6. Rourke
Chapter six
Rourke
I had to help this poor boy. Colin was getting into my heart without even trying. Staying with his friend Andy wasn’t ideal. Plus, I wanted him where I knew he would be safe and thrive. I hadn’t kept a boy before. Well, not like that. I think the longest I had a boy was a month or two, and they didn’t live with me, not that Colin would be living with me. If he took the pool house, he’d essentially have his own place. And he wanted to be self-sufficient. I wanted that for him. So, if transportation was his big issue, I’d have to fix that too.
Colin refused to borrow one of my vehicles. Hell, he wouldn’t even listen when I tried to offer. I needed to get him one of his own. But it couldn’t be anything expensive, like mine. I had a big Mercedes SUV and two other fancy cars, as well as my Bugatti, but none of them would get Colin to accept a car as a gift. No, I needed something more his speed.
Deciding on a plan of action, I took an Uber to a car lot located between my place and Andy’s. I picked out a suitable used vehicle in good condition so it would be safe. More importantly, it was one that I thought he could accept. It was a small Mitsubishi Mirage with very little mileage and at a low price that I could afford out of pocket. I paid cash and wanted to transfer everything into Colin’s name, but all I knew was Colin Turtle. I didn’t have an address or anything, so I called Andy.
“I need Colin’s information. And a copy of his driver’s license.”
“I can’t give you that dude. And right now, he doesn’t have an address. You know that. Why?”
“I want to give him something.”
“Well, you’ll have to do it without that. Get it from him after.”
He was right. Plus, he needed insurance, and I was pretty sure if he didn’t own a car, he didn’t have that. “Does he even have a driver’s license?”
“Dude.” I heard a commotion in the background, and Andy groaned. “I gotta go.”
“Quick, one more thing. Is he at work today?”
“Gets off at four. Bye.”
Well. That left me no choice. I transferred the car into my name with my insurance. That might make him think twice, but we could transfer it to him later. Paperwork done, I drove it off the lot and stopped for lunch to kill some time before heading to Koffee Kraze.
Parking was limited around the shop, but I found a spot around the corner and walked to the little store. A few young people, probably from the college nearby, sat at the outdoor tables. It was nice out with a cool breeze that was rare in Tampa, so I certainly didn’t blame them for being outside with their drinks and treats. Inside, there was no line, and Andy wiped down the counters and around his area instead of taking orders. He looked up and said hello when I came to the counter, but then he frowned. “What kind of gift requires someone’s driver’s license?” he hissed at me.
“The kind that’s for Colin. Is he here?”
“I hope you’re not fucking with him. He’s had it hard lately, you know.”
“I’m aware. And I’m not. Is he here?” I raised my eyebrows, glaring sternly at him. I got that he wanted to protect his friend, but I didn’t like repeating myself, and I didn’t need him butting in.
Andy huffed, “Yes. I’ll get him.” He thumbed over his shoulder. “I’ll make you regret hurting him.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
“Just so we understand each other.” He shuffled toward the back door, marked employees only, and yelled. “Turtle-Dove! Can you come up here, please?”
Wasn’t that a sweet nickname? I thought so until I heard Colin grumbling, “Enough with the dove , douche.”
Andy snickered, “Eh… You love it.”
“What’s up?” Colin walked through the door, and even seeing him with his hair put up and under a hair net, wearing an apron and white shorts, had my heart thumping. He looked industrious, somehow. And cute. Andy nodded in my direction, and Colin glanced up. Then blushed. “Oh. Hey. Hi.”
“Hi, Colin. I have something for you. A gift. Outside.”
“Oh, um. I have like ten minutes until I clock out.” He bit his bottom lip, sucking it in his mouth, and he looked at Andy.
Andy threw his hands up. “I don’t care if you take off early. It’s dead anyway.”
Colin kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks, boss.” Then he looked at me and cocked his head to the side, looking very much like a confused puppy. “I’ll be right out.”
“Great. I’ll be outside.” I went out and paced around.
Finally, Colin joined me on the patio. “Hey. Don’t you have, like, work? Or something?”
“I work when I want. Come on.” I took his hand, pleased he let me, and led him around the corner where I parked. “Here.” I pulled out the key fob, clicked it so the little car beeped, then handed it to him.
“What?”
“Surprise. I bought you a car.”
“What the hell?”
“Now you have transportation, and you can stay in my pool house.”
“Rourke…um, I don’t know.”
“Say yes already, doofus,” Andy added from the corner. Of course, he couldn’t let it go. “You need a car and a place to stay. Seriously. I’m kicking you off my couch.”
“I…I…” Colin stumbled over his words, but he also clicked the fob. Twice.
Andy came up behind him and gave him a shove. “Say yes.”
Colin turned and glared at him. “Who is minding the store?”
“Closed early. Take the car.” Andy leered at Colin. “Or I will.”
“The hell you will,” Colin blurted.
At the exact same time, I said, “It’s not on the table for you, Andy.”
Colin stuck his tongue out at his friend, who flipped us both off.
“Let’s go pick up your stuff.” I was ready to get moving.
“Fine. Let’s go. I’m driving.” Colin headed over to the car and got in.
Relief washed over me. I needed Colin to be okay. I hadn’t been this excited about the potential with someone in a long time.