Shea’s expression turned frosty. He turned and left the room without saying anything else.
Levi told himself he was doing the right thing. Shea should be with the guy that called, or someone just like him. A man that could buy expensive theatre tickets and take him to elegant restaurants. Not someone that worked in one.
He was already standing at the front door when Shea came back.
Shea looked frustrated and unhappy. “Levi—”
Levi cut him off. “Thanks for the juice and the first aid.” He opened the door and limped to his car. He could feel Shea watching him as he loaded Whirlwind into the back. He was still standing at his front door as Levi started the car. He drove away without looking back.
CHAPTER FOUR
Shea called the next day while Levi was at work. He listened to the message on his break and wondered how Shea had gotten his number.
Shea asked about Levi’s ankle. He sounded casual and friendly and didn’t mention anything about getting together or dating.
Levi thought about calling him back. Thanks to Shea’s ice treatment and tape job, he hadn’t missed work, which was great since he didn’t have sick leave. If he didn’t work he didn’t get paid.
His ankle was sore, but it was holding up. It would be simple good manners to call and thank him, but he wouldn’t have time. He had to go home to walk and feed Whirlwind before the dinner shift started. Levi added Shea’s phone number to his contacts. He’d call later.
By the time he got off work he’d convinced himself it was too late to call. Shea probably had a nice normal nine-to-five job and would most likely be asleep. He shied away from the image of Shea in bed; naked and tangled in his sheets, dark hair disheveled against his pillow. It wasn’t a good idea to think of Shea like that.
The next day it was almost time to go to work and Levi still hadn’t returned Shea’s call. He told himself he’d been busy with errands and chores but it wasn’t true. He’d been procrastinating. He wasn’t sure he could say no if Shea actually asked him out and he was afraid to find out how disappointed he’d be if Shea didn’t. He couldn’t seem to figure out what he wanted.
Disgusted with himself, he grabbed his phone and called before he could lose his nerve. He gripped the phone with a sweaty hand, his heart hammering in his chest as the phone rang and rang. When his call went to voicemail Levi hung up without leaving a message.
It was stupid to set himself up for heartache. Shea made him want things he wasn’t sure he could have. If they dated and he fucked it up or if Shea got tired of him… It was better not to take the risk.
Shea phoned again the next day. Levi saw the call display and his heart went into overdrive. It was ridiculous how his body reacted just seeing Shea’s name on his phone. He stared at the screen with a kind of grim fascination until the ringing stopped.
Seconds later he had voicemail. “Levi…” Shea paused for so long Levi thought the call had been dropped. “…never mind.” Shea hung up.
Shea had sounded tired and defeated. Levi felt an almost overwhelming desire to call him back, but was it a good idea?
He’d never had a relationship. Levi was a good-time guy, the life of the party. He’d used to joke with his friends that they weren’t the marrying kind. It had been funny then, but now it was just kind of depressing.
But he knew he wasn’t the type of guy Shea dated. He was rudderless, irresponsible. It ran in his family. His sister Jessie was even worse.
She’d been unemployed and living with the latest in a long line of boyfriends when she’d bought Whirlwind on impulse at a farmers’ market and brought him over to show Levi.
“He doesn’t have papers so I got him cheap. He’s such a cutie. Isn’t he, Levi?”
“He’ll be a lot of work, Jessie,” Levi had warned as he stroked the puppy’s soft fur. Whirlwind had looked up at him, wagging his stubby little tail and trying to lick Levi’s fingers.
Jessie scoffed. “Nah. Just look at him. He’s a doll.”
She’d come back to Levi before the end of the week. Apparently an eight-week-old puppy put a serious dent in her party lifestyle.
Levi had a habit of bailing his sister out, but this was too much. Jessie had been persuasive. She’d argued Levi’s split shifts at the restaurant meant Whirlwind wouldn’t be on his own for very long. Levi could even go home on his breaks to let the dog out.
He’d wanted to refuse. He didn’t like the idea of someone depending on him, making demands, but if he didn’t take Whirlwind, Jessie was going to take him to the pound. Levi couldn’t let her do it. Raising a dog was doable, but he’d have to make some big changes.
Levi had stopped all the clubbing and partying. He couldn’t go out two or three nights a week with a puppy to look after. Whirlwind was crated when Levi wasn’t at home, but young dogs needed frequent bathroom breaks and companionship.
He’d traded drinking and clubbing for long walks in the sunshine and watching his dog chase squirrels. Surprisingly, he didn’t miss the drinking or the late nights and he missed the sex with strangers even less. Taking care of a dog was its own reward. Whirlwind needed him, depended on him and Levi wouldn’t let him down.
With a start Levi realized he wasn’t the same person he had been before he’d agreed to take Whirlwind. He’d grown up.
So maybe he could call Shea, suggest something low-key, like they meet for coffee or take Whirlwind for a walk. It didn’t have to be a date.
Levi let the idea take root. They could start slow and go from there. Even if it didn’t work out with Shea, maybe it was time to start trying. He didn’t want to be alone for the rest of his life.
Levi grinned as he picked up the phone. Now that he’d made the decision he couldn’t wait to see Shea again.
****
Shea used his shoulder to shut the front door. He dropped his keys and tugged off his tie with a sigh of relief. Today had been a shitty day. He’d overslept and had to rush around to avoid being late for work. As if that wasn’t annoying enough, it had been a scorcher and the office’s air conditioner wasn’t working properly. Shea was glad to shed his work clothes as he headed for the shower. It’d be nice to spend the rest of the evening in air-conditioned comfort.
After his shower he flopped onto the couch in his boxers with an ice-cold beer and a sandwich. His cell phone was lying on the end table, exactly where he’d left it last night. In the rush to leave this morning he’d forgotten to take it with him.
Shea grabbed his phone. Great. As usual it was completely dead. It just didn’t hold its charge anymore. He really needed to get that looked at, or get a new phone. With a sigh he tossed the phone back onto the table. He’d try charging it before he went to bed. There was no rush. If Levi hadn’t called by now, he wasn’t going to call.
He sipped his beer as he tried to figure out what had gone wrong. Everything had been great until William called.
He could understand Levi’s reaction when he thought Shea was cheating on his boyfriend, but it hadn’t seemed to matter when he’d explained they weren’t together.
It had been over with William for months; at least for Shea. William couldn’t seem to understand that. He called Shea at work, on his cell, even his landline, with invitations to dinner or the theatre. He’d called twice since the weekend, but maybe that would stop now.
Shea had checked his messages eagerly. He’d been disappointed and frustrated to hear Williams’s voice instead of Levi’s.
He’d phoned William back just so he’d stop calling. When he’d politely declined the theatre ticket William had accepted his refusal with his usual good grace. “Maybe next time,” he’d said easily.
“I’m sorry, William. I’ve met someone.” He’d winced at how blunt that sounded.
“Oh. I didn’t realize you were in a relationship. Is it serious?”
“I’m not…” Shea paused. It wasn’t a bad idea to let William think he was no longer available.
“Yeah. It’s pretty serious.�
�
“What’s his name?” William had asked and Shea had answered, “Levi.”
William had wished him happiness, sounding wistful.
Shea drank his beer as he remembered the conversation. When he’d told William it was serious he thought he’d been exaggerating for William’s benefit, but he realized it was true. He was serious about Levi. When Levi looked at him with those dark-blue eyes, Shea’s heart and body came alive. He’d thrilled under Levi’s touch, his hands, his mouth. But it was more than just sexual attraction.
Shea had felt a real connection with Levi. It was a strange coincidence that the day he’d lost someone he loved, Levi had come into his life.
He knew Levi had felt something too. He’d seen it in his face. So he shouldn’t give up. Phone calls didn’t seem to work, but if he saw Levi again maybe he could convince the other man to give them a chance.
But he didn’t know how to find him. Shea had run or walked in the park almost every day since he’d met Levi there, but he hadn’t seen him again. He knew even if they were in the park at the same time, it was big enough that they might not meet. Maybe he should check some of the other nearby places that dog owners walked. Whirlwind was young. He’d need a lot of exercise.
Shea drained his beer. If he didn’t find Levi soon he’d go down to the animal hospital and see if he could talk them into giving him Levi’s address or at least his last name. He could say Levi had left something at his house or maybe he’d found Whirlwind’s dog collar. It was a long shot but worth trying. Shea turned on the TV, wishing Levi were with him right now.
After a couple of hours he got up and went to bed. His uncharged phone still lay on the end table as Shea slept and dreamt of Levi.
****
Levi spent the day in pleasurable anticipation. He checked his cell phone repeatedly, but Shea didn’t call back. Maybe Shea hadn’t checked his messages. Or maybe Levi had waited too long.
He told himself he hadn’t really wanted to date Shea anyway. The sex had been great. Amazing. Maybe even the best he’d ever had, but that was all. It was just physical. But if that was true, why was he so disappointed?
On his next break he almost didn’t check his phone. His heart did a funny, fluttery thing when he saw he had a message. Levi’s breath sped up as he held the phone to his ear.
He gripped the phone tightly and listened to Shea apologizing for not getting back to him sooner. “I had some trouble with my phone. Coffee sounds good.” Shea had named a time and place. “Call me if that doesn’t work for you, otherwise I’ll see you tomorrow. Or call me if you just want to talk. That’d be good too.” Shea’s voice had softened. “I’m really glad you called, Levi. I want to see you again.”
Levi played the message again, just to hear Shea’s voice. Who was he kidding? He had it bad. Just the sound of Shea’s voice made his heart race and his stomach flip.
CHAPTER FIVE
Shea got to the coffee shop early. He ordered an iced tea and sat at one of the outside tables on a grassy strip beside the sidewalk. He’d chosen this coffee shop because it was dog friendly, just in case Levi decided to bring Whirlwind.
It was early evening and though it was still warm out, it was comfortable sitting outside. It had been a pleasant shock when he played Levi’s message. He hoped like hell Levi wouldn’t chicken out and be a no-show.
Levi was pretty experienced when it came to sex. He’d had some smooth moves when they’d been together on the couch, but he’d sounded nervous when he’d left his message. Shea suspected Levi wasn’t all that experienced in the dating department. He had a feeling he’d spook Levi if he moved on him too quickly. Still, he wasn’t letting him get away without more contact details.
He saw Levi from half a block away. Shea watched him check his wristwatch and rake his fingers through his hair. He was wearing pressed chinos and a button down shirt. Levi had made an effort with his appearance. Shea took that as a good sign.
Levi saw him and made his way to the table. He smiled almost shyly. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Shea smiled back.
Levi looked awkward. “I’ll just go get something to drink. Can I get you anything else?”
“I’m good, thanks. Is outside okay?”
“Yeah. It’s nice to get some fresh air. Be right back.”
Shea watched Levi as he entered the coffee shop. He came back a few minutes later with an iced coffee and sat down across from Shea.
Levi took a sip of his drink and sighed. “God, that’s good.”
“Where’s Whirlwind?”
“I left him at home. I wasn’t sure I should bring him.”
“You should. Bring him next time.”
“Okay.” Levi looked as if he was nervous and Shea wondered if he should have mentioned a next time.
Levi turned his drink around, playing with the condensation ring on the table. “It’s a little weird doing this.”
“Doing what?”
Levi flushed. “Sitting here, getting to know each other.”
Shea grinned. “Feeling awkward is a requirement for every first date.”
Levi flushed harder. “Thisis my first date.” He grabbed his iced coffee and drank.
Shea studied him. “Ever?”
Levi nodded and stared at the table. “I can’t believe I just told you that.”
Shea reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you did.” He paused until Levi looked up. “Getting to know each other doesn’t have to be an ordeal. We can make it fun. Next time we could maybe see a movie or walk in the park with Whirlwind. If you like baseball we could go to a game.”
Levi looked relieved. He met Shea’s eyes and nodded. “Okay. Yeah.”
“Great.” Shea released his hand and sat back.
Levi watched him as he drank his iced tea. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure. Ask away.” He wanted to get Levi talking, get him relaxed.
“How did you get my number?”
Damn. He’d kind of hoped it wouldn’t come up. Shea took a breath and launched into his explanation.
Levi’s lips pressed together but he didn’t say anything. Shea wasn’t sure if he was mad or trying not to laugh.
“So it just made sense to write it down then and there,” Shea finished.
“That’s pretty slick.”
Shea stared at him unsure how to interpret that comment. The corner of Levi’s mouth curved up and a dimple appeared in his cheek. Levi’s small smile blossomed into a full-on grin and Shea felt some of the tension in his shoulders ease.
It was easier after that. They talked for hours. Somewhere in the middle Shea got up and bought them each another drink.
They traded all the basic information such as age, siblings, and jobs. But they mostly talked about dogs.
Levi told Shea how he’d ended up with Whirlwind. He shared some of the horror stories of raising a puppy that ate anything, including socks and even a bar of soap.
Shea told Levi he’d always wanted a dog, but as a kid, his parents had never allowed it. That once he was settled, he’d decided on an older dog that could be left at home while he was at work, without fear of his house being destroyed. He even talked to Levi about Lacey’s arthritis and his decision to let her go.
Levi watched him as he spoke, his indigo eyes sympathetic.
“That must have been tough.”
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Levi reached across the table and squeezed his shoulder.
It was getting late but Shea didn’t want Levi to leave. He wanted to spend more time with him and he envied Levi. He had someone to greet him when he got home. Suddenly Shea couldn’t bare the thought of walking into his empty house. “Do you want another drink?”
Levi glanced at his watch. “Thanks, but I should get going. Whirlwind will need to go out soon.”
“I could come with you.”
Levi gave Shea a surprised look. “You want to come home with me?
I didn’t think—”
“Levi,” Shea interrupted. “It’s not just sex. There’s something more between us.” He bit his lip as Levi sat silent. “I won’t try to force you into something you don’t want, or you might not be ready for, but let me come home with you tonight. Please.”
Levi stood and Shea worried he’d pushed too far too fast. Some of his fears must have shown in his face because Levi moved to his side and smiled at him.
“Okay. But you’d better not complain if your socks get chewed.”
Shea got to his feet and Levi took his hand. “Come on. Let’s go take Whirlwind for a walk.”
THE END
Author bio: Pender Mackie lives in Canada though she spent her childhood years in England.
An imaginative child, Pender wasn't a willing student. Her father, deciding some incentive was needed, promised her a pony as soon as she could read.
Properly motivated, Pender picked up a book and discovered the joys of fiction. Though her infatuation with ponies didn't last, she still loves a good story.
Pender has been a technical writer for over twenty years and spends her daily commute making up characters, romantic plots, and daydreaming.
Pender has been writing M/M romance stories for a couple of years, but submitted the first of them to Silver Publishing earlier this year. Her first story, Scent of Attraction, was released in April. She has two more short stories coming out in October and November of 2011 and is busy putting the final touches on several others.
Pender can be reached at [email protected]
Information about Pender’s upcoming releases can be found on her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pender-Mackie-Author/164033403655486 or on her blog at http://pendermackie.blogspot.com
KM Mahoney – SHOW & TELL (College/First-time)
Selected by KM Mahoney
Dear Author,
These guys have been friends for years (and are maybe teammates) and are indulging in a bit of "I'll show you mine..." They're old enough for looking to lead to touching, to lead to...?
Don't Read in the Closet volume one Page 38
