by Shea Balik
Chapter Two
“Hey, Aaron,” Parker called out when Aaron had stopped the chainsaw he was currently using on a large log that he was working on. “You ready for lunch?”
Aaron smiled at his friend and fellow artisan. “Is it one already?” he asked with a glance at his sports watch. It was actually ten after. “I hope you weren’t standing there long,” he said feeling a little guilty for making Parker wait.
But they were too good of friends and Parker waved him off. “You know I enjoy watching you make those statues.” His friend gestured to the giant bear he was currently carving out of the log in front of him. It was a custom piece that friends of his had commissioned.
Vicar and Lucian had just moved in together a few months ago and wanted something crafted just for them. With Vicar being a forest ranger and Lucian a bootmaker, they had asked for what amounted to Smokey the Bear in a ranger outfit and boots. For anyone else, Aaron would have rolled his eyes at the request, but since it would fit the pair perfectly, Aaron was more than happy to make the piece.
Always pleased to know people enjoyed what he did, Aaron grinned at Parker. “You’re just trying to butter me up so I pay for lunch.”
Parker barked out a big, booming laugh. “Caught that, did you?” He spread out his hands and gave a shrug. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“Jesse order a new pair of boots?” Aaron joked about Parker not wanting to pay.
His friend’s entire face morphed into one of sappy happiness at the mention of his husband. “If it were just one pair, I might be able to afford lunch,” Parker joked. “But it’s the matching outfits, make-up, and don’t forget those caramel macchiatos.”
Aaron didn’t know how Parker did it. On a good day, Jesse was a handful with his over-the-top antics. He was exhausting. Yet Parker seemed to enjoy every outrageous thing Jesse said and did. No one in town understood it, but at the same time, they were happy that they had found each other. Mostly because, with Parker around to handle his husband, the town didn’t have to worry too much about Hurricane Jesse destroying the town with one of his “brilliant schemes.”
“Let me just get cleaned up.” Aaron headed into the small bathroom. “Would you put the ‘back in an hour’ sign on the front door and lock it?” he called over his shoulder.
He hated having to close just to go to lunch, but Aaron couldn’t afford to pay someone to be in the store when he was out. It would even help to have another person there when he was working as he often didn’t hear customers when he had the chainsaw running. But if he wanted to save up for the house he wanted to build, Aaron needed to save every penny he could.
After cleaning up, he and Parker headed out the back of his shop to his truck. “So where did you want to go to lunch?” Most of Aaron’s lunches consisted of a couple of sandwiches he brought with him from home. So when he did agree to splurge on lunch, he preferred somewhere he could sit and have someone serve him. It was why he only agreed to these lunches with Parker and some of the other artisans once a month.
Today only Parker could make it, but sometimes they had as many as ten from Artisan Row heading into town. “I was thinking Whitney’s,” Parker said. “I have a craving for some chili.”
Aaron’s stomach growled. “That does sound good.” Spring might be starting to make itself known in North Carolina, but in the mountains it was still quite cool. Hot chili would definitely hit the spot.
“So, are you and Jesse doing anything for your anniversary?” Last year nine couples got married in a big ceremony. Parker and Jesse were one of those couples.
Parker snorted. “Have you met my husband? Of course we’re doing something. In fact, we’re having a big party and you are invited.”
Aaron grinned. “I’d be honored. I’m just a little surprised Jesse didn’t plan a parade for the occasion.”
Parker barked out a laugh. “Oh, he tried, but the rest of the couples vetoed something so extravagant.”
A few minutes later Aaron pulled into the parking lot behind the diner. He glanced at the still empty area where a tornado had toppled one of the buildings along Peachtree nearly two years ago. “Do you think Mayor Murphy is ever going to give permission for someone to rebuild?”
Aaron generally stayed out of town politics. He’d found out early in his life it was better to just ignore the mayor’s stupid laws regarding the downtown area and stick to Artisan’s Row, where the mayor had no say as they were on the outskirts of town and didn’t have to deal with the man’s over-the-top laws.
“Actually, it’s interesting that you mention it,” Parker told him. “As you know, Jesse is running for mayor this fall and he plans to put that in his platform.”
Aaron opened the door to Whitney’s Diner. He wasn’t sure how putting a new building where the old one was would help Jesse win for mayor, but the question would have to wait as he greeted Old Man Travers. “Hey, Wes. How are you doing?”
Wes looked up from the grill and gave them a wave. “Parker, Aaron, I bet you came for some of my chili.”
Parker laughed. “You know us well, Wes.”
“Have a seat anywhere you can find one and I’ll bring you a couple of bowls,” Wes told them.
Parker slid into a booth and Aaron took the other side. They had barely gotten settled when Wes was there with two bowls of steaming chili and two glasses of sweet tea—their usual drink when they ate at the diner. “So what are you two up to today?” Wes asked as he put the food and drinks in front of them.
“I was just telling Aaron about Jesse’s plan for the new art building,” Parker told him.
Aaron’s hand froze with a spoonful of chili halfway to his mouth. “Art building?” he asked before putting the spoon in his mouth. Spicy flavors burst across his tongue causing Aaron to close his eyes and moan. “Damn, Wes. As always, perfect,” he managed to get out before taking another bite.
Wes preened a little at the compliment. “Why thank you, Aaron.” Then the man turned to Parker. “Do you think announcing Jesse plans to let a private investor build it for the local artisans to return to the downtown area will help him win?”
Parker shrugged as he took another bite of chili. “I don’t think it will hurt. Then again, Jesse could probably say just about anything and win since I don’t believe anyone would actually vote Mayor Murphy back into office.”
Aaron couldn’t agree more. He didn’t deal with the mayor, but it didn’t sit well with him that it was the mayor keeping him and the other artisans from renting space downtown so they could make more money. From what Parker and some of the others had discovered, it was because the mayor hadn’t wanted anyone to find out that his ancestors had been part of those imprisoning the Native Americans before their journey along the Trail of Tears.
Sure, it wasn’t exactly something to be proud of, but it wasn’t like the current mayor had been involved. Kicking all the artisans out of downtown in hopes they wouldn’t recreate the iconic “Cedar Falls” site where the Natives had been imprisoned seemed a bit extreme.
When a huge grin appeared on Parker’s face along with a radiant kind of happiness that only appeared when he was around his husband, Aaron knew Jesse had to be the one who had just caused the bell above the door to jingle as he entered.
“Angel,” Parker said, even as he got up from his seat and headed toward the front.
Not really wanting to see the pair kissing when Aaron’s own love life had been bleak as of late, he continued to eat his chili. He could greet Jesse when he joined them, as Aaron was fairly certain he would.
“Parker, I’d like to introduce you to the new manager of Nice ‘N Rosy,” Jesse said. “Kyler Prince, this sexy man is my husband, Parker.”
“Kyler,” Parker said. “I’m so glad to meet you. Would you both like to join us for lunch?”
Aaron silently groaned. They were in a booth. That meant Aaron would need to make room, which was a bit awkward. Using chainsaws, handsaws, and axes to chisel the logs he used to
create his works of art, not to mention having to lift those heavy logs, had built Aaron’s muscles. It made it a tight fit to put another person on the bench with him.
“We’d love to, wouldn’t we, Kyler?” Jesse asked without actually letting the man speak. Then again, when Jesse wanted something he rarely gave those with him a choice in the matter.
“Oh, um,” a soft voice Aaron assumed was Kyler’s, said. “Actually, I don’t have any money for lunch.”
But, as if the man hadn’t said a word, Jesse tugged him to where Aaron still sat. “Hey, Aaron,” Jesse said as he slid into the other side of the booth. “This is Kyler. He’s new to Cedar Falls.” There was a twinkle in Jesse’s dark eyes that instantly put Aaron on edge. “Maybe you could show him around. Help him find a place to stay. Even take him to the casino so he can see that Cedar Falls has some interesting night life.”
“Oh, but,” Kyler tried to interrupt, but Jesse, being Jesse, didn’t pay him any attention.
“How about it, Aaron? I hear there is a slot tournament at the casino and they are introducing the new chef at Bliss tonight with a special menu.” But instead of waiting for Aaron to answer, Jesse turned to his husband, who had slid into the booth next to him, leaving only Kyler still standing. “Shane claims this new chef is really good. How about we make a night of it? I could invite the gang to give Kyler a chance to get to know them.”
Parker hadn’t said a word when Jesse turned first to Kyler, then to Aaron and said, “Aren’t you going to scoot over and let Kyler sit down?”
“Sorry,” Aaron said as he moved over. It wasn’t until Kyler actually sat down that Aaron really looked at the man next to him.
Dull brown eyes stared at him through thick black-rimmed glasses. Nothing about Kyler was anything but plain, ordinary. Even his dark hair seemed to just sit on his head as if it had no style. Then there was the obvious fact Kyler was as uncomfortable being there as Aaron was, especially since he had to be partially pressed up against a relative stranger because Aaron’s large body took up most of the seat.
Feeling for the guy, who clearly was out of his element, Aaron stuck out his hand. “Aaron Garnett. It’s nice to meet you, Kyler.”
Kyler peered at his rough, calloused hand as if it might just bite him, but eventually pressed his hand in Aaron’s. “Nice to meet you too,” he said.
“Good,” Jesse said as he pushed at Parker to get back up from his seat. “Now that you two are friends, Aaron, would you mind walking Kyler back to Nice ‘N Rosy while Parker and I make the rounds to our friends to coordinate tonight?”
Aaron opened his mouth to object. Not that he minded walking Kyler to work, but he had to get back to his own shop. But, in usual Jesse fashion, he wasn’t given the opportunity to say anything.
“Make sure to set up a time and place for you two to meet so you can take him to the casino tonight.” Jesse pulled Parker by the arm toward the door. “I’ll arrange dinner for six, which will give us plenty of time to gamble afterward.”
The door opened and Parker and Jesse headed out with a final wave. “See you both tonight.”
Then they were gone.
Aaron’s gaze went from the now empty doorway to Kyler. He’d seen Jesse do this in the past, but it was always to others, not him. Now what was he supposed to do?
Chapter Three
This couldn’t be happening.
No matter how many times Kyler repeated that mantra in his head, he still was sitting in a too cramped booth with a man who could probably crush him without even trying, while his boss just left him there. The thing was Kyler had no idea how it had happened.
One minute Jesse was showing him around, introducing him to some of the store owners, and the next minute, he was set up on a date with a stranger. To make matters worse, he was left alone, like some stray dog, with that stranger, who, for all Kyler knew, could be a serial killer.
To add to his humiliation, Kyler could tell Aaron didn’t want anything to do with him. Not that he was surprised. Kyler knew he wasn’t exactly a catch. Still, his pride stung at the obvious rejection, especially since he found Aaron hot as hell with his bulging muscles, dark hair, and trimmed beard.
Kyler had always been fascinated by beards. Probably because he couldn’t grow one himself. His facial hair, when it grew, tended to be patchy. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, Aaron’s southern twang had Kyler’s heart beating even faster each time the man spoke.
“Don’t worry about walking me back to the shop. I can get there on my own,” Kyler assured Aaron even as he got up from the booth.
But apparently Aaron’s southern hospitality must have kicked in, for the man pushed away his plate and slid out of the booth after him. “Don’t you worry about it. It would be my pleasure to walk you back to Nice ‘N Rosy. To be honest, after eating, I could use a bit of exercise before heading back to work.”
Aaron stepped past Kyler and headed up to the cashier, who was an older gentleman with a friendly smile. “How was the chili, Aaron?”
“Amazing as always, Wes.” After he paid, Aaron seemed to remember Kyler and said, “Did you get a chance to meet Kyler? He’s going to manage Nice ‘N Rosy while Jesse runs for mayor.”
Wes held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Kyler. Since I know just about everyone in these parts, I assume you are new to Cedar Falls.”
Kyler nodded. “Yes, sir.” Kyler had been taught by his mother to respect his elders. “I’m originally from California.”
“Well, welcome to Cedar Falls,” Wes greeted. “I’m sure you’ll love it here.”
“Thank you, sir,” Kyler said, praying they could leave soon so he didn’t have to keep talking. It wasn’t Kyler’s strong suit. Who was he kidding? Unless it had to do with flowers and plants, nothing was Kyler’s strong suit.
Thankfully, Aaron didn’t seem to want to hang around either and headed toward the door. “I’ll see you later, Wes.”
“Catch you later, Aaron,” Wes said with a wave. “It was nice meeting you, Kyler. Come in anytime to eat. First meal is on the house.”
As much as Kyler hated to admit it, even to himself, he might just have to take Wes up on that offer. He had less than five dollars left to his name. Barely enough to feed himself off the fast food dollar menus. “Thank you, sir.”
Blessedly the door shut and he didn’t have to say anything else. Except now he had to deal with Aaron, who had long legs that seemed to eat the ground beneath him, forcing Kyler to either run to keep pace or be left behind. By the time they had reached the crosswalk, which was only a couple of stores down, Kyler was done.
Why should he have to run just so this oaf could claim he did his duty by walking Kyler to work? “Look, I appreciate you walking me to work, but unless you plan to slow down so I don’t have to run, I would rather we part ways here,” Kyler said a little breathlessly from the exertion.
Dark, fathomless eyes stared right into Kyler as if Aaron were trying to see straight into his soul. It was more than a little unnerving and Kyler found himself desperately trying not to fidget under the man’s intense gaze. Why did he have to find himself attracted to someone who clearly didn’t return the feelings?
“Sorry,” Aaron mumbled. “Sometimes I forget that I have such long legs.”
The light chose that moment to turn green and Aaron put his hand on Kyler’s lower back to lead him, slower this time, across the crosswalk. The heat from Aaron’s hand seeping into Kyler’s back, warmed his insides. To his horror, Kyler felt himself leaning back into Aaron’s touch.
He hadn’t realized what happened until he’d done it. How could he be so stupid? But instead of yanking his hand away like he’d assumed Aaron would have done, he continued to escort Kyler across Main to the door of Nice ‘N Rosy. He was the consummate gentleman and Kyler felt himself falling even harder for this man, who would never feel the same for him.
It wasn’t until Aaron was opening the door that Kyler realized the door shouldn’t have been unlocked. Jesse
had locked it when they’d left. There was a part-time delivery driver, Rose, but after picking up her afternoon deliveries, she headed home.
Afraid someone had broken in, it took Kyler a few heartbeats to realize what he was seeing when he walked inside. Jesse and Parker were making out like a couple of teenagers. There was groping and clothing askew. But it was the sight of Parker’s zipper undone that finally had Kyler turning on his heel and walking back out to the sidewalk.
He heard Aaron’s deep chuckle as he joined Kyler. “Yeah, in Cedar Falls, expect to see that a lot. The couples here are not shy about PDAs.”
It wasn’t that Kyler had a problem with it, hell, at the commune there were several people who had no issues with having sex out in the open, not caring who saw them. But he also had never been with a man he desired when something like that occurred either.
Not wanting to seem like a prude, Kyler said, “It’s just, Jesse is my boss.” Kyler wasn’t good at lying but he also wasn’t about to tell Aaron the reason he’d rushed outside was because he’d instantly replaced Jesse and Parker with him and Aaron, causing his dick to become hard as a rock. Thankfully, his jeans and long shirt covered the evidence of his erection.
“Well, if you’re going to work for Jesse Grant, you might want to prepare yourself for seeing that and so much more,” Aaron joked. “Do you want me to pick you up here tonight or wherever you are staying?”
The quick change of topic nearly had Kyler forgetting himself and admitting he didn’t have a place to stay. He’d just barely bit back the words and replaced them with, “Here is fine since Kit has agreed to give me a haircut after work.”
“Then I’ll pick you up at five-thirty,” Aaron said. “It was really nice meeting you.”
“You too,” Kyler called after him as Aaron walked back toward the diner.
It wasn’t until he saw Aaron crossing the street that it hit him—Kyler had a date with Aaron. He had an actually date. And not just any date. It was a date with someone as good looking as Aaron was. If he hadn’t of just experienced it, Kyler wouldn’t have believed it could ever happen.
