by Trina Solet
"It must have been so hard for them. The most important people in their lives gone," Dan said.
Owen knew the loss left a hole in their lives and in their hearts just like it did in his, except they were such little things. He didn't know how they could bear it.
"I remember Connie crying for her mom and dad. How could I possibly console her?" Owen said. Owen just held Connie and waited, told her he loved her. The children's grief had been so painful for both him and Mom. But they did their best to mend their little, broken hearts.
"You did fine," Dan said. "I know because of how well the girls are doing even though their grandmother went so far away."
"You had something to do with that too," Owen told him. "I couldn't have gotten them through this alone. When it comes to raising the girls, Mom did most of the heavy lifting. She cut back her work hours to be with them. She mostly just worked from here."
"Kate told me you offered to step in and take over for her at work so she could stay home with the girls," Dan said, trying to give him more credit than he deserved.
"I did what I could. Someone had to run things. I'm glad we got Yolanda now, or I would be stuck at the office all day." He frowned thoughtfully. "I guess Mom gave me an opportunity when she left. I'll be spending more time with the girls now. I'm actually looking forward to it."
"Any time you want them all to yourself, just say the word," Dan told him.
"Is that a threat?" Owen asked, panicking.
"I don't want to be in the way. Don't feel you always have to include me."
"You're my bodyguard. You are my human shield. I'm not going anywhere without you. They would make mincemeat of me," Owen exaggerated then he turned earnest. "But don't feel obligated to come with us if we go out somewhere that doesn't appeal to you. I know you have your own life."
"Now you're doing it," Dan said. "I like the girls. I have fun with them and even with you."
"I like how you added me in as an afterthought."
"I shouldn't say this to the guy who's paying me, but working here isn't really like work. I feel guilty getting paid for it on top of getting to live here and getting all my meals free."
"Call it hazard pay. Believe me, you earned it. I was just admitting to Mom today that she made the right choice. No one could fit in here better than you. And the girls glommed on to you the second they met you. Dan, the man."
"I'm glad we're all happy together."
"It's funny you said that," Owen said. "Before Mom's trip, I was worried this wouldn't be a happy house after she left. That I didn't have what it takes. Once you showed up, that thought never even occurred to me again. Don't underestimate what you've done for this family. We carry a lot of sadness inside us. We need you." He felt like he stared at Dan too long so he smiled and said, "No pressure."
"I don't feel any pressure. I'm happy I can be here for you guys. You know, I was lonely when I lived in our house by myself before it was sold. Being with your family makes me miss mine a little less."
That was nice to hear, and it was even nicer when Dan rested his hand on Owen's briefly before he went up to bed. Owen should have grabbed him and made him stay. His face heated at the thought of all the things he wanted from Dan. As he imagined going up after him, Owen gulped and cursed himself.
*
Owen had said he needed him. Dan couldn't hear that enough. As he spoke, Owen's eyes were a little bit sad but bright and warm. Dan felt like Owen's whole being was reaching out to him. Though they weren't touching yet, Dan felt a connection that had a more than physical weight. At that moment, Dan almost launched himself at Owen to kiss him and hold him and make it real. He came to his senses just in time.
They sat quietly for a while. Owen placed his hand on his laptop but didn't open it. The house was quiet as was the whole world outside the big window. Dan felt that everything was hushed by the stillness between them. Dan put his hand on Owen's lightly. He felt the heat of Owen's hand and the coolness of the laptop. He didn't linger though. As Dan stood up and said goodnight, Owen looked at him. It was like he wanted to say or do something, but he only stared. Dan smiled at him and went upstairs. He didn't regret not making a move. Sometimes it was just good to feel close to someone late at night, to have a full heart even if you had to go to bed alone.
Chapter 6
The next day, Dan called Owen when his classes were finished.
"I was just about to call you," Owen said as soon as he answered.
"I know," Dan told him.
"How do you know?"
"I knew you'd worry after what happened to my tires."
"OK. Thank you for calling."
"I'm walking to my car now," Dan said, giving him a play-by-play report. "I'm looking it over, and it looks fine. No tire damage. No damage of any kind. I'll text you when I get home, and when I go get the girls, and when I have them in the car, and when I have them home."
"Umm. I was going to say that was overkill, but it would make me feel better," Owen admitted.
Dan laughed. "It's no problem. Text you soon."
Dan didn't mind texting Owen every second, but he really enjoyed hearing his voice. He loved the hesitations and especially the warmth and humor in his tone. Dan found that he couldn't stop smiling. Just talking to Owen for a few minutes did that to him. He was so screwed.
Since Owen needed to be reassured, Dan decided to do better than text him. After letting him know that he had the girls, he offered to pay Owen a visit at the real estate office. He was curious about the place where Owen spent half the day.
Wakefield Realty was located in a nice building of its own right on the corner of a quiet intersection. It looked upscale but not intimidating. Inside, it had the same vibe plus it looked pretty busy. Phones were ringing, people were talking business. One big, blond guy was laughing a throaty laugh while talking to Owen. Seeing that Owen was smiling, Dan felt his insides tighten with jealousy. The blond guy was muscular, a jock in his prime. He looked more like a football player than a real estate agent. Maybe he was both. Dan recognized his green blazer and emblem from the ads for Heath Realty, a well-known real estate firm in town. How could he wear that horrible blazer and still look good? The guy stepped away to talk on his phone, and the girls ran up to Owen.
"A bird was pecking at your car," Connie told him after giving him a kiss.
"We chased it away," Maggie said and gave him a kiss too.
"Thanks," Owen told them.
"Give us money," Connie said.
"No."
"Cheap, cheap," Maggie chirped.
"Next time we'll let the bird eat your car," Connie threatened.
"It would serve me right," Owen told them as they ran off to talk to the lady in reception.
"Who was that blond guy you were talking to?" Dan asked. He had to or he would burst.
"Why? Don't tell me he's your type," Owen said then quickly wiped the frown off his face. "That's Brad. He's the competition."
"Mine or yours?" Dan said. Good thing Owen didn't know what he meant.
"What?"
That's when the guy they were talking about came over and gave Dan a once-over and a big grin as he offered him his hand.
"Brad, this is..." Owen started to say, but Brad interrupted him.
"You don't need to introduce him. I know an angel when I see one."
"Do you know a nanny when you see one? This is Dan. He's taking care of the girls."
"I prefer manny," Danny said as Brad shook his hand for way too long.
"As do I," Brad said, putting a different spin on it and leering at Dan. His phone rang, and he dropped Dan's hand and excused himself.
As Brad got out of the way, Dan spotted an unbelievably cute guy behind a desk. Following his transfixed gaze, Owen sighed then said, "They can't both be your type. You want to meet him? That's Simon. He's the assistant I share with Yolanda."
Simon was Brad's opposite. He was thin, dark and very attractive with a cute afro and long eyelashes. He looked
more like a model than a real, live human being. Seeing him, Dan glared at Owen.
"What did I do?" Owen asked.
"You hired him." Dan shot an accusing look in Simon's direction.
"Yolanda hired him."
"You had nothing to do with it? You didn't approve it?"
"Umm. Am I in trouble?" Owen asked.
"Yes. Why are you surrounded by gorgeous guys?" Dan asked. He didn't care if he was being completely unreasonable.
"You tell me," Owen said and looked him up and down like Dan had something to answer for as well.
Dan grumbled. He did have home field advantage, but in every other way he was outmatched. Simon was at least a year or two older and just too damn beautiful. Brad was way more accomplished. And God knows how many other guys were lurking out there ready to outdo him and steal Owen away.
"Am I supposed to say something to take that frown off your face?" Owen asked. "Because I'll say it."
Dan had to smile at him. "I guess you already did."
"Come on, let me introduce you to everyone. They've all been eyeing you like hungry beasts," Owen said. He put his hand on Dan's back lightly.
Dan felt himself melt inside. He had to concentrate really hard to remember the names and faces of the people Owen introduced him to. They were all a blur. All of Dan's attention was centered on that spot on his back where Owen's hand had rested for a moment. Tingling heat radiated from there as Owen's voice rumbled in his ear pleasantly, saying his name over and over again.
*
Having Dan and the girls stop by had brightened Owen's day. It was too bad that he couldn't skip work and go to a late lunch with them. Dan's jealous act was a nice boost to his ego. Owen couldn't help grinning at the thought that Dan might get possessive. Even knowing that what Dan said didn't mean anything, it still made Owen feel good. Everything about Dan made him feel good, too good. Owen was a little disturbed by how much pleasure he got out of introducing Dan to everyone. After all, he was introducing an employee, not his boyfriend. Too bad that happy and proud feeling inside him didn't seem to know that.
"Perving on the manny. Shame on you, Wakefield," Brad said, like he knew why Owen was grinning to himself like an idiot.
"You were the one perving on him," Owen shot back.
"And you were jealous," Brad said. "Wasn't he, Simon?"
Simon raised an eyebrow at Brad. "No comment about the man whose name is on the door and on my paycheck, and who is standing right there," Simon said. That was the same as saying he agreed with Brad.
That meant everyone could tell how Owen felt about Dan. How horrifying, but not surprising. Owen was completely out of his depth. He never had to hide these kinds of feelings before. He had never felt them until now. It was impossible not to want Dan, but Owen's feelings were getting stronger all the time, boiling over into something else. If only Dan was a terrible person with no charm, without a sunny smile, or beautiful eyes that beamed at Owen in a special way. But no, Dan had to be a gorgeous and lovable thorn in his side.
Owen was still worrying about his feelings for Dan when he got home. The girls were in the mood to be nice, not scary, so they ran up to him to greet him with kisses and hugs. He gave them each a kiss on the cheek. Maggie came back for more.
"Me, me," she said, and Owen kissed her again.
"Me too," Connie said so she got another hug and kiss.
"Me now. I want to be even with Connie," Maggie demanded reaching up for another hug.
"You were even until you asked for one more," Owen said but gave her a kiss anyway. Then he had to give another one to Connie. "That's one more for my little jellybean. Now we're done," Owen said, cutting them both off.
"Who's jellybean," Dan asked the girls as he came down the stairs.
"No one," Connie said, but Maggie had already pointed a finger at her.
"You know you're my little jellybean," Owen told Connie.
"I'm not little. I'm big now. Maggie is little," Connie said.
Maggie stood on her tiptoes to try and look bigger.
"You're both little," Owen told them.
"We can't both be little. Look how much bigger I am," Connie said as she held her hand well above the top of Maggie's head and her own.
"What do you want me to call you?" Owen asked. "A potato? A potato is bigger than a jellybean. My little potato."
"Nooo!" Connie shrieked.
Maggie laughed.
"What do you call Maggie?" Dan wanted to know.
"Magpie."
"'Cause I'm sweet like pie," Maggie said.
"Yes, you are," Owen told her.
Dan looked at Owen but decided not to give Maggie any extra information about her nickname.
*
Dan liked that moment when Owen first arrived home from work. He got to see Owen as the girls made a fuss over him, chattering at him. That's when Dan could see pure love shining from his eyes. Those loving eyes would then turn to Dan, and Owen would smile and look away. He did it again today.
As the girls went off to play, he and Owen went into the kitchen.
"Do you call Maggie magpie because she likes shiny things or because she repeats everything Connie says?" Dan asked as Owen checked over the mail.
"Why do I have to choose? Both." Owen smiled to himself. "Maggie might look like Laura, but she's just like her dad. Mike and I were the goofiest kids you ever saw in your life. And Mike never grew out of it. He was a diamond in the rough while Laura was a polished gem. I would never have expected them to have such a great relationship. If I didn't love them both so much, I would have envied them."
"There's no reason why you can't have a great relationship," Dan said. He wanted to say "with me" but didn't dare.
After a quick, searching glance at Dan, Owen looked down.
"I bury myself in work and try not to think about what I don't have or to wonder if I ever will." Owen shrugged. "The girls give me so much, but I do ask myself if I can really live without love."
"That's not an option. I'm not allowing that," Dan told him vehemently. How could he look so hopeless and so gorgeous? Dan wondered if Mike and Laura had something to do with it. "You lost two people you loved. Maybe you're afraid of being with someone because you're afraid of losing them."
"Could be, but the fact is, it hasn't really come up. I haven't met anyone I wanted to get serious with."
"Maybe you weren't serious about looking," Dan accused him.
"I made an honest effort," Owen claimed.
"I bet it was more like a half-assed effort."
"I don't see you out there trying to find the right guy," Owen said.
"I keep my eyes peeled."
Owen smiled ruefully at Dan. "You have nothing to worry about yet. You don't need to rush. My life is exactly as it should be except for that one piece. You aren't there yet. You'll have plenty of time to look."
Dan nodded noncommittally, not liking what he heard. He did his best not to let Owen see his disappointment. When he looked at him, Owen only saw a college kid who hadn't even made a start building his life and career while Owen had everything. They were miles apart. Dan's heart sank. Owen might like him, but he couldn't take him seriously. If only Dan knew how to be less serious about Owen.
Chapter 7
As Dan was leaving class, he noticed that someone was approaching him. It was a cute guy named Xiao who was in one of his classes last year. Dan had been interested in him. They talked a few times, but then he found out Xiao had a boyfriend. Now the boyfriend was history, and Dan had his chance. As Xiao asked him out, Dan was ready to refuse without a second's thought. But then he stopped. If he said no, it was the same as saying that he was saving himself for Owen. Couldn't have that. Dan had to keep his feelings for Owen in check. Owen could never be interested in him. He dealt with people who owned mansions, and sometimes he dated them. That meant that Dan couldn't let himself get carried away by his longstanding, maybe permanent crush on Owen. Here was his chance to try and free himself o
f his hopeless yearning for a guy he couldn't have. Dan said yes and listened to himself making plans for a dinner and a movie while feeling like he was having an out of body experience.
Later on, when it was time for Dan to pick up the girls from school, Maggie was first. She always ran to him excitedly then turned back to wave at her friends. Lots of tiny hands waved back. Dan always had to make sure that she hadn't forgotten anything before he buckled her into her seat. Too many times he had to walk her back so she could get something she left behind. Connie finished school a little later so there was time for Dan to make a side trip.
"How was preschool today?"
"I learned lots of things," Maggie bragged.
"What did you learn?" Dan asked her.
She thought hard about it then she shook her head. "I don't know."
"Sounds like a productive day."
She nodded in agreement.
"We're making a stop here so I can drop off a book," Dan told her as he swung by Inez's house.
"That's a big book," Maggie said, seeing him get it out of his bag.
"It sure is. It's expensive too. I couldn't afford it by myself so Inez and I share it to save money," Dan told her.
After they went home with Connie, Maggie went straight upstairs. She came back down the stairs slower than usual. Dan heard a clinking noise as well as the sound of her footsteps. He was doing some cleaning and straightening in the living room when Maggie came running to him, hugging a piggy bank.
"I have lots of money." She shook the piggy bank to show him.
"Wow! You're rich," Dan told her.
She nodded and laughed. "It's for you so you can buy a book."