by Megan Slayer
Now, he sat up on his bed and twiddled with his phone. If he remembered right, Aiden had said he had a twelve-hour shift today. He wondered what Aiden had for plans after. Probably sleep. As he swiped between the screens, a call came through. He recognized the number and a lump formed in the pit of his stomach. Not Aiden. He connected the call and hit the speaker setting. “Hey, Colt. What’s up?” He’d known Colt for ages. They’d tried to join the Cedarwood Chamber of Commerce at the same time and had run into the same barriers. He liked the café owner. “How’s business?”
“Good. Since the Coalition decided to leave me alone, it’s bounced back. But I called about you,” Colt said. “How are you? My God, man. You’ve been robbed and shot. That’s got to suck.”
“I’m okay.” What a noncommittal answer. He might not have been trying to be a shit, but he sure sounded like one.
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ve worried about you.” Colt paused. “No temptation?”
Matt pressed his lips together to keep from answering right away. He should’ve seen this question coming, but he hadn’t figured Colt would call him on the carpet for his past indiscretions. Colt had seen him through the bad times. He’d been a friend when Matt pushed everyone else away. He should’ve known Colt would check up on him.
“Well?” Colt asked.
“No. I’ve removed it.” He’d tossed the pain pills he’d been given at the hospital into the toilet and ripped up the prescription for more. The only thing that might screw up his chances was Aiden, but Aiden had left before any irreversible damage.
“Have you? I’ve heard you hooked up with Dr. Connor. Don’t you think that’s inviting trouble?” Colt asked.
Matt nodded. He’d known this line of questions and warning was coming. “He’s a good man,” Matt snapped. “Smart, handsome, funny… I like being with him.”
“Right. His proximity to pharmaceuticals isn’t a draw?”
“Colton.” Fuck. Aiden’s ability to feed his habit hadn’t occurred to him. He shook his head. He wasn’t about to put Aiden in that position. Getting clean had nearly killed him and he refused to go back. Maybe Aiden was a temptation, but he didn’t see him that way.
“Do you think he’ll still want to be with you when he finds out you’re a former addict?” Colt asked.
“Are you trying to convince me to leave him alone? Because it sure sounds that way.” He gritted his teeth. Fucking hell. He wasn’t going to use Aiden. The attraction was real. “I told him about the pain thing. He understood.” But worry crept into his thoughts. He doubted Aiden would agree to many dates if he found out the full truth about Matt.
“So you told him half of your story.” Colt sighed. “You agreed to full disclosure. You said the next time you got involved with someone, you’d be honest. Don’t let me down.”
“I’m not. I’ll tell him.” He paused. “I’m just… We’re not together. Hooking up involved him coming to the house to check on me. I told him I refused to take the meds. I’m not going down that rabbit hole again. I can’t. My life is good—well, mostly.”
“Okay.” Colt groaned. “I don’t trust you. I can’t, but I also can’t keep you from living your life. I’ve got my eye on you, though.”
“Understood and appreciated.” He wasn’t going to argue with Colt. He had a point. Matt had screwed up before and Colt had talked him down. Now that he had his life sort of in control, Colt had the right to be worried. Before, Matt would’ve taken the rejection from Aiden—even as small as it was—and ruined his life.
“Look, the other reason I called was because Ashley insists Colin and Jordan want you at the party tonight,” Colt said. “It’s a celebration of single parents, the kids and Cedarwood. It’s also a reason to get rid of the extra food from the wedding. I guess there was tons left over.”
“When and where?” Like he’d give up the chance to get out with his friends?
“Oh, and Aiden should be there.”
“Okay.” He needed to contain his enthusiasm and not blow his chance. Even though he could be on the cusp of letting Colt down, he refused to give in. He’d beaten his addiction to painkillers and his overwhelming need to tattoo himself in order to feel level. He’d found other ways to deal with his problems. He wasn’t about to screw up the opportunity this time. If he had to grovel to get Aiden to let him try again, he would.
“Are you coming? It’s tonight at six at the community center.”
“I’ll be there.” Matt nodded. “Count me in.”
“Fine. See you at six.” Colt clicked off the line, leaving Matt in silence.
Last night, he’d thought his chance with Aiden had thinned to almost impossible. Call him overly dramatic, but he hated going for the long shot. The party was another way to show Aiden he wasn’t a cranky guy prone to losing his temper. He could do this.
Matt left the bed and debated his next move. He’d forgotten the doctor’s rules on showering. Shit. He’d have to do a glorified sponge bath.
What the hell should he wear for a community dinner? Something sexy enough to grab Aiden’s attention but not so showy that he appeared to be trying too hard. He opted for a button-down black shirt and jeans. He’d wear his cowboy boots since they were easier to put on.
Matt hurried through the bath and dressed. Driving was out of the question, but he could take a taxi. Not only would he get there, but maybe he’d score a ride home from Aiden.
Half an hour later, he stepped out of the car and stood in front of the community center. He paid the driver, then headed in. His hands shook and he hesitated in the foyer. The last thing he needed was for Aiden to turn him down. He’d screwed up by losing his cool Aiden.
“Hey.” Aiden strode into the foyer. “Hi, Matt.” He smiled. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Is that a good thing or bad?” Matt asked. “I’m glad to see you. I’m sorry things started out rocky.”
“It’s good. I’ve been thinking about you since yesterday. I’m sorry I walked out.” Aiden tucked his keys into the pocket of his scrubs. “I’m not good with relationships. Most of the guys I’ve dated have only wanted me because they wanted to be with a doctor. I’m not rich and I work ridiculous hours. If you’re willing to be with someone who won’t have tons of time for you because of my work, then maybe we can give this a shot.”
Matt’s eyes widened, but he didn’t pull away. “I’d like that. I’m usually at work more than I’m at home, so this might work.” He offered his hand. “Would you like to head into the party with me? It doesn’t have to be our debut or anything. Just two friends who showed up at the same time.”
“And we can figure out the dating thing later? Like after the party?”
“Yes.” Matt squeezed Aiden’s fingers. “One question. Were you just freaked out about a possible date, or did you think I’d try something when I mentioned resting with me? I wasn’t thinking sex. I meant conversation with the pressure taken off my shoulder.”
Aiden smiled. “I should’ve understood. I’m used to guys who go from friends to sex at warp speed. I like the slower tempo.”
“Good.” He kept hold of Aiden’s hand and strolled through the foyer. The pressure subsided. Now he could relax and enjoy himself and his time with Aiden. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to sleep with you. I’d love it.”
“I would too.” Aiden blushed again and the tips of his ears reddened.
Thank you, God. Matt’s heart swelled and the pain in his shoulder decreased. Life wasn’t perfect, but it was good. Hell, it was better than that. He’d been given a second chance.
“So you know, I’m the child of gay parents. That’s why they invited me. I work with the other kids of gay parents and help them understand they aren’t different because they have two dads or two moms.” Aiden opened the door for Matt. “Colin keeps me around because I help.”
“I’m not the child of gay parents, but I’d like to be a parent one day. Does that help?” Matt asked. He’d thought long and
hard about what he wanted out of his future. The chance to help a child on their path and to be the father he’d wished for… Yeah, those were on the list.
“You’re swaying me.” Aiden remained beside him as they ventured into the main room.
Matt knew many of the people there. He’d worked on the cars of quite a few of the guys or had come across them at the gym. For once, he didn’t feel so out of place. Aiden strolled up to a pair of men sitting together.
“How are you?” Aiden offered his hand. “Still good after that bout of pneumonia?”
Matt smiled from behind Aiden. He sort of recognized the men. Part of him wanted Aiden to introduce him, but the rest of him wanted to simply exist. They were just there together. They weren’t a couple or anything yet.
“Hey, Matt? This is Daren and his partner, Stone. Guys, this is my friend, Matt. He’s a mechanic.” Aiden placed his hand on the small of Matt’s back. “He’s also my knight in shining armor. He fixed my car when I ran over a curb and messed up the front end.”
“Hi,” Matt said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Never let it be said I don’t have manners. The longer he stared at Stone, he finally remembered where he’d seen him. Stone ran the printing company in town. He’d only talked to Stone twice, but the handsome bald man was hard to forget. Unfortunately, that was what Matt had done. He also didn’t know the pair well enough to engage in deep conversation.
Aiden spoke to Stone and Daren for what seemed like forever, not that Matt minded. He observed the people in the room. Plenty of children of all ages were there. Some of the men sat together in pairs, others in fours and fives. He marveled at the sight. The community—not just gay or straight or whatever—had come together.
Although he filled a plate and sat beside Aiden, he didn’t feel very close to him. Aiden always had someone to talk to or someone coming up to chat. Matt could’ve been angry, but why? Aiden was a doctor. He’d probably seen plenty of these people at one time or another at the hospital. He finished his dinner and sat back in his chair.
“Hi.” Jordan eased onto the seat on Matt’s left. “How are you feeling?”
“Not much change since yesterday.” He managed to laugh. “Looks like there’s not much food left. That’s good, right?”
“It is.” Jordan nodded. “We won’t have much to take home.” He scooted closer to Matt and lowered his voice. “I wanted to talk with you about the robbery. We’ve narrowed down a few suspects and will need you to come in to see if you can possibly identify the alleged robber.”
“I can.” He’d do whatever he needed to in order to get the whole thing sorted out. “Say the word and I’m there.”
“Good. The security footage from your shop has been valuable.” Jordan folded the edge of the paper placemat. “More businesses should have surveillance like that installed.”
“It wasn’t cheap, but if it’s helping, then that’s what matters.” He flexed his right hand. “I’m ready to get the hell out of this sling.”
“I know nothing about that. When I got shot five years ago, I broke my arm too and was a mess. They had me in the most irritating shoulder-slash-arm cast.” Jordan rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m glad you made it. Glad you got something to eat. Feel free to come to the support group. We say we’re for single gay parents, but we’ll take anyone as long as you’re willing to share your story.”
“Thanks.” He wasn’t sure what story, but oh well.
“I need to chase down Gage. He’s a good kid, but I saw him tailing Genie. He’s one gigantic ball of hormones. He’s not old enough to have hit puberty and shouldn’t be so girl-happy, but he is.” Jordan shook his head. “I forgot how much fun it is to be a teenager—almost—or raising one.” He stood. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Matt scrubbed the back of his hand across his mouth. Having kids had crossed his mind plenty of times, but the idea of them becoming teens hadn’t occurred to him. Of course, they’d be teenagers eventually. Everyone had to grow up sometime. But would he be a good parent for a teen?
“You’re deep in thought.” Aiden waved his hand in front of Matt’s face. “Are you tired? You look beat.”
“I’m getting there.” He forced a smile. “Going home would be good. Think you could give me a ride?” He’d been too forward. Oh well.
“I can, but I can’t stay long.” Aiden left his chair and stretched. “I’ve got another six a.m. shift. Once I get back to my townhome, I’ll probably collapse on the couch.”
“Makes sense.” He stood and the bones in his back cracked together. He hoped no one heard the horrible sound.
“Let me bring the car around out front and we’ll go.” Aiden winked, then strolled away.
Matt sighed. He could watch Aiden’s ass all day and night. The man worked his scrubs like a champ.
Colt stepped between Matt and the door. Matt bit back a groan. He should’ve guessed Colt would make an appearance. Fuck.
“I have something for you.” Colt tugged an object from his pocket. “I haven’t trusted you the way I should. You’ve been clean for more than four years. It’s high time I give you a break.” He opened his hand. A silver coin shimmered in his palm. “I’m not done busting your balls. Once an addict, the desire never totally goes away. This is to remind you that I’m watching, but from a distance. Aiden’s a good man and he deserves the best. I don’t know him all that well, but I’m protective of you. I don’t want to see you blow this chance. You could be good for each other. Don’t let your anger, your former vices or anything else screw this up.”
He stared at Colt. Sometimes he hated the man and other times he wanted to be Colt. Right now, his respect for Colt grew. He couldn’t promise he’d be perfect, but he’d try. “I fell off the path a couple of times, but I have no plans to do it again. Aiden’s safe in my hands.”
“That’s all I can expect.” Colt shook hands with Matt. “Have they made any headway with the shooting?”
“Jordan said the surveillance tape was promising, but I don’t know anything else.” He blew out a long breath. “I should see if Aiden’s out front.”
“By all means.” Colt nodded once. “You’ve got the coin. It’s my year one sobriety coin. I don’t just pass those out to anyone. If you’d show up to the meetings, you’d have one of your own.”
The gravity of what Colt had done washed over Matt. He should feel pressured, but he didn’t. He felt honored. “Yes, sir.” He held his head high and left Colt in the main room. By the time he stepped outside, Aiden was waiting in the fifteen-minute spot in front of the building.
“I thought you’d never come out.” Aiden opened the door for Matt. “I can’t talk though. Every time I turned back to you, someone else wanted me.”
“You’re popular.” He settled on the seat. “It happens. How many of those guys have you seen at the hospital? If it’s not there, then you’ve talked to them for the group, right?”
“You’re not jealous?” Aiden pulled away from the curb. “My last boyfriend hated when I talked to anyone who wasn’t him.”
“Really?” Matt stretched his fingers out on his thigh. He wanted to reach for Aiden but held back. He had to be honest. “I won’t lie. When we first walked in, I was a little jealous. Everyone knew you. But the longer I sat with you, the more I didn’t care. You’re supposed to be a people person. If you weren’t, it wouldn’t work.” He frowned. Somewhere in what he’d said, he made sense. “I’m not insulted or jealous. I liked watching you schmooze.”
“I like that.” Aiden grinned. “I’m sorry we didn’t get the chance to talk more.”
“There will be time.” If he’d figured anything out, it was not to push but to let fate take its course. “We can plan a proper date.”
“We can…just not this weekend. It’s my weekend on.” Aiden pulled onto Matt’s street. “If you can wait a few days, then it’s on.”
“I’m trying to heal. I can certainly wait a little while. I’d like to see you and would love to spend
time together, but I’m always game for texts and phone calls.” He waited until Aiden got to the end of the driveway. “Stop here. I didn’t remember to bring the fob to open the main gate. Next time, I’ll remember.” He sounded awkward. Damn it.
“Works for me,” Aiden said. “One question.”
“Anything.” Well, most anything. Right then he wasn’t sure he wanted to answer, but he’d do it.
“When you asked me to lie with you, you really meant for conversation, didn’t you?”
“I did.” He nodded. “I knew I was losing steam, but I didn’t want the connection to fizzle.” He didn’t want the fun times to disappear.
“If I hadn’t been so cautious, then I would’ve stayed.” He brushed the back of his fingers against Matt’s cheek. “Would you mind if I kissed you?”
“Nope.” He leaned across the console and feathered his lips over Aiden’s. He might have decided on slowing down, but not at that moment. Right then he needed Aiden. The taste of the doctor, lemony from the water and the chicken as well as the tartness of the Caesar salad. He liked the way Aiden’s lips fluttered on his. He moaned into Aiden’s mouth, pushing the connection deeper. His thoughts muddled and the ache in his body dissipated. If this was what he needed for his drug of choice—Aiden—then he was all for them being together.
Aiden broke away first and puffed. “Wow.”
“Yeah.”
“If I had known it would be like that, I would’ve kissed you the night we met at the shop.”
Matt grasped Aiden’s fingers. “Just wait until I’m back to eighty percent. It’ll be even better.”
Aiden shook his head and laughed. “I’ll do that. Hell, it might take me that long to get back to you. I work crazy hours, but yeah, a few texts and calls would be good.”
“I changed my mind. Would you help me into the house? Just hold the gate and the door for me. I promise I won’t try to proposition you.” Matt twisted the handle on the car door.
