by Megan Slayer
“Luck.”
He hung up. According to the schedule, the game had just ended. People were filing out of the stadium, so the timing must be correct. How long would food service have to stick around afterward? An hour?
If nothing else, he had time to sort out the next part of his plan.
He arranged his hair and admired himself in the mirror. “Here goes nothing.”
* * * *
Kevin locked up the kitchen and headed down the corridor to the employee exit. His back ached from being hunched over the fryer for the last hour of the ballgame. He massaged his lower back, then stopped at his locker long enough to retrieve his keys, ruined personal phone, work phone and wallet. God. Nothing had gone right. He’d had to toss a case of stale buns and the taps on two of the kegs had broken, not to mention his personal phone. How could so much have gone haywire?
At least Kyle hadn’t stopped him.
He headed out of the building and into the waning sunshine. Most of the cars were gone from the lot, but one had parked right next to his. A man stretched out on the hood of the car. The closer he got to the vehicle, he realized the guy on the car wasn’t just anyone.
Shaun.
Kevin wanted to hide, but why? He liked Shaun, and despite the disaster the other day, he longed to see him again. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Shaun sat up and adjusted his sunglasses. “You’re done?”
“I am.” He swept his gaze over Shaun. The jeans and shirt fit like a second skin. Hell, he could be prepping for a photo shoot in this outfit. He reminded Kevin of the calendars with the boy-next-door models. Shaun could be one. Kevin’s mouth watered and he wondered what Shaun’s kiss might taste like.
Kevin ventured over to Shaun. “You’ll chip your paint sitting on it. Your pocket rivets will scratch it.”
Shaun shrugged. “I won’t do too much damage.” He scooted to the front of the hood and slid until his feet were planted on the asphalt. “You haven’t answered my texts and I wanted to apologize.”
Kevin held up his hand. “Slow down.” If he wanted a chance with Shaun, he needed to stop being scared. Shaun was just a guy—like him—a human. “I didn’t answer the texts because I haven’t gotten them. My phone is slow and it’s even worse now since I dropped it in a sink of hot water.”
“Ouch.” Shaun grasped Kevin’s right hand. “Bricked it?”
“Completely.” He allowed Shaun to tug him forward until he settled against the vee of his legs. “I got a couple texts from you, I think, but by the time I had a chance to read them, I’d ruined the phone. Once I get out of here, I’m going to get a new one.”
“Do you need it? Like can you go until tomorrow before you replace it?” Shaun held both of Kevin’s hands. “Or will something come to a crashing end if you don’t?”
He still had his work phone and anything of importance would come across that one. “It could wait.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Kevin swept his gaze over Shaun again. “I love the effect you’re going for here. I’ve never had a hot guy waiting for me to finish work.”
“You think I’m hot?” Shaun’s mouth curled in a wicked grin.
“I do,” Kevin said, his voice husky and almost unrecognizable. “But how long were you out here?”
“I confess, it’s been almost an hour.” Shaun blushed and let go of Kevin’s hands long enough to encircle him in his embrace. “I wasn’t sure how long it’d take for you to come out, so I played it safe and arrived early. I’ve only been on the hood for about ten minutes, and I’m glad it’s a somewhat cloudy day, or my hide would be toast.”
“It would.” Kevin sighed. He should explain his hasty retreat at the Coffee Bar. “I’m sorry I freaked out and left the other day.”
“Will you tell me why?”
He screwed up his courage. Admitting the truth wasn’t all that bad and he liked the way Shaun held him. “It’s Kyle. He has a knack for getting involved in my life when I think he’s out. I think I’m in the clear and he shows up to wreck stuff.”
“He’s done it before.”
“Twice with potential boyfriends and all the time at work.” He hated the way the truth sounded, like he was helpless. “I’m working on not letting it bother me. Right after the breakup, it was bad, but I have a job to do and I want to do it.”
“But he likes to show up when you’re not in a controlled environment?”
Shaun understood? “Yeah, and his actions make life difficult.”
“I’m not shocked.” Shaun groaned. “And he’s coming over.” He kept his hold on Kevin. “What he doesn’t understand is that I don’t care. I went out with you and I’m here for you—not him.” He squeezed Kevin’s ass. “I like your crooked smile, the way your eyes light up when you grin and that you have a nice ass.”
“I do?” He’d never given much thought to his own ass.
“You do,” Shaun murmured.
Before Shaun could say more, Kyle approached. “Kevin. Shaun.” He stood beside them. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Kevin steeled himself for the onslaught of negative comments. He hadn’t been as interested in other guys in the way he was with Shaun and he didn’t want Kyle’s intrusion. “I don’t know what you owe it to.”
“I’m not here for you,” Shaun said. He never took his gaze off Kevin. “I came for other reasons.”
“This isn’t a social club, gentlemen,” Kyle said and nudged Shaun. “You’re acting childish.”
“But if I were here for you, it’d be a different story,” Shaun said. He tugged Kevin closer. “It’s no different than a guy meeting his gal after work or two women meeting…or two friends, even. He asked me to join him and I did.”
Kevin nodded. He wasn’t letting Kyle take this moment from him. “I did.”
“Right. You’ve never had this much backbone in your life,” Kyle snapped. “Stop.” He held up both hands. “I get it. You did this to make me jealous. Well, it worked. I’m jealous. Now, Shaun, ditch him so we can go.”
“Nope.” Shaun brushed his nose along Kevin’s enough that his breath tickled Kevin’s cheek. “I’m good.”
“So am I.” Kevin bridged the gap between them and kissed Shaun. This wasn’t how he’d planned on their first kiss going, but he craved Shaun’s kiss. Besides, the perfect moment, whatever that might be, wasn’t everything. He needed the right push and his lips on Shaun’s worked. He liked the feel of Shaun’s breath on his skin, the way Shaun massaged his ass as they kissed. He caressed Shaun’s shoulders and closed his eyes while he enjoyed this moment. The passion between him and Shaun was palpable. It could be lust, but he didn’t care.
“Enough.” Kyle swatted Kevin’s arm. “Hey. I said enough.”
Kevin broke the kiss and stared into Shaun’s eyes. The crystal blue intoxicated him.
“You can go now,” Shaun said. He kept Kevin in his embrace.
“I thought we were together,” Kyle growled. “You told me we were.”
This time, Shaun bristled. “I said nothing of the sort. You assumed and it looks like you’re just saying this to cause trouble.”
“Well.” Kyle stomped his foot. “See if I take you clubbing again. Good evening.”
Again? Kevin kept his poise, but not by much. Jesus. Kyle insisted on butting into everything.
When Kyle walked away, Kevin exhaled and Shaun sighed. “I guess we both have a bit of confession coming,” Shaun said. “I never asked him out—for coffee or clubbing, but I was polite to him because the paper does advertising for the team.”
“I knew.” Kevin put some space between him and Shaun. “You said something about dinner tonight. Well, before everything went to hell. Are you still interested? We can order something out.”
“We could.” Shaun’s eyes glittered. “My place or yours?”
“Either.” He had no preference. “Mine’s just small and my cat will want to get in your face. He’s pushy.”
“I can handle pushy. I’v
e dealt with Kyle.” Shaun hooked his fingers in Kevin’s front pockets. “Why don’t we go to yours so you can shower and change? I’ll handle dinner and get to know your cat.”
“I’d like that.” Kevin brushed his hand over Shaun’s arm. “You’ll follow me?”
“I will.”
He kissed Shaun again and electricity sizzled between them. His lips tingled and his heart beat faster. When he pulled back a bit, his breath caught in his throat. For once he was happy. This handsome man liked him. This one. God, he was lucky. He caressed Shaun’s forearm. “Did you spray paint your pants on?”
“Just about.” Shaun chuckled. “They’re my favorites.”
“I can tell.” He liked the way Shaun looked in the denim. “We should get going. My stomach is going to start rumbling soon, and no one wants to hear that. Besides, the cat will want feeding and he can be a pain in the ass until he gets his dinner.”
Shaun shrugged. “It happens. So, where are you at? Which place is yours?”
“I’m in the Harrington Building,” Kevin said. “It’s on First Avenue.”
“I know where that is and I’ll follow you.” Shaun let go. “I like looking at your ass.”
The tips of his ears burned. He had no words, but managed to round the hood and locate his keys. He pointed to the exit.
“I’ll follow.” Shaun grinned. “I’m right behind you.”
“Yeah.” Holy shit. He slid behind the wheel. Once he left the lot, he checked a couple times to make sure Shaun was indeed a car-length back. The whole situation could be a dream. Guys like Shaun weren’t in his league, but Shaun seemed interested.
Hot damn.
Once he drove across town to his apartment building, he parked in the potholed lot and waited for Shaun as he parked. “This is my place,” Kevin said. “I’m on the second floor. It’s boring, but it’s home.”
“Lead the way.” Shaun fell into step beside him. “And I doubt it’s boring.”
“It’s not expensive or fancy.” He headed into the building to the main staircase. “Up here.”
Shaun stayed right with him. “I thought about this complex, but Cara suggested the Wainwright Estates. The only thing that has to do with estates with that place is the name.”
“I looked into those, but there weren’t any units open and these accepted pets.” He strode up to his door. “This is me.” He paused. “The cat’s name is Leo and he’s a pushy orange baby. He doesn’t take kindly to some people, but if you let him come to you and don’t swat at him, he’ll probably like you.” He unlocked the door and moved out of the way to let Shaun in first. “It’s simple, like I said, but it’s home.” He didn’t know the first thing about interior design, but he liked ‘clean and efficient’, mostly because he hated cleaning. He spotted Leo lounging on his cat tree and staring at the intruder.
“I like it.” Shaun stayed by the door as Kevin entered. “Shoes on or off?”
“Off.” He didn’t want to be a pain, but he’d always taken his shoes off when he entered the apartment.
“Good. I prefer sock foot at home, too.” Shaun closed the door and removed his boots, then touched Kevin’s arm. “I know you’re scared, but it’s okay. I won’t bite. Your cat might, but I won’t.”
Leo sat up and stretched, then let out a growl before departing the cat tree. He narrowed his eyes and sauntered up to Shaun.
Kevin put his wallet, work phone and keys down. He hadn’t thought his tensing was visible, but it must’ve been. “Sorry.” He dropped to one knee and scratched Leo behind the ears. “Leo, this is Shaun. Shaun, this is Leo. He rules the roost.”
“Hi, Leo.” Shaun knelt next to Kevin and placed his open palm on his lap. “You’re a good kitty, aren’t you?”
Leo stared at him, then sat next to Kevin. His tail swished as he licked his chops. Shaun didn’t move, giving the cat a chance to adjust. Leo curled his paw and licked out his toes, then sneezed and stared at Shaun again.
“Am I passing the test?” Shaun mumbled. “Or is he still going to pounce?”
Kevin resumed scratching Leo behind the ears. “He’s deciding. You haven’t grabbed at him, which is good. He-who-shall-not-be-named used to swat at him.”
Shaun offered his fingers, allowing the cat to sniff him. “No need to swat at you.” When Leo didn’t pull away, Shaun petted his back.
Leo arched his spine and thrust his ass in the air, then whipped his tail and walked away.
“What was that?” Shaun asked. “He vibrated.”
“He’s always done that. It’s his tail thing.” Kevin shrugged. “He didn’t bite you, so consider yourself lucky. He hasn’t accepted you yet, but you’re on the right track.”
“I can handle that.” Shaun grasped Kevin’s fingers. “He-who-shall-not-be-named did a number on you and that was crap. Seems like he did a number on Leo, too, but I’m not him. Give me a chance? Please? Looks like Leo’s considering it.”
Kevin let go and shifted enough to remove his shoes, then grasped Shaun’s hand, linking their fingers as he sat on the floor. “I’m trying.”
“And I’m patient.”
Kevin nodded. “I can work with that.” A whole new Chapter of his life seemed to be opening and not a moment too soon. “As for Leo, time will tell, but you’re starting out right.”
“Good.” Shaun squeezed Kevin’s fingers, then stood. “What’s your poison? I’ll order.”
“Nothing fried.” He needed to wash the scent of grease off his body. He left the floor and tugged his shirt from his pants. “Pizza would be good, or Chinese. I don’t care as long as it’s not burgers, hot dogs or French fries.”
“Nothing you’re allergic to?”
“Nope.” He didn’t pull away from Shaun when he tugged him close. “Unless you’re going to feed me eggplant. I’m not wild about eggplant.”
“No today.” Shaun chuckled. “I’ll surprise you.”
“Deal.” Kevin hesitated before pulling away. “Let me put Leo’s food in his bowl, then I’ll shower and be right back.” He should give Shaun the remote or something. Maybe open his laptop to watch a show? “I don’t have cable, but I have TV on my computer, if you want to watch something.” He ventured into the kitchen and opened one of the cans of wet cat food. Leo curled around his ankles and bit the top of Kevin’s foot. Kevin dished the food into the bowl. “Leo.” He placed the dish on the placemat on the floor. “Dinner.”
The cat needed no invitation. He settled in front of his food and noshed away happily. Shaun stood at the edge of the room, giving Leo space.
“He’s happy when he’s eating.” Kevin shrugged again. “Did you pick something?”
“I’m going to order food, so don’t worry about me unless you’re planning on being in the bathroom for hours. I think I know what we’ll have, so there’s that.” Shaun curled his fingers under Kevin’s chin. “I’m not high maintenance. I promise.” When Kevin turned, Shaun swatted him on the backside. “Go. I’ll be fine. Maybe Leo and I will hit it off. You never know.”
“I suppose so.” He left the warmth of Shaun’s touch and ducked into the bathroom. Part of him wasn’t sure leaving Leo and Shaun alone together was a good idea. If Leo got spooked or annoyed, he’d bite. Then again, he might climb onto his cat tree and just stare at Shaun. If Shaun didn’t pursue Leo and let the cat come to him, he’d be fine.
Kevin turned his attention to his shower. The apartments were designed so the bathroom seemed to be part of the bedroom, but the dual doors meant someone could go into the bathroom via the bedroom or via the living room. It was good for ducking into the bathroom to change, but could make for an embarrassing moment if someone didn’t know there was another person in the bathroom.
Oh well. He doubted Shaun would tiptoe into the bathroom to watch him get cleaned up. He probably had his hands full with the cat.
Kevin fought the urge to peek in on Shaun. Instead, he turned the shower on and stripped in minutes. He should take his time, but he wanted to
be out in the living room with Shaun. He stepped into the stall and scrubbed his body clean, then washed his hair. He preferred smelling like himself, rather than the stadium.
He rinsed, then hurried right back out of the shower to dry off. He caught sight of his reflection in the condensation-ringed mirror. Were those grays blooming at his temples? Crinkles around his eyes? Did the slight changes matter? He’d spent too much time alone and too much time trying to hide. He needed someone who didn’t care if he’d been a bit weathered with age.
Kyle had broken his heart and spirit, but it was time to build them back up.
He should move on, and since Shaun was so tempting, why not move on with him?
He turned the water off and wrapped the towel around his hips. He wished he hadn’t gone through the shit with Kyle, but going through it made him appreciate now more. Yeah, he should take a chance with Shaun. This could be the start of something great.
He dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, then padded barefoot out to the living room. “Hi.” Where’s the cat and is Shaun bleeding? “Everything okay?”
“We’re fine. Look at you.” Shaun left the sofa. Leo sat across the back of the couch and swished his tail. Shaun trailed his fingers down Kevin’s front. “I almost didn’t recognize you without the stadium outfit. You’re handsome when you’re being yourself.” He wrapped his arms around Kevin. “I like this look.”
“Do you?” He swayed with Shaun. “I’ve always thought I was boring.”
“You thought wrong.” Shaun trailed his hands along Kevin’s ribs. “I don’t usually make a bold move when I meet a guy. I like to bide my time and feel him out.”
“You’re feeling me out pretty well.” He rubbed the growing bulge in his pants against the one in Shaun’s jeans. The heat engulfed him. He rested his forehead against Shaun’s and swayed with him. If he wanted to, he could kiss him. He should.
Shaun cupped Kevin’s jaw in both hands. Without a word, he kissed Kevin.
So good. He threaded his arms around Shaun’s waist and tucked his hands into his back pockets. His thoughts blurred and all he could do was feel. Christ. He’d never been this swept away before. He wanted to rip his clothes off and drag Shaun into his bedroom. He yearned to be with this man. Craved him. He wanted to lick every inch of him, then feel Shaun inside him. Oh God. He grabbed the front of Shaun’s shirt and pressed his body to Shaun’s. Yes, this was the time to take this to the next level. He twined his tongue with Shaun’s and tasted him. He fumbled Shaun backward until he pinned him to the wall between the bedroom and living room. Shaun overwhelmed him and he loved it.
