by Megan Slayer
“Why? Did you have a last-minute patient?”
“No. Dad called around noon. He wanted to visit, so I invited him to the party. I was late because I had to talk him down. I guess he and Ross had a falling out. Ross went to Pittsburg, and Dad’s coming here.” Aiden patted Matt’s thigh. “Don’t ask. I don’t understand it all, but I’m guessing we’ll get an earful once we go home.”
“He’s probably dying to see the house,” Matt said. “He hasn’t come over since we moved in together.”
“True.”
Matt sucked in a ragged breath, then exhaled. There was no time like the present to spill his guts. “Sit up. I want to talk to you.”
“Am I in trouble?” Aiden did as asked and faced Matt. “If I did it, I’m sorry. If not, I’ll do it later.”
“No.” He shrugged the long-sleeved shirt down a little, then paused. “Remember how I told you I wasn’t getting any more tattoos?”
“You got another one?” Aiden’s eyebrows knotted together. “A skull? Dagger?”
“Your name.” He turned around and lowered his shirt. “See?” He held his breath. The tattoo wasn’t going away, but he wanted Aiden to appreciate his gesture. He gasped and tried to settle. “What do you think?”
“You’ve got my name on the back of your neck,” Aiden said. “Like a ‘property of’ tag.”
He nodded. That hadn’t been the idea, but it worked. “My shirt will hide the tat, so if we go out, I’ll still look polished.” He faced Aiden again and adjusted the garment. “I’m your property, though.”
“No. You’re your own man.” Aiden grasped both of Matt’s hands. “I’ve never seen my name in calligraphic letters on someone’s skin.”
“I hope I’m the only one who has that ink.” He scooted closer to Aiden. “I belong to you. My heart, soul and now body. It’s all yours and I wanted the world to know.”
“They do.” Aiden toyed with the wrinkles in Matt’s shirt. “I didn’t think you’d actually do it—put my name on your body—but I can’t say I’m upset. It’s sexy.”
“I was worried you’d be angry.” He sounded silly, and now that he’d said the words out loud, he couldn’t take them back. “It’s very permanent and official.” Not helping my case much.
“Very true,” Aiden said. “I’m not sure why you didn’t think I’d be happy. First, it’s your body. You can do whatever you want with it. Second, it’s a pretty tattoo. Bix did a great job—I assume he’s the one who did it. The ink looks like I wrote it on your skin.”
“That’s the idea.” He’d only seen the reverse image in the mirror, but the tattoo looked right.
“It’s cool. Which leads me to my third point. If you care about me enough to have me live with you, to get a dog—which we are, because I can’t let that pup stay at the shelter for much longer—and to put my name on your body, then this love must be real and special. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels the way I do.”
“So you’re saying you like it?” He sounded redundant, but he needed to know this was real. Goddamn low self-esteem. He’d thought he’d gotten beyond this.
“I do.” Aiden laughed. “Remember what I just said. Dad’s here.”
Confusion clouded his thoughts. What do the words ‘I do’ have to do with Len? When Aiden stood, Matt did as well. He offered his hand to Aiden’s father. Aiden hugged him.
“I’m so glad you made it.” Aiden hugged Len again. “How is Ross?”
“Leaving.” Len threw his arms around Matt. “Nice to see you.”
“Wait, he’s gone?” Aiden asked. “This wasn’t just a fight?”
Len grabbed a chair and sat with Aiden and Matt. “No, I found the messages he sent you and your responses. Nothing you said was bad. I don’t know where he made the leap from being cordial to acting like an ass, but I would’ve been pissed if I were you. I’m sorry, kid. He had no right to say and text those things.”
“We all have to learn on our own.” Aiden shrugged, but Matt noticed the relief in his eyes.
“I didn’t have the use of my phone when I got out of the hospital. He took it. I was so mad. I looked forward to our weekly phone calls and he knew that.” Len shook his head. “He expected me to choose him over you. I’m sorry, but I can’t—not after he’d been so underhanded.”
Matt rested his hands on his knees. He wasn’t sure what to say or add to the conversation. He felt like he’d intruded on a private moment.
“It’s fine. I’m happier since he left. I’m not worrying about what I’ve missed or if I’m not going to be told about you.” Len leaned back in his chair. “So what’s this big news?”
Big news? Matt wished he knew what it was too. “Doc?” His hands shook. “What’s your news?” He’d tried to sound nonchalant but failed.
Aiden scooted his chair back and sat up straighter. The smile lit up his face. “My rotation in the ER is up. I’ve been asked to stay in the ER, but I’ve also been invited to join a private practice as a family physician. The new job would be better hours and steadier.”
Matt stared at him. Not an ER doc? Family practice… He should be excited. He wanted better for Aiden. Easier hours and more time together should be exactly what would be best. But he had virtually no say in the situation. He didn’t have a right to add his two cents, but still. He wished Aiden would’ve said something before now.
“That’s fantastic, kid.” Len clapped Aiden on the shoulder. “You’ve been talking about leaving the ER for a while.”
How come I didn’t know that?
“What are you going to do?” Len asked. “Where’s the practice?”
“In Liverpool.” Aiden’s grin widened.
An hour away? Matt’s heart dropped along with his spirits. His stomach hurt. The hours were going to get shorter. Aiden would probably want to move. Matt wasn’t considering moving. He loved his house. He gripped the edge of the table to settle himself down. For all he knew, he’d mentally flipped out for no reason.
“Matt?” Aiden slid Matt’s hand into his. “You look a little flushed.”
“I’m processing,” Matt admitted. He couldn’t wrap his head around what he’d just been told.
“I thought you might be.” Aiden rested his arm on the back of Matt’s chair. “Here’s the thing. Liverpool is a great place. I’d be one of six doctors in the building and able to make my own hours.”
“Sounds great.” He couldn’t hide his disappointment. He’d thought they had a good life in Cedarwood. Aiden seemed so happy and ready to go elsewhere. Could they make a long-distance relationship work? Jesus. He’d tattooed Aiden’s name onto his body. How foolish could he be? What was the old joke—get a tattoo with your partner’s name and you’re asking for a break-up. He’d practically guaranteed Aiden would go.
“Well.” Aiden faced Matt. “Babe?”
“Yeah.” He sighed. “So when do you start?” He might as well know. “Are you staying in Cedarwood or going to get a place closer?”
“You’ve got me all but moved out, don’t you?” Aiden chuckled. “Wow.”
“It’s coming,” Matt said. Time to level with him. “I feel it. I’ve told you. Good things in my life don’t last. Call it negativity or pessimism…I don’t care. I know how this will play out. I’m not leaving Cedarwood. I’ve got my business here and a nice house. You’ll want to go closer to your job.” He shook his head and fought the urge to hop to his feet. “We’ll start out as a long-distance situation then you’ll spend more time there than here. After a while, you’ll be there so much you’ll get lonely. It’s human nature to want company around and you’ll figure out you’re happier with the company than with me. I’ll be a problem. You’ll dump me and ride off into the sunset with Mr. Doctor Wonderful.” He’d overthought the whole situation, but after coming clean with everything else, he believed in being up front with his feelings and worries.
“Wow. Okay.” Aiden fully faced Matt, and their knees bumped. “Before you make any more snap decisions,
hear me out. I mean really hear me. I’d love to have my own practice. I’d love to set my own hours and know what’s on the schedule for the day. I’d love it more than I can say.” He placed his hand over Matt’s mouth. “But…I love the ER. There’s an excitement in not knowing who or what will come through the door. Yes, it weighs on me. I’m ragged and tired, but I love it—not the ragged part, but the ER one.”
Matt’s heart beat overtime. He didn’t understand. “Then what do you want to do?” He could hope all day long, but reality had a way of kicking his ass.
“I had this ten-year goal. Dad knows all about it. I’d do my time in the ER, move to a different wing and go back to geriatric medicine like I’d done in med school. I’d meet a guy, settle down in Cedarwood and adopt a kid. Then Liverpool General called.” Aiden squeezed Matt’s fingers. “It’s a lot to take in.”
The surprise was killing him. Matt balled his hands. He couldn’t speak—not when he thought his life was falling apart again.
“My plan changed,” Aiden said, his voice low.
That was the big news, then. Aiden would be going to Liverpool. Matt gritted his teeth. He should’ve known.
“You’re not listening.” Aiden grabbed both of Matt’s curled-up hands. “You see, I met this great guy. He helped me to see this world in a more colorful way. He fixes things and gives the best rim jobs ever. He’s solid and trustworthy. Did I mention sexy? He’s that too. He came and saved me when I didn’t know I needed rescuing. He showed me how to open my heart again.”
He couldn’t be hearing Aiden right. Things sounded too good. “But?”
“But what?” Aiden frowned. “I’m lost.”
He’d had enough of the suspense. “What are you going to do? What are these big plans?”
Aiden chuckled. “I’m going to stay in the ER until a position up in the geriatric wing is free. I want to get back to what I went to med school for.”
“So you’re not leaving?” A lump formed in Matt’s throat. “Right?”
“How can we rescue a dog if I’m leaving? I thought when I said we were getting Louis, that pretty much said I’m staying.” Aiden laughed and shook his head. “You’re a silly man.”
“But you said you loved private practice.” He didn’t understand.
“I would have done, but not now,” Aiden said.
“I’m confused.” Nothing made sense to Matt.
“I’m not,” Len said. “He’s staying put.”
“Exactly. The big news I told Dad about was us moving in together, getting a dog and this.” Aiden pulled a small box from his pocket. He dropped to one knee in front of Matt. “I know it’s quick, but I can’t see my life without you. You make me so happy, want to rip my hair out, and feel so safe. You’ve even got my name on your body. I want to make an honest man out of you. Will you marry me?”
“Aiden?” This couldn’t be real.
“What do you think?” Aiden asked. “We don’t have to have the wedding right away. But I do want everyone to know I’ve got the special-est mechanic in the whole world.” He held up the ring. “Yes? No? Matt?”
His mouth refused to cooperate with the words he wanted to say. Matt squeezed Aiden’s leg. Man, he wished he had a mental link with Aiden.
Aiden grinned and leaned forward. “I’m so glad I didn’t get everyone’s attention first. I might be let down and I don’t want a room full of people seeing that.” He toyed with the ring, then closed the box. “The offer is good for the duration.”
“Yes.” Thank God he’d found his voice. “Doc? Yes.” He kissed Aiden hard on the lips. “You stunned me.” Shocked, flummoxed and blew his mind. His hands trembled, he wanted to run around the room whooping and hollering, and the lump dissipated in his throat.
“Me? I did that?” Aiden’s eyebrows rose.
“Yeah, I thought I had the big news.” Married… The word sounded so sweet. Matt blew out a long breath to calm himself. “It’s not all about me, but I thought this was huge.”
“It’s a big damn deal.” Len stood. His laugh rang out around the room. “I’m getting pie. This moment needs pie.” He strolled away, leaving Matt and Aiden alone.
“That’s my dad.” Aiden smoothed his palm across the back of Matt’s head, just above the ink. “A tattoo is a huge deal. It’s a pretty big leap of faith and I like it.”
“It’s your handwriting,” he said.
“I know.”
“I did it so you’d know I’m not going to change my mind.” He offered his left hand. “I will marry you.” Now he understood why Aiden wanted him to remember the words ‘I do’. God, he was so messed up. “I’ll marry you today, tomorrow or whenever.”
“Perfect.” Aiden slid the ring onto Matt’s finger. “I mean, Louis does need both parents and maybe a brother or sister.”
“You weren’t kidding about adopting—but another dog or a kid?” Now that he thought about the idea of not only getting a dog, but also becoming a parent with Aiden to a child, he liked it.
“I’d feel a little more credibility being part of the support group if I had a kid, yes. Maybe not right now, but I’d like to adopt.” Aiden shrugged. “It’s not something I’d go into lightly.”
“I agree—with everything.” He kissed Aiden again. The word husband sounded so nice and perfect. “I love it and you.”
Aiden curled his fingers under Matt’s chin. “I love you too.” He sighed. “Dad is staying over tonight, so any celebrations you and I might do will have to wait until tomorrow, but when we can, we’re hitting it hard.”
“Nice.” Matt bumped noses with Aiden. “Why don’t you get your dad and we’ll head home? We can have a movie night and order pizza. Maybe binge on Christmas movies or something corny like that? Then tomorrow morning, we bust Louis out.”
“And see if he’s got a best friend?” Aiden nodded. “I’m not due back to the hospital until Sunday afternoon.”
Matt laughed until his chest ached. His heart lightened and his soul was at ease. Nothing could be better except for maybe having a night of sex with Aiden, but he’d wait until the next evening for that. They’d fuck until they couldn’t walk straight. “I can’t tell you no. Yeah, we bring him and a friend home.”
“Then let’s go, fiancé.”
Matt loved how that word sounded and that it now applied to him and Aiden. “Best idea ever.” He held Aiden’s hand as they strolled through the community center. Colin winked and Jordan applauded. Matt’s cheeks burned, but not out of embarrassment. Pride welled in his heart and mind. He loved being in public with Aiden. He noticed Colt. His sponsor nodded once then gave him the thumbs-up. Was he in on the story too? Matt wondered, but he also couldn’t believe what he’d seen. He’d finally made Colt proud. Nice.
Matt stared at the ring while he waited for Aiden and Len. He’d never thought he’d be so lucky to get the guy. Now he had Aiden and so much more. Thank God for the ridiculously high curb. He’d fixed plenty of bent rims in his time, but every time he thought of rim jobs, he’d think of Aiden. The wrecked car had been the most unexpected but oddly perfect way to meet his very own Doc Cedarwood, and now they had forever to be together. Best wreck ever.
Want to see more from this author? Here’s a taster for you to enjoy!
Cedarwood Pride:
Finding Forever in Cedarwood
Megan Slayer
Excerpt
“You want me to do what?” Liam Blackwell rolled his eyes and squeezed his phone. “Pat, I don’t know the first thing about small towns.” Christ. How could his agent think he’d be right for the part of a farmer in Ohio or that he knew a damn thing about farming? He’d never been on a farm. If she were there in the same room, rather than on the phone, he could explain better.
“I knew when you did that audition for the superhero movie that you were a candidate for this film. I sent the producers and talent scout that audition and that’s what got you the job. The director asked for you by name,” Patricia Michaels said. “Just
do it. It’s a starring role, great pay and you get a percentage of the residuals. Why turn that down? You can get experience with this director.”
“How?” He tamped down his irritation. He needed the money. He had a lifestyle to maintain. He was still trying to get his last girlfriend to keep quiet about his sexuality. He wasn’t ready to come out. How was he supposed to play convincing leading roles in rom-coms if no one believed he was attracted to the heroine and not the other hero?
“Don’t you have a ballplayer friend? Tanner Fox, right? He lives in Cedarwood, Ohio. The last time I checked, it’s a sweet little town. They have quirks, but you might get the experience you need if you live there for six months. Call Tanner and get info about the town, then accept the damn role.”
Well, fuck. “I’ll call Tanner.” He groaned. “And I’ll take the role.” He massaged his temple. He had few options. The last time he’d worked had been over a year before. “I read the script. It’s not the kind of role I like. It’s simple.”
“Of course it is. He’s a farmer. He’s not a tortured artist or playwright. Jesus. You need a winner and this film is it,” Pat said. “I’ve never steered you wrong before. The studio and the director want you. No one else.”
“I’ll do my best.” He sank onto the bar stool. “You’ll send me the extra details, right? Like anything about Cedarwood?”
“On the way. Call Tanner.” She hung up, leaving him in silence.
Liam tossed his phone onto the bar and grumbled. A freaking small-town movie. God help me to not bomb.
His phone rang. Patricia. He should answer, but she’d hung up on him. He wasn’t in the mood to have his ass chewed again. He hated to be pushed, even if he deserved it. He waited until the ringing stopped before he retrieved the device.
A notification appeared on the screen. One voicemail.
He tapped the screen and retrieved the message from his agent. “Get your butt in gear. I sent the details in an email and I’ve got the contracts on my desk. You’ll report to the set in Washington in November. Now call Tanner and stop dicking around.”
