by Megan Slayer
“I just needed a ride and wasn’t doing so hot under pressure.”
Farin said nothing, but frowned.
“I wrecked my car on the way.” He held up both hands. “My fault. I swerved to miss a truck that had gone left of center. The truck came right at me and I jumped the curb to not collide with it. That huge-ass curb by the hospital is dangerous. Anyway, I bent the rim and ruined the tire.”
“Where’d you take it, Doc?” Farin asked. “Tell me you stayed away from Coby’s. That bastard overcharges for everything.”
“No. I know it wasn’t there.” He hooked his fingers in his pants pockets. “Alpha Auto Shop…that’s the name. A guy named Matt is working on it. Seemed like a nice guy.”
“Matt Phillips?”
“Maybe? I didn’t ask for his last name.”
“You just handed over the keys to someone you don’t know?” Farin shook his head. “I’m kidding. How else will he fix your car? Doc, we really need to talk about getting you out of the hospital more and into the fresh air.”
“Yes, we do, and yes, I did. But he was working at the shop and I think he owns it.” Although now he was having second thoughts about his decision. “Was that a bad thing? Taking it there? I didn’t have a whole lot of choice.”
“Not at all.” Farin rocked on his heels. “Matt is a good man. He looks like he’d kill someone—people see his tats and piercings and I’ve heard plenty of people claim he looks rough, but he’s nice. He’ll work hard for you.”
“Good.” If Farin liked Matt, then that was a plus.
“His turnaround time is awesome,” Farin said. “Once he’s on a case—or a car, whatever—he doesn’t rest until it’s fixed.”
“That’s good to hear. I can’t handle Whit for much longer. He drives me crazy and he’ll want to be my personal taxi.” He sneaked a glance over his shoulder. Whit stood with a couple of muscle-bound men and two women at one of the round tables. At least he’d found someone to talk to instead of dogging Aiden all night.
“I can see why.” Farin scrubbed his hand across his mouth. “He’s hitting on the busboy.”
Embarrassment washed over him. He should’ve gone with a taxi. Fuck. “Oh well, he’s given me a reason to escape. My townhome isn’t far away. I’ll just walk home.”
“The hell you will.” Farin snapped his fingers. A waiter strode up to him. Farin nodded once. “Let Gareth know he’s got a fare.”
Without a word, the server disappeared.
“The taxis are still running this late? I guess they would still be running until midnight or two.” Aiden watched people on the dance-floor area. “Or were you planning ahead?”
“Steve and I met this fellow, Gareth. He’s nice and offered to ferry people who’ve had too much to drink. He’s got a ’57 Chevy with a red-and-yellow checkerboard design on it. He feels important and no one is driving home blitzed.” Farin shrugged. “I hoped maybe he’d meet someone. He’s sweet and cute, but shy.”
“You’re not trying to pair me up, are you?” He wasn’t into shy men. He needed someone who could hold their own.
“Nah. You’re not his type. He likes guys who are shorter than he is and he’s only five-eight. Come on. He’s parked out front.” Farin waved. “I hate seeing you miserable.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Aiden asked. “I’m not that awful.”
“No, but you’re here with the wrong guy. Someone will let Whit know—if he doesn’t run off with the busboy first.”
“Thanks.” He followed Farin to the driveway and the yellow Chevy. “Farin?”
“That’s me.” Farin faced him. “You don’t want to go back and chase Whit, do you?”
“No.” He shook his head. Not a chance. But he had a question. “How…how’d you know Steve was the one? That he was interested and it could work?”
Farin paused. “Wow. You know how to knock a man down.” He folded his arms. “Well…at first, I didn’t. He was so young. Still is, but I didn’t think it’d work. We were so different too. But we started talking and those differences weren’t so big after all. It’s hard to explain. We just clicked. I swim more because of him and he’s more open about his love of comic books.”
“So it could be out of the blue?” He doubted that would happen. Life liked to throw him curveballs rather than make anything easy.
“Sure.” Farin knocked on the window of the taxi. “Heya, Gareth. Would you take my friend Aiden home?”
“Sure,” Gareth said.
Farin opened the back door. “I’ll see you in a week. We’re heading off to Fire Island for five days of just us. I love Genie, but I can’t wait.”
“Sounds fun.” Aiden sighed. He hated to go home so early, but he couldn’t be there any longer. “Well, congrats. I’m ecstatic for you.”
“Thanks. Have a good night. I know we will.” Farin wriggled his eyebrows.
“I’m sure.” Aiden bit back a snort.
“You’re jealous as hell. You should be.” Farin clapped him on the shoulder. “Doc, it’ll happen. I know. Cedarwood is for gay lovers. Trust me.”
“Okay.” He ducked into the car and settled on the seat. He wasn’t sure what to think about Farin’s comment. Cedarwood is for gay lovers. What does that mean?
“Where are we going, Doc?” Gareth smiled via his reflection in the rearview mirror.
“It’s Aiden,” Aiden said. “But you can call me Doc, I don’t mind, and you can take me to Honeysuckle Avenue. I’m in the Briarwood Estates.”
“You’ve got it.”
Aiden rode in the back seat in silence. He’d missed the wedding and ducked out of the reception. Hopefully, the night had been magical. He rested his head on the back of the seat and closed his eyes. Was he wrong to want what Farin and Steve had? Maybe. But he did. Jealousy and longing filtered into his brain. His dates never turned out right. The guy was either too greedy or needy. They were jealous of his job or wanted an open relationship. They didn’t give a shit about his desires or needs. He craved a companion. Someone he could share a great love with, but was that man out there? He wasn’t sure. Mr. Wonderful had to exist. Had to.
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About the Author
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.
When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.
Megan loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website details and author profile page at https://www.pride-publishing.com