by J. M. Snyder
A blush spread across Shawn’s face and Logan grinned when he saw him swallow hard. He really wanted to nip that silky skin, then lick away the burn. God, the man was sexy. Compact body, in good shape—easier seen now that he wasn’t covered by a large jacket. The navy blue Henley fit the guy like a glove—not to mention the painted-on jeans. He had a feeling Shawn would fit like a glove in his arms as well.
Logan’s eyebrow rose as he took in the whole outfit. “You going out?” he asked, his voice husky.
Shawn’s blush deepened and Logan’s dick twitched. Shit, the guy was sexy and cute. It was going to be fun being neighbors.
“Originally, yes. But the meteorologist on Channel Five is now saying we might get more snow than they thought, so my friends and I decided to skip the club.”
A vision of Shawn dancing in those painted-on jeans had Logan hard in a heartbeat. Heat flashed through him and he let his gaze roam over Shawn until their eyes met. He recognized the desire and stepped forward, unconsciously reaching for him, but Shawn took a step back. Logan dropped his arm and they stared at each other for a moment, the room filling with awkward silence.
“I-I need to get Charlie,” Shawn stuttered, racing past him.
Shit. Just screwed that up. He had a habit of going for what he wanted…and he wanted Shawn. He shook his head and got his bearings. Clearly, Logan needed to go slow with him. He breathed in deep and strolled into the living room, as if he had all the time in the world. And he really did. Hell, he was moving in next door. He could get to know Shawn slowly, even if that wasn’t his usual M.O.
Shawn emerged from a room off the hallway and smiled, sending warmth through Logan. Shit, the man had a gorgeous smile.
“Get Charlie taken care of?”
He nodded, ran his hand through his hair, slightly messing it up. “Still can’t believe I thought the damn thing was dying.” He chuckled low.
Logan laughed. “Gotta admit, your visit will definitely go down in the legend books.” For more than one reason.
Shawn shoved his hands into his front pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Shit. When Clem started screaming, I didn’t even think. Just got her into her coat, put Charlie in a box, and headed to your office.”
Logan smiled. “I’m glad it wasn’t anything else. Clem seems pretty attached.”
He nodded solemnly. “She is. She wants a dog. I’ve…never had a dog before,” he admitted, his voice softening. “I like dogs. Just never had one. My mom was horribly allergic.” He shrugged. “So I gave Clem Charlie at Christmas. Well, Santa gave her Charlie.”
“She seems pretty happy with him.”
“I know, right? And he’s the laziest little thing. Does nothing but eat.” He stopped and cocked his head. “Wait…why are you here?”
Logan had nearly forgotten what the whole visit was about, what with the whole Bailey-running-crazy thing. He chuckled. “My realtor said my keys are here.”
Shawn’s eyes narrowed, confusion flashing across his face.
“I’m your new neighbor.”
Chapter 3
Shawn
He knew he was gaping at Logan, but he honestly hadn’t expected to hear those words. The hot vet was moving in next door? He was so screwed. How the hell was he supposed to appear aloof and play it cool around Logan all the time? He’d never pull it off.
Shit, he’d had it all figured out, too. Have him over Sunday, share some cookies, act like he hung out with sexy men all the time. No big deal.
But with him next door, there was no way to hide the real Shawn. The geek that liked movie trivia. The guy that knew practically every alien life from the Star Trek series. The dad that played tea party with his daughter.
Logan may be looking at Shawn like he wanted to peel off his tight jeans with his teeth, but once he got to know him, Logan would run. He sighed a little inside. They all ran. Nobody wanted to date a man with a kid. Not one he’d met, anyway.
He realized he was still standing with his mouth open and promptly shut it, feeling the flush spread down his neck.
“Keys. Right.” He patted his pockets, as if searching for them, which of course made no sense because he knew they were on the kitchen counter. “Um, be right back.”
Logan’s knowing smile only grew as he nodded and folded his muscled arms over his chest—still easily seen through his coat. Fuck. Those muscles were going to be the death of Shawn. He made his way into the kitchen and grabbed the keys, taking a second to look out the window over the sink. The dog had plopped down in the middle of the yard, looking like he was in his element. He knew he should get a dog for Clem. She really wanted one.
When he returned to the living room, he handed over the keys, and Logan’s fingers brushed across his hand, sending shivers through him. “So, um…when are you moving in?”
“Tomorrow. As long as the snow holds back long enough for the moving van to arrive.”
Shawn pointed out the large picture window overlooking the front yard. The first snowflakes were just beginning to fall.
Logan’s smile quickly dimmed. “Well, crap. Another weekend at the hotel.” He shrugged. “Maybe it won’t be too bad.”
Shawn wisely stayed quiet. He didn’t want to crush Logan’s spirit, but this storm was supposed to be a doozy.
“Thanks for keeping the keys for me,” Logan said. “Hey, you want to come over and take a look at it with me?”
The invitation surprised Shawn. “I’ve actually been over there a lot. I’m the one they hired to install the new wood floors throughout. I also hung the new front door, and made repairs to your deck.”
Logan’s eyes widened. “Are you a carpenter?”
Shawn shrugged. “I do a little bit of everything. Flooring, carpentry, even some wiring. I work with a lot of realtors in the area.”
“Well, come on then! You’ve got to show me your workmanship.”
“Uh, okay. Sure.” He grabbed his coat from the back of the recliner and followed Logan out the door.
The temperature had dropped in the few hours he’d been home and he shivered. Thick flakes landed on his head and he jolted when Logan brushed them off. “Sorry,” he murmured, wishing he wasn’t so shy around guys. God, he never used to be this way. Well, not this bad—he used to at least be able to carry on a conversation. He sighed. Becoming a dad was wonderful, but there was no disputing he’d lost the few dating moves he’d had. Being a parent kind of took everything. It was worth it, but it had definitely slowed down his social life. Sure, his parents took Clem some weekends so he could hit the clubs. Hook-ups were easy—no deep talking, just getting off and going your own way. But he was tired of those. Shawn was finally at a point in his life where he wanted more. Unfortunately, he had no idea how to find it.
They trekked quickly across the side yard to Logan’s new house and Shawn followed him onto the porch. To be honest, Shawn was jealous of the wraparound porch and hoped to add one to his home when he could.
Logan unlocked the door and ushered Shawn inside. Shawn pulled his coat closer—it was as cold inside as it was out.
“I thought the realtor would have turned on the heat,” Logan muttered, searching for the thermostat. Shawn led him to it in the living room and stood back while Logan turned it on. The familiar smell of long-turned-off heat began to fill the room and they both wrinkled their noses. “God. Hope it’s better by tomorrow.”
“I’m sure it will be. I was here when they installed the new heater. Looked nice. Big. Energy efficient. Shiny.” Oh, God. Stop babbling!
Logan raised an eyebrow and the corner of his lips twitched, but he didn’t call out Shawn on his weirdness. Instead he looked at the newly installed hardwood floor. “This is beautiful! I have to admit, I struggled with picking out the flooring, but this turned out better than I imagined.”
“The reclaimed wood was the perfect choice,” Shawn assured him. “Every plank was just gorgeous.”
“Do you think I should have used it throughout the rest of the house, instead o
f just the living room and entryway?”
Shawn shook his head. “No, what you did here was beautiful. The lighter flooring in the kitchen goes well with the new cabinetry.”
Logan’s eyes widened. “Let’s go take a look.”
Logan led the way and Shawn tried valiantly not to stare at his ass, but failed. Miserably. It had definitely been too long since he’d had sex and he would try and remedy that soon. If he could figure out how to find a guy without just looking for a hook-up. Where he would find this man, he really had no idea. Too bad it couldn’t be Logan. The man checked all his boxes, but hot men like him wanted only hot sex—no strings. And boy, did Shawn come with strings.
The large kitchen ran half the length of the home and had French doors that opened into the back yard. The yard needed a little work and he almost offered to help Logan with it, but thought better of it. He didn’t want to overstep. But Shawn loved working in the yard, loved getting his hands in the dirt. The moment spring arrived, he was planning on planting a new tree and wanted to build a playhouse in the back corner for Clem.
“You’re right again, Shawn. Love the new cabinets.” Logan ran his hand over the wood and smiled. “Have to admit, was pretty scared to buy this house. I’ve lived only in apartments. Even as a child.”
Shawn couldn’t imagine never living in a house. He’d grown up in a little ranch and had spent a lot of his time playing in the backyard. That’s why he purchased a house as soon as he received custody of Clem. “Are you sorry you did it?”
Logan’s eyes met Shawn’s. “Not for a second. I’m already excited about it. Between growing up in apartments—sometimes my bedroom was the pull-out sofa in the living room—and then military housing and finally student housing, I’m ready for a real home.”
Shawn took a step closer, pulled to Logan by some invisible force. Logan moved to stand in front of him until they were mere inches from each other, hazel eyes meeting blue.
His heart thundered in his ears as he wondered what the hell he was doing. He’d just met this guy. And he couldn’t hook up with him. For fuck’s sake, they were going to be neighbors.
Logan cupped Shawn’s cheek and stroked his skin with his thumb. As he leaned in, Bailey’s loud barking startled them and they both jumped back. Shawn swallowed hard as Logan ran to the French doors.
“Bailey’s running around like he’s lost his mind. I’d better go get him.”
“Sure.” He wasn’t sure what else to say. He was still reeling. Had Logan been about to kiss him? This entire day was messing with his mind.
They locked up and raced to Shawn’s house. The snow was heavier and clung to the ground, crunching under their shoes.
“I’ll grab a towel to dry him off,” he told Logan, heading to his linen closet. By the time Shawn met him at the back door, Logan had it open and was blocking the snow-covered Bailey from entering.
“God, I didn’t think it would come down so fast. I figured he’d be fine for a few minutes. He seemed so happy. I feel horrible.” This time it was Logan babbling and something about it made Shawn smile. It was sweet how much he worried about his dog.
“Here,” he said as he handed Logan the old beach towel.
“Thanks.” Logan smiled gratefully and started rubbing Bailey. The dog wiggled around, eager to get inside, and wouldn’t stop trying to lick Logan’s face. “Bailey!”
Shawn couldn’t but laugh. “I am seriously reconsidering ever getting a dog. Not interested in being covered in dog slobber.”
Logan finished wiping Bailey’s paws, then stood, hands on hips, while Bailey dashed for the living room. “Yeah, it’s an acquired taste.”
Shawn took the towel and laughed again as they headed into the living room only to find Bailey already settled on the sofa, eyeing them both—practically daring them to tell him to get off. Shawn set the towel on the ground next to the recliner, just in case they needed it again.
“Bailey, down,” Logan ordered, pointing to the floor.
The dog laid down his head and crossed his paws over his nose. Shawn thought it was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. “I’m fine with him on the sofa, Logan.”
Logan’s eyebrow raised.
“Seriously. Remember, I do have a six year old. This place will always have the ‘lived in’ look.”
Logan sighed and turned back to Bailey. “You hear that, boy? Shawn here gave you a reprieve. You can stay there.” He scratched behind Bailey’s ears. “For a minute, anyway. We have to get going. Grab some drive-thru and head back to the hotel.”
“Do you want to stay for dinner? I was going to make spaghetti. Nothing fancy, but I’m not a bad cook.” The words flew out of his mouth before he could stop himself.
Surprise flashed across Logan’s face and Shawn wanted to kick himself for his impulsivity. Until Logan answered.
“I’d really like that. Thanks, Shawn.”
“Great, I’ll…um, I’ll get started. Are you allergic to anything? Or a vegetarian?”
“No and no. And let me help.”
Shawn nodded and gestured for him to follow him into the kitchen.
* * * *
Fixing dinner together was surprisingly easy. As Shawn browned the sausage, Logan chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Conversation flowed, and before they knew it, dinner was on the table.
“This looks fantastic,” Logan declared as he twirled his fork through the strands of pasta. “I haven’t had anything home-cooked in months.”
Shawn watched as Logan lifted the fork to his lips, watched the way those beautiful lips closed around the spaghetti, and he couldn’t help but imagine a wholly different kind of scene. Right there on the kitchen table. Shawn was rock-hard in seconds as images of himself bent over the table, his jeans down around his knees, flashed through his mind. He ached with his need to be taken sometimes. When Logan moaned, Shawn’s gaze flew to his and he realized Logan had been watching him. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair as heat flooded his face.
Get a fucking grip, Shawn. Shit. If only he could. He never knew what to say to a man. He’d always been shy. Hooking up wasn’t hard, though. Pretty much nameless, quick fucks and his itch was scratched. He’d had a few boyfriends over the years, but nothing had ever felt real. He’d always felt like he was just going through the motions. He’d picked men that did the talking for him, which always led to them taking over everything, and he’d sat back and let it happen. It was easier than admitting he wasn’t happy.
But the way Logan was staring made him want to open up and let the man meet the real Shawn. The one that stayed hidden behind the dad label. The quiet guy that went about his daily life, hoping for true love. Hell, he’d seen enough Disney movies with his daughter to believe there could be a prince out there for only him.
Logan arched an eyebrow. “You going to eat? Because if not, I might just eat your spaghetti, too.”
Shawn laughed, the sexual tension breaking some. He dove in and smiled. It really was good.
They remained quiet for a while as they ate, but strangely, Shawn didn’t feel awkward like he normally would. He felt a…connection…to Logan that was exciting, but familiar, in a weird way.
“How long have you lived here?”
Shawn thought about it for a second. “Well, I’ve lived in the town most of my life, but I bought the house almost six years ago, when I adopted Clem.”
Logan looked surprised. “She’s not yours?” He shook his head. “Wow, that came out wrong. I’m sorry. I mean, she’s not your biological child? She has your gorgeous blue eyes.”
Heat skittered across Shawn’s skin and he smiled at the compliment. “I knew what you meant, but it’s nice that you understand adoption doesn’t make a child any less ‘theirs’ for parents. Biologically, Clementine is my niece. My sister, Julia, passed away when Clem was four months old. Cancer.”
“Oh, wow, I’m sorry, Shawn.”
He nodded, warmed by the sincere way Logan was staring at him. “Pancreatic. It wasn�
�t caught until she was in stage four. She’d been sick a lot through her pregnancy, but she’d brushed it off as morning sickness. And then…” Shawn’s voice cracked and he felt hot tears spring up, as they always did when he talked about Julia. He swiped at them and shook off the feeling. “Anyway, the father didn’t want anything to do with Clem and signed away his rights. Our parents are older, so that was out of the question.” He sat back in his chair and gazed at Logan. “I never talk about this with anyone. I’m not sure why I’m telling you…”
Logan placed his hand over Shawn’s, warming his skin. “I’m glad you are.”
When he drew away his hand, Shawn instantly missed the touch. “Julia and I were always close. When we finally accepted that she wasn’t going to make it, I began thinking about offering to raise Clem. But I wasn’t sure.” He shrugged. “Hell, what did I know about raising a baby?”
“I think all new parents are scared,” Logan assured him.
“Yeah, probably, but I wasn’t just scared. I was petrified. But I was figuring out a way to broach the topic with her, and then one day, she brought it up. Asked me if I would raise her. As my daughter, not a niece. She was very specific about that. Wanted her to have a parent, someone she could call ‘dad.’ How could I say ‘no’ to that?”
“Some people would have.”
Shawn shook his head. “I’d fallen in love with Clem the moment she was born. I was scared, but I knew it was right. We were able to fast-track the adoption and finalized the paperwork five days before my sister died.” Those memories were bittersweet now—becoming Clementine’s father and losing his sister within a week. The old adage about time healing all wounds wasn’t quite on the mark, but over the years, the memories popped up more than the sadness. He took a sip from his ice water and took a moment to get his head back on straight.
“Well, from the short time I’ve spent with Clem, I can tell you’ve done an awesome job with her. She’s…precocious.”
Shawn chuckled. “Why in the world would you say that? Just because she tried to fix up her father with the hot vet?” His stomach dropped as he realized what he’d just said. Out loud. Holy fuck, he was an idiot.
