Nico didn’t want Easton’s apologies. He liked knowing he could stare at Easton without the guilt of making him uncomfortable. “It’s raining tonight.”
Easton snagged his dishes. He pulled a face. “Is it? It’s so dark, I hadn’t noticed.”
“You will be safe.” Nico lifted his umbrella just enough for Easton to see.
Another shy smile passed over Easton’s lips. “Thanks. I didn’t bring one today. I’m terrible at remembering to check the weather.” He was getting more comfortable with Nico by the moment. Nico swore he could feel the tension leaking from Easton a tiny bit at a time. “Would you like anything else before we go?”
Nico slid from the barstool. “I’m ready.” He waited on Easton to gather his things. When Easton picked up the stack of cupcake boxes, Nico nodded toward him. “What do you do with all those? You’re so tiny.” Like a delicious little snack, Nico added silently. “I can’t image you sitting home, polishing off all the cakes.”
Easton laughed. It was such a sweet sound. Nico couldn’t look away. “Definitely not. I could, but I’d end up with diabetes. If I thought I’d gain some weight or it would make me taller, I might try it. I’ve been the same size since I was fourteen.”
He did look very young and tiny for his age. Easton was like a pixie. Tiny and sparkly. “Your small size is good.”
Easton shot him a questioning glance.
Nico smiled. “You won’t take up much space beneath the umbrella.”
With a chuckle, Easton headed for the door. Nico measured his steps, ensuring he didn’t hover too close and make Easton nervous. He opened the umbrella as Easton opened the door. Nico didn’t want to risk Easton getting wet before he could get him covered.
“That’s bad luck, you know? Opening an umbrella inside.”
“Why?”
For a moment, Easton stared at him and blinked. A luminous smile exploded across his face, taking Nico’s breath away. “I have no idea. Someone probably came up with that to stop kids from playing inside with them and putting someone’s eye out. That’s definitely something my mother would’ve done. God forbid my brother or I ever have any fun.”
Nico’s chest still felt tight from Easton’s smile. It took him a second to realize the man had actually told him something about himself without prodding. It was progress.
With a shake of his head, as if still puzzling Nico’s question, Easton stepped outside. Nico crowded his space and kept him safe from the pouring rain. With the door locked, Easton faced him once again. They were inches apart while trying to stay dry. Easton smelled amazing. Nico took measured breaths, fighting the urge to show his hand. Water poured down his back as he kept most of the umbrella over Easton. Nico didn’t care. Clothes would dry. He’d never have this moment again.
“I take them to the hospital staff each morning.”
Nico blinked. He had no idea what Easton meant.
Thankfully, Easton didn’t force him to ask. He nodded at the boxes he held, reminding Nico of his earlier question. “The nurses and staff at Coastline Medical work crazy hours. It brightens their day to get free snacks. They took amazing care of me last year.” He motioned absently to his face. “When this happened. This is the least I can do.” When this happened—like it had been an accident and not intentional. Nico wished he didn’t know the truth. Before Nico could form a response, Easton turned, took one step, and froze. “Holy shit. Is that your car?”
Nico set his hand on the small of Easton’s back without thought, keeping him moving. “Ja.”
Easton glanced over, smiling. He didn’t jump away from Nico’s touch, so Nico didn’t stop. “I had this exact car when I was eighteen. It was a graduation gift. I had to sell it a couple of years ago for... reasons, but I loved it. It was my baby.”
Nico smirked, fighting back a wave of pride. “Sixty-seven was a good year for Mustang. Would you like to go for a ride?”
Easton’s smile faltered. His gaze slid away. “Maybe some other time.”
He could feel Easton rebuilding his walls. Nico couldn’t lose the footing he’d gained. “What if I let you drive? You’ll be the one in control.” The way Easton’s gaze shyly slid back his way had hope rising in Nico’s chest. He kept pushing. “Just two blocks. You can see my shop as we drive past.”
“You own a shop?”
Nico nodded.
Easton’s smile reappeared. “Okay.” He immediately bit his lip as if he couldn’t decide if he should take it back.
Nico didn’t give him time. He maneuvered Easton to the driver’s side, unlocked the door, and handed him the keys. Once he had Easton settled behind the wheel, he circled the car and waited until Easton leaned over and tugged up the lock.
Laughter filled the car as Nico slid inside. “I forgot what it was like for nothing to be electric. I almost left you standing out in the rain.” Easton waited until Nico dropped the umbrella in the floor before passing his cake boxes over. Nico reached over the seat and set them in the back. His gaze refused to budge from Easton as he adjusted the seat.
Easton eyed the mirrors. “Is it okay if I move these? It’ll take you forever to get everything back the way you like it.”
“It’s good. Do what you need. I only drive this car on occasion.”
The way Easton never stopped smiling as he fixed the mirrors and started the car had hunger rising in Nico. Easton put the car in reverse. His mischievous green gaze slid Nico’s way. “Are you ready?”
Nico gave him a short nod.
Easton’s smile grew as he backed from the lot. “You’ve done some work to this car. I’m pretty sure this one is way more powerful than the one I had.”
“It’s my job. You look happy.”
A soft chuckle filled the air. “I feel like I’m eighteen again. What do you mean it’s your job?”
“My business is a car shop. I fix up old cars, making them faster, louder, and gorgeous.” While Easton kept his gaze locked on the road, Nico stayed locked on him, watching. Waiting.
Easton cocked his head to one side. “Wait. You said two blocks. You don’t own Stylin’ Rides on Oak Way, do you?”
Nico smiled. “That’s me.”
“That place is behind the club I...” He visibly took a breath. “I thought that place was owned by some famous boxer. It was on the news.”
“Retired boxer.”
Easton glanced over. “Seriously?” He looked away. “I can see it.”
Nico bit the inside of cheek to keep from laughing. “Now you know where I work. In case you wish to come in right at closing time and stop me from leaving on time someday.”
A bark of loud laughter escaped Easton. He covered his mouth. The move bothered Nico.
“Why do you do this?”
“Do what?” Easton asked, casting him another quick glance.
“Smother your laughs.”
The way Easton kept his gaze locked on the road was telling. He didn’t want to answer. “Habit, I guess. Over the years, almost everyone I’ve spent time with didn’t like for me to be too loud. I was for show. Not anymore,” he said, tossing a self-deprecating smile as he motioned toward his scars.
That was bullshit. Nico didn’t say it. “You said almost everyone.”
Easton nodded. He made a U-turn before responding. When he did, he sounded reluctant. “I dated someone nice once, but I was super young. Eighteen. Just out of high school. We were together seven years. He started dropping hints about getting married and I panicked. I realized I hadn’t done anything. I had no dreams that were mine. As soon as I graduated, I moved from my parents’ house to his. I felt cornered, so I completely destroyed everything. You’d be surprised how very good I am at taking a sledgehammer to my life.”
“And now?”
“Now what?”
Nico could hear the smile in Easton’s voice. “You’ve found your dream now, right? No one can tell you to be silent. You should laugh as loud as you want. I like your laugh.”
“That’s a
nice thing to say.” Easton pulled into the parking spot next to his car again. They both went for the cake boxes at the same time. Their faces were inches apart. Up close, Easton was even more beautiful than Nico had ever imagined. He looked young and fragile. Nico wished for one kiss. A blush touched Easton’s cheeks. He moved away, freeing Nico from his spell. “Sorry. It’s probably easier for you to reach.” He ran his hand around the steering wheel in a show of nerves. “Thank you for letting me feel young again for a few minutes. She drives like a dream.”
“Easton.” Even Nico heard the longing in the sound of Easton’s name.
Easton glanced over, looking ready to bolt.
Nico took a breath, trying to stop himself from scaring Easton. He wasn’t unaware of his intensity. “Tomorrow night, you will ride my Harley.”
“Okay.” Easton’s immediate acceptance had Nico fighting back a triumphant crow. Baby steps. He was inching toward breaking down Easton’s walls. Tomorrow couldn’t get here fast enough. He already couldn’t wait to see Easton again.
Three
For the tenth time in the last half an hour, Easton forced himself to stop chewing his nails. Nico was coming back tonight. He didn’t know why he was damn nervous about it. It wasn’t like it was a date. Nico was just a customer. Maybe he was becoming a regular, but that was where things ended. He didn’t know why Nico stayed to walk him out or let Easton drive his car. Easton definitely didn’t understand why Nico demanded Easton go for a ride with him tonight. He didn’t think it was a romantic interest or anything like that. Easton didn’t get that vibe. Maybe the guy was just lonely. It was hard to make friends as an adult. They were both business owners and had the same taste in cars. Shit. He shouldn’t be so nervous.
Easton caught a glimpse of himself in the printed mirror above the bar. As always, his gaze went straight to the scars marring his face. Easton never looked in the mirror and just saw himself any longer. He was nothing more than the nightmare he’d endured. There were dark smudges beneath his eyes from where he no longer slept. Most nights, he paced the floor of the bedroom he’d been assigned inside his brother’s home. Everything had been stolen from him in a single night. He could afford to live on his own, but he probably never would again. Unless Jake or Flynn put him out, that is. Easton lived with that constant fear. Without thought, Easton’s gaze dropped to his hands. Fine white scars covered his knuckles from where he’d fought for his life. He lifted his shirt and eyed the marks on his stomach before he lost his nerve and dropped the material. Easton couldn’t let his mind form the memory of the knife carving at his skin. He could barely stand to see himself nude. His body was now a prison no one would ever want. Not that it mattered. Inside, he was an even bigger mess. He’d probably come completely unglued if anyone tried touching him. The most traitorous thought of all sneaked in, the way it always did at his lowest. Maybe he’d gotten exactly what he deserved that night. Maybe Karma had finally come calling.
“What are you most proud of tonight?”
Easton’s gaze snapped up, colliding with ice-blue eyes. For a moment, his mind stayed trapped in that ugly place where life had finally served him the only dish he’d earned. He blinked. The fear gripping his throat eased. There was something about Nico’s eyes. Something that washed away the panic. He was safe.
“I’m afraid there’s not much left over today. Business was pretty steady all day long. I have a blueberry muffin, one slice of carrot cake, and two red velvet cupcakes.”
“Coffee?”
Easton’s mouth lifted one corner. “Just for you.” He poured Nico a cup while chewing his bottom lip and trying not to smile. Easton was ridiculously happy to see Nico for no reason at all. He set the cup in front of him. “How was your day?”
“Long.”
“Mine too. I had a doctor’s appointment before I opened. That made it feel even longer. What made your day so lengthy?”
Nico stared at him in silence for so long, Easton almost asked if he wanted to be left alone with his coffee. “Impatience,” he said finally.
Easton wanted to ask more, but he was scared. Easton decided not to push Nico to talk. He knew most men liked it better when he was quiet. The problem was, he didn’t really have anything to do. He’d been so excited and nervous, he’d already cleaned everything there was to clean, and ditched his apron. His gaze wandered while he waited for Nico to finish his drink.
“How much do I owe?”
Easton’s gaze jumped back to Nico. The cup was still full. “It’s on me tonight.”
Nico stood. “Are you ready to go?”
Confusion had Easton furrowing his brow. “You didn’t finish your drink.”
“I didn’t pay for it.”
Easton took a breath, trying not to sigh. Nico was so stubborn. Easton counted to five in his head. “Did you want the coffee?”
“No.”
For some reason, a smile exploded across Easton’s face. Nico was strange and slightly maddening. It was like breathing fresh air. “Then I’m ready.”
Nico fell into step beside him as he headed for the door. His palm collided with the small of Easton’s back. Easton didn’t move away. Nico’s touch didn’t feel threatening. In fact, as large and scary as Nico looked, he made Easton feel safe and protected. It was comforting. He hadn’t felt that way in a long time.
After locking up, Easton headed for the motorcycle—determined. “Okay. What do I need to do?”
An odd expression crossed Nico’s face. “Have you never been on a bike?”
Easton shrugged. “What can I say? I told you I’m boring.”
“No. You’re not.” Nico’s denial was calm and sure—like he knew something Easton didn’t. He unstrapped a helmet from the bike and moved to stand over Easton. Without preamble, Nico plopped the helmet on his head and adjusted the strap. Easton wondered if he looked like a little kid standing next to Nico’s huge frame. With Easton secure, Nico strapped on his own helmet and tossed one leg over the bike, straddling it. “Climb on.”
Easton felt like an idiot—like he was climbing on for a piggyback ride. Somehow, he managed. He got the feeling his ascent looked every bit as ungraceful as it felt, but he was on.
“Put your arms around me and hold on.”
Easton shifted closer and wrapped his arms around Nico. The moment his palms landed on rock solid abs, his brain misfired. He bit his tongue to keep from saying something stupid in his shock. He shouldn’t have been surprised. Nico was a retired professional boxer. It made sense he’d be in good shape. Knowing it and feeling it were two distinctly different things.
“Don’t let go.”
“Okay.” Fuck. He sounded way too chipper. Easton needed to reel it in. They were just friends and Easton was damaged. Even the average man wouldn’t be interested in Easton now. Easton didn’t stand a chance with someone like Nico. Plus, the man wasn’t his type, even if nothing stood in the way. Back when Easton actually dated, he’d only dated doctors and lawyers. Stock brokers. A sick feeling ate at Easton’s gut. The unhappiness he’d felt every single day back then washed over Easton at just the memory of who he’d once been. It had taken losing himself to find himself. Too bad he’d discovered his true self too late for it to matter. Easton didn’t plan to ever date again. Not only did he have nothing to offer, no one had anything to offer him either. He was fine alone. Even as the thought crossed his mind, Easton caught himself stroking Nico’s hard stomach. He forced his hands still. This was just a ride. Nothing more.
Nico peeled out. A laugh tore from Easton’s throat. His arms tightened around Nico, holding on for dear life. It was a bit freeing. His teeth shook from the vibration. He was terrified and one wrong move away from death, but he was having a blast. When Nico hit the interstate, he really opened her up, forcing Easton to mold against Nico’s back. Fifteen minutes later, Nico hit the exit and headed toward the bluffs. Easton fought the urge to question him. He’d thought they were only going for a quick ride. Nico seemed to have other
plans. He pulled over at a carnival overlooking the ocean. Easton didn’t let go, even when Nico killed the bike.
Nico took off his helmet and looked over his shoulder. “You will be fine.”
It was easily the third time Nico had said those words to him. Easton couldn’t explain why he took it in the chest every single time. He forced his arms to move and climbed off the bike. Easton tried taking off the helmet by himself with no luck. His fight ended in an aggravated huff when the strap wouldn’t budge. Nico laughed. Easton’s breath caught. He couldn’t look away as Nico closed the distance between them, smiling. He had laugh lines around his eyes and dimples. Easton didn’t as much as blink as Nico helped him out of the helmet. He prayed he didn’t look as dumbfounded as he felt. Easton did not want to see Nico in the light he was currently seeing.
“When was the last time you went to carnival?”
Easton shook his head, trying to shake off the spell. “I’ve never been.”
Nico froze in the middle of strapping the helmets to the bike. “What? That is no good. You must act the kid and forget these rides are death’s trap. You will ride with me.”
“Okay.” God help him. Easton worried he’d agree to any suggestion that rolled from Nico’s tongue. Even he didn’t know why. All Easton knew was, Nico took away the fear that choked him all hours of the day. He needed the friendship Nico offered. Maybe Nico needed him too. One could hope because—it seemed—that was one thing that hadn’t died alongside Easton’s old self.
Nico forced Easton onto every ride, even when he swore the last one almost killed him. With every smile and laugh, Nico tried for another. Between showing off his manliness in the rigged games and trying several fried foods, there was laughter and talking. Just talking. Easton was a happy chatterer. He spoke with his hands. In fact, he was the most animated person Nico ever met. The night wasn’t without its rough patches. There were times when people stood too close and a wild look entered Easton’s eyes. In those moments, Nico would silently crowd Easton’s space, using his size to block Easton from sight. He wanted to tell Easton he’d keep him safe. No one would harm him again. It was harder than he expected, pretending he didn’t notice or know.
Sugar Sentry (Sugar Daddies Book 13) Page 2