In His Hero's Shadow

by Stephani Hecht

  “Did you just actually just compliment me?”

  “Yeah, don’t get used to it.”

  As soon as he cracked his lids open the next morning, Chauncey knew their short-lived peace agreement was over. Brody sat, fully dressed, on the edge of the mattress. Since all he could see was Brody’s back, Chauncey didn’t know what expression Brody had on his face. Going by the tense way he held his body, it wasn’t good. While the brat had yet to speak a word, he was giving all kinds of tense and back-off vibes.

  “Just give me a second to get dressed and I’ll drive you home,” Chauncey offered gruffly.

  Brody fiddled with the corner of the blankets. “You don’t need to bother. I already called a cab.”

  God, but it was too early for this crap. Chauncey rolled his eyes as he pushed the covers back and sat up. “Call back and cancel it.”

  “No.”

  Chauncey ran a hand through his hair. “Can you at least hold off being childish until I’ve had my first cup of coffee?”

  “I’m not being childish, just practical.”

  “Just call the damn cab company.”

  Brody turned his fury on Chauncey. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m not one of your simpering groupies who jump when you snap your fingers. So stop ordering me around.”

  Yeah, the peace was definitely over. That short time line had to set some kind of record. Crap, even the deals in the Middle East, or between Nicole and Paris lasted longer.

  “I don’t know why you keep throwing that in my face. I’ve never had groupies.”

  Brody snorted. “Sure, whatever.”

  “I’m telling the truth.”

  Brody bent over and began to pull his shoes on. “Are you trying to tell me you don’t notice that guys and girls are always fawning all over you? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

  Chauncey couldn’t remember a time he felt so confused. One second, Brody was mad at him, chasing after every available ass, and the next he was accusing Chauncey of being naïve about being attractive. Chauncey wanted to reach out and grab Brody so he could either shake some sense into him or kiss him until he was too breathless to talk anymore.

  A honk sounded from outside, making them both start. Brody tilted his head toward the window. “That’s my cab. I’ve got to go.”

  “Fine, don’t let me stop you.”

  Brody got up and made his way to the bedroom door. As he reached the threshold, he paused and turned back around. “Thanks for…well, you know, listening to me last night.”

  “Anytime.”

  “Also, I was wondering if you could keep all that stuff between us. Not that I’m ashamed of my dad or anything, it’s just I don’t want everyone to treat me like I’m some kind of pity case.”

  “Don’t worry, both your secrets are safe with me.”

  Brody gave him a tiny smile before turning and walking out of the room. A few seconds later, the sound of the front door closing, echoed through his home which had suddenly become too quiet. Funny, since Chauncey always wanted Brody to shut his mouth. Now he found himself missing the medic’s banter.

  Letting out a groan of frustration, Chauncey flopped down on the bed. That proved to be a mistake since his face landed on the pillow Brody used the night before. Without meaning to, Chauncey breathed in deep, taking in Brody’s scent.

  Fear sliced through Chauncey as he realized just how royally screwed he’d become, and not in a good way either. Like him or not, Brody had somehow managed to squirm his way under Chauncey’s skin and he now knew that one night with the medic wasn’t going to be nearly enough.

  Now, the big question was how in the hell did Chauncey go about convincing Brody that they belonged together?

  Chapter Six

  Brody slammed back his third cup of coffee of the day, repressing a shudder at the dark, bitter taste. The stuff had to be at least three hours old and was only semi-warm. In other words, pretty on par to what he usually found in St. Anthony’s EMS room. While they may be a great ER, their coffee making skills left a lot to be desired.

  Kiefer wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Why are you drinking that crap?”

  “It’s free and, on our salary, beggars can’t be choosers.” Brody got up and poured himself another cup.

  He dumped in a liberal amount of creamer. His stomach curdling when the powder clumped instead of dissolving. Gross! Brody stirred the white globs for several minutes in a vain attempt to make them go away, only to give up when they stubbornly persisted. He still brought it up to his lips and took a sip.

  “Why are you so tired anyway? You’ve been foggy for the past few days. Have you being staying out too late or something?” Kiefer demanded.

  Brody rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry, Ma. I promise I’ve been a very good boy.”

  Instinctively, his free hand went back to rub his ass. The one that had been so thoroughly spanked as punishment for his bratty behavior. While it no longer stung whenever he sat down, he did have a few interesting bruises.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Kiefer narrowed his eyes at Brody.

  No, Brody wasn’t okay. If anything, he was the exact definition of the opposite. When he wasn’t being torn awake by nightmares of being buried alive in rubble, he was tossing around as thoughts of Chauncey filled his mind.

  Damn Chauncey for being so good in bed. Double damn him for actually being a decent guy, too. A warm feeling pooled in Brody’s stomach as he recalled the tender way Chauncey had held him. How he’d seemed so understanding as Brody unloaded all his emotional baggage.

  “I’ve just had a lot of stuff on my mind lately,” Brody half-answered.

  He knew that wouldn’t be enough to appease Kiefer, but he had to at least try.

  Sure enough Kiefer pressed, “What kind of things.”

  “Just family stuff. It’s no big deal.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it? If anyone can understand family drama, it’s me.”

  “Nah, it would only bore you. Thanks anyway.”

  Brody drained his cup and turned to fill it again. The door to the EMS room opened as Chauncey and Tanner strolled in. Shocked by the appearance of the man who’d been haunting his dreams nearly 24/7, Brody jumped in shock.

  Coffee had splashed over his hand. While it wasn’t that hot, it still startled him. He let out a gasp and he almost dropped the pot. All eyes turned toward him. Kiefer’s brow creased in confusion while Tanner wore a knowing smirk.

  “Damn it,” Brody cursed, more from embarrassment than anything else.

  Had Chauncey told Tanner what happened? Sure, Chauncey promised to keep everything a secret, but that didn’t mean anything. In Brody’s experience, people broke their word all the time. So why should he believe that Chauncey would be any different?

  Chauncey rushed forward and took Brody’s hand. “Shit, are you okay?”

  He took Brody over to the sink and began to run cold water over the area.

  “I’m fine. It wasn’t that hot,” Brody assured.

  “It’s still red.”

  Chauncey ran the pad of his thumb over the stinging skin. Although he tried his damndest to fight it, a shiver of desire went through Brody’s body. Worried that somebody may have caught his reaction, he darted a quick glance over his shoulder. While Tanner still wore that damn smirk, Kiefer looked as oblivious as ever.

  “I’m fine. I promise.”

  Brody jerked his hand away and walked back over to the table. While he knew he should sit back down and act as if everything were normal, his racing heart just wouldn’t allow for it. All of his brain cells were screaming for him to run before he did something stupid like blurt out to Chauncey how much he’d been thinking about him. That he regretted leaving that morning and how he’d been wanting to go back ever since.

  Brody took in a shaking breath as he ran a hand through his hair. “I think I’ll go clean out the rig.”

  Kiefer frowned. “Are you sure? It’s my turn.”

 
; “Yeah, I need some fresh air.”

  “But you usually hate cleanup duty.”

  After giving a quick shrug, Brody began to back away to the door. Now that he had an escape plan of sorts, it was taking all he had not to give in to the urge to bolt away at full speed.

  “No, I don’t.”

  Kiefer shot him an are-you-kidding me look. “Okay, enough of this crap. What’s been up with you lately?”

  Tanner crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah, what’s been up with you?”

  Horrified and more than a bit angry, Brody turned on Chauncey. “You told him! You asshole.”

  Kiefer threw his hands up in exasperation. “Told him what?”

  Brody ignored him, choosing to keep his glare directed on Chauncey instead. A thousand questions bounced around his head. Why would Chauncey break his promise? Why did that hurt Brody so much, since he knew that Chauncey never liked him in the first place? Had the whole thing been just a joke to him? Was it all some sadistic game between Tanner and Chauncey? Did they laugh it up over the stupid medic who’d so easily given it up?

  “Fuck you,” Brody hissed at Chauncey.

  Brody tossed down his clipboard and stormed out of the room, fully aware that he’d left the last vestiges of his self-respect behind him. He rushed outside and over to his rig. Taking refuge in the space between the side of the ambulance and the wall of the bay, he finally stopped to catch his breath. Leaning his back against the rig, he fought to get himself under control.

  How could he have been so stupid? After all the times Chauncey made it clear that he couldn’t stand him, Brody had still foolishly allowed himself to believe that there could be anything between them. Brody should have remembered that they were from two different worlds and that they’d never be able to mix.

  Sure, it happened with Kiefer and his boyfriend, but that had been a onetime thing. An anomaly that would never happen again. In other words, a fairy tale that wasn’t going to be repeated. Especially for somebody like him.

  He looked down at his scuffed work boots as he fought to get a grip on his emotions. Kiefer would be coming out to join him soon and the last thing Brody wanted was to have to deal with more questions.

  “What in the hell was that all about?” Chauncey demanded as he rounded the ambulance.

  Brody jumped in shock, then flushed as he realized that was the second time he’d done the scared kitten stunt in less than a half hour. Recovering, he shoved his hands in his pocket, then casually kicked at a pebble.

  “I’d tell you, but then you’d probably go blab it all over Pontiac, you big, fat tattle tale.”

  Chauncey stormed over, not stopping until they were inches apart and facing each other. That still didn’t seem to be enough for the nurse. He braced his hands on either side of Brody’s head and leaned in until their noses were almost touching.

  “I didn’t say a word to Tanner,” Chauncey growled.

  “Then why was he giving me the whole I-know-what-you’ve-been-doing look?”

  “Because with the way you usually act, he thinks he does.”

  Outraged, Brody tried to shove Chauncey away, only to find the nurse wouldn’t budge. Brody silently cursed fate for giving him such a scrawny build as he huffed in irritation.

  “Are you calling me a slut?”

  “You told me yourself that up until a few months ago that you were,” Chauncey pointed out.

  “Are you going to use everything I said last night against me?”

  After the way he’d opened himself up to Chauncey it would destroy him if the man turned on him that way. Brody had shared things with him that he’d never told another living soul.

  Chauncey’s expression grew tender as he cupped Brody’s face. “Babe, I would never do that to you.”

  “Why should I believe you? I know you can’t stand me.”

  “If I couldn’t stand you, I wouldn’t be out here now, trying to make you feel better. Do you honestly think I’d do that unless I cared for you?”

  Brody shook his head. “I don’t know what to think.”

  “Then don’t think.” Chauncey leaned down and lightly brushed their lips together. “Just feel.”

  Desire coursed through Brody as his damn libido betrayed him yet again. His cock played the role of traitor, too, as it grew hard and pressed against the fly of his uniform pants.

  “I don’t want to get hurt,” Brody finally admitted. “I know I’m not good enough for you and that lit will only be a matter of time before you figure that out for yourself and dump me.”

  “Why do you think so little of yourself?”

  “I don’t think, I know.” Brody gave a bitter laugh. “A lot of people have gone out of their way to make sure I know exactly what I am—an airheaded slut who’s only good for one thing.”

  Chauncey stepped back as if he’d been slapped and Brody didn’t blame him. He knew they were both recalling when Chauncey himself had tossed some of those very words in Brody’s direction.

  “I didn’t mean it. Not really. They were just words spoken in anger.”

  Brody forced himself to give a crooked grin. “No hard feelings. You were just speaking the truth.”

  “I never wanted to make you—”

  A sound came from the rear of the rig, making Chauncey cut his sentence short. They both jumped apart guiltily right before Kiefer came around. He stopped and gave them a confused look. Something he’d been doing way too much for Brody’s comfort.

  “I thought you said you were going to clean the rig,” Kiefer said, his gaze going from Brody to Chauncey and then back to Brody again.

  Brody straightened, his heart hammering from fear of Kiefer discovering them. “Yeah, I was just getting to that. Sorry.”

  Kiefer let out an aggravated sigh. “You didn’t get it done because you were too busy arguing with Chauncey. I really wish you two would knock that crap off. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to have to listen to you go on like two kids fighting over a shovel in the sandbox?”

  Brody brushed by Chauncey then went to the rear doors of the rig and pulled them open. He climbed inside and began to gather up the trash, and used equipment. As he worked, he could hear Chauncey and Kiefer arguing.

  “You need to cut him a break,” Kiefer said.

  “What makes you think I was giving him a hard time?” Chauncey countered.

  “Because you always ride his case. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you had a hard on or something for him.”

  Brody froze, hand halfway to the garbage can as he waited for Chauncey’s reply. “I do have to admit he has a cute, bratty thing going about him.”

  Bratty. Despite himself, Brody couldn’t help but smile now whenever Chauncey used that word in conjunction when speaking about him. It’d almost become a pet name between the two of them.

  “Just try to be nicer to him. I have a feeling his home life isn’t that good so he can use all the friends he can get.”

  Brody wanted to snap back that he didn’t need any help and he could take care of himself. That would mean, however, he’d have to reveal he’d been eavesdropping so he held his tongue. Which wasn’t an easy thing for somebody like him to do.

  “What do you mean his home life isn’t good? Did he tell you anything?”

  “That’s just it…he never talks about his family. The only reason I know anything at all is because one of our crews responded to his house one day. He still lives with his mother and I guess she has some major issues.”

  Brody felt as if his whole world were colliding in on him. He sucked in a breath as he waited for Chauncey’s reply, but stayed silent as Kiefer continued.

  “The crew was pretty tight-lipped about it. All I do know for certain was that they took Brody’s mom to St. Anthony’s fifth floor.”

  The fifth floor was where they housed and treated the mental patients and every person in Pontiac’s EMS community was well aware of that fact. Brody angrily crumpled up a piece of paper. As soon as he foun
d out which crew had spilled the truth, he was going to go kamikaze on their ass.

  The sad thing was, he had a lot of suspects to go through since his mom had more than one episode in the past. Honestly, he was kind of surprised the truth hadn’t come out before now. Sure, medical personnel were legally obligated to keep their patient’s confidentiality, but that didn’t mean they always played by the rules.

  Another rig pulled up, the diesel engine drowning out Chauncey’s reply. Brody sank down on the bunker seat, a lump forming in the back of his throat. Now that Chauncey knew the truth, he’d realize that he really was too good for the airheaded, slut medic. It was Brody’s worst fear come true.

  Chapter Seven

  After pulling a double, the last thing Chauncey wanted to do was spend the night playing poker, yet he still found himself making the drive to his buddy, Forrest’s, house. All because there was a small chance that Brody would be there.

  It’d been nearly a week since they’d last seen each other and with each passing day, Chauncey felt himself growing more frustrated. He’d even broke down and called Brody, but the brat sent him to voicemail every damn time. They hadn’t worked any calls or bumped into each other at the hospital either.

  Chauncey let out a low whistle as he pulled up in front of Forrest’s home. He’d heard the medic was living with his doctor boyfriend, but Chauncey hadn’t expected anything this nice.

  While Chauncey grew up with a lot of wealth and opulence, this home somehow managed to look classy, yet welcoming at the same time. Something that none of his many childhood homes had ever managed.

  As he parked and got out, he found himself scanning the cars, looking for Brody’s Tracker. When he didn’t see the vehicle, Chauncey felt more than a little disappointed. Now, he could only hope that maybe Brody was running behind and would show up later.

  Forrest met him at the door and led him into the living room. A thinner, younger guy with floppy dark hair, Forrest had a cute, yet injured vibe going. Which, which made sense since he’d been the victim of a gay bashing not too long ago. Forrest hadn’t let that incident drag him down, though, instead. Instead, he’d rebuilt his life and now was happier than ever. There were still times when Chauncey caught a haunted look going through the medic’s eyes. Granted they were brief, but it still showed how much the incident affected him.