by Megan Slayer
“Oh.” Isaac’s cheeks reddened and he pushed off the doorframe. “Yeah, I’m just checking on your health.” He chuckled.
If Len wasn’t mistaken, he’d just offended Isaac. Shit. He had to fix the situation but wasn’t sure how. “I’m glad someone cares about me.” Did that sound silly? God. At fifty-nine, he still wasn’t good with dating.
“Aiden doesn’t check?” Isaac’s eyes widened.
“No, he does.” Fucking hell. Now he’d really stepped in it. “He and his husband, Matt, make sure we get together every weekend. We have dinner and take the dogs out for playtime. I hooked them up with the perfect dog from the shelter here.” He toyed with the door of the closest empty kennel. “If you’re looking for a dog, then follow my pup, Cissy. She knows how to pair people with dogs. Plus, she’s good at finding the one dog who needs someone most. She’s a sweet girl and loves everyone.”
“That’s cool. She’s pretty.” Isaac petted Cissy. “You’re a pretty girl. I’m surprised no one has tried to adopt you.”
“Oh, they do. Every other day, I have to explain she’s not available.”
Isaac waggled his head. “I’ve got a cat, but Ollie needs a friend.”
“Is he a dog kind of cat?”
“He thinks he’s a dog.” Isaac’s blush faded a bit. “I think he’d like a medium-sized dog to play with. I adopted him from one of the receptionists. He didn’t get along with her other cats and he’s not a bad guy. He’s just misunderstood. Personally, I think he’s lonely. I’ve had him about three weeks and he’s a clingy cat. I’m not home much, so I thought a smaller dog—something that won’t intimidate him size-wise—might be good.”
“It might.” He toyed with Cissy’s leash. He hadn’t hooked it onto her but he should. Instead, he thought about the dogs in the shelter. Who would be good for Isaac? “I’ve got an older boy back here… We’ve named him Stan, but I’m guessing you’ll come up with something better. He’s probably who you’re looking for. Let’s see who Cissy picks.”
She led Isaac over to Stan’s kennel. The dog whimpered. Len opened the door and petted Stan. “This guy is a sweet older man who needs a caring owner to love him. Stan is Cissy’s buddy. She knows how to comfort him.” He turned his attention to Stan. “Hey, guy. Did you miss Cissy?”
She scooted around Len and cuddled up to Stan. The hound dog stayed beside her, but sniffed Isaac’s hand.
“Want to go for a walk?” Len asked. He’d already walked Stan for the day, but hey, freedom was freedom. Cissy perked up and Stan wiggled. Len offered the leash to Isaac. “Might as well get used to him. I think he likes you.”
Isaac held out his hand. Stan sniffed him again and didn’t back away.
“That’s a good start. He’s not cowering.” Len smiled. “Let’s walk.” He patted his hip for Cissy, then navigated through the shelter to the fenced-in run. “Let Stan get used to being with you on the leash. Since there aren’t any other dogs out here, you’ll be allowed to let him run with Cissy after a bit.”
“He doesn’t strike me as a Stan, but I kind of like the name.” Isaac petted Stan. “It seems right, but I’m not sure.”
“I don’t know. It would be cute with your cat, Ollie. Stan and Ollie?” He laughed. “It’s kismet.”
Isaac brightened. “Yeah. I guess so. I thought he was more of an Elvis, but I like Stan and Ollie.”
“Then try walking him and see how he reacts.” Len stood back while Cissy romped around Stan.
Isaac allowed Stan to take the lead. They walked well together, and the more the dog moved, the happier he seemed to be. The spring had returned to his step, and his tongue lolled. Isaac chuckled. He met Len’s gaze. He seemed at ease with Stan too.
“What breed is he?” Isaac asked.
“We think he’s beagle, but we don’t have any idea what he’s mixed with. His longer fur makes me think his parents weren’t both beagles.” Len folded his arms and beamed. He loved putting animals and people together.
Isaac walked Stan over to Len. “I can’t leave him here. He seems so much happier since I sprung him.”
“I agree.”
“You should bring Cissy over to play,” Isaac said. “I bet they’d have a ball.”
“I will.” He nodded. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think Isaac was using the long way to ask him out. Nah. “If you’re sure about Stan, we can go inside and do the paperwork. I’ll get his things and meet you in the conference room. The girls will take you and Stan in there to go over the papers and such. It gives you more space to play with him too.”
“No one is going to give me a hard sell to adopt the dog?”
“Nah. The conference room is laid out so you can play with the dog or cat while we’re getting your papers together.” Len shook hands with Isaac. His skin tingled from the touch. He sucked in a ragged breath and hoped he didn’t look nervous. He hadn’t felt giddy and confused like this with anyone in a while. Was it just Isaac? Or Len’s nonexistent libido finally coming out of hibernation?
“Oh. Sounds good.” Isaac stayed beside Len. “Thanks. You made this so easy. If I were left to my own devices, I’d end up adopting everyone.”
“I know. I’m the same way. That’s why I volunteer. I can see them all and make sure they go to good homes.” Len nodded, then opened the door for Isaac, Cissy and Stan.
“Smart.” Isaac ducked into the building. Stan happily trotted beside him.
Cissy followed them, leaving Len behind. Pride swelled within Len. He loved his volunteer jobs and the critters at the shelter. He made a difference. Being there kept him busy and healthy. Plus, he didn’t have to think about being lonely. “I’ll meet you up front.”
Isaac waved. “Thanks.”
He stood just inside the building with Cissy. He shouldn’t look at Isaac with such longing, but he couldn’t help himself. He watched the sway of Isaac’s ass as he walked and the pull of the denim on Isaac’s hips. The T-shirt pulled across Isaac’s back like a second skin and showcased the muscle on his taut body. Oh, shit. Len couldn’t help how he felt—lonely, aroused, confused and longing for someone. Christ, he was too old for this. He had at least twenty years on Isaac. Besides, Isaac was probably with someone.
He shook his head. He needed to think about someone or something else besides Isaac and his luscious ass.
Chapter Four
Isaac filled out the last of the paperwork. Good grief. He’d dealt with less red tape and confusion at his office. Most of the questions could be done on a tablet and answered faster if they could be typed. The shelter would use less paper and maybe save money.
A girl strode into the room. “I’m glad you’ve adopted Stan. He’s been here a long time,” she said. “I thought Len would end up taking him home. Len must like you if he recommended Stan. He’s protective of the dogs…and cats.”
“He’s good with personalities,” Isaac said. Good with personalities? Oh boy. Who was he kidding? He’d wanted Len to notice him and wanted Len to see the veiled come-on as a blunt one.
“Uh-huh.” She finished the paperwork. “Let me get your tags and the file on Stan.” She left him alone in the conference room.
He scooped Stan into his arms and petted the dog. He was glad he’d stopped at the shelter. Finding Stan was a boon. The dog was a good boy, and he needed someone as much as Isaac needed Stan.
He could imagine Len adopting Stan. The guy had a big heart. Len… He sighed. He should’ve been blunt with him. Should’ve come right out and said he liked him. They had chemistry. They fell into conversation easily, and the heat in his belly wasn’t a fluke. He knew Len’s age. For fifty-nine, the guy looked hot. Len took care of himself and kept busy. With the color back in his hair, he appeared easily to be ten years younger than his age.
But Len didn’t seem remotely interested.
“Here you go.” The girl returned and handed Isaac an envelope. “The tag, the veterinarian files we have, his shot records and your proof he’s up to date
on his rabies vaccinations are in there along with the license. You’re ready.” She patted Stan. “Good luck, pup. You’ve got a good one.” She smiled, then turned her attention to Isaac. “You’ve got a good pup too.”
“Thanks.” He placed Stan on the floor. “Let’s go, Stan.” He stood while Stan shook and wagged his tail. He danced around Isaac’s feet.
“He’s so happy.” She clapped. “I didn’t think he’d ever brighten up. I’m so glad.” She waved. “Bye, guys!”
“Thanks,” he said again. Isaac led Stan through the building out to the parking lot. Len stood by his car and helped Cissy into the back seat of the compact vehicle.
His heart leaped and he ogled Len’s ass. The jeans fit him well, and from a distance, he seemed younger.
“Hi,” Isaac called. “Best decision ever.”
Len grinned. “Told you.” He rolled the windows down in the car. “It’ll be a little chaotic settling in, but it’ll work out.”
“I’m sure.” He wanted to say more, but he didn’t know what. “Do you ever go to Bark Place? The coffee shop for pets and people?” He’d never been to the coffee establishment, but that didn’t matter.
“Have you been there?” Len asked.
“No, I usually get my coffee from the hospital, and they never have good coffee. It’s strong and will keep you awake, but it doesn’t taste good.” Was he rambling? “Would you want to go tonight? Cissy and Stan seem to like each other and would enjoy going there. It might be a nice place to just talk.”
Len smiled. He didn’t speak right away and instead scratched Cissy behind the ears. He chuckled. “Why not?” He met Isaac’s gaze. “I’d like to. How about right now?”
“Cool. I’ll meet you there in a little bit.” He placed Stan into the back seat of his car. He groaned. He should’ve bought one of those things that allowed him to buckle the dog in and keep him from getting hurt. But he hadn’t planned on getting a dog today. He’d thought he’d just look and think about it, then come back another day. So much for that plan…
Isaac drove to the coffee shop and kept glancing back at Stan on the seat. The dog stared out of the window and panted. Should he put the windows down more? What if Stan was a jumper? Damn, dogs were hard work. Not that being a doctor was easy. He pulled into a spot in front of the coffee shop. Within seconds, Len parked beside him.
Isaac left his vehicle and helped Stan out of the back, then met Len beside his car.
“I’ve always wanted to try this place.” Len clapped Isaac on the shoulder. “It’ll be a good way to end the day. Thanks.”
“Welcome.” His skin, despite the shirt in the way, tingled beneath Len’s touch. He fought the urge to lean in to Len.
Len ventured into the shop first. “Oh good, they’ve got tea.”
He almost asked what Len was talking about but didn’t. He couldn’t see the signboard or what the shop had on special… The only thing he saw was Len.
“What’ll you have?” Len elbowed Isaac. “Hey.” He waved his hand in front of Isaac’s eyes. “Are you in there? I was going to buy your drink.”
“Sorry.” Shit. He’d been caught not paying attention. “I’ll get a coffee. Don’t worry about it, but thank you for the offer.” He waited for Len to place his order, then stepped up to the counter. “Coffee. Black. Regular size.” He handed over the bills. “For Isaac.”
The guy behind the counter winked. “I’ll have it right up, hon.” He lowered his voice. “You’re sweet to bring Dad out for coffee.”
“Dad?” he blurted. “He’s a friend.”
The barista’s eyebrows rose. “Uh-huh. I’ll bring the drinks to your table.”
“Thanks.” He stuffed a couple of dollars into the jar, then went right to the table. His mind wandered. Would he have to deal with this kind of treatment if he dated Len? Would he have the courage to ask Len out? Christ, he wasn’t sure.
“Problem?” Len toyed with Cissy’s leash. “The kid behind the counter is spirited.”
“That’s one way to put it.” He sat opposite of Len. “He thought you were my father.”
“Damn.” Len snorted. “I thought the stuff I use to wash the gray away was working. Guess not.”
“It’s working, but I don’t think you have to use it. The silver fox look is very in and sexy.” He wasn’t ashamed to admit the truth.
“Isaac.” Len chuckled. “Aiden said I’d taken a few years off.”
“He’s right.” He wanted to run his fingers through Len’s hair and see if it was as soft as it looked.
The barista brought the cups over. “Enjoy.”
“Thanks,” Isaac muttered. He still wasn’t thrilled with the punk.
“Appreciated.” Len held up his paper cup. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your date,” the barista said as he winked and turned on his heel.
“Date?” Len laughed and placed the cup back on the table. “Jesus. I’m twice your age.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re my son, Aiden’s, age,” Len said.
“I’m older. I’m thirty-nine.” His hands shook. Why was he so nervous? He glanced down at Stan. The pup was so comfortable, curled up with Cissy. He wished he could be so relaxed.
Len sipped on his tea. He watched Isaac. “You dated Aiden, didn’t you?”
“No, we were just friends.” He wasn’t ashamed to admit it. “We wouldn’t have worked out if we’d tried dating. Two doctors under one roof? You can’t have both people in charge. It doesn’t gel.”
“Aiden does like to keep things under control.” Len held on to his cup. “I’m too old for you.”
“You’ve mentioned that, and I disagree. Chemistry doesn’t lie,” he said, unabashed. “I like you. I’d like to go for a date or three and see if the chemistry is real.” Holy shit. He’d done it. He’d admitted what he wanted.
“With me?” Len’s eyes widened. “I’m a little older than you. If we keep this going, you’ll get bored with me. You’ll want someone else.”
“We won’t know until we try.” He gripped the leash tight. “We might be great for each other.”
“But Aiden…what about him?”
“He won’t care.” He wasn’t sure about Aiden, but he doubted his friend would care if he dated his father. So Isaac and Aiden were around the same age… Aiden was happy with Matt. Why couldn’t Isaac be happy too?
“I don’t know.”
Isaac bit back a sigh. “It’s fine.” He should’ve guessed Len would be against them getting together. Isaac wasn’t awful, but not young. Why be with a forty-something when you can still score with a thirty-something?
“I’m not sure.” Len finished his tea. “Speaking of doctors, how are you doing? Since I don’t see you, I haven’t kept up on what you're doing.”
“I moved into private practice and am specializing in geriatric medicine. You probably saw the building.” He sighed. Yeah, Len wasn’t interested. “Cedarwood needs a few doctors who can service the older generations. I work with lower-income folks mostly.” This time he grinned. Working with the elderly made him happy, and he was proud of his growing practice.
“Nice. I hadn’t seen you at the hospital the last time I went in for a check-up.” Len smiled. “I try to stay away from the hospital, though. I like being healthy.”
“It’s a good thing to be healthy.” He swirled the coffee around in his cup. “Well, I should go. I want to get Stan acclimated to the house. Thanks for coming with me for coffee.” He stood, then paused. He embraced the streak of courage within him. “Look, I like you. I have since I first met you. I want a guy with experience. One who has been through life a bit more than me and knows what he wants. The salt-and-pepper look is sexy to me and those crinkles around your eyes are hot. Talk to Aiden. I have no idea what he’ll say, but I don’t care.”
“Wow. Okay.” Len sagged in his seat. He half-smiled. Instead of looking at Isaac, he averted his gaze.
Isaac sighed. His courage dipped, and
now he knew the score. The interest wasn’t reciprocated. Damn. “Come on, Stan. We’re going home.” He hated the hasty retreat, but putting his heart out only to be stepped on wasn’t his idea of fun. He kept his head high and left the coffee shop. His dating skills were rusty. The nurses at his office reminded him of that daily. They’d laugh if they knew he’d tried and struck out. He helped Stan into the back seat, then left the lot. A man could only take so much and being stared at like he’d stepped off a Martian rocket sucked.
Isaac flipped through his good points on his mental list. He had a good sense of humor, liked people, wanted a companion rather than a date for the night…and loved sex. Now he even had a dog. Besides, he was a doctor. Didn’t that make him a catch?
He glanced at the reflection of Stan in the rear-view mirror. “Well, bud, it’s just us and Ollie tonight. We’re going to have a freaking blast.”
Isaac groaned. He should’ve given Len time to answer, but he couldn’t. He didn’t want to listen to the explanation or rejection. He drove to the closest big box pet store and, with Stan beside him, purchased supplies for the dog. He tossed so many things into the cart… Stan probably didn’t need all of them, but fuck it. Isaac didn’t care.
“I’ve got my dog, my cat, and that’s all I need.” He scratched Stan behind the ears. Too bad he didn’t believe his own words. He wanted the dog, the cat and the relationship…and to not be lonely.
* * * *
Friday night, Isaac paced the length of his living room. Ollie lay sprawled on the sofa and Stan was working on a bone on the floor. Although he had the animals, Isaac needed a diversion. He’d seen nearly fifty patients over the course of the week. His brain required rest. His body wanted recreation. The dog and cat were settled and getting along. If they were happy, why couldn’t he be, too? He dialed Dorian’s number. He’d had his share of eating cookies alone and working off the calories on his elliptical machine. He’d spoken with Len at the shelter and the sparks were still as strong as before. But he wasn’t sure how to connect with Len. He couldn’t keep adopting animals. Should he really ask Len if the dogs could get together for a pup playdate? Would that make him look odd for asking?
