Silver Fox in Cedarwood (Cedarwood Pride)

by Megan Slayer

  “Hello and yes, sir?” Dorian said. “What’s happening? Are you bored?”

  “Kind of.” He sat on the arm of the overstuffed chair. “I’m getting cabin fever.”

  “It’s only Friday night and you worked all week,” Dorian said. “How could you get cabin fever if you’re out and about?”

  “I want to go out. Music, dancing. That’s what I need.” Anything without the sterile antiseptic scent.

  “Or do you want to meet a new man?” Dorian asked. “Let me guess. You need a wingman.”

  “No. I don’t want to go alone, though.” He hated clubbing solo. Every time he went out on his own, he made bad choices. Dorian knew how to rein him in. “You keep me out of trouble.”

  “I try to.”

  “You succeed. Please?” He’d only picked up his ex-fling, Alan, because he’d been on his own. He’d heard every one of Dorian’s protests, but he’d been determined to do something out of his ordinary. He scratched Ollie behind the ears. “We’ll have fun.”

  “What time do you want me to pick you up?” Dorian asked.

  “In an hour? I’ll drive.” The music and gyrating bodies had to keep his mind off his troubles.

  “Fine. I’ll be ready,” Dorian said. “But I’m not hooking up with you.”

  “No? I never asked you to.” Dorian was like a sibling, not a lover.

  “Aziz isn’t coming back. He went to Seattle with a man named Cliff.”

  “Cliff?” Holy shit. “Which one is that?” He couldn’t keep Aziz’s boyfriends straight. No wonder Dorian seemed down. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. He was just another man in the paddock,” Dorian said. “I should be okay with it. Jesus. He cheated on me all the time, but it sucks because I like him. I thought we were tight.”

  “He acted like a jerk,” Isaac murmured. “You deserve better.” He stood, then paced the length of his living room.

  “You sound like a broken record.” Dorian groaned. “He played me and I let him.”

  “You’re human. We’ve all done what you did. Remember when I dated Ron? It lasted six months longer than it should’ve and he wrecked my car. I thought he needed me. He wanted my money.”

  “I remember.”

  “We’ll find the right guys,” Isaac said. “I know it.” He’d found the right dog in Stan. Could Len be the perfect guy for him?

  “But I’m not sleeping with you. No matter how drunk and desperate we get.”

  “I should be hurt.” He wasn’t, but he should’ve been. “What’s wrong with me?”

  “You can be self-centered,” Dorian said. “You demand a lot. You hate failure. I’m a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of guy. I’m artistic and that drives you nuts. We’re friends, but we can’t be lovers.”

  “You’re right.” He still hadn’t asked Dorian to sleep with him, but he understood. He wasn’t about to take advantage of his friend after this break-up.

  “We’ll both be miserable tonight.”

  “Nah.” If nothing else, he had his dog and cat at home when the night ended. Someone cared about him and that was enough.

  “I’m sure of it. I’m hurt and you’re bored. It’s a bad combination,” Dorian said. “Still, I want to go out. You’re paying the cover charge.”

  “I’ll be over in an hour.” Isaac wanted to say more, but Dorian hung up before he could. He tossed the phone onto the couch. He should dress for a night out, but he hated club clothes. Fuck. If he couldn’t hide in a button-down and dress slacks or scrubs, he didn’t know what to do with himself. He headed into his bedroom and selected a blue V-neck shirt with grommets on the collar and a pair of his softest jeans. Where were his ankle boots? He dug through his wardrobe for the footwear, then caught sight of himself in the mirror.

  Shit. He needed to do something with his hair. He’d let it grow out too much and the curls had begun to show. He stood and appraised his reflection. Did he look old? Tired?

  His phone rang. He checked the number before answering. Jake. His heart hammered. He hadn’t heard from his ex-boyfriend in forever. “Hello?”

  “Hi, baby. Are you going out tonight?” Jake asked. “Or are you going to be home?”

  “I thought I might go out.” He and Jake had split on decent terms and he didn’t mind seeing him again. He wasn’t interested in rekindling the relationship, but a conversation wouldn’t be bad. “Why? Did you want to meet up? I’m heading out with Dorian in a little while.” He’d rather touch base with Len, but he still wasn’t sure Len would be interested. Stan climbed onto the bed and stared at him.

  “No.” Jake laughed. “I haven’t seen you at the clubs. I worried you’d dropped off the face of the earth. Are you still in Springdale?”

  “No, I moved.” He ran his fingers through his hair. No matter what he did with it, he’d still look frazzled. Damn it.

  “I’ll be at Club 51 in Cedarwood. Sweet. Find me.”

  “I’ll let Dorian know.” He petted Stan, appreciating the dog’s calming presence.

  “Dorian? You’re still palling around with him?”

  “Yeah, why?” What was wrong with Dorian?

  “He’s not into you.”

  Ah, now he remembered the jealousy. Jake hated Dorian and his relationship with him. “I know.” He continued to pet Stan.

  “He’s too flashy.”

  “So?”

  “You’re trying too hard with him.”

  “Stop.” He’d had enough and didn’t want to see his ex. So much for going to Club 51. “I’m not going out with Dorian as a date. We’re friends.”

  “You wanted to date him.”

  “I’m not taking the bait on this.” He gathered his jacket, ID, credit card and keys, then put on his boots. He filled Ollie’s food dish, then took Stan out for a quick walk and potty break. Before he left, he ensured Stan had his chew bone and access to the bedroom. Satisfied, Isaac walked out of the apartment and locked up before heading downstairs to his car.

  “You could have me,” Jake said. “We’d have fun. Are you listening to me? Who are you with right now?”

  “I put the dog out for a walk, then fed both him and the cat. I’m still listening to you.” He slid behind the wheel of his car. “I need to go. If we head there, I’ll see you.” This time, he hung up without giving Jake a chance to respond. He drove across town to Strausburg to pick up Dorian. He didn’t want to think about his exes or his workload. He refused to consider his crush.

  Fifteen minutes later, he stopped in front of Dorian’s apartment building. Dorian strode out of the foyer.

  “Hi.” Dorian settled on the seat. “Did you know where you wanted to go?” He adjusted his smoking jacket and ran his fingers through his hair. He’d muted his usually wild style and almost didn’t look like himself.

  “I haven’t decided.” Club 51 was out. “Why? Do you have a suggestion?”

  “How about the Cedarwood Gentlemen’s Club?” Dorian asked. He donned a set of black-rimmed glasses. “I want to find a rich boyfriend.”

  “Isn’t that a strip club?” He drove back to Cedarwood. “I could swear it’s a strip joint.”

  “No, it’s a place for men of high character and wealth,” Dorian said. “Hence, I toned myself down and am wanting to find a rich boyfriend.”

  “Well, if that’s the kind of joint it is and we can get in, then I hope you do.” He drove through town to Country Club Drive. He’d passed the gentlemen’s club many times and wondered what the inside was like. Now, he’d know. He pulled into the parking lot and joined the line of cars. “Is there a valet or can I park myself?”

  “Over here.” Dorian pointed to a nearly full lot. “It’s just a longer walk to the building.”

  “I don’t care.” He found an empty space and pulled in. Dorian led the way to the door.

  A tuxedo-clad man at the entry stopped them. “The fee to enter is forty dollars each, gentlemen.”

  Isaac pulled out the required bills from his wallet. “I’ve got i
t. Thanks.” He’d agreed to pay the cover, but he hadn’t expected it to be quite so high.

  “I’ll pay for drinks,” Dorian said and strolled into the club. “Let’s go.”

  The doorman rolled his eyes, but stepped out of the way.

  Isaac elbowed Dorian. “Where do we go? This is fancier than I thought it’d be.” He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but granite pillars, deep maroon carpet, drapery and candlelight wasn’t it. Should he whisper? Where was the throbbing music? The gyrating bodies? Shit, he was over his head.

  “It’s a freeform kind of place.” Dorian squeezed Isaac’s arm. “You go where you want to.” He walked away from Isaac, leaving Isaac in the middle of the expansive room.

  Isaac sighed. Compared to some of the men, he was underdressed. He ducked out of the throng of male bodies to the edge of the room. He’d become a doctor because he loved medicine—not the money. He wasn’t good in convention situations and only clubbed because he stood a chance to find a partner for the evening. He didn’t know what the hell he was going to find here.

  Isaac spotted a hallway. According to Dorian, he had free rein in the building. The corridor offered less noise—no chamber music like in the main room. He noticed a door off to the side. Law Lounge. He scrubbed the back of his hand across his chin. Interesting. He’d never practiced law, but he’d watched a lot of crime shows during college.

  Dorian sashayed up to him. “Where are you going? You’re not allowed in the Law Lounge.”

  “Why not?” Other than the obvious—he wasn’t a lawyer.

  “It’s boring and stuffy,” Dorian said. “That and you’re a doctor.”

  “So? You’re not a lawyer.”

  “No, but I was with Lewis, who is and he got me in.” Dorian shrugged. “Speaking of, I see him. I’ll be back.”

  Dorian strolled away a second time, leaving Isaac to his own devices…again. Isaac ventured over to the bar and ordered a rum and cola.

  “Well, Dr. McLean. How are you?” Dr. Arlen Gates stood next to him. “What brings you here?”

  “The conversation?” He sipped his drink and left a tip in the jar. “You?”

  “I needed to get away from the wife.” Dr. Gates laughed. “I love her, but I’m suffocating.”

  He nodded and smiled, but said nothing. He wasn’t wild about airing relationship grievances to anyone who listened.

  “What about you? When are you going to settle down?” Dr. Gates asked. “You’re the most eligible bachelor at the office.”

  “Nah, but I’m enjoying my single status.” The right guy had to find him.

  “You’re too good to be single.” Dr. Gates wandered away with his glass of wine.

  Well…okay. Isaac finished his drink, then abandoned the glass on the bar. He spotted Dorian deep in conversation with a dark-haired man. Isaac ventured back to the general area of the Law Lounge. He appreciated the classy elitism of the club. His ex would never fit in at the club. Which was good, since he didn’t want to see his ex.

  Isaac wandered past the Law Lounge and stopped when he detected the collection of voices. He recognized Len’s voice. He and Len kept turning up in the same places. Should he venture in and speak to Len? Keep his distance? Every time Len spoke, he got the shivers.

  “Len, what are you going to do now that you’re in Cedarwood?” a male voice asked.

  “Preferably volunteer. I don’t want to go back to the courtroom,” Len said. “I’m good in retirement.”

  Isaac nodded. He looked damn fine in retirement.

  “When are you going to settle down?” the male voice asked. “Keye’s gone. Ross left. You need to find someone.”

  “I’ve had my eye on a person, but the timing hasn’t been right,” Len said. “I want to say something to him, but he isn’t into me.”

  Shame. Isaac shook his head. If he knew the guy, he wanted to think he’d encourage the man to be with Len. Nah. He’d try to keep them apart so he could have Len instead.

  “Len, tell the guy,” a second male voice said. “I would.”

  “I just moved and I’m settling into my routine. I’ll get there,” Len said. “Besides, I’m good with my dog. She’s loyal, more than some of you bastards.”

  Isaac laughed. Len could be so candid and funny.

  Dorian strode up to Isaac. “There you are.”

  His cheeks burned. He’d been eavesdropping and could be found out at any time. Dorian talking so loudly didn’t help. “Hush.”

  “Why?” Dorian sighed. “Why are you standing outside the Law Lounge? Is your boyfriend in there?”

  Fuck. Isaac steered Dorian away from the doorway. “Keep your voice down.”

  “If the guy is in there, go get him,” Dorian said. The scent of rum swirled around him and he slurred his words.

  “How much have you had to drink? We haven’t been here that long.” If Dorian wasn’t careful, he’d get them thrown out.

  “I did shots with Lewis.” Dorian swatted at him. “I thought he liked me.”

  “I’m guessing he didn’t?” Damn. Dorian had the worst luck with men.

  Dorian threw his arms around Isaac. “He wanted me for the night. Said I’m not worth longer.” His voice cracked. “I’m worth more than one night.”

  “You are.” He spotted people leaving the Law Lounge. Len met his gaze for a moment. Isaac tensed. He didn’t want to be caught with a sloppy, weepy Dorian and give Len the wrong impression. “Let’s go.”

  “Do you love me?” Dorian asked. He sagged into Isaac. “Do you?”

  “I do.” Time to go. He hoped Len didn’t remember what he’d seen.

  “Isaac?” Len inched up to him. “Are you okay?”

  So much for getting out without being remembered… He forced a smile. “I’m fine. My friend just got dumped.”

  “Friend?” Len swept his gaze over Dorian. “Do you need help getting him out to the car? Or a ride home?”

  “I drove.” Isaac allowed Len to take some of Dorian’s weight. “Thanks.”

  “No problem.” Len glanced over at him and smiled. “I didn’t know you visited this club.”

  “We opted to tonight.” He walked Dorian down the steps toward the parking lot. “Thanks for the help.”

  Len hesitated. “Do you need more?”

  Yes. Love, craving…his kiss. Isaac regained himself before he blurted something he couldn’t take back. “We’ll be okay.”

  “You’re sure?” Len let go, but followed Dorian and Isaac to the sports car. Once Isaac deposited Dorian in the passenger seat, Len touched Isaac’s arm. “If you’re not okay or you need something, tell me.”

  The honesty in Len’s eyes, combined with the sparks from his touch, were almost too strong for Isaac to ignore. Still, he needed to answer. “I will.”

  “Promise?”

  “Yes.” He’d do just about whatever Len wanted. God, he needed to find his confidence and tell Len how he felt.

  “Well, I’ll let you get your friend home.” Len dipped his head. “You’re in Cedarwood now?”

  “I am.” He walked around the car with Len and longed to grasp his hand. “You?” Duh. Len volunteered at the shelter. “Sorry.”

  Len smiled, then shook his head. “Be good to yourself, Doc.”

  What? Was he leaving? No. The words ‘come back’ teetered on his tongue. “Sure. You, too.” Damn it. He’d wanted to sound more eloquent. He watched Len walk away. So much for having a night to forget my troubles. He’d never get Len Connor out of his head.

  Chapter Five

  For the next two days, Len threw himself into his exercise and volunteering. He’d dared to go to a club and wasn’t thrilled by what he’d seen. Isaac had been there, but not alone. Of course. Isaac had said they were friends, but he’d heard the question. Did Isaac love his friend? Yes. Damn it. Isaac was handsome and he’d waited too long to decide how he felt about him. Isaac deserved to be happy. Do I?

  Len swam another lap at the main pool in the swim facility, t
hen surfaced. Despite his best attempts, he’d never gotten Isaac out of his mind and couldn’t forget how Isaac had said he liked him. The age gap weighed on Len. Could he date a man nearly the same age as his son? Wouldn’t Isaac get tired of him sooner than later?

  “Len.” Steve Baker-Moore swam up to him. “You’ve done a crazy number of laps. Why don’t you take a break?” He tipped his head. “The better question would be, who are you running from?”

  Len gripped the edge of the pool. He liked Steve. The guy had his head screwed on straight and was in a committed relationship with a solid man. Farin was a good guy too. He’d helped Steve raise Steve’s sister and had a happy family—the kind of family Len had had with Keye and wanted again. If Steve hadn’t been involved and Aiden hadn’t met Matt, he might have encouraged Aiden to date Steve.

  “Well?” Steve climbed out of the pool. He sprayed water droplets all over. He sat on the edge and kicked his legs in the rippling water. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Farin’s older than you, isn’t he?” Len asked.

  “Only by a year or so,” Steve said. “I like to tease him about being an old man, though. It’s our stupid joke. He’s the ancient one and I’m not. Genie likes to get his goat with it. Why? Do you have your eye on someone?” He grinned. “I noticed you’re here in Cedarwood frequently. I’m going to assume you’re avoiding someone and working out your frustration. Whoever the guy is, he must be hot.”

  Len pinched the bridge of his nose. Hot. Gossip. Damn it. He wasn’t a kid and shouldn’t be acting so immature. He was probably twice Steve’s age at least.

  “He’s cute then.” Steve shook his head. “Whoever he is, you’re caught up.”

  “I am not.” Liar. “I’m deciding if I want to get back into the dating pool. I’m so old compared to most of the guys at the nightclubs, and I don’t know if it’s worth it.”

  “Old, eh?” Steve folded his arms. “You don’t act your age. Besides, if the guy really likes you, then the years you’ve been on the earth won’t matter.”