Starting Over in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

  “Why? He had a fight with a guy over a cat. The critter hated Kyle, I think,” Warrick said. He shrugged, then downed some of his beer. “If I can’t find a woman to get along with Patrice, then it’s a nonstarter.”

  “Your dog?” Dave snorted. “It’s just a dog.”

  “Might be to you, but she’s a good dog,” Warrick said. “She’s more loyal than you’ve ever been.”

  Shaun snorted. “You two.” He ignored the rest of the conversation in favor of the baseball game. “Kevin seemed nice and I went out on a limb. It might not work, but I won’t know unless we go out, so there.”

  “You should give him a shot,” Cara said. “You’d be good for him. You’re quiet and smart like him. Maybe you’d bring each other out of your shell.”

  “Maybe.” His thoughts turned to Kevin. He hadn’t felt sparks like that in ages and he liked the rush. He missed the delight of being with someone and being wanted. Hell, he liked being part of a relationship.

  Besides, he was tired of the one-night stands and pretty boys who only wanted him to pump up their ego or be their sugar daddy. He was only forty-two, but sometimes he felt ancient. He worked hard for his money and the paper. Could Kevin be the one he’d been looking for?

  He hoped so.

  * * * *

  Kevin pushed the cart of soggy buns to the food prep station in the bowels of the stadium. The silly mistakes, like overheating and allowing the buns to get soggy, wore him out. Why couldn’t the workers do their jobs? No one seemed to listen to him and he’d worked too hard to make the concessions decent dining. Granted, hot dogs and chili dogs weren’t high cuisine, but he refused to sell soggy buns.

  “What happened?” Kevin tossed the rack of buns into the food bin. “I can’t sell these. Can’t give them away, either.” He closed the bin door. “We’re measured by the quality of the food, and this isn’t quality.”

  Gus shrugged. “I messed up and listened to Buzz. He said to set the warming rack too high and the condensation got to those buns. I thought they’d dry out, but they didn’t.”

  “No, they didn’t.” Kevin hated being on the floor. He hated having to interact with the customers, too. His forte was numbers and stats. How to make the food better and how to get the bigger bang for the buck, that was his thing. He tended to get too emotional when the product wasn’t right. Right now, the buns being soggy weren’t his issue. Mistakes happened and he understood that. What aggravated him was wasting food and the sloppy mistakes. He’d told Gus a hundred times not to set the warmer too high and the tray of ruined buns equaled a sloppy mistake.

  Nedra shook her head. “That’s what we get for letting Buzz help. It’s on me and I’m sorry. I thought he’d learned, but no.”

  “Put him back on dishes and cleaning.” Kevin tossed the second tray of buns. “I had to explain to the people from the paper that we made a mistake. It was embarrassing.”

  “I’m sure.” She wiped the trays down. “To make matters worse, you’re going to have to help with the after-game banquet. Nathen Clarke quit and we don’t have anyone to do the beer chest.”

  “Of course.” Fuck. “Okay.”

  “He said he got a better offer.” She shrugged. “He gave no notice other than leaving.”

  Kevin sighed to center himself. Getting angry would only increase his blood pressure. “Let’s start setting up for the banquet. It’s already the ninth inning and we don’t have much time.”

  He left the cart in the kitchen and hurried to the banquet room. The space only sat about fifty people, and according to the schedule, only twenty-five would be attending this gathering. The newspaper wanted to have a nice dinner after the game to congratulate the workers and he was expected to feed them.

  The buffet was already set up by the time he arrived and only the beer chest needed attention. He sighed. Perfect. He could open beers for the next two hours. Tonya would be in soon and she’d take over as floor manager, so if someone had a complaint, they could go to her.

  The people filtered into the room and Kevin pasted on his best, but fake, smile. He didn’t like working the buffets and today wasn’t a good day. He opened the bottles of beer and handed them to each attendant.

  When he swept his gaze across the room, he spotted the guy from the loge. Damn. He’d forgotten to ask his name and hadn’t bothered to look at his number on the paper. Maybe they’d get a chance to chat again. This time, he’d exchange names.

  Nedra elbowed him. “Your ex is here.”

  Just as she’d spoken the words, Kevin noticed his ex-boyfriend sitting with his mystery man. Well, hell. Kyle could be charming and sweet. He was also better looking than Kevin, even on Kevin’s best day. If the mystery guy wanted Kyle, then that was his prerogative.

  He kept himself in check as Kyle and the mystery man made their way through the line. If he remembered right, the guy liked light beer. He held on to the edge of the beer chest and waited for the next orders.

  “Well, well.” Kyle offered a sly grin. “I thought you’d be here. Looks like you’ve been kicked back to the serving line.”

  “I’m helping out,” Kevin said. “Which type of beer would you like, sir?”

  “Sir?” Kyle laughed. “I forgot. You’re supposed to be all business-like here in line.” He threaded his arm around the mystery man’s arm. “This is my new boo, Shaun. Shaun, this is my…this is Kevin.”

  “We’ve met,” Shaun said. “Hi, Kevin.”

  “Hi.” Kevin gestured to the beers. “What can I get you?”

  “A light, please?” Shaun asked. “Thank you.”

  He offered up the selection and smiled. “Welcome.”

  Kyle waggled his finger in the direction of the table. “I’ll meet you over there.”

  “You’re holding up the line,” Kevin said. “Make your choice and you can talk later.”

  “Oh, I will.” Kyle plucked a dark brew from the chest. “Open this.”

  “Of course.” Kevin did, then handed the bottle to Kyle. “Don’t stick your hands in the chest again.”

  “Or you’ll have me removed?” Kyle snorted. “Stop.” He inched around the chest and stood next to Kevin. “Shaun and I are going out after this. Dancing and clubbing. You know, we’re really hitting it off.” He dug his elbow into Kevin’s ribs. “I’ll let you know how the date goes.”

  Kevin tamped down his frustration. He had no business expressing his feelings at work. “Very well.”

  “See, that’s what bothered me about you,” Kyle said. “You don’t show your emotions. You’re ice cold. This is why no one will ever love you. You’re emotionless.”

  Kevin pressed his lips together to keep from saying something. If Kyle wanted to be petty, then that was his problem.

  Kevin refilled the beer chest twice and the time seemed to fly by. When he glanced down at his watch, he realized two hours had passed.

  Nedra closed down the salad portion of the buffet and joined him at the beer chest. “Why don’t you take a break? You need it. I’ll handle this.”

  “Thanks.” Kevin wiped his hands on the towel, then made his way over to the doors leading to the foyer.

  “Hey.” Shaun jogged up to him. “You look beat. Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine. I’ve had my hands in the ice for the last two hours and they’re a little cold, but I’ll live. Did you enjoy the buffet?” Kevin asked. “Is everything up to standards?” He hated slipping into his business-tone, but the job mattered most.

  “It was great. To be honest, I’m stuffed and I’ll have to run an extra couple of miles tomorrow to work it off.” Shaun hooked his thumbs in his pockets. “Do you run?”

  “I do. It helps me manage my stress.” He wasn’t sure why he’d confessed that, but if Shaun was really a runner, he’d understand.

  “I hear you. I’ll bet this is a real headache, keeping the food service running smoothly.” Shaun grinned. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you my name earlier. I saw you and lost my head.”
<
br />   “Do you want your number back?” He wasn’t sure where he’d put the piece of paper. “If you’ve changed your mind, it’s cool.”

  “Why would I do that?” Shaun frowned. “I asked you out for a drink and I want to go.” His frown deepened. “I don’t ask if I’m not interested.”

  “You didn’t know my name.”

  “I said I acted on impulse, but I know it now.” Shaun’s smile returned. “Would you consider the date?” He pulled a small pad of paper from his back pocket. “What’s your number? I’ll call you.”

  “Uh…” Why was he hesitating? Because he’d seen Shaun with Kyle. “It’s 555-8731.”

  “Perfect.” Shaun grinned and his eyes sparkled. “I’ll text you.”

  “Sure.” Up close, Kevin noticed the flecks of dark blue and green in Shaun’s blue eyes. Freckles dotted Shaun’s nose and the corner of his mouth quirked each time he smiled. Part of Kevin wanted to dart away and hide. He wasn’t good at dating and could be awkward without trying. But part of him wanted to linger with Shaun a bit more. Electricity crackled between them and he forgot a little of his self-consciousness.

  Shaun adjusted the collar of Kevin’s shirt. “So, since I bungled this earlier… Hi. I’m Shaun Fallows. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Shaun, my name is Kevin Keiser and it’s my pleasure to meet you, too.” He wanted to touch Shaun’s hand, but the sound of voices jarred him from his mild Shaun-induced fog. “I should get going. I have to help clean up. One of the servers didn’t show and, being the supervisor, I have to jump in,” he said. “I hope you do text me, because I don’t remember where I put your number.”

  “Then I will.” Shaun shook hands with him. “I like a man who knows how to take charge and how to help out. It’s good to have a partner.”

  “Yeah.” He couldn’t agree more.

  Shaun let go and ducked back into the banquet space. Kevin headed through the kitchen and the safety of the prep area. Talking to Shaun was easier than he’d thought.

  “I saw you with that guy. Saw you up on the loge, too. He’s cute.” Nedra pushed the empty beer chest into the kitchen. “Did he ask you out?”

  “He did.” Kevin managed to nod. “I think he’s interested in Kyle, too.”

  “I saw he showed up. He’s working for the paper? Or is he still doing promotions for the team?” she asked.

  “Still with the team.” Kevin massaged his temples. “Is the party over?”

  “Almost everyone is gone. Mr. Nichols talked to the servers and thanked them. I think once he leaves, the rest will, too.” Nedra dumped the ice from the chest. “Thanks for helping us. We needed you on the buffet line.”

  “Welcome.” He wanted to see Shaun one more time, but he’d have to worry about Shaun later. Right now, he had a job to do and dating wasn’t important.

  Chapter Two

  Shaun waited two days before he texted Kevin. His hands shook as he typed out the message. Part of him wished Kevin would text back, but for all he knew, Kevin was at work and couldn’t reply. He tossed his phone onto his desk and rolled backward to put his feet on his open drawer.

  Cara stopped in the doorway. “Stuck?”

  “Sort of.” He’d waited two days to contact Kevin. In some circles, that was plenty of time. In others, it was an eternity, and he’d been out of the dating pool for so long that he feared he’d screwed up.

  “Did you call Kevin?” she asked.

  “Texted him.”

  “No answer?”

  “Not yet.” He’d only just sent the text, and if Kevin wasn’t sitting on his phone, he might not reply right away.

  “He is shy.”

  “I know.”

  She stepped into his office and closed the door. “He also saw you with Kyle.”

  “Mr. Beglin?” He laced his fingers together. The only Kyle he knew was Kyle Beglin. Was that the infamous ex-boyfriend, Kyle?

  “That’s his ex.”

  “Oh shit.” He’d stepped in it up to his eyeballs. Kyle was charming enough and chatty, but he wasn’t exactly Shaun’s type. He wasn’t into drinkers, not in the same league as Kyle. The guy must’ve put back half a dozen beers in the space of two hours. Plus, Kyle bragged too much.

  “Yeah, so it might have made Kevin a bit quieter than normal.”

  “Okay, then what’s the story as you know it?” He planted one foot on the floor and nudged the drawer shut with the other, then propped his foot on his bent knee. “Lay it out for me.”

  “You’ll have to ask him and you might have your chance soon—you need to go to the ballfield about advertising and their strategy,” she said. “I know they want to discuss dollar dog nights and half-price beers.”

  “I can do that.” He wished he’d been given the heads-up earlier, but whatever. “Right now?”

  “I’m delivering the message that you need to be there in half an hour.” She offered up a piece of paper. “I don’t know why they called the main line, but they did.”

  “Then I’m on it.” He folded the paper up and tucked it into the front pocket of his tablet folio. “I’ll be back soon-ish.”

  “See you.”

  Shaun headed out to his car and checked to ensure he had everything before he left the offices. Wallet, keys, phone, tablet, paper and pen. He zipped his messenger bag shut, then backed out of his parking spot. He drove the twenty minutes across town to the ballfield and parked in the visitor area. Unlike the main areas of the ballpark, the offices were no different from any offices he might find in a bigger city. Bland colors, blocky spaces and no personality.

  He checked in with the receptionist, then went to the meeting with the heads of advertising. Kyle sat across from him at the long table. He winked a few times and smiled. Shaun ignored Kyle’s advances. This wasn’t the time to make eyes at someone. Besides, he’d have to let Kyle down gently that he wasn’t interested.

  At the end of the meeting, when the rest of the participants—save for Kyle, Shaun and Mr. Armstrong, the owner of the team—left, Kevin ventured into the room.

  “Oh.” Kevin blushed. “I thought I was early. The memo said four. I’m sorry, Mr. Armstrong.”

  “You were given the wrong memo.” Mr. Armstrong clapped Kevin on the shoulder. “I knew what you were going to mention—the dollar dog nights and half-price beers. I also suggested we do a nacho night. Maybe we can develop a food for each night and have a week-long theme? We’ll talk tomorrow.” Without another word, Mr. Armstrong left the room.

  Kevin paled. “Sure.” He locked gazes with Shaun. “Oh.”

  Kyle rounded the table. “Makes a better impression when you’re on time.” He winked at Shaun. “I’ll see you out to the parking lot.”

  “Just a moment.” Shaun nudged Kyle out of the room and closed the door, giving him some privacy with Kevin. “Are you okay? You look unnerved.”

  “I’m good.” Kevin shook his head. “I’m sorry. I got blindsided by the memo. I know it said four.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Sounded like Mr. Armstrong has some big ideas for you.” Shaun reached for Kevin, then second-guessed himself. Maybe Kevin didn’t want him getting grabby. “I texted you.”

  “I just saw it.” Kevin blushed. “I have to admit I’m not good at dating or getting close to people. I say the wrong thing and stumble over myself.”

  “That’s okay.” Shaun understood Kevin better. “Are you free tonight? Say, seven p.m.?”

  “I am.” Kevin’s blush deepened. “You really want to go out with me?”

  “Sure. I hear the Coffee Bar is really good. I’m doing advertising for them through the paper and Joe’s a decent guy. We can go there and have drinks.” Shaun fixed the wrinkle in Kevin’s shirt. He couldn’t help himself, but he needed to touch Kevin. Plus, the tingles shooting down his arm spurred him on. He noticed the deep brown ring around the edge of Kevin’s irises and his thick lashes. He wanted to kiss this man and taste him. “What do you say?”

  Kevin hesitated. “Joe i
s a nice guy, and the Coffee Bar is popular.”

  “So is that a yes? You’ll come with me?”

  Kevin toyed with the box of straws. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” He inched up to Kevin. “You know, awkward isn’t bad. It’s a sign you’re human.” He traced his fingertip along the top of Kevin’s hand. “You’re also handsome, and any man would be lucky to go out with you.”

  “Yeah?” Kevin’s eyes widened.

  “Yes.” Shaun winked. “I’ll see you there at seven. My treat.” Before Kevin could argue or change his mind, Shaun grinned then walked away.

  Something about Kevin got under Shaun’s skin. There was an aching there, like he’d been hurt in his past. Kevin was too sweet a guy to be alone, but if Kyle, one of the pushiest men he’d ever met, had dumped Kevin in a raw way…then it explained a lot. Kyle had probably steamrolled over Kevin trying to get what he wanted. If anything, Kyle embodied bluntness.

  Shaun left the ballpark and drove back to the newspaper offices. Along the way, he listened to Mozart. The wordless music grounded him and helped him relax. The tension between his shoulders dissipated and he flexed his fingers on the steering wheel. After a little piano concerto, life wasn’t so difficult. He parked, then headed inside. Cara waved to him.

  “Hi.” He stopped at her desk. “Problem?”

  “You have a gentleman outside your office who wants to discuss promotion options for his restaurant, and you need to call Stone McCartney at the animal shelter. They want to place an ad, but also want to do a guest spot in the paper. Feature a shelter pet each week and try to get a few more adopted. It’d be good promotion for everyone.”

  “Agreed.” He took the piece of paper from her, then nodded. “Thanks. Now, who is the guy? I don’t want to go in cold and screw up his name.”

  “Oh, it’s Jack Walters-Lord. He runs Jack’s Hot Dog Shop. He just wants to advertise that he’s open and doing to-go orders.” Cara grinned. “I love eating there, but I wish it weren’t so bad for my waist.”

  “Your waist is fine.” He folded the paper and tucked it into his pocket. “I’ll have to try his food. Thanks.” He wandered down to his office and found a man sitting on one of the chairs in the corridor. “Hi.” Shaun stuck out his hand. “You must be Jack Walters-Lord.”