by Megan Slayer
“Don’t hurt yourself finding out. Remy will live and I just want you to be there.”
“I know.” Kevin sat up. “I need to head out soon. The game is at two-thirty and we start set-up at one. It’s tedious, but it’s a living.”
“You need to help set up? You can’t just watch? You’re management.”
“But when we’re short of workers, I have to jump in.”
“You did the last time.”
“And I’ll keep doing it until they hire more people.”
“You can’t get more help?” Shaun asked.
“I’d love to, but they won’t advertise.” Kevin stood. “What are you doing at the shelter? A story?” He wanted to change the subject and stop discussing the team.
“I’m doing a feature on the animals, a pet of the week thing,” Shaun said. “I’ll get an interview with Stone to start, then photograph some of the animals. The idea is to get them homes.”
“Nice.” He liked the idea of Shaun branching out. “Stone’s a good guy. He’d keep every animal at his farm if it was possible. I’ve considered going up to the shelter and getting a companion for Leo. Maybe one of your features will be the one we’re looking for.”
“Could be.” Shaun tipped his head. “Wait. Stone has a farm?”
“And a donkey. Ask him.”
“I’m not shocked.” Shaun stood. He kissed Kevin and curled his fingers under Kevin’s chin. “It’s going to be forever when I see you again.”
“It’s not that long to wat.” Kevin nuzzled Shaun’s cheek. “Plus, it gives us time to explore each other.”
“Yes.” He brushed his lips over Kevin’s. “I had a good run because you were with me. We’ll have to find time tomorrow, too.”
“We will.” Kevin remained close for another moment. He’d ache until he got to see Shaun again, but it only made him like Shaun more. “I’ll try to text you tonight.”
“Tell Leo I said hi.” Shaun let go. “I miss the furball.”
“He’s addicting.” Kevin kissed him once more, then gathered himself. “Talk to you later?”
“You bet.” Shaun winked. “You’re sexy when you sweat.”
“So are you.” He paused. “And I want to know about that ink. It’s hot.”
“I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Shaun wriggled his eyebrow. “Go before you’re late.”
Kevin hurried to his car. He slid behind the wheel and checked he had everything—phone, keys, wallet. Phone display silent. Good, no missed calls. He waved to Shaun, then drove home. When he checked his mailbox, his new phone had arrived.
He carried the mail and box up to his apartment. While the phone charged enough to use it, Kevin showered. By the time he finished, the device had already synced up with the information from the ruined one.
Kevin dressed and ate his lunch, then fiddled with the new device. According to his personal email, he had fourteen new messages. He also had a slew of missed texts and five calls. The missed calls were expected since he hadn’t told most people his phone was down. At least three of the texts were from Shaun and one call was from Kyle.
What does Kyle want?
He checked the missed calls. A part of him felt guilt about missing the texts and calls, but he hadn’t received the texts until now and hadn’t known anyone had called him. That, and he’d worked things out with Shaun.
Leo hopped onto the table and batted at Kevin’s hand. Kevin kept fiddling with his phone, but also scratched Leo’s head. He appreciated Leo’s ability to relax him. The cat seemed to know when he needed soothing.
He opened his emails and thanked God nothing was important—mostly messages from Kyle about his exploits clubbing. He should delete Kyle’s number and email address. Could block him, too. Kyle was nothing but a bad influence.
Kevin deleted the emails, then set the wallpaper image. He should get a photo with Shaun to show everyone. He texted Shaun.
New phone up and running. Won’t dunk it. Promise. Had a good run today, too. You’re a fun partner. You pushed me.
He hit Send, then finished his lunch. He placed the dishes in the dishwasher, then left a single treat square in Leo’s dish.
“Be good. I need to go to work. Don’t knock stuff over.” He rubbed Leo’s head, then left the cat to eat. He put on his shoes, grabbed his phones and wallet, then keys and locked up.
He headed down to his car. The run with Shaun had refreshed him. He could handle anything today. Let the stress come. He was ready. He drove to the stadium. Once he headed into the building, he jumped right into the thick of setting up. Enough workers had shown up, giving him the chance to catch up on ordering stock for the upcoming games.
Nedra cornered him in the kitchen. “Hi, you.”
“Hi.” Kevin inputted the next set of numbers, then stretched. “What can I do for you?”
“Me? Nothing. Kyle? Face him. I don’t know what he needs you for, but he’s being a pain in my ass. He’s promo and we’re concessions, but he’s lurking,” she said. “He has no standing with us, not that he cares.”
“But if I can convince him to go along with it, we’ll get new banners and can advertise our food better.” Kevin saved the order and darkened the tablet screen. “Where is he?” He might as well get this over with.
“Your office.”
He snorted. He had an office, but almost never used it. Instead, he kept a locker like the rest of his staff. The office was more of a breakroom for anyone who wanted to use it and had once been the place he met with Kyle for blowjobs. If Kyle wanted head, he could go somewhere else. “I’ll head over there.”
“Good luck. He seems pissed.”
“When is he not?” Kevin left the stock room and navigated around the building to his office. With the door open, he saw Kyle sitting on top of his desk. Kevin stopped in the doorway. “Kyle. You requested me?”
“I did.” Kyle remained on the desk. “Close the door.”
Back in the day, that had been the code phrase for head. “I’ll keep it open. What do you want?”
“A conversation with you. Close the door.” Kyle pointed at Kevin. “Do it.”
“No.”
“Kevin.” Kyle groaned and slouched on the desk. “Don’t be like this.”
“You need to stop. What we had was in the past and it’s going to stay there. We work at the same place—that’s it. We were together and we split. Accept it. Stop calling me about silly things and don’t email me. You don’t need me.” His heart hammered. He’d never stood up for himself like this and he liked the rush of adrenaline.
“You don’t know that.” Kyle left the desk. “What do you see in Shaun? What’s he got that I don’t? Huh? The cat? Does he like Shaun or has he tried to claw his eyes out?”
“Shaun and Leo get along.” Kevin folded his arms. “Next issue.”
“Leo is a cat.”
“And part of the family.” Kyle would never understand. To him, animals were nothing more and never would be.
“You give that rotten cat so much control,” Kyle said. “A cat can adjust.” He crossed the room and yanked Kevin into the space, then shut the door. “Now forget about them, because I need you.”
Kevin ducked out of Kyle’s range. “No.”
“No? We were tight and you love me.”
Kevin gritted his teeth. “I did, but you didn’t love me in return. I can’t do this with you. I can’t let myself get hurt again. I’m tired.”
“Kevin.”
“The biggest thing is that I’m with someone and I’m not cheating on him with you.” He darted around Kyle and left the office. He hated that he’d let Kyle get under his skin. So he’d given the cat a lot of control. The cat was still part of his family. But more than that, he’d bestowed too much power on Kyle. He’d allowed Kyle and his manipulations to steamroll him. Christ. Kyle thought he could come back at any time and his mood swings didn’t matter. Bullshit.
Kevin headed out to the concessions area and Nedra waved at him.
“Help,” she said. “I can’t keep up.” She loaded racks of buns onto the rolling cart. “We’re short-handed again.”
He glanced at the score. The game was only in the second inning, but the team was down by four. Shit. Kevin sighed. Unless he jumped in to help and spoke up to the powers that be, nothing would get fixed.
Kevin assumed one of the positions at the counter and took orders. He helped patrons, but considered what he wanted to do to change the staff problems. If the team kept losing, there was a good chance the crowds would dwindle. Unfortunately, a losing streak meant no one wanted to be there. He couldn’t justify having more people to help with concessions if the crowds weren’t there to eat the food.
He rolled his shoulders. At least he had a job. He’d worry about the staffing issues later.
Chapter Five
Shaun rolled away from his desk and checked the layout on the board on the wall. He needed to keep his mind off Kevin. He’d watched the baseball score online the day before and winced at the crushing loss. The last time the team had played so poorly, Kevin had been worked hard. He hadn’t heard from his boyfriend the night before, and while it annoyed him, he understood.
He couldn’t wait for their lunch date, but had no details, so had no idea when Kevin might turn up.
Cara stood in his doorway. “Hi. I’m heading out for lunch. Want to come along?”
“I’m good here, thanks.”
“You look sad.” She leaned on the doorframe and folded her arms. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay.” He sagged in his chair. “I’m lovesick, that’s what I am. Isn’t that terrible?”
“Lovesick? Over Kevin?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s not terrible.” She shrugged. “You’ve got a new relationship. You want to be with him—which is normal.”
“He’s always busy.” He sounded whiny, but he didn’t care. He needed to hit the release valve and let some of it out. “I’m sorry, but it’s just that I thought I loved Jonah and it fizzled, but how I felt about him was never like this. Because this is new?”
“I don’t know.”
“I’ve never been in this deep and I don’t know what to do.”
“You’re exclusive, right? He’s not seeing anyone else, I assume, so don’t sweat it.” She stood tall. “It sure seems like you’re holding on too tight and don’t have to, but I get it. Remember, he’s yours, so enjoy yourself. Just because he doesn’t call you or whatever doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. Have faith in him and in yourself.”
“You don’t think it’s my biological clock or anything?”
She snorted. “Probably. You’re cruising toward middle age and afraid you’ll end up alone. I get that because I feel the same way, but it’s not necessarily our fate. You’ve got a good man and I’ll find mine. Don’t let your insecurities get the better of you.”
She had a point. His issues all boiled down to insecurities. He’d been hurt before and feared he would be again. It seemed like his worry was getting the better of him and threatening to destroy his faith. It could destroy his relationship with Kevin, too.
“It’s cool that you’re concerned. You should be. Life is crazy, but give yourself a chance,” she said.
He nodded. “Thanks.” She’d given him a ton to think about.
“So, do you want to come along, now that you’ve unloaded? Ned, Francis, Gail, Serena and I are heading to the Diner.” She rapped her knuckles on the doorframe. “Hmm?”
“I’m going to stay here and cool my heels. Thanks,” Shaun said. “How about another time? Kevin should be by any minute now.”
“Well, that’s a better offer.” She smiled. “I’ll check on you later.” She left him alone with his thoughts.
Shaun sighed and thought back to his time with Jonah. Things had fallen apart because he and Jonah had wanted different things. He wanted to be married and settle down. Jonah had wanted to roam. Instead of listening to Jonah’s cues, Shaun had blundered ahead with his plans and ended up hurt. Now he’d blown forward and jumped in deep with Kevin, mentioning marriage. Cara was right. He needed to slow down. The good feelings concerning Kevin buoyed him and he saw the future with Kevin. Why would he want to destroy things when they were just getting started?
A knock on the door yanked him from his thoughts. “Are you home?”
“Kevin.” He met Kevin’s gaze. His man was there, dressed in board shorts, a T-shirt and running shoes. So casual, but he also looked happy.
“In the flesh.” Kevin held a bag and grinned. “I brought food.”
“Thanks.” Shaun moved the clutter from his desk. “Come in.”
“I wanted to text you last night, but we got creamed and food service got slammed.” Kevin ventured into the office and placed the bag on the desk. “Then I got the nerve up to mention we needed help, but I got my ass handed to me by my boss because there isn’t money coming in to pay for more people.”
“Kevin.” Damn. He wished he could’ve saved Kevin the headache.
“I know. I shouldn’t have aimed above my station at this time, but we were so overwhelmed and I got tired of it.” Kevin sat across from him. “I brought gyros. The gyro truck has awesome food.”
“Smells delicious.” He withdrew a bottle of hand sanitizer out of his desk. “Have some.” He cleaned his hands. “I haven’t had a chance to visit most of the food trucks. The taco one is good.”
“Agreed.” Kevin used the sanitizer. “Anyway, I asked for help and got reamed and as a result, I lost two of the smaller concession counters. It condenses the workforce, so it gives us better numbers, but sucks because we’ll probably lose money.”
“Because the team is on a skid?” Shaun opened the foil around his gyro. The scent swirled around him. His mouth watered. “You know what? I don’t care about work. I’m glad you’re here. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too. I wish we could’ve had a run this morning, but we’ll get a schedule going.” Kevin withdrew two bottles of water. “I wanted lemonade, but they’d run out.”
“Oh well.” Shaun groaned as he bit into his gyro. “This is so good.” He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until now and devoured the sandwich. The flavors melted on his tongue. He wanted to continue the conversation, but the gyro was too delicious.
Kevin stopped eating long enough to take a draw from his water. “I love the gyros, but I can’t eat them often or I’d have to run all the time.” He laughed. “I love the fries, too. They have a funny coating on them that’s so good, but I’m so tired of fries. I’m surrounded by them.”
“Do you ever get tired of concessions food?” Shaun asked. “I’d get sick of it after a while.”
“It goes in spurts. I’m not wild about hot dogs because I’ve had to cook them almost every day I’ve been at the stadium, but I liked when I worked at Jack’s Hot Dog Shop,” Kevin said. “It was frantic and claustrophobic at times, but fun.”
“Jack mentioned you worked for him. He was in buying advertising space for the shop.” Shaun finished his gyro. “You’re right. This is addictive.”
“I know,” Kevin said. “So tell me about that ink.”
Shaun’s cheeks heated. He’d forgotten about his tattoo. “Eat and I’ll tell you.” He balled up his foil. “When I was seventeen, I thought I needed to look tough. I thought if I had a tattoo, then I’d be respected. It wasn’t the case, though. So I went to my mother and begged for permission to get inked. She said no and I had to wait. When I went to college, I had a job working at the desk in my dorm. I saved my pennies until I had enough to pay for the tattoo. My friend, Shelby, had a tattoo shop. I went to him for what was supposed to be a cross, but ended up being a cross and my initials—SMF.” He shrugged. “I forget it’s there. Once it healed over, it was no big deal.”
“It’s sexy.” Kevin finished his gyro, then downed more of his water. “I’m too chicken to get inked.” He shivered. “I’m not wild about needles, though. I give blood, but I have to look away
when they jab me. Silly, isn’t it? I’m a grown man who doesn’t like needles. I like the way tattoos look on others, though.”
“Ever want to get pierced?”
“I never thought about it.”
“You’d be hot with your nipples pierced, but I’m not pushing.”
“I never thought about it.” Kevin crinkled his nose. “It sounds painful.”
“Probably.” He’d never considered it himself, but liked the look. “I dated a guy who had them. I didn’t ask him if it hurt.” He pressed his lips together. He shouldn’t have brought up a former boyfriend.
“It might,” Kevin said. “Do you regret your ink or are you proud?”
“I’m not regretful most of the time. It was an experience and I learned, so I guess it was worth the trouble.” He collected the trash. “I realized I’m not the kind of guy who wants to be covered in tattoos.” The temporary pain of being inked wasn’t high on his list of things to do again. Besides, he had no idea what else he’d get.
“It’s a commitment.”
“True.” Shaun sighed and settled in his seat. “I’m done in roughly an hour.” He’d like to be done right now. He’d rather spend the rest of the afternoon with Kevin than fiddle with copy and minute changes. The pet shelter story wouldn’t be hard, but he’d still rather be with Kevin.
“Come over. Leo wants to see you.” Kevin’s eyes flashed. “Yeah?”
“Do you want to see me?” He wasn’t sure why he’d asked that. Kevin wouldn’t invite him over if it wasn’t real.
“Always.” Kevin stood. “I’m off tonight and I’m sure we can find something to do. A movie, or TV show.”
“Yes.” He wanted to leave right now. He’d finish the pet feature in seconds if he could. “I’ll sort out dinner.”
“Deal. I need to run a couple errands, but I’ll meet you at my place when you’re done.” Kevin tossed his garbage into the can. “It’s going to be a great day.”
