by Megan Slayer
“Duds?” Weren’t those kinds everywhere?
“Yeah. One of the duds is Sidney Taylor. He’s a nice guy, but he’s not interested in settling down. He’s been engaged four times to three different guys,” Brandon said.
“I see.” He had no idea who Sidney was, but he let Brandon continue talking. The more he thought about it, the name did sound familiar, but he wasn’t sure where he remembered it from.
“Then there’s Patrick Smoot. Sweet man, but the tattoos. He’s inked all over. He’s so handsome, but the art is everywhere and he’s pierced. Why do people do that to themselves? Why ruin your body?” Brandon flicked his empty hand. “I don’t understand it.”
“My son-in-law is tatted and it looks distinguished on him,” Len said. “But to each their own.” He wasn’t a fan of ink, but that was his preference. On someone else, tatts looked nice.
“Uh-huh.” Brandon narrowed his eyes. “You said your son is a doctor? Yes?”
“Dr. Connor.” So?
“Does he know Dr. Isaac McLean? He’s the new doctor at Cedarwood Family Practice. Just got his name on the sign. I heard he’s taking patients,” Brandon said. “He’s out and handsome, but aloof. He’s been in town for three or four months, but doesn’t date anyone. He’s always got that guy with him.”
“I know Dr. McLean. He’s a nice man and a good doctor,” Len said. “He helped when I had my stroke.”
“A stroke?” Brandon’s eyes widened. “No way. I can’t tell you’ve had problems.”
He hadn’t had many, but when he opened his mouth to correct him, Brandon continued talking.
“Well, Isaac has been seeing that man, Dorian, who is involved with a guy named Aziz. Any man who has to date guys who are already in a relationship is bad news. He’s not worth my time,” Brandon said.
Ah, so he must’ve rejected Brandon or ignored him. “You know, it could be a threesome.” He doubted that very much, but he liked confounding Brandon.
“Threesome? Jesus Christ. You’re more progressive than I ever thought.” Brandon clicked his tongue. “I didn’t think you’d know what a threesome is.”
“I’m old, but not ancient.”
“You’re open-minded.”
“It happens.” Len shrugged. “So what?”
“Well, I’m not dating someone who sleeps with someone who’s already attached.” Brandon shook his head. “Anyway, Isaac is bad news, so keep your eyes open.”
“Will do.” He smiled and stepped back toward the door. “Better get that mile in or you won’t do it.”
“Good idea. I should go.” Brandon waved. “I’ll find you so we can run together.”
He nodded but said nothing. Good God. He waited for Brandon to round the block before he went inside with Cissy. He needed to go to the bank and talk to the loan officers about making a balloon payment on his condo loan. He’d finally sold the house in Springdale and could almost pay off the new loan. “Ciss, I’ll be right back. I might even bring you home a surprise.”
He tucked his keys, phone, wallet and papers for the bank into his leather case. He should stop by the hardware store for lightbulbs. The one on the front porch had burned out and he preferred to bathe the front yard in light after sundown.
He checked the doors were locked and Cissy had a chew bone, then headed out to the garage. He crawled behind the wheel of his compact car. Once the garage door opened, he backed down the driveway. He closed the door, then drove through the development to the main drag of Cedarwood. He didn’t see Brandon and relaxed. Holy shit, the man can talk. Five minutes later, he pulled into the lot behind the bank.
Len gathered his things and headed inside. He spotted Rachel, his favorite teller. “Hi. I’m here to see Mr. Taylor about my loan.”
“Yes.” Rachel nodded. “I saw you on the schedule. He’s finishing up with another account, but it shouldn’t be much longer. Can I do something for you while you wait?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” He tapped his keys on the counter. “Is Mr. Taylor running behind?” He hated when people overbooked themselves.
“Sidney? I’m not sure.” She rounded the counter and held up her hand. “I can’t tell, but it shouldn’t be too long. How’s Aiden?”
“Good. He and Matt helped me move. I’m so glad because I never realized how much stuff I have,” Len said. “Oh, and they got a new puppy. They’re up to three dogs. Can you imagine? All three of them get along, though.” He chuckled. “I’d love to get another dog. I think Cissy is lonely when I go away.”
“Then take Cissy to the shelter and have her help you pick out a companion.”
“I have an appointment to visit the shelter later today. Stone wants to meet me before he lets me volunteer. I don’t mind,” Len said. “I’d rather be safe than sorry. Cissy never got along with my ex, but he was hard to deal with anyway.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Rachel said. “She’s a sweet dog.”
“She’ll like knowing you said that.” He glanced over his shoulder and spotted the people leaving Mr. Taylor’s office. His heart lodged in his throat. He knew one of the men—Isaac. He turned away. If Isaac was there with someone, then he must be the boyfriend. It wasn’t Len’s business to be nosy. Besides, he didn’t want to see them together. He hated himself for lusting after his damn doctor.
The sound of Isaac’s voice sent shivers down Len’s spine. He shouldn’t be drawn to Isaac. Oh well. He’d have yet another unrequited love. Not the first time.
Isaac was too young for him and wouldn’t be interested in dating one of his former patients. So why punish himself?
Because I like Dr. Isaac McLean.
Chapter Three
Isaac clapped Dorian on the back and followed him out of the office. His friend had finally created his own financial plan. Dorian deserved to be happy and not feel guilty for being single.
He scanned the main room of the bank before he left and noticed the man at the counter.
Len Connor.
Len was in Cedarwood? He’d thought he’d seen Len at the store, but now he knew for certain. His former patient was in town. He stared at Len. Part of him wanted to talk to him. They’d had chemistry—even if only through conversations. He wanted to have another chat with Len and see if the electricity could happen again. The rest of him didn’t want to torture himself if Len wasn’t interested. For all he knew, Len had been acting nice until he left the doctor’s office and hating him behind his back.
He followed Dorian out of the bank. If Len was in town, he didn’t have to speak to Isaac. Yes, he’d gone to him as a patient, but Isaac was Aiden’s age. Len might want someone closer to his own age.
He strolled over to Dorian’s car. He had to get Len out of his mind.
“It was him,” Dorian said. He slid behind the wheel. “I know it.”
“What?” He joined Dorian in the front seat.
“That was Len. I heard the teller say his name. She told Sid there was a Mr. Connor waiting to see him.” Dorian turned to Isaac. “I heard Len mention something about the animal shelter. You might try going there and accidentally running into him. Whatever you do, you need to decide soon. If you like him, then tell him. Tell Aiden. If either guy is stand-up, then they’ll talk to you, too. I know things with Aiden didn’t happen the way you wanted, but that’s not a loss, is it? He might be upset that you never said anything, but he’s married. He might encourage you to date his father.”
He doubted those things, but whatever.
“You’ll never know what could happen if you don’t try.” Dorian left the parking lot. “Since you’re not listening to me, do you need me to take you to the office?”
“I do.” He’d heard everything, but he didn’t want to think about Len for a moment. His heart ached too much. Each heated glance, the conversations that had lasted too long, the innocent touches that had sent electricity through his veins and the desire that had blossomed in his chest were too hard to ignore. He sighed and scrubbed his hand acros
s his mouth.
“Do you want me to park next to your car? Or are you going inside?” Dorian asked.
“I need to head inside.” He rubbed the space between his eyebrows. “Thanks.”
“I appreciate you being a reference. I’m terrible at financial decisions,” Dorian said. “You saved my ass.”
“No problem.” He said nothing as Dorian pulled up to the staff door of the office. “Thank you.”
“Welcome, but for what? I didn’t do anything but drag you to the bank.” Dorian stared at him a moment. “For what it’s worth, you need to stop beating yourself up. Aiden moved on. Nick, your ex, moved on. You deserve to be happy. Why don’t you give this guy a chance?”
“Because Len is Aiden’s dad.” He hadn’t told Dorian that.
“So?”
He and Aiden hadn’t dated, but that didn’t mean he’d want Isaac to date his father. “It’d be awkward.”
“How do you know? You’re an adult—not a kid. You’ve matured and you should be happy. You should give this guy a chance,” Dorian said. “You might be missing out on your happiness.”
His faith in himself waned, not that he had much to begin with. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Since you won’t listen to me, why don’t you find a boy toy for an evening and fuck his brains out?” Dorian shrugged. “Or find me one.”
“You have no trouble finding boyfriends or guys to fuck.” He opened the car door. “I need to get to work. If you need help again, just holler.”
“I will,” Dorian said. “If you don’t tell Len you’re interested, I will.”
“Thanks. Bye.” He closed the car door. He loved Dorian like a brother, but Jesus, the man could push.
Isaac walked into the office and debated what to do next. He needed to check in with his receptionist, look at his calendar for the next day and learn how to use the apps on his new tablet. He’d never done his appointments via an app, so he had a lot to learn. He stopped in his office first and turned on the light.
Elise, his receptionist, strolled down the hallway. “Dr. McLean. Good. I needed to speak with you.” She stepped into his office. “You’ve got your tablet, yes?”
“The one connected only to the records and charts, yes.” He shuffled through his bag and produced the tablet. “Ready.”
“Good.” She tapped the screen. “All of your appointments are here. You can check the schedule at any time—whether you’re here or not. You can only access the patient records while on the property. The charts are here along with the records. You can also access them on the laptops in each exam room, too. If you type information into either the laptop or the tablet, it all ends up in the same place.”
“Very good.” At least the programs were easy to understand.
“Your first patients are lined up for the morning. I’ve given you some of Dr. Earle’s former patients as well, since they’re wanting to stay with the practice. Your first appointment is at nine,” Elise said. “I have a couple questions.”
“Sure.” He sat on the edge of his desk. “I’m an open book.”
“I’m told you’re gay.”
“I am.” He stared at her. In the dim light, the streaks in her hair weren’t as visible, but her eyes sparkled more. He liked her and her forthright approach. “Will that be a problem?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Actually, I heard you’re single, too.”
Jesus. “I am. Does everyone know and is it that big of a deal?”
“You’re the topic of gossip around the front desk. Everyone wants to work for you because you’re young, handsome and new.” Elise shrugged. “I don’t care who you love or what you do.”
“Oh.” He frowned. “Thanks?” Should I be thrilled?
“I’m not being catty.”
“Just blunt,” he said. “Are you planning on fixing me up? That seems to be a theme in my life. Everyone wants to fix me up with someone. I don’t need a date.”
“Oh, God, no.” She snorted. “I was going to suggest you visit the animal shelter and adopt a dog or cat.”
“Adopt…uh, why?” He hadn’t considered bringing a pet into his household.
“First, you’re a nice guy and handsome, but you seem lonely. If you got a dog, then you could work him into the conversation with the patients. If you walk him around town and are seen doing so, then people will feel less threatened by your somewhat cold attitude. Plus, having a dog means people want to chat. It opens the lines of communication.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever been nudged into adopting a pet—for my career.” Although he wished he’d figured it out before now. People liked dogs. He liked them.
“A pet will give you something to focus on when you aren’t here. I know it’s not my business, but I’ve seen enough doctors and practitioners come through here that aren’t focused on their job,” she said. “They’re scattered.”
“You’re right.” He hadn’t thought about his life as scattered, but she’d pegged him correctly. He had no direction beyond going to work. “I appreciate the suggestion.”
“Well, good.” She patted his arm. “As for the people in Cedarwood, most of them don’t care if you’re gay, but they sure as hell want to know you’re an animal person. Cat, dog, bird. Doesn’t matter.”
“I see.” He rubbed his chin. She made a lot of sense. He preferred not to be lonely and this was a good reason to consider adopting a pet.
“But if you happen to meet a cute volunteer there…” She elbowed him. “It wouldn’t be bad.”
“Cute volunteer? I’m not a kid.” He didn’t need her setting him up.
She rolled her eyes. “I bet you’re a catch.”
“Now you’re trying to fix me up—the one thing I didn’t want you to do.”
“No, I’m one of the volunteers at the shelter and I want to see a shelter pet adopted.” She paused. “And no, I’m not looking for a husband. I had one and he passed. I don’t want to train another.”
“Smart.” He respected her even more for her honesty.
“If you need any help, let me know. I’ve got to get back to the desk. See you tomorrow?” she asked. “I’m your lead receptionist, but that desk is always swamped.”
“I’ll bet.” He walked her to the door. “Thank you. If I have questions, I know where to find you.”
“You bet.” She patted the door, then left.
He sank onto his office chair. He’d moved his stuff in the week before, but still hadn’t wrapped his head around his choice to switch practices. He wasn’t young and inexperienced. He needed roots. Christ. He was thirty-nine years old and still looking good, but not involved with anyone. He had his hair—no grays and no extra pounds on his frame. He considered himself smart and he had a steady career. He loved Springdale, but there had to be possibilities in Cedarwood, right?
He checked his patient roster. Len’s name wasn’t on it. God, he had to get a hold of himself. He’d seen Len in town. Maybe Len would want to be his patient again. They’d have the chance to talk.
He scrubbed his hands over his face. He needed to get a grip. If he didn’t want to be lonely, then he needed to either go out to the clubs or adopt a dog and live his life. Something had to give and he swore it had to be him.
* * * *
“Time for walkies.” Len opened the dog kennel and fixed the leash on the collie. He patted her head. “I have the feeling you’re going to be adopted soon.” He led the dog out to the walking yard and made ten laps through the grass. He loved his new volunteer job at the Cedarwood animal shelter. He’d been there as a volunteer for the last month and loved every second. There weren’t a bunch of dogs currently in the kennels, but there were too many cats. He wished he could adopt all the animals, but he wasn’t in any position to be the crazy dog and cat guy. Cissy stood at the doorway to the building and watched him.
“Sorry, Ciss. I’ll walk you next.” He led the collie back into the shelter and to her kennel. “Sorry, girl,” he s
aid to the collie. “Your forever parents will come. I know they will.” He patted his hip. “Come on, Cissy. Time to make the rounds.” He marveled at her ability to mingle with the dogs at the shelter. She seemed to come alive when she visited, with an instinct for which dog needed comfort. He wished he could be as much of a busy bee as his dog.
He rounded the corner to check on the dogs in the last row and noticed a man walking down the corridor between the kennels. Isaac. If he didn’t sac up, he’d never speak to his former doctor. “Isaac? Hey…good to see you.” He sure hoped the man was Isaac or he’d just made an ass of himself. He’d spent a fair amount of time with Isaac, but he still wasn’t sure of himself around the doctor. He’d seen him at the store and the bank, but what if Isaac didn’t want to talk to him?
“Len.” Isaac grinned. “How are you? You look good. How are you feeling? Are you taking care of yourself? You look like you are.”
Man, the guy had used the word you a lot. He chuckled. “I’m great. I’m eating right and exercising. I volunteer here and at the library. I started swimming again.” He puffed out his chest, proud of himself. “I feel ten years younger.”
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“Isaac?” The question knocked him for a loop. He hadn’t expected to hear it from Isaac. Was he interested? Nah. Isaac probably had a boyfriend. A handsome doctor like him shouldn’t want for a date. Still, the question sounded genuine. Would it be bad if Isaac was serious?
“I remember you were seeing a man I thought wasn’t good for your health.” Isaac leaned on the doorway to the kennel area. “He seemed to stress you out.”
“Ross, and yes, he was a pain in my ass. He’s also history.” He laughed. Less stress meant less of a chance of having another stroke. Perfect for him. He swept his gaze over Isaac. Len had always thought the good doctor was handsome, and his son, Aiden, should’ve snapped him up. He’d never asked why they hadn’t gotten together. It wasn’t his business to know.
“Why are you laughing?” Isaac asked.
He gathered his breath. “For a second, I thought you were asking me out. Like you were interested in me.” He laughed again. “Wow. I laughed too hard. My ribs hurt.” And he was hiding his true feelings. Part of him wanted to be asked out by a handsome younger man.
