Starting Over in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

Kevin yanked his shorts up, faced Shaun, then raked his fingers through his hair. “How do you know?”

  “That I love you? Easy.” He pulled his own shorts up and tossed the towel onto his bag. He couldn’t have this conversation with his clothes around his ankles. “My heart aches for you when we’re not together. I think about you often and I feel more like me when I’m with you. I see my future with you and I want to grow old beside you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. Ever.”

  Kevin sighed. “You’re sure?”

  “I am.” He curled his fingers under Kevin’s chin. “I’ve never been more positive in my life. I know it’ll take you longer to admit it, but when I look into your eyes, I know you feel it, too. No rush, but I needed to tell you how I feel.” A twinge of relief hit. He’d been honest and Kevin hadn’t pushed him away. Progress.

  “I can accept that.” Kevin nodded and rested his hands on his hips. “I thought you were going to tell me something outlandish, like you and your ex were having sex and you needed one more fling to get him out of your system. You know, something outlandish.”

  Shaun frowned. “Because you’d be so okay with me doing that—fucking,” he said, his voice flat. “I’m joking—I know you’d hate it.” Holy fucking shit. Kevin’s comment had to be a stray guess, but still, it was too harsh. “Don’t tell me you think I am. I’m not.”

  “If I found out you were with your ex, then it’s a dealbreaker. I don’t date guys who are with someone else.” Kevin shrugged. “But I trust you. I don’t trust many people, but I do you. I truly doubt you’re dating your ex or doing anything like that, because you’d tell me.” He shrugged again. “Plus, Leo would know you were doing something shady and bite you. That’s how he knew Kyle was no good.”

  “He’s never bitten me.” Shaun couldn’t wait any longer. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but that didn’t make the guilt go away. Besides, Kevin was right—he hated keeping secrets from him. “Kevin, I need to talk to you.”

  “Aren’t you talking to me now?” He grabbed his water bottle from the floor and took a drink, then gasped. His brow crinkled. “You’re in love with me. What else do I need to know? You’re clean, I’m clean, you’re in love with me and you’re my boyfriend. What’s there to know?”

  “I’m meeting with Jonah this afternoon.” Shaun held his breath, awaiting Kevin’s reply.

  “Meeting with him?” Kevin asked, his voice soft. “Like…meeting?”

  “Yes.” Shit. He’d answered that wrong. “It’s complicated.”

  “Why?” Kevin put space between them. “Shaun?”

  He couldn’t keep this to himself any longer. “He called me, said he had photos that were mine and wanted to give them to me. I guess there are wedding pictures from my folks’ wedding, photos of my parents and other photos I had. They were missing,” he said. “If he really has the pictures, then I want them back.”

  “Understandable.” Kevin’s expression remained blank. “So you’re seeing him today?”

  “Yes. In Ashland. I wanted to bring you, but there’s a game this afternoon.” Shaun rubbed his forehead. “I’m sorry, but I want my possessions back.”

  “I’m sure you do.”

  “Yet you don’t trust me,” Shaun said. “You’re not giving me much of a trusting look right now.”

  Kevin drank a swig of water from his bottle again, then bowed his head.

  “What? Are you having something with Kyle?” His heart dropped. His comment was uncalled for, but the question burst from him. He doubted Kevin was doing anything with Kyle. “Kevin?”

  “I need a moment to process this, but no, I’m not doing anything with Kyle.” Kevin sat on the arm of the sofa. “Here’s the thing. I do trust you. I’m sure you’re going to see him to get your stuff and that’ll be the end of it.”

  “But?”

  “It doesn’t exactly make me want to do handsprings,” Kevin said. “You must’ve known about this meeting before today and yet you just now told me. It doesn’t inspire confidence.”

  “I was afraid you’d be upset.”

  “I am.”

  “Kevin.” Fuck, fuck, fuck.

  “I’m upset because I wish you’d have told me when you first decided. I’m not jealous of him and I know you’re not going to fuck him, but I was hurt by my ex not telling me the truth.”

  “I wanted to,” Shaun said. He brushed an errant lock of Kevin’s hair off his brow. “It didn’t feel right to tell you in a wild moment. I didn’t want to ruin things.”

  “I know.” Kevin stood, then embraced Shaun. “And now I know.” He brushed his nose along Shaun’s. “We’ll get through this.”

  “I love you, Kev, and I don’t want to hurt you.” Never.

  “I know.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” Kevin tipped his head to meet Shaun’s gaze. “It’ll be okay. Promise. I’m not going anywhere—except to work—and I’ll have my phone with me tonight if you need me.”

  “Don’t get into trouble.”

  “I won’t.”

  He held Kevin tight. He knew he’d made the right choice when he’d met him. He’d found his guy. “Want to shower with me?”

  “I would if I didn’t need to get moving. I spent too long here already, but I’m glad I did. I wanted this worked out.” Kevin kissed him. “I regret nothing.”

  “Where are you going?” Shaun asked. “The game isn’t until one, right?”

  “As the head of concessions, I’m going over the figures with Mr. Vale. Sales are up since the promotions started and the workforce is happier,” Kevin said. “He wanted to meet to discuss strategies for next season.”

  “Does this mean you might not be spending so much time working the counter?” And more time watching the game, preferably with him.

  “If I play my cards right.” Kevin kissed him again. “If revenue stays up, we can hire more people. It seems to be so far and Mr. Vale is tossing around ideas for using the stadium in the off-season. Who knows? I might get to stay out from behind the counter for good.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Me, too.” Kevin hesitated another moment. “Get moving. You don’t want to be late to get those pictures back.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “I can’t make you dinner if you’re not home.” Kevin grinned. “To celebrate.”

  He wasn’t sure what they were celebrating and didn’t care. “I’m in and I will hurry as much as legally possible.”

  “See you tonight.” Kevin grabbed his shirt, water bottle and keys. “You can do this.”

  “Love you.” Shaun wanted to ignore everything else in his day and be with Kevin. God, he was lucky to have such an understanding man in his life.

  Chapter Nine

  Once Kevin left, Shaun showered and shaved. He dressed in khakis and a short-sleeve button-down. His outfit wasn’t haute couture, but who needed to be super fashionable? Not him. He wasn’t going to meet Jonah to impress him.

  He ate a granola bar and filled his water bottle, then headed to work. Since Monday, he hadn’t heard anything on three of the houses he’d inquired about and wondered if they’d already sold. The first two houses had been a bust—too small, and he’d never afford the renovations on his salary. He spent his shift working on the newest ads and rearranging the Sunday page to accommodate the garage sale listings.

  Remy caught up with him in the hallway. “I wanted to tell you I’m pleased with your work and I love the stories about the pets. You’re making them so adorable I want to adopt them all. Who is next week’s feature?”

  “I’m not sure. The one we had lined up was adopted, so we’ll have to pick another tomorrow,” Shaun said. “I’m glad. I’d rather have to keep looking for new ones than have a poor critter linger there.” He still wanted to adopt his own cat, too.

  “I know.” Remy stopped him. “I had a strange email today and wanted to discuss something with you.” He gestured to Shaun’s office.

  “Sure.”
He had no idea what Remy might have been emailed about. He shut the door. “What’s up?”

  “Did you tell anyone you needed an assistant?” Remy asked.

  Shaun chuckled, then sobered. “No, why?”

  “A man emailed me saying you’d requested an assistant—him—and would I consider this person for the job,” Remy said. “I give him props for having the balls to ask for the job, but it sounds so strange. You didn’t say anything, even something in a stray comment, did you? It didn’t sound like something you’d do, but I have to ask.”

  “I haven’t asked for an assistant or mentioned it to someone in passing. I appreciate you being thorough and asking, but it wasn’t me.” Shaun folded his arms. “I haven’t met enough people socially that aren’t with the paper to have such a conversation.”

  “I suspected as much.”

  “This person used my name?”

  “They did.”

  “May I ask who it was?” Who would want to use my name for a reference?

  “Kyle Beglin.”

  Shaun sank onto his chair. “He works for the ballclub. I thought he did their promo.”

  “He did—until he was fired.” Remy sat across from him. “I did some checking. Not only was Mr. Beglin fired, but escorted out of the building. I guess he’d been mishandling team funds. He stole money from the promotions department, paid it back, and the team isn’t planning to use legal methods to handle it—as long as he never returns to the premises. It’s a mess.”

  “So he needs another job.” Shaun leaned back in his chair. “My assistant—if there was such a thing—wouldn’t pay much. I’m guessing he hadn’t thought of that.”

  “But it’s a job,” Remy said. “I suspect once people see why he was terminated, they’ll be less likely to hire him, which is why he tried for this before the news came out all over town.”

  “But why use my name? I don’t even like him.”

  “Because of Kevin?”

  “Among other things. I met Kyle at the newspaper day we held at the stadium. He got right in my face, told me we’d be good together and was too pushy. That’s what turned me off. The connection to Kevin was an extra annoyance,” Shaun said. “He was rude to Kevin, too. I don’t want to work with that kind of person.”

  “I can see where it might be difficult.”

  Shaun stared at Remy. “I have no idea why he’d want to work here, but my professional opinion is we don’t need the help. We’re good the way we are.”

  “Very well. I’ll respond to his email with a polite no—which I’d planned on giving him from the beginning.” Remy stood. “You didn’t strike me as the name-dropper type.”

  “I’m not.”

  Remy shrugged. “There’s using someone’s name to get a story, then there’s name-dropping to get ahead. This was to cover his ass and get out of trouble. I don’t want that headache. Thanks.”

  “Sure.” This time Shaun laughed, but to hide his annoyance. He waited until Remy left, then checked his email.

  A message from Kyle popped into his inbox.

  Dear Mr. Fallows,

  My name is Kyle Beglin. I’m sure you remember me from the newspaper part and my work with the Cedarwood Wildcats baseball team. We spoke at length about my joining the Tribune as your assistant and I’d like to take you up on your offer. I’ve listed my qualifications on my resume and have been given high praise by Mr. Nicholas. I hope you’re still interested in giving me the position. I won’t let you down.

  Respectfully yours,

  Kyle Beglin

  That shit. He read the email twice more to be sure he’d really seen it. Ballsy was right. He’d made up a job position. Kevin had said Kyle could manipulate and he wasn’t wrong.

  Shaun forwarded the email to Remy with the note, I never offered him a job.

  He logged out of his email, then called the animal shelter to confirm his appointment the next day with Stone McCartney.

  At three, he packed up his things and locked his office. Before he drove to the truck stop, he needed to see Kevin. He left the newspaper building and drove over to the stadium. He parked, bought a ticket and went straight to Kevin’s concession stand. There weren’t many people in line. Good. Maybe he’d get a chance to talk to his boyfriend and boost his spirits. When it was his turn, he darted over to Nedra. “Hi. I’d like a soda and Kevin.”

  “He’s in his office,” she said. “Three bucks for the drink and I’ll get him.” She grinned. “You know, I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep it up.”

  He counted the bills and waited for her to return. Nedra reappeared a moment later with Kevin. She handed over the soda. “One beverage and one Kevin, over there.”

  Kevin half-smiled. “I didn’t think you’d come up here.”

  “Can you come out for five minutes?” Shaun asked. He held tight to the paper cup.

  “Sure.” Kevin left the counter and appeared at the side door. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” Shaun paused. “No, it’s not nothing.” He lowered his voice and inched closer to Kevin.

  “We can’t make out here,” Kevin joked. “Not that I’d be upset if we did.” His smile faded. “Shaun?”

  “Kyle contacted the paper.”

  “About what?”

  “In not so many words, he asked for a job. He said I encouraged him. Kevin, he got fired from his position here and tried to use me to gain a position at the Tribune.”

  “Wow.” Kevin grabbed Shaun’s sleeve. “You’re serious?”

  “It won’t work because Remy’s on to him, but still. Just watch your back,” Shaun said. “I don’t trust him.”

  Kevin nodded. “I will. You be careful, too.” He let go and slid his fingers down Shaun’s arm. “Thanks for telling me.”

  “After the day I’ve had—and I haven’t seen Jonah yet—I’m worried. It’s like every clusterfuck has come together and it’s getting me in the ass,” Shaun said.

  “It’ll be okay.” Kevin tugged him closer. “You’re my guy. Kyle can’t touch us and neither can Jonah. I’m not going anywhere and it sounds like Remy has your back, too.”

  He nodded and embraced the reassurances from Kevin. “Sorry, I’m dramatic.”

  “It’s okay. Dramatic means you’re human.” Kevin swatted him on the ass. “Get done. I’m seriously fixing dinner tonight, so don’t be late.”

  “I won’t.” Shaun sighed. If Kevin wasn’t worried, then he wasn’t either. “See you. I’ll call when I’m on my way.”

  “Sounds good.” Kevin kissed him on the cheek. “You got this.”

  “I do, because I have you.” Shaun left the ballpark and headed out to his car. He tucked the drink into the cupholder then headed down to Ashland. The drive afforded him time to think about the other house listings he’d seen and what he wanted in a home. He still preferred the extra bedrooms and the yard, but he might be able to negotiate on the larger garage or the privacy fences. Maybe if he and Kevin worked together on the renovations, they’d be able to afford to upgrade.

  Maybe.

  Once he reached Ashland, he pulled into the parking lot of the truck stop. He parked. He’d forgotten how busy the place could be—so much action and so many people. This wasn’t the type of establishment he usually frequented—it was too far out of the way. But the truck stop was public enough for a meeting with Jonah.

  He ventured inside and swept his gaze over the mix of people at the various tables. Jonah stood next to one of the tables and waved his arm.

  Shaun fortified himself. Face him, get the pictures and get moving.

  “Shaun.” Jonah threw his arms around Shaun. “You made it.”

  “I did.” He gave his ex-boyfriend a limp hug in return. “How was the drive?”

  “Good. Columbus is really happening.” Jonah gestured to the empty chair. “Sit. I’ll get coffees. Still plain with two creamers?”

  “Yeah.” Among other drinks. He’d evolved in his
coffee selections.

  Jonah returned a moment later with two cups. “So. You look good. Are you happy? Here.”

  “Thank you.” He accepted one of the coffees.

  “Welcome. You’re still thin, but it looks like you put on muscle.” Jonah sat across from him. “You look happy.”

  “I’m running more.”

  “Good for you,” Jonah said. “I remember when I’d watch you run the races. It was so cool to see you at the end. You made those races look effortless.”

  “It wasn’t.” The last he knew, Jonah hated going to the competitions and dealing with the sweaty people. He’d remind Shaun he was bored and hated the inaction while he waited for Shaun to finish.

  “You looked great in those little shorts, too.” Jonah laughed and held up his paper cup. “To the races.”

  “Sure.” What an odd toast. He slid his gaze over Jonah. He used to think Jonah was so polished. Jonah always had his glossy black hair slicked perfectly back and his dark eyes were always vibrant. He never had a hair out of place or five-o’clock shadow. So pressed and maintained. But now? He seemed almost too perfect. Was he wearing mascara? He’d darkened the bit of gray he’d had at his temples. Did it matter? Jonah was and always had been too much upkeep and drama for him. Shaun liked Kevin’s easy style—not trying to be anyone but himself.

  “You’re staring at me.” Jonah raked his fingers through his hair. “Am I okay?”

  “You’re fine. Stop worrying.”

  “I hate when there’s no order.” Jonah fiddled with his hair again. “Better?”

  “It’s good.” He’d learned a long time ago that it was better to placate Jonah than to argue. “Do you have the photos?”

  “Yes.” Jonah fished around in his sport coat, then withdrew an envelope. “Here.”

  “Thanks.” Shaun tamped down his surprise. Jonah had forked over something. He flipped through the images in the envelope. Three of the pictures were of his mother alone, two were from his parents’ wedding day, two were of his father in a tuxedo and a dozen or so of the images were of Shaun and Jonah together. “What’s this?”

  “Us. Those are your copies.” Jonah pointed to one of the images. “Your mom looks so young.”