by Megan Slayer
“Aiden?”
He turned around, despite his best intention to leave the bay.
“Think about what I said,” Lucky said. “I meant every word.”
Aiden forced a smile, then ducked out of the ER bay. He’d had enough of the craziness in his life. A break would be good. He read through the next chart, but his thoughts never ventured far from Matt and Lucky. He had to be nuts. He had a great guy in his life. Matt was sweet and charming. He’d been there when Aiden needed him most and didn’t demand Aiden’s time, but made the moments they were together special. The sex rocked and the connection made him happy. But there had to be some defect lurking that he hadn’t considered. Something would go wrong. It always did.
Then there was Lucky. The relationship with his ex ran the gamut from white-hot to ice-cold. Good times to crap. They weren’t great together. But Lucky embodied everything Aiden had thought he wanted physically in a man. Matt wasn’t the guy he’d dreamed of being with when he’d thought about his perfect mate… He was hot but rougher around the edges. Did that matter?
Aiden managed to complete his rounds and finished out his shift. By the time he stepped outside for a break, morning sunshine stretched across the lot. Damn. He’d lost an entire night. Where has the time gone? He should grab a nap. Lord knew he was tired, but he doubted he’d be able to sleep.
He headed back into the building and changed in the locker room. He’d never be able to turn his brain off. Not now. Too many thoughts of Matt and Lucky filled his mind. Instead of going to the break room for a nap, he wandered down to the recreation wing. If he couldn’t settle down, he’d get some exercise. A little sweat would make him forget his troubles. His father’s old saying hadn’t gotten any less corny over the years.
Aiden ran through his battery of stretches, then stepped onto the running track. He started along the outer lane and passed a couple of older women already walking. Some of the patrons he knew, but others were fresh faces. Thank goodness the few big talkers weren’t there yet.
He broke into a longer stride and increased his speed. His muscles burned and his lungs ached, but he liked being able to think about nothing but running.
“Aiden?”
He slowed a bit and glanced over his shoulder. Lucky sprinted up to him. He hadn’t expected to see his ex there, especially if he’d just been assaulted or hurt in a football game. “Hi.” He slowed to a jog. He’d play along. “What’s this? You’re hurt.”
“I thought about what you said and what I said.” He kept in step with Aiden. “About reporting Ethan… I’m good. I can’t do that.”
Probably because he’d lied. Still, he’d keep up the charade until Lucky gave himself up. “If he did what you said…”
“It’s not worth it.”
Trust Lucky to make up a gigantic story. He should’ve known this was a lie. “You’d dismiss being abused? Why?” Why would he make Ethan, if he existed, into a monster? What the hell was wrong with Lucky?
“I left him, so why make it worse?”
Because you’re lying. Damn it. Lucky had just minimized what others had been through—and all for his own gain, probably. “If he beat you…”
“I’ll be okay.” Lucky nudged Aiden off the track and cornered him. “But you being so worried makes me feel better.”
“Domestic violence is never okay. Real or otherwise.” He stopped talking and stared at Lucky. How did I once love this man? “Are you sure? I’ll call the police. I’m not afraid of Ethan.” He couldn’t stand to see someone hurt if that was the truth.
“I knew you still cared about me.” Lucky threw his arms around Aiden. “I knew it.”
“I care when you’re being abused.” Why did he have the feeling he was being used instead?
Lucky crushed Aiden in his grasp and kissed him. “You have no idea. This makes everything better. I don’t have to be in fear. You’ll help.”
“I don’t…” Shit, fuck and balls. “Lucky.”
“I knew I could count on you. Aiden, this isn’t a fluke. You and me. Always.” He kissed Aiden again. “I knew this was the time. If I had faith, believed and followed my heart.” He held Aiden tighter. “Knew it.”
“Lucky.” He’d been conned. Had to have been. “What’s Ethan’s last name?”
“Doesn’t matter. He’s history.”
“I’m with someone. I’m not a cheater, and this won’t work.” He shrugged out of Lucky’s grasp. “Come on.” He’d seen plenty of abuse victims during his time working in the ER and none of them walked away from their abusers that easily or changed their minds that fast. Lucky didn’t seem fazed. Hell, he seemed cocksure about the situation. The asshole. Aiden gritted his teeth. People like Lucky gave the real victims a bad rap.
“You still want me. Dump him.” Lucky flattened his palm on Aiden’s chest. “You know you want to.”
“I can’t.” He didn’t want to and wasn’t interested. “You’re full of shit.” Damn it. His frustration had gotten the better of him. He hated to swear in public, and Lucky brought the negative trait out.
“No, you won’t. That’s the truth. You’re a nice guy and you won’t dump him, but you’re thinking about me, so that means I have a chance.” Lucky wriggled his eyebrows. “I’ve always had a chance.”
“I can’t, I won’t and I’m not thinking about you.” Matt deserved better and he wasn’t sure he wanted to throw what they’d created away. He hadn’t been kidding about being in love with Matt.
“You’ll change your mind. You always do,” Lucky said.
“Lucky. What about Ethan? I thought you loved him.” He wasn’t entirely sure about the love part, but he had to catch Lucky in the lie. “You can’t just turn your feelings on and off like a light switch.”
“You’re right.” Lucky crowded against him again. “Some people are hard to forget. For me, it’s always been you.”
“And every other guy you’ve been with. Our problems are still the same. I’m working crazy hours and I’m not made of money. I don’t have invitations to fancy parties or clubs and I’m not planning on leaving Cedarwood for what you call better chances.” Aiden sidestepped Lucky. “I’ve got to go.”
“Who says I want all that?” Lucky asked. He hurried back up to Aiden. “You’re not understanding me. I don’t need your money.”
He knew that tone of voice. When Lucky used it, he wanted trouble. And what was this about not needing money? Lucky had always wanted a payday on someone else’s dime. “What are you trying to do? Was there even an Ethan? Or did you make all this up? And what about your cash flow? What’s this all about?”
“I want you. You want me. Why can’t we just be together?” Lucky stuck out his bottom lip. “I’ll pout. You always loved when I pouted.”
“No, I didn’t.” He hadn’t back then and the trait annoyed the hell out of him now. “I’m with someone. That’s why we can’t be together.”
“For now.” Lucky folded his arms. “Look, I need to go. The doctor in the ER released me. He says I’m bruised, but the X-rays are clear. Probably a muscle strain and deep-tissue damage, but nothing that won’t heal. Nothing too serious.”
“Answer my questions,” Aiden snapped. He’d ask them one at a time. Maybe then Lucky would be straight with him. “What are you trying to do?”
“Get you back. Duh.” Lucky rolled his eyes. “It might not be working now, but it will. I know you.”
Jesus. “Was there even an Ethan?”
“Yes. I didn’t make him up.”
“What about your financial situation?” He had to know the answer to this one. “Come on.”
“I came into some money. I don’t need your cash, so there.” Lucky stuck out his tongue. “Anything else?”
“No.” He brushed past Lucky. He’d get answers. The asshat couldn’t dodge the truth forever. “I need to go too.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Lucky eased his arm around Aiden. At the doorway, he kissed Aiden on the cheek. “I’ll call you.”
He winked. “Bye, Doctor.”
Aiden stood rooted to the spot. What the hell just happened? Lucky liked to cause trouble and lie, but he’d never gone to such lengths before. Aiden watched Lucky disappear down the hallway. Was he really considering another go-round with Lucky? Why? Holy shit. He had Matt and they were happy together. He’d fallen for Matt.
So he had some old feelings for Lucky. So he missed the few good times they’d shared. Hindsight was twenty-twenty, wasn’t it? What about all the cheating, the lies and the constant need for attention on Lucky’s part? Lucky was a dead end.
“Fucking shit,” Aiden murmured. He’d thought he had his life sorted out. Not now. His phone buzzed in his pocket. Damn. He glanced down at the screen. A text from Matt. His heart skipped a beat.
Meet for lunch?
Yeah, he wanted to see his man and know things would be all right.
I’d like that, he texted back. I’m off for now. See you in twenty? Our usual spot?
Matt’s reply came within seconds.
Cool.
He sagged against the hallway wall. He’d see Matt and they’d share lunch. Christ, he needed a dose of Matt. He needed to be reminded in person that the feelings he’d developed for Matt were very real and very strong.
* * * *
Matt stretched and cracked the bones in his back. His muscles ached. He’d been stuck under the Dodge for most of the morning. Great for the owner, because he’d found the leak and fixed it, but horrible for his shoulder.
Deighan knelt down beside the car and peeked beneath the undercarriage. “Hey. You said to let you know when twenty minutes was up. It’s up.” He handed over Matt’s phone. “The alarm went off, so I silenced it.”
“Thanks.” He tucked his phone back into his rear pocket. “How are you coming on the Caddy?” He shimmied out of the pit beneath the car and crawled up to ground level. “Okay? Any issues?”
“The Caddy is done and I called Mr. Goran. He’ll be by to pick it up at two.” Deighan widened his stance and folded his arms. “He had a dead mouse in the engine, which was why the thing stank, and one of the belts had been nearly chewed through. I replaced it, removed the mouse and checked his fluid levels. He needs a quart of oil, but I thought I’d mention that when he comes to pick it up in case he does his own oil changes.”
“Thorough. Nice.” He glanced around the shop while he wiped his hands clean. “Where is Aaron? We’re caught up, but still. He didn’t say anything about taking off.”
“He told me he had an appointment and you knew about it.” Deighan shrugged. “Sorry.”
“It’ll be fine.” He’d have to hire another kid from the vocational school at this rate. That was probably a good thing, though. The students got to learn on the job, and he had cheaper labor.
“With Aaron gone, there aren’t any tools flying across the garage.” Deighan laughed. “He cracks me up, but man. When he gets pissed, he really gets pissed.”
“He has a temper.” He dusted himself off then washed his hands in the sink. “You haven’t seen him after a few beers.”
“Yeah, I did. I was at the diner and he showed up shitfaced,” Deighan said. “Mr. Harrison tossed him out and one of the cops took him home—well, that’s what Mr. Harrison said to the guy at the counter.”
“You’re good at eavesdropping?” Matt asked.
“Only when I’m sitting one stool over.”
“Ah.” He tossed the rag into the bin. “Close the garage doors. I’m going to shut down for lunch and walk over to the sub shop with Aiden. Want to tag along? I’ll buy.”
“As long as it’s not hospital food, I’m good.” Deighan pressed the buttons to shut the main doors. “I had my tonsils out when I was ten and the food sucked. I don’t want surgery again just so I don’t have to eat there.”
“It’s not so bad.” He turned the sign around on the front door. “It’s better than when I was a kid. At least this food has color.”
“Ew.” Deighan followed Matt outside and waited as he locked up.
Matt twisted in an attempt to relieve the tension in his back. No dice. He’d have to break down and take something when he returned to the shop. His stomach soured. Breaking down and giving in sucked.
Deighan’s chain on his pants jangled as he walked. “You know. You’re calm when Doc’s around. I’m glad you paired up.”
“I am too.” Pride swelled in his heart. He loved telling anyone who’d listen that he’d found something great. “What about your girl? Quinn?” He started across the street with Deighan beside him.
“Sierra.” Deighan stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Quinn got a date with a football player and dumped me, so I’m seeing Sierra.”
“Can he fix Quinn’s car when it breaks?” Matt asked.
“He’d buy her a new one. His dad owns the Lakeside dealership.”
“Money isn’t everything. He can’t rely on his dad forever, either.” He sounded like someone’s dad—certainly not his own.
“Maybe, but it helps.”
“It causes new problems,” Matt said. “The old problems are still there and new ones come along too. Money exacerbates everything.” He crossed the parking lot but slowed down when he noticed Aiden by his car. Another man stood with him. Matt balled his hands. He wasn’t jealous, but he wasn’t fond of the way Aiden stood so close to the mystery man. Was the person someone Aiden knew? Another doctor or a nurse? Friend of the family?
“Who’s that steppin’ in on your man?” Deighan asked.
“Don’t know.” Matt wanted to rush up to Aiden but felt more like an interloper.
The man hugged Aiden and though Aiden didn’t hug him back, he also didn’t push him away. Maybe the guy was a former patient and thanking Aiden for a job well done. Whatever the reason, Matt didn’t want to watch from a distance any longer.
“Hey, you. Break it up,” Deighan shouted. He stormed up to Aiden. “Nothing to see here.”
The kid had his heart in the right place, but no tact. “Deig.” Part of him wished his employee would’ve kept his mouth shut, but the rest of him approved. He didn’t like the way the man stayed so close to Aiden.
“Jesus.” Deighan tapped the guy on the shoulder. “Excuse me. We’d like Doc now.” He stepped between Aiden and the man. “Hiya, Doc. How the hell are you? Me and Matt are here for lunch.”
The kid had a great handle on being suave. Matt scratched his forehead. He’d have to teach Deighan the fine art of knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Aiden put his hand up, keeping mystery man at bay. Was he doing that out of guilt? “Matt. Deighan. Hi, guys.”
“I said I’d meet you.” Matt couldn’t keep the irritation from his voice. He bit the tip of his tongue to remind himself to go slow, but it didn’t help. The fury welled within him. “I guess you couldn’t wait.” He swept his gaze over the mystery man. Thin, well kempt, preppy with his tailored clothes and casual shoes and designer-type sunglasses… The kind of guy Aiden claimed was his type. Well, fuck me sideways.
“Matt.” Aiden didn’t reach for him. His mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out.
“Don’t let me bother you or interrupt.” Matt brushed past Aiden and kept going toward the opposite end of the lot. He needed separation from Aiden and time to cool off.
“Matt,” Aiden called.
Deighan touched Matt’s arm but kept his mouth shut.
“Matt.” The pleading in Aiden’s voice got through to Matt, but he refused to turn around.
“I’ll see you,” mystery man said. “Later.”
Matt froze. He recognized that voice, but from where? He wasn’t sure. Although he wanted to keep going across the lot, he turned to face Aiden. Thank goodness mystery man had left. “Is he a doctor too?” He’d tried to sound nonchalant but failed.
“No.” Aiden didn’t bridge the gap between them. “He’s a bad decision.”
“Seemed good to me.” He glanced around the general area for the guy. How i
n the hell did he disappear so fast? No screeching of tires or an engine sound to give away his location.
“I’m going to get us a table.” Deighan nodded once, then hurried away.
Aiden massaged his forehead. “You weren’t supposed to see that.”
“Oh? What? My boyfriend with another guy?” Matt snapped. He’d thought he had his anger under control. He’d been wrong.
“No, me losing my nerve.” Aiden bowed his head. “That was Lucky.”
“I see.” Aiden’s ex, the dipshit, had come back and hugged him. What else did the prick do?
“I told you he comes sniffing around every so often. Today was his day.” Aiden’s shoulders sagged. The purplish cast under his eyes seemed deeper than usual.
“Did you indulge?”
“I thought about it. We have a history.” Aiden met Matt’s gaze. “It was stupid.”
“We had a future, but not now.” Matt swore if he gritted his teeth one more time, he’d crack every molar in half.
“I can explain.” Aiden finally reached for him, but Matt stepped out of the way.
“I wish you would, but I’m not sure I want the answer.” He didn’t know if his heart could take the truth.
“Lucky was there when Keye died. He got me through. Okay? He and I are oil and water. It doesn’t work, but I have a soft spot for him. I know he’s wrong for me. Trust me. I should’ve learned my lesson the last time. I thought I had.” Aiden stood in the middle of the lot where anyone could hear his conversation. If he was ashamed, he wasn’t showing his hand.
“It sure looked cozy when you hugged him,” Matt shot back.
Aiden groaned. “He hugged me. Not the other way around. I checked him over…”
“I’m sure you did,” Matt said, interrupting Aiden.
“He was beaten up by his partner and came to the ER. I tried to get him to report the incident to the police, but he refused. I’m trying to get more information so I can. That’s why he hugged me.” Aiden raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m not sure if he was grateful I got involved or that I hadn’t turned his partner in yet.”
