by Megan Slayer
“No problem. I’ll see you in a bit.”
When Stone hung up, Len engaged the engine and sped out of the lot. He drove right over to the store. A thought occurred to him. He’d planned on having lunch with Isaac. Shit. He hurried through a text to Isaac.
Need to get dog food for the shelter. They’re out. Will have to cancel lunch. Sorry. Call me when you get out of work. <3
He wasn’t sure why he’d added the heart to the end of the text, but oh well. It felt right.
Within seconds, a reply text showed up on his phone screen. From Isaac.
Dog food? How much? I’ll contribute. Meet me at the store.
His heart warmed. He could be in love with Isaac. Len paused. Love? Damn. He’d never thought he’d touch that emotion again. But Isaac was different. He didn’t need Len’s money or status. Isaac could handle himself. He was handsome, stable and kind. He was the type of man Len could spend forever with and be happy. He should answer Isaac.
Already here. Waiting for you. <3
Back to the heart stuff. He shook his head. He’d lost his heart to Isaac, so he might as well advertise it. He tucked the phone into his back pocket and waited by his car. Moments later, Isaac pulled into the lot.
“Hi.” Isaac left his vehicle in the spot next to Len’s. He rubbed his hands together. “You’re standing me up to buy dog food?” A grin spread across his face. “Is the need that big?”
“Unfortunately, it is,” Len said as he fell into step beside Isaac and entered the store. “Stone wouldn’t call and ask me to pick up supplies if they weren’t in dire need. Once he asked, I couldn’t turn him down.”
“You know that’s sexy.” Isaac bumped shoulders with Len. “Is there a specific brand?”
Len pulled one of the carts from the rack. “It’s a green bag. Cissy eats the kind in the purple bag, but the green one is more economical.”
“Then green it is.” Isaac opened his coat. “I’m glad you texted. I wanted to get out of the office for a little while. I’ve had nonstop appointments today and some have been tough. I don’t like sending patients out for tests, but we don’t have a lab on premises. It means they can’t have the test done right now and we can’t get the results right away.”
“It costs too much for one?” He didn’t know how the labs worked. All he knew was that he hated having blood drawn.
“It’s cost and the staffing. We don’t have to have urine tests done every day, but we do need a phlebotomist on staff. It’d make the nurses happy. They’re stretched so thin. Aiden’s lucky he’s at the hospital. Everything he needs is right there.” He sighed. “It’s not fun when we can’t help patients because we don’t have the equipment. It’s also not fun when those patients give us a tongue-lashing because they aren’t happy. I can’t make the appointments run smoother so it doesn’t take as long. I can’t help it when someone faints because they’ve seen a needle or screams when they’re supposed to get a shot.”
“Slow down.” Len stopped in front of the dog food display. “I’m listening, but this is our stop.”
“Oh. How many?”
“Get eight.” Len helped Isaac add eight bags of food to the cart. “Feel free to continue decompressing.”
“I’d rather decompress with you at the house,” Isaac said. “It’d help me relax.”
He wanted to answer, but people were in the aisle. “I’m sure.” He’d rather take Isaac home right now, too. “I have room in the back seat for this.” He pushed the cart toward the registers. Once he stopped, he pulled out his wallet.
“I’ve got this.” Isaac nodded to the self-checkout. “Use the scanner.”
Len whipped out the scan gun. He admired Isaac’s fluid grace when he moved. Paying for the dog food was a small gesture, but other men might not have offered to foot the bill. Some wouldn’t have met him at the store and would’ve been angry not to have the lunch date. But Isaac had a big heart.
“You’re staring at me.” Isaac swiped his credit card. “Do I have something on my shirt?”
“No.” Embarrassment washed over him. He’d been caught.
Isaac nodded. “Let’s go. I can put some in my car, too. The trunk is tiny, but it’s there.”
He walked out of the store with Isaac, proud to be with his man. “Do you need to get back?” He pressed the button on his key fob and the trunk opened. “When’s your next appointment?”
“Two.” Isaac hefted the dog food into Len’s car. “It’s been a rough day, so I scheduled a little more time for lunch. Why? Do you have a good suggestion for how to pass the time?”
“Yeah, with lunch.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket. He spotted the food trucks and surveyed the choices. “Tacos, gyros or salads?”
Isaac’s eyes flashed. “Salads.”
“Chicken, turkey, tuna, steak, chef salad or surprise me?” He opened the app for the salad truck.
“Surprise me.” Isaac finished putting the dog food bags into the trunk and closed the lid. “Why? Do you have salads in your car?”
“Nope.” He tapped the order and paid. “But if you’ll stop by the Chilly Chops truck, our order will be ready in about ten minutes. It’s paid for and I ordered for Stone, too. Three salads and drinks.”
“You’re treating me?” Isaac grinned. “Thank you.”
“You bought the dog food and I interrupted your lunch. It’s the least I could do.” He kissed Isaac. “I’m going to the shelter. Meet me there?”
“Yes.” Isaac lingered beside him. “I’ll be done at seven tonight. Think you’ve got some time for Stan and me tonight?”
“Always.” He kissed Isaac again. “I’d say get going before it gets cold, but they don’t come warm, I suppose.”
“I’ll hurry.” Isaac let go and climbed behind the wheel of his car. He waved, then drove across the lot to the square.
Len sat behind the wheel of his own car. He had a great thing going with Isaac. As long as Aiden was still okay with the relationship, he’d have everything he needed—the son and son-in-law, the dogs, his health, his home and his man.
* * * *
Isaac rolled his shoulders. He still couldn’t contain his excitement. Meeting Len for lunch hadn’t gone quite the way he’d wanted, but he didn’t mind. Their lunch date had been unorthodox, but it didn’t matter. He’d been able to see another side of Len and loved it. Tender, caring and patient, Len—with Stone’s help—ensured each dog got their food and a little attention. He talked to each pup.
Len would be tender with Isaac’s heart, too. Isaac could tell by the way he treated the animals that Len wouldn’t hurt him. Ever.
Len was a keeper. The kind of man he could be with forever.
“Are you leaving soon?” Elise asked as she walked into his office.
“I am.” He needed time away from the practice.
“Are you going to see Len?” She winked. “I had the feeling you’d hit it off.”
“Did you?”
“He lives in my housing development and I met him at one of the development-wide mixers. He seemed so sweet, but lost,” she said. “He needed a good man, a stable one, to be his partner. You fit the bill.” She elbowed him. “Plus, you’re handsome. He is, too.”
“Thanks.” What an odd conversation, but he’d grown used to them with Elise. She seemed to know what to say and when to get him to think. At least he didn’t have to discuss pus or lancing boils or the strain of chicken pox he’d seen in four teen patients.
“I noticed you meet up with Len a lot. Are things…serious?” she asked.
“Yeah.” He shut down his tablet and placed the device in the tray on his desk. “We’re exclusive.”
“Any chance you’ll move in together?”
“Slow down.” He hadn’t told Len he loved him yet. That had to happen before they moved in together. No, Len had to ask him if he wanted him to move in before anything else. Isaac didn’t believe in barging into a relationship that way. “Maybe eventually, but not yet.”
“We should be together and off the market or just out of circulation?”
“Smart aleck.” She shook her head. “Go home and love that man silly.”
“If you insist.” He donned his jacket.
“I do.”
She’d said something that stuck with him. “Do you enjoy that development? Know a lot of the people there?”
“I do.” She hesitated. “It’s quiet, clean, diverse…why? Don’t you buy a home there. Move in with Len. That’s where you belong.”
“Eventually,” Isaac said. He longed to leave the tiny apartment and have room to move. Room for the animals to play. First, he wanted some answers. “Do you know a man by the name of Brandon? He lives close to Len.”
“Yes. Newsome. What about him? Don’t tell me you like him.” She shook her head. “He’s bad news. He’ll use you and you’re better off with Len. In fact, if you’re looking to dump Len for him, I’ll have to do something I regret. I respect the hell out of Len.”
“Whoa.” He held up both hands. “Brandon likes to show up uninvited and makes comments about being with Len. He claims they were a thing, he and I were once a thing and I’d turned him down. I’ve never seen him before I went to Len’s.” Isaac sank onto his desk. “Is he popular?”
“He thinks he’s God’s gift to gay men. He’s not.” She waved her fingers. “Don’t worry about him. He gloms onto every new man who moves in and he claims they were a thing, but they aren’t. It’s a lot in his mind and a little in reality. He tries to say he’s with everyone so they’ll like him. It’s sad. He deserves someone who can care for him in the way he needs, but he won’t stop long enough to let that person in.”
“Ah.” He slung his bag over his shoulder and checked his pockets for his personal phone, his keys and wallet.
“He’s greedy, but harmless. I’ve known him for five years. He’s never been with the same man for very long and is always looking for the next score.” She shrugged. “If you’re not interested in him and neither is Len, but you love each other, then you’ve found your man.”
“I guess I have.” He refused to argue with her. She was right. “I appreciate the information.”
“Anytime.” She escorted him out of the office. “Now get some love.”
“I need to get Stan first.” He walked with her down the corridor to the back of the building. He should’ve gone out of his personal exit, but wanted to listen to her. He liked Elise and the more time he spent around her, the more he thanked fate she’d been assigned to him as his receptionist.
“Then get out of here.” She waved. “Let the pup out and get your man. See you Monday.”
“Bright and early. Have a good weekend.”
“You, too.”
Isaac left the office and his heart beat faster. He’d see Len soon. No patients, no complaining, no sad stories for a little while. He needed his man in his arms. Once he stopped at his apartment, he picked up his overnight bag and Stan, then fed Ollie. Was Cissy fond of cats? He should figure that out if the dog would get along with his cat. If he and Len had a future together, they’d have to mingle their pets. He wasn’t giving up his cat.
Would he risk his relationship for a cat?
He wanted a future with Len, but Ollie wasn’t a throwaway item.
He locked up and headed downstairs with Stan. He should start leaving clothes at Len’s place. They were a month into the relationship and it might be too early, but what if they went the distance? Instead of thinking about what could be, he pushed the thoughts aside and focused on driving to Len’s.
Ten minutes later, he pulled into the housing development. Being there felt like coming home. He didn’t have to check the signs or look at the houses. He knew his way to Len’s by heart. His comfort level increased.
He turned into Len’s driveway. Aiden’s car was already there. Isaac hesitated a beat. Shit. He hadn’t known Aiden would be there. What would he have done if he had known? Waited? Stayed home a little longer? Insisted Aiden go?
Why was he so worried? Jesus. He knew Aiden. They were friends. This shouldn’t be so hard. He could handle being around Aiden. They’d run into each other again eventually. He wasn’t sure what to say to Aiden, but he’d figure it out.
Stan barked, bringing Isaac out of his thoughts. He couldn’t stay in his head all day. He left the car and the porch light came on. Len strode out of the condo.
“You made it.” Len made his way up to the car. “Hi, Stan.” He turned his attention to Isaac. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“You missed me?” Isaac held on to Stan’s leash and guided him out of the vehicle.
“I did.” Len threaded his arm around Isaac. “You make me happy.”
“Make me pretty happy, too.” He paused. “Aiden’s here.”
“And Matt.”
Shit. “Am I walking into an ambush?”
“No. I told them to drop by any time and they did.” Len squeezed Isaac’s side. “Don’t worry. If I thought you’d get attacked, I wouldn’t have been okay with all of us being together.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” Len kissed his cheek. “Come inside. If we’re going to be together, then we have to get along. It’s not hard and we can do this.”
“Agreed.” He held tight to Stan’s leash. “Let’s go. I’m ready.” Sort of.
“You’ll be fine.” Len opened the door for them. Stan strode into the house first and yanked the leash. He pranced with Cissy and barked.
Isaac unclipped the leash, then sighed. What a time to lose his courage.
Aiden and Matt stood together at the counter in the kitchen. Aiden waved.
“Hi.” He couldn’t hide his discomfort, but he’d deal. “How are you?” He kicked out of his shoes and left the leash with Cissy’s by the door.
“Good.” Aiden strode into the living room. He offered Isaac a glass of wine. “Is it rocking there at the clinic?”
“It’s busy.” Isaac nodded. “I sent some tests over to the hospital labs today.”
“Nice.” Aiden held up the glass. “Want some?”
He should stay level-headed. “I’m good, but thank you.” The offer could be a test or a goodwill gesture. Either way, he wasn’t in the mood for a drink.
Len eased up beside him and squeezed Isaac’s ass.
Matt headed into the living room. “Good to see you, Isaac. Len’s talked about you nonstop.”
He blushed. His skin heated and a prickle ran the length of his spine. “I’m not that exciting.”
“I don’t agree.” Len laughed. “You’re plenty exciting.”
“Dad.” Aiden shook his head. “I don’t need to know.” He laughed, too.
Isaac smiled, unsure if he should be proud or embarrassed.
“Matt, help me with the chicken,” Len said. He elbowed Matt. “You can add the garnish.” He and Matt left the room.
Aiden sipped his wine, then stared at Isaac. “So, you and Dad.” He dipped his head. “I could see it all along. You’ve always hit it off with him.”
“You knew?” He contained his shock, but not by much.
“Everyone knew. When you and I discussed Dad after his stroke, I could tell it was genuine concern, not doctor-patient worry. There was a sparkle in your eye, but also a catch in your voice. You were just as scared as we were. That made an impression on me and apparently on Dad, too. I haven’t seen my dad this happy in forever.”
He wasn’t sure what to say. His world was better with Len in it. He cared for and loved Len.
“Ross screwed him up,” Aiden said. “I knew my dad wouldn’t be single for long. He’s a relationship kind of guy, but Ross did a number on him. They never should’ve been together, but I don’t know. Maybe there were good things about him. I never saw them. All I do know is that he’s gone and you’re here. Be good to Dad. He needs someone who can love him, warts and all.
”
“I will.” Without question.
“Be good to him and I’ll be on your side.” Aiden clapped Isaac on the shoulder. “I’m glad he’s with you.”
“I’m proud to be with him.”
Aiden nodded again. “Do you swim with him or run together?”
“We’ve done both. I had to get a pass at the swim complex, but I didn’t care. I miss having someone to challenge me. It’s no fun swimming and running alone.” Isaac shrugged. “Do you still run?”
“Matt and I do. We clock laps on the trails. It sucks when we’re on opposing schedules, but we figure things out,” Aiden said. He sipped his wine again. “You should have some of this. It’s really good. I’m no wine connoisseur, but this is smooth.”
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks though,” Isaac said. “I’m not much of a drinker.”
“I remember.” Aiden smiled. “That’s another reason I know you’re good for Dad. You’re not prone to losing control and getting sloppy.”
“In our line of work, we need to be in control.”
Aiden sighed. “Just be careful with Dad and be honest.”
“I will.”
“Then let’s eat.” Aiden headed into the dining room. “I’m starving.”
Isaac got the hint—conversation over. He exhaled. He’d gained an ally in Aiden, but also knew where he stood with him. Good enough. He’d passed the test.
“It’s all good,” Len whispered. “And it’ll keep getting better.”
“It will.” Isaac took a seat at the table and relaxed. He had a family and people who cared about him. He wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Chapter Nine
Isaac stayed long after Aiden and Matt left. He sagged on the sofa. He hated the tense feeling, but damn it. He couldn’t settle down. “That went better than I thought.”
“I did, but I wasn’t worried. You were?” Len sat beside him. “Honey, it’s just Aiden and Matt. No one was going to turn you down or say anything.” He palmed Isaac’s thigh. “They like you.”
“But the age thing. I know Aiden said to be good and careful, but I know it’s got to be bothering him.” He groaned. “I’m overthinking this, aren’t I?”