by Megan Slayer
“Doc Cedarwood, I’d be angry if you didn’t.” Matt chuckled.
“Good. I’ll check your shoulder in the morning. It’ll probably be sore.” Aiden kissed Matt. “You should take something, though. It’ll help.”
“You’re big on the meds. I’m okay. If I’m not, I’ll tell you and let you do whatever you think is best. Promise.” Matt knew damn well he’d be hurting by the time he woke up. His shoulder already ached. But he wasn’t about to take drugs to dull the pain. Aiden was worth any hassle.
“Okay.” Aiden turned over and pressed his ass into Matt’s hips. Within seconds, his breathing evened out and he was snoring softly.
Matt snuggled against Aiden’s backside and held him. Sleep filtered into his brain, but he couldn’t shut down enough. He’d never experienced anyone like Aiden. So smart and funny, but uptight and on the verge of losing his cool when he wasn’t at the hospital—at least as much as Matt had seen. Aiden seemed to have so much love to give, but his fear kept him from opening himself up. Not that Matt could expect a whole lot in return. He hid his past and his troubles with addiction because he was worried about what Aiden might say. He didn’t want to lose Aiden when the doctor learned the truth. He noticed the coin on the nightstand. Colin, Jordan and his friend at the newspaper, Remy, seemed to be cheering for him. Colt seemed to be doing the opposite. Matt pinched the bridge of his nose. He wanted to be good for Aiden. The sex was hot and he loved the way Aiden looked in and out of clothes. Aiden felt perfect in his arms. He wanted to protect Aiden and cherish him.
If Matt kept the pills out of his life and ignored the urge to drink, he’d be fine. Aiden was his new vice. If he had to succumb, then Aiden would be a good addiction.
Chapter Seven
Matt snorted and rolled onto his side. He reached for Aiden. When he touched the sheets instead, he jolted awake. “What the hell?” He sat up and blinked until his vision cleared. Where was Aiden? He couldn’t have bailed on him…right? Matt crinkled his nose. The scent of bacon hung in the air. Bacon?
Matt scrambled out of bed and put on a clean pair of boxers. If there was a robber in the house, the fool wouldn’t be cooking. He rushed down the stairs and bolted into the kitchen.
Aiden stood at the stove with his back to Matt. He’d donned a T-shirt and his jeans. The scent of the bacon as well as toast and eggs wafted around Matt. His stomach growled. He couldn’t remember the last time a guy had made food for him.
“What’s this?” Matt crossed the room. “Are you cooking for me?” Excitement and gratitude filled him. Aiden certainly made the house feel more like a home.
“Of course.” Aiden glanced over his shoulder. “I like to be in the kitchen, but eating alone tends to take the fun out of getting creative. I hope you like the works. Eggs with peppers, onions and cheese, bacon and toast. There’s even oranges.”
“Where’d you get it?” He eased up behind Aiden and embraced him. Matt rested his chin on Aiden’s shoulder. “I don’t have any of these things in the house.” He hadn’t before now.
“I ordered it.” Aiden tipped his head enough to kiss Matt on the cheek. “My friend, Lennon, runs the Sunset Foods grocery store and owed me a favor. I stitched up his thumb after he sliced it with a box cutter. Anyway, I called him, placed an order and forked over a little more for quick delivery. Voilà. We have breakfast and lunch. I hope I’m allowed to stick around to have lunch with you, but it’s there. You could get sick of me by ten.”
“I doubt I will.” He dragged his nose along the side of Aiden’s neck. “I love it.”
“Good. How’s the shoulder?” Aiden moved the peppers and onions around in the pan. “Feeling good or stiff?”
“I’m stiff, but not in the shoulder region.” He ground his semi-hard dick into the seam of Aiden’s ass. “The wound is fine and I’m a little sore, but nothing I can’t handle. I’m not used to sharing my bed. I wouldn’t trade last night for anything, so don’t think that’s the case.”
“I can go.” Aiden dumped the chopped veggies into the pan of whisked eggs. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He laughed. “But I’m not going until after I eat.”
“You’re not leaving in the middle of all this fun.” He swatted Aiden’s butt hard. “Now that I’ve got you, I’m not ready to let go.”
“I suspected as much.”
“I’d ask if you need help, but it looks like you’ve got it all under control.” Matt let go of Aiden and rounded the island to sit on one of the stools.
“It’s all part of my evil plan.” Aiden wriggled his rump. “If I look good, then you’ll keep me around. Scoot a plate over here. This is done.”
Matt pushed one of the dinner plates across the counter. “Oh, I plan on keeping you around.”
“Perfect.” Aiden scraped the eggs and veggies out of the pan, then parceled out the bacon. “Hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” Matt munched on the bacon. The taste overwhelmed him and the bacon melted in his mouth. “Damn.” He bit back a groan. He’d planned on asking more questions, not having a virtual orgasm over the food. “So, just because you work a lot, that’s why you can’t keep a date? Because you’re careful about who you sleep with? You should be snapped up by now and married. You’re a catch.” He had the motto that if he found the guy he wanted, he’d push himself hard to make things work. Love meant sticking it out through the good and bad times. His ex-boyfriend Theo didn’t believe that. If Matt wasn’t strung out or drunk, then Theo wasn’t happy. Matt doubted Aiden would be like Theo, but still. He had to be his own version of cautious.
“I might be a catch to you, but Lucky, my ex, didn’t think so.” Aiden broke a new set of eggs into the pan. “He thought I was made of money. I’m a doctor, so I should be rich and keeping him in the best lifestyle. He forgot I’m in debt up to my eyeballs and I’m a simple guy. I work in Cedarwood, Ohio. This isn’t New York or Chicago. I’m happy and not rolling in the dough. Lucky never believed that. We split because he needed more money than I’d ever make. Then, because he was such a sweet fellow, he kept coming back into my life. If I started to get close to someone, he appeared and worked his Lucky magic. Bell said no before we even kissed. Drake was a dead end. I heard he took up with Lucky for a while. I don’t know. I guess I gave up and stopped looking for Mr. Right.”
“Until you ruined your car and needed a rim job.” Matt winked when Aiden glanced back at him. “Hey, I’m happy to oblige anytime.” He’d kiss Aiden’s lips, chest, ass, dick…whatever.
“Likewise.” Aiden switched off the burners and plated his food. He settled beside Matt. “Enjoy.”
“Already done.” Matt devoured the rest of his breakfast, then leaned back on his stool. Aiden’s decision to surprise him had hit the mark. He liked being with Aiden and acting like an old couple, despite the relationship being so new. The silence between them didn’t bother him. He didn’t feel compelled to keep talking.
Aiden sopped up the remainder of his eggs with his toast. “Well?”
“You’re hired as my personal physician and chef.” Matt pushed the plate away. “I’m stuffed and I’ll have to put in double time at the gym once I’m cleared to work out again. Think you’d ever want to run with me?”
“I would.”
Matt sighed and rubbed his belly. “Now for a shower and a second round of sex. Are you in?”
“Uh…yeah.” Aiden grasped Matt’s fingers. “I’m not sure I want this to end.”
“Doesn’t have to.” As far as he was concerned, Aiden could move right in.
A ringing sound echoed in the house. Matt tipped his head. He didn’t recognize the tone. “Is that yours or mine?” Matt asked.
“No clue.” Aiden gathered the plates and placed them in the sink, then wiped his hands. “I’ll check my phone.” He disappeared upstairs, then returned with the phone in his hand. “Guess it was me, but the number isn’t one I know. They can leave a voice mail.”
Matt flattened his hands on the bar.
“It’s not the hospital with an urgent request for you to come in?”
“Can’t be. I have the numbers programmed into my phone. Besides, they know I can’t come in today or tomorrow. I might be salary, but I’ve worked too many hours in a row. These are my mandatory days off.” Aiden sat on the edge of the stool and twiddled with the phone. “They did leave a voice mail. Let me check it.”
“By all means.” Matt rested his arm across the back of Aiden’s seat.
Aiden held the phone to his ear. He narrowed his eyes, then frowned. The color in his face drained away and his lips parted. He collapsed back in his seat. “Fuck.”
“What?” Matt focused on Aiden. “Doc? What happened?”
Aiden shook his head. “My dad…” He held up both hands and gasped for air.
Matt rubbed Aiden’s back. Whenever Aiden wanted to talk, he’d listen.
“Uh…it sounds like my father had a stroke.” Aiden scratched his forehead but didn’t look at Matt. “The person who called is his new partner, Ross.” His voice dropped an octave. “Two nights ago, Dad and Ross were at the condo, and Dad said his arm was numb. He exhibited all the signs of a stroke. Ross called nine-one-one, and Dad was rushed to the ER in Springdale, where I grew up. According to Ross, the medical staff in Springdale has him under observation because his oxygen levels were too low. He’s stable, but they aren’t sure how much damage was done.” Tears slipped down Aiden’s cheeks. “Fuck.”
“Doc.” Matt gathered Aiden into his embrace. “We’ll get cleaned up and go to him. I’m going with you so you have some support.”
“The thing is, Ross said in the message that this was one hell of a way to introduce us. It’s not funny. Why would he say something like that?” Aiden’s chin quivered.
Matt wanted to kiss away the pain and frustration, but he wasn’t sure how. “Maybe Ross isn’t good under pressure and he knew his joke was shit, but he tried anyway? If he’s worried, then he’s probably not going to say the right things.”
Aiden wiped his face with the back of his hand and squirmed in Matt’s arms. He pulled away and paced the length of the kitchen. “Matt, the man had my father rushed to the ER two days ago. No one said anything until today. What if he’d died? Would Ross have kept it to himself?” His voice cracked. “Who does that?”
“Probably a guy who’d been told by the doctors that his partner was in trouble but going to make it. I’d bet he waited until your dad was stable so you wouldn’t worry.” Not the best decision, but Matt hadn’t made it. If he were in Ross’ position, he would’ve called right away.
“That’s no excuse,” Aiden snapped. He paused. “I’m sorry. This isn’t your problem, and I’m dragging you into my family drama.” He wiped his face again. “Fuck. I’m crying too. Jesus. I’m a mess.”
“You’re human.” He left his stool and tucked Aiden to his chest again. “No one is excusing what Ross did. I can’t say what I might have done in his place. But your father is stable.”
“I lost one dad. I can’t afford to lose another,” Aiden whispered.
“I can’t guarantee you won’t, but I will be right here with you. Come on. We’ll get cleaned up and drive to Springdale. I’m sure he’d like that, and it’ll set your mind at ease to know exactly what’s going on.” Matt steered Aiden to the steps.
“You’ve got to get to the shop.” Aiden bucked against him halfway up the staircase. “You need to be at your business.”
“That’s what I have Aaron and Deighan for.” He’d probably have hell to pay from Aaron, but fuck him. Aiden needed him right now.
Matt steered Aiden upstairs and started the water in the shower. “I’ll join you in a moment.” He held up his phone. “Once I call Aaron, I’m yours.”
“What if…” Aiden scrubbed his hands over his face. “I’m scared. I know he’s stable, but what if he doesn’t make it?”
“Slow down.” He left the phone on the counter and grasped Aiden by the shoulders. “You said so yourself—he’s stable. He’s at the hospital, and the doctors know what they’re doing. Trust them the way you want people to trust you. I’ll—we’ll get you to the hospital as soon as we’re cleaned up. If we drove straight there right now, we’d only buy a few minutes. You might as well be clean and have some time to gather your thoughts before you go.”
The worry in Aiden’s eyes didn’t dissipate. His shoulders sagged, but he allowed Matt to undress him. “Matt. I’m not used to being scared. I’m the one taking care of people. Not the other way around.”
“Trust me. Once we’re there, I’m handing control over to you. We do what you want for as long as you want. Until then and because you don’t want to show up smelling like sex, get a shower so we can go. Besides, I’ve got one of the most interesting showers.” He helped Aiden over the side of the clawfoot tub. “Okay? I’m here for you.” He yanked the curtain around the tub, then grabbed his phone. Through the translucency of the curtain, he saw Aiden dunk his head under the spray. The poor man seemed as forlorn as he probably felt.
Matt’s heart ached for him. Aiden needed him or someone to help him get through this situation. First, Matt had to get his life in order. He dialed Aaron.
“Hey,” Aaron said. “Comin’ in?”
“Do you need me?” He kept his attention on Aiden. “Or are you good?”
“I always need you, but Deighan and I have things under control. Are you hurting? Did something get pulled, or did you overdo it?” Aaron asked.
“I need to take Aiden to the hospital down in Springdale.” He rested his free hand on his hip. He hadn’t worn his sling in a while, and his shoulder let him know that wasn’t smart, but he couldn’t wear the damn thing all the time. He had to get used to being without it for longer periods of time.
“What the hell is in Springdale that’s not in Cedarwood?” Aaron paused. “Jesus, you didn’t?”
“Didn’t what? Aaron, I don’t have time for your bullshit.” His frustration rose. Aaron wasn’t always clear with his comments and right now was a bad time to be joking about anything.
“Just promise me you’re not using again and you haven’t dragged him into it. That’s the only reason I can think of why you’d have to go to a hospital far away from here,” Aaron snapped.
“Sometimes I really don’t like you,” Matt said. He stepped out of the bathroom but stood where he could see Aiden still. “I quit using years ago, okay? I’m not getting back into that. Trust me. Colt read me the riot act. Besides, I’m not interested in being that guy again. It sucked, and Aiden deserves better.”
“Okay, then.”
“I’m going with him because his father was rushed to the hospital in Springdale, where he lives with his partner. I guess Aiden’s dad had a stroke, and Aiden wants to see him, but he doesn’t want to go alone.” He forked his fingers into his hair. He’d leveled with Aaron but didn’t feel much better.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Aaron said. “You’re going to take the whole day, then?”
“If you can hold down the fort for that long, then yes. He needs me.”
“This is your business. You said you couldn’t just leave it.”
“I’m not just leaving it. I hired Deighan and I’ve got you, so in case this stuff happens, I know the shop is being managed. I’m not supposed to be lifting and driving, so I’m not much help beyond the books and answering the phone. Once this is handled, I’ll be back…probably tonight because I wanted to check on some inventory. Before you know it, things will be back to normal.” Matt leaned on the door frame to the bathroom. “Okay?”
“Yeah, whatever. You owe me.” Aaron sighed. “I hope it’s nothing too bad with Aiden’s dad.”
“Me too.”
“Take care of Aiden. I don’t like it, but I get it,” Aaron said. “You’re blunt with hints.”
If the hint was the fact that they’d never hook up, then good for Aaron. If not, then nothing was resolved. “I’ll check in with you tonight. Promise.”
�
�Sure.”
“Thank you, Aaron. You’re saving my butt and you’re the best friend I’ve ever had. That’s huge. I do owe you,” Matt said. “Big-time.”
“Yeah. Hey, before you go and I forget. Jordan came by. He didn’t get real specific, but he mentioned the surveillance footage was clear but the police department can’t seem to find the guy. It’s like he vanished,” Aaron said. “They’ve got posters up and I saw a frame from the video on the news with an ‘if you have any information’ number listed too.”
“Shit.” He clunked his head on the doorframe. “Well, I’m sure they’re doing their best to get it solved.” Fucking hell. He’d hoped they would’ve made progress by now. Over two weeks, and nothing? Come on. They had to know something. The guy couldn’t just disappear.
“Business is down too. Mrs. Handleman’s Caddy was recovered and the Lexus was found, but both were stripped. Deig and I are doing our damndest to get them back to showroom quality, but Handleman swears the insurance shouldn’t have to pay for our negligence. Thinks we should since it was your fault, according to her. Matty, we had the lot locked up. Unless the shooter knew to grab the keys for that car, it shouldn’t have been stolen. It’s not our fault.”
“I know. People think we’re targets, I’m assuming too.” A lump formed in the pit of his stomach. The initial downtick in business wasn’t a blip but more like a downward turn. Damn.
“Some people just want you here so they know it’s all good. Others won’t come back until he’s caught and others swear we did it for publicity.”
“Right. Getting shot was a stunt.” Matt groaned. “Shit.”
“Just…come back. When you’re here, it’ll be better,” Aaron said. “We’ll run one of those big oil-and-brake-change promotions, and things will be okay.”
“You’re right. We’ll talk about it tonight. I’ll see you then.”
“Thanks.” Aaron clicked off the line.
Matt paused a moment. His head swam. He’d learned too much he wasn’t sure how to deal with but had no choice. If his business was going to survive, he had to get the books into the black again. He tossed the phone onto the bed, then headed back into the bathroom. He tugged the curtain and drank in the sight of his lover nude.
