  “Yes, that’s it. The one you thought was hot but a jerk. How’s he look now? Bald and fat or a complete hottie?” Jaden laughed, the sound irritating Bennett more than normal.

  “Look at that, my best friend laughing at my pain. I’m glad I made this phone call. I feel loads better already.” Bennett rolled his eyes. Would no one take this seriously?

  “Oh, hush you. You know I mean no harm. He can’t be all that bad. You’re adults now, you can be civil and polite and maybe make a new friend. Maybe even get some kinky on while you’re at it, if he’s still hot.”

  “Jaden, he’s a prick. You don’t even want to know what he said to me yesterday.”

  “You’re right, I’d probably have to come kick his ass if he hurt you.” The serious tone in Jaden’s voice should’ve made him feel better, but the idea of his friend, all five foot eight inches and a hundred and twenty-five pounds of him, coming to kick Mac’s ass made an unwanted chuckle leave his mouth before he could stop it. The image of his fierce friend trying to do exactly that flashed in his mind, and it was over. By the time he was done laughing, his belly hurt and he thought maybe Jaden had hung up.

  “I’m sorry, you still there?” Bennett asked between the little laughs that were still coming out.

  “I’m sure I should be insulted that me defending you made you laugh that hard, but I have a feeling this Mac is no longer the lanky kid you once told me about.”

  “Oh, it’s more about picturing you, the lab geek, beating up anyone. Jaden you’re too much of a—”

  “Don’t even say it, Cole, if you know what’s good for you. I am perfectly capable of defensive maneuvers, I’ll have you know.” He replied with a huff.

  “Stop your growling, Cujo. I wasn’t trying to offend you. You know I love you just the way you are.” And he did, every geeky, dorky inch.

  “Whatever. Now tell me, is this Mac gorgeous or what? And don’t think I haven’t noticed you not answering.”

  “Yes, alright. The man is sex on a freaking stick. God, Jay he’s so fucking hot. With the muscles, the tattoos, and those damned eyes. And I swear, the look he gave me this morning, it was like he wanted me, but…that can’t be right.”

  “Oh shit. Why? What makes you think that?” Jaden asked excitedly.

  “He came by early this morning, and I answered the door completely forgetting that I wasn’t wearing a shirt. The look on his face was what made me realize it. But then again, I could be wrong.”

  “Oh, baby, you know what it looks like when a man wants you. Those bow ties you wear tend to gain you lots of looks which have turned into lots of dates, so don’t try to play me like you don’t know.”

  “Yeah, but this is Mac. The kid that hated me and was a jerk to me all of the time.”

  “No, this is Mac, the grown-up contractor you’re going to be spending the next three months with. Why not take advantage?”

  “You know, for a smart guy, you aren’t seeing the big picture. This is a small town and gossip has already spread after the argument we got into yesterday.”

  “And you’re overthinking.” Jaden pushed. “This isn’t work. You don’t need to analyze everything. Who cares if people talk, it’s not like you’re going to be there permanently.”

  “I don’t know, Jay. It’s still him though.” Bennett replied, uncertain.

  He heard Jaden sigh over the phone. Bennett knew that they’d have to agree to disagree on this one. “Okay, baby. You do what you want. If you need me, I’m free. I can be there whenever you call. It is rather boring here without my best friend.”

  “I’m fine, Jay. Really. Just go do something fun if you’re bored.”

  Hanging up after promising to call later to let him know how the outing went, Bennett sat thinking. He knew it wasn’t so easy. Was it? To just hook up with a guy you once couldn’t even stand to be near? Someone who, even just yesterday, said something awful to him.

  No. No matter how hot the guy was, he couldn’t sleep with Mac.

  Mac arrived at Bennett’s house, prepared for him to back out of their plans. He wouldn’t blame him if he was honest. Mac did bowl right over him, not giving him a chance to back out of going. But that was Bennett’s fault because he knew, g
iven half the chance, he’d say no if he’d had the choice.

  Now, Mac just had to see if the politeness he’d known to be ingrained in them both as kids would come through instead of the spoiled princess Mac often called Bennett. Mac could never understand why other people couldn’t see the spoiled, snotty guy that Mac had always seen. To Mac it was clear as day. But, even Allie seemed to think it was how Mac saw him because of his parents, Mac just didn’t believe that. He was better than that. Better than judging someone like that.

  Knocking then ringing the doorbell, he stood waiting. Yeah, doing both was a way to get under Bennett’s skin. He couldn’t help it. It was second nature.

  Plus, it was so much fun to ruffle the guy’s feathers.

  He heard Bennett approach the door long before he opened it. Not sure what was taking so long, Mac had no choice but to wait. Then the door eased open to a sexy as fuck Bennett.

  He wore the perfect geek clothes, but somehow, he turned just nerdy into sexy nerdy. Mac was finding it hard to look away. Bennett wore a pair of dark jeans that were slim fitting showcasing his legs and making Mac think of them wrapping around him. As he made his way up Bennett’s body, enjoying every inch as he went, he found he was wearing a light blue dress shirt that was cut perfectly to his chest and abs, not enough to truly imagine what was under it but enough to know it would be lickable. Then, the thing that kicked off the whole look…a dark red bow tie with matching dark red suspenders.

  Mac wanted to drool.

  Who knew geek could be so hot?

  That was until he looked back at Bennett’s face. The scowl was probably because he caught Mac eyeing him. Well, Princess would just have to get over it.