Silver Fox in Cedarwood (Cedarwood Pride)

by Megan Slayer

  “Why?” Len dragged his fingers down Isaac’s arm. The move lulled him.

  “You’re smart, concerned, sweet and compassionate. Plus you’re handsome. I might be in over my head.” More like completely immersed and not interested in surfacing any time soon.

  “Would you laugh if I said that was all part of my master plan?” Len kissed the side of Isaac’s neck. “I didn’t think I was going to want anyone after Keye passed. I know, bad time to mention it, but that’s the truth. I was on my own for a long time. Then I met Ross. I knew he wasn’t great, but I thought I could change him. I couldn’t.”

  “You shouldn’t have to accept less than you deserve.” Considering Isaac had pushed away most suitors up to this point, he had no room to talk. Instead of not accepting less, he hadn’t wanted anyone.

  “I wasn’t in a good place.” Len held Isaac tight. “I hate to admit it, but the TIA was a stroke of luck.” He groaned. “Horrible pun, but it’s true. My eyes were opened, and I realized I didn’t want to accept less. I bet that sounds corny.”

  “Nope. I hadn’t plucked up the courage to ask you out before the other day because I thought you’d tell me I was too young.”

  “Unless you’ve got plans to go somewhere, you’re right where I want you. With me.” Len chuckled. “I don’t need to look around. You’re here and I’m great.”

  “Then we date and see where things go?”

  “Yes.”

  He sighed, but his thoughts soured. “Damn.”

  “What?” Len asked. “What’s wrong?”

  “I want to stay, but need to go. I have patients at eight tomorrow and I need to get some sleep. It’ll be better if I head home.” He caressed Len’s cheek. “Whenever you want to go on that date, I’m ready.”

  “How about dinner tomorrow night? I’ll cook and you can stay over then.” Len rubbed his cheek against Isaac’s palm. “We can watch a movie or sit on the back porch and talk.”

  “Yes.” He nodded. He had to go, even if he didn’t want to. Another sigh bubbled in his throat. He buttoned his pants and sat up. “Stan?” The dog trotted over and Isaac scrubbed his face with the back of his hand. “Time to go home.”

  Stan sat beside him and waited for Isaac to leave the sofa. Isaac stood, then wished he could hang around. “Tomorrow. Same time? I’m done at six.”

  “Come right over after work and pick up Stan.” Len stood. He left his pants unbuttoned as he walked with Isaac to the door.

  “I’d love that.” He kissed Len. Damn, he’d never get enough of that. “I’ll be over.” He forced himself to affix Stan’s leash to his collar. He patted his pockets for his keys, wallet and phone. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Yeah.” Len stood in the doorway as Isaac went to his car. He waved when Isaac backed down the driveway.

  A piece of his heart already belonged to Len. He scratched Stan behind the ears, then drove home. He’d found the missing chunks of his life in Cedarwood—Stan, the practice…Len. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

  Chapter Seven

  Isaac pulled into Len’s driveway and parked. He’d thought about their dinner date all night. No one knew he was there—except Len. He hadn’t told Dorian, despite knowing that Dorian would’ve encouraged him. Giddiness slid through Isaac’s veins. He’d never thought he’d see the day he’d be at Len’s like this. Again.

  He adjusted his sport coat and checked his look in the mirror. Stan barked beside him. Strands of Stan’s fur stuck to his lapel. Damn. He wanted to look presentable for their date, not covered in pet fur. On second thoughts, he didn’t mind. Len wanted him to bring Stan along. Score one for Len.

  Isaac left the car and helped Stan out of the passenger seat, then locked the vehicle and strode to the front door. When he reached the porch, Cissy barked. Stan chattered back to her. If Len had any doubts that Isaac and Stan were there, the dogs carrying on had to have alerted him.

  “Hi, Cissy.” Isaac hesitated, then grasped the door handle. Should he have brought wine or something? Probably. He groaned. Forethought on dates wasn’t his strong point.

  Len strode into the living room and up to the door. “Hi.” He stood aside as Isaac and Stan ventured into the condo. “Sorry. I wanted to set the right mood and keep things light, but I’m frazzled and didn’t get the pineapple chopped in time.”

  He unclipped Stan’s leash, then caught Len in his embrace. “Honey, slow down. I won’t bite.”

  Len sighed. “I know.”

  “It’s us. We’re no different from before.” He rubbed Len’s back, loving the feel of Len in his arms. “Nothing changed, so you can relax.”

  “Things changed,” Len said. “You’re not my doctor any longer and we masturbated together. A lot is different from before.”

  “I still am your doctor—I’m here with you and I’m a doctor. I’m officially a doctor and we’re a couple. Besides, I loved every minute of our time together.” He couldn’t help himself and leaned in for a kiss. He noted the chips of amber in Len’s eyes and his smooth skin. The streaks of silver in his hair caught the light. Silver worked for him and added to his appeal.

  “You make me nervous,” Len whispered.

  “Why?”

  “I don’t believe we’re here. Things like us don’t happen to me.”

  “You showed up at the office and took what you wanted,” Isaac said. He swayed with Len. “That’s ballsy and flattering. Hell, I felt wanted for the first time in forever.”

  “Oh.” Len blushed. “I’d love to say it was my plan, but I wanted to sort things out. If we ended up like this, then fine, but I wasn’t sure we would.”

  “I wasn’t positive,” Isaac said. “But I had a feeling. You make me want to try harder.” He kissed Len again. The sizzle increased and his heart hammered. He wanted to forget dinner and learn every inch of Len.

  Len broke the kiss and panted. His eyes widened and pink infused his cheeks. “I liked that.”

  “Yeah?” He continued to sway. “We can do it again.”

  “I want to,” Len murmured. “Yeah.”

  He kissed him a third time. But instead of just light touches, he nibbled on Len’s bottom lip, and when Len opened to him, he sucked on Len’s tongue. He slid his hands over Len’s ass. Damn, he needed more. He ground on the bulge in Len’s jeans. A rumble vibrated in his throat.

  Cissy barked and Stan pawed at Isaac’s leg. Len tensed as Isaac broke the kiss.

  “What’s wrong?” Isaac asked. “Is she okay?” He turned his attention to Stan. “What’s wrong, guy?”

  Len shook his head and let go. “Someone is knocking on my door. I’m not expecting anyone.” He strode across the room to the front door. “God. No wonder she’s having a fit.”

  “What?” He joined Len at the door and spotted the man on the porch. “Who’s that?” Not his business, but he wanted to know.

  “That is my neighbor, Brandon.” Len paused. “I’m sorry. Let me get rid of him and we can finish making supper.”

  Cissy growled again and Stan joined in on the noise.

  “Is she okay?” Isaac knelt to pet both dogs. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Stan, it’s fine. Hush. No one will hurt you.”

  “She doesn’t like Brandon. I don’t know what it is about him, but she’s not a fan.” Len blew out a long breath, then answered the door. “Brandon.”

  “Hi, baby. We’re late for coffee.” Brandon pulled on the screen door handle. “Don’t you remember? It’s our weekly coffee date.”

  Weekly, eh? Isaac stayed out of sight for a moment and reassured the dogs. Brandon’s pushiness bothered him.

  “We had coffee once,” Len said. “And I didn’t plan on making a recurring event.”

  “You said to stop over any time,” Brandon said. “I’m stopping over.”

  Isaac stood and inched over to Len. “Honey, we should check on the roast. It’ll burn if we’re not careful.” He wasn’t good at lying and had no idea beyond pineapple as to what Len had made for dinner.
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  “Yes.” Len rubbed his forehead. “I need to take it out. Shit. I’ll be right back. I need to change the temperature.” He left Isaac at the door.

  Brandon stared at him. “I know you.”

  “Do you?” He didn’t recognize him.

  “You’re a doctor, aren’t you?” Brandon narrowed his eyes. “You clubbed, too…with that guy.”

  “I’ve clubbed many a time with a few people. So?” Why was his private life any of this guy’s business? “You’re upsetting my dog.”

  “I danced with you at Club 51,” Brandon said. “Got all hot and sweaty together.”

  He didn’t remember dancing with this man and he rarely visited Club 51. “You’ve got me confused with someone else.”

  “No, I don’t, Isaac McLean.”

  He paused. The guy knew his name. Big deal. His name had been splashed all over the television and the newspaper when he’d moved to Cedarwood and joined the practice. Anyone could see his name and know it.

  “You told me we’d be good together. We’d have a great time,” Brandon said. “But you’re up Dorian’s ass.”

  “He’s my best friend.”

  “Does Len know? You won’t ever settle down. You’ll go back to Dorian.” Brandon shook his head. “You’ll screw Len over.”

  “I’m done talking to you.”

  “I’ve heard the rumors. You’ll fuck anything that walks and want to try all the flavors before you slow down. Well, guess what, I see through your bullshit. You want Len because he’s a former lawyer and has money. He’s older and you want his money when he dies. I’ve seen your kind before,” Brandon growled. “Just don’t.”

  “Damn. You think you know me.” He snorted. “You’re clueless.”

  “Don’t hurt him. He’s a good man,” Brandon said. “Don’t hurt him the way you did me.”

  “We’ve never been an item, so I can’t have hurt you.” He grasped the door handle. “Good evening.” He closed the door and engaged the lock. Damn it. He didn’t know when he’d ever hurt Brandon or seen him before, but he refused to argue with him. He had better things to worry about.

  Len rubbed his hands together. “The salmon is ready for the grill. Is he gone?”

  “He’s gone.” He didn’t look back. “Salmon? What kind?” His mouth watered. He’d devour whatever Len made.

  “Maple glazed spicy salmon with a pineapple salsa and blanched green beans.” Len beamed. “It’s one of my favorites.”

  “Sounds delicious.” He followed Len to the kitchen. “Did you hear our argument?”

  “No.” Len picked up a spatula and fiddled with the flames on the grill built into the kitchen island. “Why?”

  If he didn’t address what was said, the worry would eat him alive. “He thinks I’m with you because you’re a former lawyer and I want your money.”

  “Damn.” Len added both salmon fillets to the grill. “Little does he know, I’m giving everything to Aiden. I dumped a lot of money into the shelter and the library, so there isn’t a ton there.”

  “I’m not here because of money.” He wasn’t sure why he’d said that.

  “I know.” Len smiled and cut lemon wedges. “You don’t realize it, but I know you. Getting together was the hard part. We weren’t sure of each other because we didn’t give each other the chance to speak up. Now that we’re on this road, we’ve got the same plan.”

  Isaac relaxed. “We do.”

  “Here. Carry this to the table. The fish will be done in moments.” Len nodded to the green beans and lemon wedges. “I’ve got glazed almonds for the beans. Just a second.”

  “I’ll get them.”

  “In the fridge.” Len plated the fish. “Perfect char.”

  “Looks delicious.” He carried the bowl and plastic container to the dining room. His breath lodged in his throat. The candles, the wine and formal silverware…damn. “You’re too good to be true.” Isaac placed the food on the table. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but I’m very human.” Len offered one plate to Isaac. “Sit. We’ll eat. Wine?”

  “Sure.” He hated to admit he was overwhelmed. He’d dated a few men and none had been as nice or considerate as Len.

  “You know me, but I’m a wolf when I want to be.” Len sat opposite him. “I’ve got a temper, too.”

  “It’s okay,” Isaac said. “You’re a sexy wolf.”

  “I’m old.”

  “No.” He reached across the table and held Len’s hand. “Age doesn’t matter and you don’t look your age.”

  “Sweet talker.”

  “Of course.” Electricity shot from Len’s hand to his. Isaac suppressed a groan. He didn’t want a hand job this time around. He needed more. He held hands with Len, but ate in silence and debated his next move.

  “What made you get into medicine?” Len asked.

  He hadn’t thought about that in a long time.

  “Aiden loved helping people and enjoyed anatomy—if I remember right.” Len laughed. “He loved his toy doctor set and giving people a shot.”

  “I believe it,” Isaac said. He wiped his mouth. “My grandmother developed cancer and I thought I’d cure her. I didn’t, but I was also twelve at the time. I couldn’t do much for her, but it was the catalyst to do more for others. If I could save someone else from losing their grandmother that soon, then I wanted to do it. I went into medicine to help people. By working at the family practice, I can’t cure cancer, but I can see my patients through their life and know what they’re dealing with as they age.”

  “Makes sense.” Len finished his salmon. “You helped me.”

  “I try.” The tips of his ears burned. “What about you? Why law?” He’d never asked Len about that before.

  “I liked to argue. I’m good at it and I enjoyed trying to fight the good fight,” Len said. “I used to be angrier and the rush of the courtroom helped curtail my temper. I stayed in the game because I liked the money. I wanted to raise Aiden well and pay for my ex-wife. In some ways, it was a curse, but in others it helped.”

  “Keye?”

  “He came after my marriage to my ex-wife. The situation with her was contentious because she hated my being gay. Keye understood.” Len shook his head and stacked his silverware on his plate. “But that chapter of my life is closed.”

  “Understood.” Everyone had things they wished to never discuss again.

  “I was a different man back then. So angry and confused. But I got Aiden out of the marriage, so it was okay.” Len nudged his empty plate away. “I’ll have to do a ton of laps in the pool, but this was so good.”

  “I’ll have to run a little more.” Isaac chuckled and finished his dinner. “It’s been delicious, so I’m not complaining. Thank you.”

  “Welcome.” Len stood. “I forgot to pour the wine. Shoot. I should’ve served it when we ate.”

  Isaac collected the empty plates. “It’s fine. I’m good with water now and wine when we’re done.” He picked up the empty glasses. “We can have wine during the movie.”

  “Good idea.”

  He glanced down at the dogs. Cissy and Stan had curled up on the gigantic dog pillow. Neither slept, but they were both watching them. Isaac grinned. “We have an audience.”

  “Oh yeah. She knows everything I do and follows me everywhere.” Len headed into the kitchen. “She needs to know what I’m doing.”

  “So does Stan.” He helped place the plates and silver in the dishwasher.

  “See? You get it.” Len added the pan and plastic cutting board to the dishwasher. “It’s nice because I’m not lonely, but not when I want to shower. She doesn’t understand I can use the restroom or shower on my own.”

  “Stan’s afraid of the water. He was hell when I tried to bathe him.” He shuddered as he thought about the disastrous attempt to bathe his dog. “We got water everywhere but on him.”

  “Aww.” Len finished loading the dishwasher. “I’ll turn this on when we’re done. Do you like the red I put
on the table? Would you rather white?”

  “Red.” He didn’t care what they drank. He’d take whatever Len gave him.

  Len returned to the dining room table with the corkscrew. He opened the wine and paused. “We’re supposed to savor this. I got this bottle in New York. I haven’t tried this brand, but I’m told it’s supposed to be good. I thought I’d wait until a special occasion. You’re special.” He offered up the bottle. “Want to smell it?”

  “Pour. I don’t need to be fancy.” He held both wineglasses. He appreciated wine, but not enough right now to waste minutes on it.

  “Then okay.” Len finished pouring the wine. He placed the bottle on the table, then clinked glasses with Isaac. “To us.”

  “To a new relationship turning into something lasting,” Isaac said. “Sorry. I want this so much.” His cheeks heated.

  “I want it too, so we’ll go slow and figure things out. I’m where I want to be,” Len said.

  Isaac sipped the wine. The tart taste exploded on his tongue. He’d only had a little bit, but his head swam. Can’t be from the wine. From Len? Probably.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” Len put his glass on the table, then slid his hands over Isaac’s chest. “I never thought this would happen.”

  “Me, either.” He kissed Len. The taste of the wine remained on his tongue. He swallowed Len’s groan. Who needed wine right now anyway?

  Len threaded his arms around Isaac. He deepened the kiss and brushed his nose along Isaac’s. He rubbed the bulge in his jeans against the one in Isaac’s trousers.

  He broke the kiss and panted. “I need you.” He dragged Len to the living room and abandoned his wineglass on the side table.

  “The scene of our initial crime,” Len murmured.

  “Not to me.” He snagged Len in his embrace again. “It’s the start of us.”

  “And now we continue.”

  “Yes.” He nipped Len’s bottom lip.

  “Not in the living room,” Len said. “Come with me.” He checked the lock on the front door, then headed through the house to the back.

  “Dogs?” Isaac asked.

  “Will follow.” Len opened one of the doors into a spacious master bedroom.