Chapter Fifteen
Lorcan
Ishouldn’t have panicked.
Except I’d recognized the two men.
The puppy and the handler.
I washed my hands. Then tossed cold water on my face. I wasn’t going to look in the mirror. I didn’t need to see how chickenshit I was. Wearing a collar for Cody and playing with a squeaky toy on his bed was one thing. Doing all that in the club was something else entirely.
But you went to the club. Was that not showing you might be interested?
I didn’t have a good answer for that.
As I headed back into toward the seating area, the smell of frying meat, French fries, and strong coffee assailed me—scents that comforted.
Cody grinned widely when I slid into the booth. He nudged my coffee toward me.
I grabbed a couple of creamers and a packet of sugar. I eyed his discarded packet of stevia. “Seriously?”
He grinned. “Yes. When Rainbow isn’t drowning me in her green tea.”
I cocked my head.
“Ah, right. You don’t—"
I held up my hand. “She’s the lady who answers the phone at the ranch.”
Cody nodded. “Yep. She’s—” His eyes took on a dreamy quality. “She’s the boulder at the center of the circle. Kennedy, her sister, is the psychologist and runs the place. She’s in charge of the clinical staff. Rainbow’s the glue that holds the ranch together.”
“Sounds like a good person to know.”
“For sure. I consider her a friend. Even when I was a patient, she was really good to me. I’ve never forgotten that kindness.”
“How long ago?” I waved off my question. “Never mind.”
“Almost ten years. I was one of the first patients at the ranch—just when Kennedy was starting her solo practice. She’s…
inspiring. When I started my undergrad studies, Justin joined the practice.
Proof to me that I could be gay and a good counselor.
I knuckled down and got through my studies as quickly as I could.
On to my practicum and then out in the world of practice.
I’ve only been doing this for six months, but I’ve already had a few successes.
” His face darkened for a moment. “It’s not always going to be positive.
I don’t know someone who has been in clinical practice for any real length in time who hasn’t had things go wrong. ”
I winced.
He shrugged. “That’s life. I accepted that when I chose this profession.”
“Yeah, I guess. I thought construction was fairly safe. I mean, downturns and shit happen…but we still made money most years.” And here you are, talking about your past again.
“Breakfast is here.” Sarabeth offered a huge smile as she put Cody’s plate of French toast down. Her blue eyes sparkled as she gave me the sunrise special. I usually ate more, but I didn’t want to consume so much in front of Cody.
Which is totally ridiculous—he’s not going to judge you.
But I would. That little pudge around my middle bothered me more than it should have.
So do something about it.
Well, that I could do. Another few weeks on job-sites, while eating properly, and I’d be in better shape.
“Can I get you anything else?” Sarabeth put the syrup on the table.
Cody and I shook our heads.
She gave a little wave and pivoted to the next table. She was one of three servers working today, and they all appeared to be run off their feet.
A quick glance outside showed several clusters of people.
“We were lucky to get a table.” Cody poured syrup on his food.
“Yeah.” I spread the peanut butter over my sourdough toast. “You don’t have any allergies or anything, do you?”
He eyed my peanut butter. “No peanut allergies—or anything else.” He leaned over. “How soon before I can kiss you again? I totally don’t mind peanut-butter breath.”
My cheeks flamed as heat surged to them. “Yeah, maybe on the walk home?” God, did I just say home? Like we’re sharing the place or something?
He grinned. “Yeah, on the way home.” He emphasized the word. “I was thinking, if you’re not too full, that we might get milkshakes to go.”
“Oh.”
“We don’t have to.”
“Maybe—” I cleared my throat. “One to share?” I’d let him drink most of it.
“Ah, but that means we have to agree on a flavor.”
I eyed our coffees.
“Yes, espresso’s a good flavor. As long as we finish it sooner rather than later. I want to sleep tonight.”
“Oh, I’m certain that can be arranged.”
He guffawed. Then leaned in. “You planning to wear me out?”
If the heat had receded, it came roaring back. “Well, I wasn’t…” I cleared my throat again. “Yeah, maybe.” I held his gaze. “If that’s what you want.”
“Oh, I want. Hey, don’t you live near here?”
I nodded. Fifties was almost exactly halfway between our two homes. His so lovely with the great view. Mine with the view of the dumpsters. “I, uh—” I swallowed. Then busied myself with putting scrambled eggs on my fork.
“We don’t have to go.” He shrugged. “I just figured we could pick up whatever you need for tomorrow. Then we can go home and hunker down for the afternoon and night.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Which made me smile. “Yeah, okay.”
We made small talk as we ate. My eyes kept straying toward the family next to us.
The men so clearly adored each other as well as their kids.
I had about a million questions as to how they’d all wound up together as a unit—but that was none of my business.
If Cody shared, though, I’d certainly be interested.
When Sarabeth removed our plates, Cody ordered an espresso milkshake to go. She was back a few minutes later with it, we put on our coats, and we made our way to the counter where Cody paid our bill.
Then he put his hand at the small of my back and guided us through the door into the cold.
The sun hid behind the clouds, and a gust of wind hit us.
“You sure you want to walk all the way to my place?”
He moved us so we were away from the two groups of people waiting for bigger booths. “I certainly don’t mind. I get the feeling you’re hesitating.”
I bit my lip.
“We don’t have—”
I waved him off. “It’s fine. The walk’s not bad. Just…it’s a dump, Cody.”
He stroked his fingers down my cheek. Since we’d only just stepped outside, they were still warm. “I’m not going to judge you. Swear to God, I’m not.”
“I believe you.”
“Well, then, it’s your call.” He pointed to the milkshake in my hand.
I held it out.
Instead of taking it, he moved closer. He put the straw between his lips and took a long drink.
My cock twitched.
He grinned. “Come on. The sooner we get there and pack a bag for you, the sooner we can get home and I can have my wicked way with you.”
Yeah, like that wasn’t going to rev my motor. “We might not make it back to your place.”
“Oh. I get to see how uncomfortable your couch is?”
I almost winced—but I didn’t. He was teasing me. Nothing wrong with being teased. “Yep, that’s what I’m thinking.”
Turned out it wasn’t just a tease. We tested out the sofa as we sixty-nined each other to very satisfying nearly mutual orgasms.
After cleaning up, I shoved everything I needed into an old backpack and we headed out.
To my relief, he hadn’t asked me to open the blinds. We’d merely turned on the overhead light and gotten busy.
Because every time he touched me, something lit inside me. Every look—every smile—ignited my libido in an unexpected way. Fifty-three wasn’t dead…but a hell of a long time had passed since my randy teens.
As we strolled down First Avenue, I noticed the Christmas decorations. “When did they go up?”
He squeezed my hand. “Third week of November. Friday night was the Christmas Parade.”
I cut him a quizzical look. Then I nodded. “Right. Riley told me. I’d forgotten.”
He chuckled. “You live one block away from the parade route, and you didn’t notice?”
“Uh…” I scratched my nose. “I took the overpass home because I had some vague notion of streets being closed. I wasn’t paying attention. Anyway, I was exhausted. I crashed.” And woke early to start panicking about meeting with you.
“Ah. Well, fun was had by all. Justin posted pictures to our group chat of him with his husband and kids.”
Justin.
My counselor.
Tuesday is just two days away.
I swallowed. “Yeah?”
“They went with some other families. Lots of fun. At least Friday night was mild. Some years it’s bitterly cold.”
“You’ve been?”
He chuckled. “Uh, no. Just inevitably someone I know goes. I’m friends with plenty of people who have kids that age.”
“Ah.” A few of the guys on my old crew had kids. We’d been generous with parental leave and understanding if they needed to stay home with a sick kid. Even now, I was kind of embarrassed we’d hardly had any women on our crew.
Riley ensuring she had gender parity was proof I hadn’t tried hard enough.
“Byron! Carter!” Cody waved at a couple advancing toward us.
With three dogs in front.
The older white gentleman had two little dogs sharing a leash.
Clearly having spotted Cody, the pups were pulling the guy toward him.
Cody dropped to his haunches. “Rosebud! Sheffield! How the hell are you?”
Both dogs slobbered kisses on his cheek.
That’s kind of cute. In a gross way.
Still, I maintained my smile. Tried to not look awkward.
The dog on the leash being held by the younger Black man eyed me.
I waved. “I’m harmless.”
The tan-colored dog didn’t appear impressed.
The guy eased himself down. “Mei, this is a friend.” He met my gaze and grinned. “Any friend of Cody’s is a friend of ours.”
My grin grew. Obviously he’d seen Cody holding my hand. That thought didn’t bother me. Like, at all. “I’m Lorcan. Cody’s…friend.”
“I’m Carter. This is my husband, Byron.”
That caught me off-guard because there was a significant age gap. At least as big as the one between Jai the pup and Demetrius the handler.
Although not as big as the one between Cody and me.
“Do you want to try to say hi?” Carter smiled. “She’s a little shy.”
Cody, who was still petting and receiving kisses, gazed over at the dog. “You got another dog?” His voice was a bit disbelieving. “Although, now you’re out of the condo and into a house, you can have as many as you like.”
Byron moaned. “Do not encourage him.”
Carter chuckled. “Sweetheart, you were the one who said we had to foster Mei.”
“Well…” He winced.
Another chuckle. “My husband has a soft spot for rescue pooches. Mei’s great, but I’m afraid she’s not getting as much attention as she needs.”
“Oh?” I crouched and held out my hand.
The tan-colored dog sniffed for several long moments before advancing. She placed her head directly under my hand. Slowly, I petted her.
“That’s great.” Carter met my gaze with amazing dark-brown eyes. “She’s shy.”
“And Rosebud’s been more demanding than usual.” Byron eyed his dogs.
“Not appreciating having a third?” Cody gave extra scritches to the mutt. Sheffield appeared to be a Jack Russell, while I couldn’t peg the cream dog as anything.
Well, as best I could guess. I wasn’t a dog expert by any means. I returned my attention to Mei. “Was she born in the month of May?” I gently stroked her fur as she gazed at me with the most intense dark-brown eyes.
“Huh? Oh.” Carter laughed. “It’s M-E-I. It just sounds like the month.
A lovely woman owned her. The woman got an amazing job overseas, and no matter what she tried to do, she couldn’t get the paperwork to bring the dog.
She almost didn’t take the opportunity. A mutual friend of ours asked us if we could take Mei until a permanent home could be found.
” He scratched her ear. “She’s had a tough time adjusting as well.
She was a rescue, and the shelter didn’t have much information on her before the first owner adopted her.
” He cocked his head. “We’ve been letting her guide us, but she’s been pretty shut down.
You’re the first person she’s warmed up to. ”
I didn’t think I was anyone special, but I held the dog’s gaze. “I’d bring you home with me if I could. Unfortunately, my building only allows cats.”
“Drat.” Carter gently ruffled the fur on her back. “She lived with a cat as well. Trifle’s in another foster home. Sheffield is not thrilled with felines, and so we decided we couldn’t take on both fosters. Ideally, if they could be reunited in one home, then everything would be perfect.”
“That’s a tall order.” Cody rubbed Sheffield’s snout. “I miss you guys.”
Byron snorted. Then appeared surprised at himself.
I was under the impression he was a bit more buttoned-up than his younger husband.
“They miss you too. I think they enjoyed living in the condo, but to see them in the backyard? Pure bliss.”
Rosebud’s tail wagged back and forth so hard that her butt moved.
“She also loves when my sister, Tansy, visits.” Carter gave her what I thought of as a knowing glance.
The dog barked raucously, desperately looking around.
All three men laughed.
She stopped, glared at all of them, and plopped down onto her butt.
Mei leaned into my arm.
I met her gaze. “A little much?”
She blinked.
If I hadn’t known better, I’d have sworn she understood—and appreciated my empathy.
A fat drop of rain hit my hand.
“Oh crap.” Carter gazed upward. “Right. Piss-poor timing.
Byron touched the tip of his fedora. “I suggested it might rain.”
“Yeah.” He rolled his eyes. “But you also love when my hair gets frizzy.”
Cody wagged his finger. “Demetrius has the same complaint, and Jai has the same response.”
“How are they doing?”
Byron cleared his throat as more raindrops fell. “Perhaps you can schedule a catch-up another time? I don’t want three wet dogs stinking up my car.”
Carter stood, then pressed a kiss to his husband’s cheek. “I know that you don’t care. That said, Sheffield doesn’t enjoy rain.”
In fact, the dog was already trying to head back the way they’d come.
“Can we offer you a lift?” Byron met Cody’s gaze. “I mean, you might have a car around here or…” He scrunched his nose. “I don’t even know where you’re going.”
“Back to the condo.” Cody stood as well, even as he gave Rosebud more scritches.
“Well, then we have to drive you.”
As I stood, Carter looped his arm in mine.
I was stunned speechless.
He grinned. “I need to warn you about a little quirk of Cody—”
“Hey!” Cody stuck his nose in the air—clearly indignant.
Only to have a raindrop hit his nose.
“Fuck.”
“Sensitive ears.” Byron gave him a look.
This time, I laughed. I met Carter’s gaze. “Tell me everything.”
Something told me I’d just made two new friends.