by Webster, K
A few familiar patrons wave at me and I nod at them, careful to keep my face even.
“Two. I ran into a friend just now,” Dante tells the hostess. “He says the crunchy clams are the best thing I’ll ever put in my mouth.”
The young hostess blushes at his words. I totally get it, too. He’s charming and fucking hot. The poor girl doesn’t know he’s into dicks. My dick at the moment. I can’t help but puff out a bit, a smug grin on my lips as she leads us to a booth in the back. Once we take our seats, she drops a couple of menus off and leaves us alone.
“I wanted to discuss tonight,” he says, his hot stare burning into me.
I freeze when his leg rubs against mine beneath the table. “Yeah, uh, what’s up?”
“I’m kidding.” He laughs, his eyes glinting wickedly. “I just wanted to see your face turn red again. It’s cute.”
Asshole.
But, he’s fine as fuck, so it’s hard to stay mad at him.
Especially knowing he’ll be in my bed later.
Dante
I wasn’t lying.
Every time Jax blushes, my dick gets really fucking hard. Hell, just looking at him does insane things to my poor cock. I want to grab him by the front of his shirt and drag him across the table for a claiming kiss. The thought is alarming for so many reasons.
He’s a closet gay.
I don’t claim guys…I fuck them.
I’m too old for weird ass games.
Yet, here I am playing a game of pretend with the fake straight sheriff, wanting like hell to suck on his neck until it bruises so everyone knows he’s taken.
I’ve been out of the game for too long. I’ll blame Callan’s bratty ass for sending me into dad mode when I could have been getting laid this whole time. Now, I forgot how to be Dante fucking Kincaid. Or, maybe it’s this town. It’s soft compared to the hard way New York was. I’ve only been here a few weeks and I’m softening into someone I don’t recognize.
“You okay?” he asks after we place our order. “You look a little sick.”
“I’m great.” I wink at him. “What’s new in your world?”
He lets out a frustrated sigh. “Rainbow Vigilante struck again last night. Wolffish Floral.”
“No shit? Is that asshole from the Chamber meeting all up in arms again?”
Jax reaches into his pocket and unfolds a newspaper article. He holds it out to me. I let my fingers brush over his, loving the fact he doesn’t immediately pull away. This guy might be scared to come out of the closet, but he craves the touch of another man so badly he’ll sneak in a secret game of footsies under the table and a simple brush of my fingers over his.
Lifting the article, I quickly scan through it, taking in the zoomed in, grainy picture of a hooded person creeping by a window.
Granger’s is offering a discount for any leads! Come see us!
“How did Addison pull that one off?” I ask with a chuckle.
“Too easily.” He grins. “If I didn’t know any better, it’s her.”
“It’s possible. Maybe you played right into her hand.”
He shifts when the server brings us our iced teas, his leg brushing my calf. “I don’t get what the big deal is. This person is painting rainbows. Why is everyone pissed off about it?”
“Most people like it,” Jax admits. “But…”
“Let me guess,” I interrupt. “The mayor and his friends do not.”
“Dad is…” He sighs. “You know, he didn’t even call to ask about Zak.”
Our conversation transitions from playful to serious. His dad is a piece of work. I didn’t care for his ass when I ran into him at the auto shop, but after knowing he had a three strike and you’re literally out rule for Zak, I decide I can’t fucking stand him.
“How does Zak feel about that?” I ask, frowning at him.
“His lazy ass was sleeping when I left this morning. I’ll feel him out later.”
“How do you feel about it?”
His jaw clenches. “I’m pissed. Mom texted me earlier trying to make me feel like shit for taking him in.”
“Where the hell else was he supposed to go?”
“The fucking alley? I don’t know. When I started getting pissed about it, she switched the conversation to my date with Shelly.”
We both grow quiet.
“What are you going to do about Shelly anyway?”
He scowls. “You really think I’m a dick, huh?”
“It was a simple question, boy.”
His cheeks burn bright red at my choice of endearment. “She texted me this morning asking if I wanted to have dinner…”
“And?”
“And nothing. That’s it. I haven’t replied.”
“Well, that was rude.” I frown at him. “You either go to dinner with her or don’t, but don’t leave her hanging.”
“I…” He pauses and then runs a hand through his hair, messing it up. “I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”
“I think you should reply to her.”
“And say what?”
“Whatever you want. Just don’t ignore my sister.”
He flinches at my words but then pulls his phone out. His teeth capture one corner of his bottom lip as he texts back and forth with Shelly. Finally, his brown eyes lock on mine, frustration evident in his gaze.
“Your sister is…”
I bark out a laugh. “Impossible. Let me guess. She talked you out of saying no.”
“Yeah,” he says, shock in his tone. “How did…”
“That’s Shelly Belly for you. The brat got whatever she wanted growing up because she was so fucking persistent. Plus, she thinks I like you, so she’s in total competition mode.”
“Are you fucking for real?” he growls. “You’re such an asshole. You seriously let me sweat that shit out, didn’t you?”
I chuckle. “It’s sweet you tried to choose me. It’s the thought that counts.”
“I don’t…” He sighs. “Whatever. Looks like I’m having dinner with Shelly. I’ll text you after.”
“Don’t worry. You’re not the first guy my sister and I have fought over.”
“Rich people,” he grumbles, shaking his head. “Normal people aren’t like this I’ll have you know.”
“That’s what makes the Kincaids so special.” I wink at him as the server sets down our food.
As promised, the crunchy Maine clams are fucking orgasmic. I eat my weight in the damn things. Jax wears a satisfied expression on his face.
“Fucking amazing, right?” he asks, a crooked grin tugging at his plump lips.
“I’ve had better.”
God, I love making his face turn crimson.
“Really?” I lean my shoulder against the door jamb, shaking my head at my sister. “Is this your bag a husband getup?”
She laughs, spinning in front of her mirror. “Bag me a sheriff husband.”
Normally, when we’re vying for the same guy, I’m amused by her silly efforts to win. Not this evening. No, I’m irritated.
Which makes no sense.
I barely know the guy.
“You do like him. Like really like him,” she marvels as she places her hands on her hips and studies me. “Is he even gay or bi?”
Gritting my teeth, I keep my trap shut. I promised I wouldn’t betray him, not even to my own sister. I’m an asshole, but I’m also a man of my word. “I just think you’re going to extreme efforts for a guy you practically have to drag to dinner.”
“Some things are worth the trouble.” She shrugs her shoulders and snags up her purse. “Don’t wait up for me.”
“Don’t wait up for me either.” I smirk at her. “You’re not the only one with plans tonight.”
Plans with the same man…
“You’re up to something, big brother. I’ll eventually find out and make you spill.”
“Have fun trying,” I tease before kissing her forehead. “Be safe.”
I leave her to getting dressed and seek out Callan. A
fter the way we left things last night, I feel the urge to make peace between us. Since he was suspended today, he’s probably been moping all day. The B&B is quiet this evening since the workers went home already and Callan’s not blasting his music. I push open his door to find him at his desk, hard at work. His AirPods are in, so I can sneak up on him. I’m about to scare the shit out of him when I see a text come through on his phone.
Zak: But when did you know? Did you wake up one day or were you born gay?
Callan picks it up and then flies through a response before setting it down again. I try not to pry, but curiosity is eating at me.
Callan: I knew I liked guys when I was young. Plus, my brother was gay as long as I could remember. When he’d bring home boyfriends, I’d drool over them.
Zak: Have you had sex with a man before?
I cringe, no longer curious about what they’re talking about. I’m pretty sure it’s going to head into uncomfortable territory that no guy wants to learn about his younger brother. I walk back over to the door and slam it loud enough that it grabs Callan’s attention.
“What?” he demands, flipping his phone over and yanking off his AirPods.
“Don’t what me,” I grumble. “I came to check on you.”
“I’m fine. Just working on some ideas for Zak’s apartment.” He shrugs. “He likes my ideas.”
“Oh yeah? You guys cool now?”
“Yeah.”
Teenage boys and their vague-ass answers.
“Are you learning more about each other?” I lift a brow at him. “Besides what color he wants his drapes?”
He flips me off, smirking. “It’s more than just drapes. It’s a whole concept. A feel. A vibe. I’m learning Zak is more than a dumb jock. He’s funny and smart. I want his apartment to reflect the guy hiding inside.”
“And what kind of guy is hiding? One you want to maybe date?”
His eyes roll and he lets out a huff. “I told you. Zak’s not my type.”
“Even if he turned out to like guys too? If he wanted to…you know, show you his carpet matches his drapes?”
“Dante!” he cries out. “Ew. No. Don’t talk sex shit to me. It’s disgusting hearing it from your older brother. You don’t have to freak out. I’m not going to let Zak fuck me. He’s just my friend. You’re free to date Jax. It won’t be weird because I don’t want Zak like that. I just like him.”
I try not to freeze at his words. “Date? Why would I want to date the straight sheriff?”
“Because you salivated over him all through dinner last night. You’re so obvious.”
“Just because I think the guy is hot doesn’t mean I want to date him.”
His brows furrow. “Why don’t you date anymore? Because of your ex? So you’re just a manwhore now?”
I try not to cringe at the mention of him.
“Hardly,” I scoff. “I’m continually cockblocked by your bratty ass. If I weren’t having to deal with all your shit, I could be out at the club right now picking up someone.”
“Fucking and dating are two different things,” he throws back. “Besides, I’m old enough to look after myself. Soon, I’ll be an adult and can do whatever I want.” He cocks his head to the side as though he’s peering inside my mind. “Nice dodge of my question, though. Why don’t you date anymore?”
Because dating leads to broken hearts.
Hooking up feels good for my dick and my ego. My heart remains intact.
“I just haven’t found a special someone.” And I’m not looking either.
“But if he came along, you’d date him?”
Considering the only guy I’m interested in at the moment is a closet gay, dating still seems out of the question.
“Of course,” I lie. I’m not going to feed my brother all the reasons I’m jaded so he can become jaded too. “Be careful with your new friend Zak. Sometimes friends hook up and it always ends badly.”
He nods as though he actually hears my advice for once. “You’ve done your big brother duties now. Might as well go to the club. I’ll keep my cockblocking powers subdued so you can get laid.”
I flip him off. “Don’t wait up, you little shit.”
“Tell the hot sheriff I said hi.”
“Actually, Shelly is going on a date with him.”
Confusion flickers in his gaze. “Why? He’s…”
“Straight,” I blurt out. “And she’s persistent.”
“Hmmm.”
“Don’t hmmm me, kid. Just accept it and leave it be.”
“Whatever,” he grumbles. “Old people are fucking weird.”
He has no idea.
Jaxson
I’m antsy as I wait for Shelly.
This is wrong. I may be secretly gay, but it’s still wrong to be entertaining this woman when all I want to do is get back to her brother. Even after I get this shit out of my system with Dante, I still wouldn’t feel right about dating Shelly.
Which is why I suggested the Boardwalk.
It’s cold, dreary, and doesn’t have too many places to sit and get comfortable.
“Jax!” Shelly calls out, waving to me. She’s bundled up and is wearing a stocking cap protecting her head and ears. “Your last-minute change in plans left me swapping out a gorgeous dress for this, I’ll have you know.”
Her hazel eyes twinkle, not seeming the least bit perturbed I changed our suggested dinner date from Martha Joy’s to the Boardwalk.
“Sorry,” I mutter out, guilt niggling at me. “I don’t have a ton of time and wanted to talk to you.”
Her forehead crinkles. “Sounds serious. Is this about my brother?”
“Uh,” I choke out, frozen stupid. “I, uh…”
“It’s okay, Dante told me.”
My gut twists painfully and bile rises up my throat.
“Callan is troubled. I’m sorry he fought with your brother,” she says, concern etched in her features. “He’s just going through a hard time.”
Relief floods through me and I sigh heavily.
She doesn’t know I’m gay. Dante didn’t tell her that. I’m relieved, though not surprised. I barely know the guy, but, from what I do know, I don’t think he’d out me like that.
“Oh, Callan’s a great kid. I think he and Zak really hit it off as friends. It was probably a good thing it happened in order to push them together into friendship.”
“Good. You scared me there for a minute.”
And you scared me, lady.
“Come on,” I grunt. “There’s a place near the end that has excellent lobster chowder. Probably the best in the state. And they have a little bar that’s protected from the wind where we can sit for a bit.”
Placing my palm on the small of her back, I guide her through the people brave enough to hang out on the Boardwalk when it’s drizzling and cold as fuck.
Finally, we make it over to The Lobster Roll and push inside the door. Once settled, and we each have a frothy beer in hand, I give her a resigned smile.
“Listen,” I start, but she cuts me off.
“I get it. You’re not interested in dating me.”
Guilt and shame war within me, heating my cheeks. “It’s not you—”
“Spare me the line, Sheriff.” She laughs, shaking her head. “It’s okay. I’m a tough girl. Just give it to me straight. I’m not your type.”
No, because you don’t have the right body parts.
“No,” I admit. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize.” She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “We can still be friends, right? It’s surprisingly hard to meet people in this small town. Not everyone is as sweet as you.”
“They’ll come around,” I promise. “And yeah, friends sounds really nice.”
The waitress brings us back our piping hot bowls of lobster chowder and some cheese biscuits. Now that we’ve addressed the elephant in the room, Shelly and I easily converse back and forth, mostly about our younger brothers. After our meal, I walk her back
to her car in the Boardwalk parking lot.
“Thanks for a nice dinner, friend,” Shelly says with a silly grin. “I’ll have to have you over for dinner one night at the B&B. I have a few good recipes up my sleeve that I remember from culinary school. Eventually, I’ll need to hire a cook, but I can make enough to get us by in the interim.” She gives me a quick hug. “And bring Zak. Callan would love to have a friend over.”
We part ways and I climb into my SUV, my hand on my phone before I even get the heat going.
Me: I did it. I told her I just wanted to be friends.
Dante: No shit? And she didn’t put up a fight?
Me: She invited me and Zak over for dinner as friends.
Dante: Of course she did.
Me: You still want to come over?
He doesn’t reply right away, which makes my anxiety spike. Maybe he’s rethinking this thing with me. Before I can panic, he replies.
Dante: I do. But I’m locked in an intense conversation with a beautiful blond cop.
Fucking Brie.
Me: Did she pull you over?
Dante: No. We’re having a drink together at Focus. We just ran into each other. I wonder who else I might run into tonight…
Of all places, they’d have to be at Focus. The chances of Kian tending bar tonight are high. It’s not like I’ve never gone to Focus before with Cato. But everything feels different now. Exposed and raw. I’m not sure how I’ll handle seeing Kian’s cute ass and adorable smile.
It’ll hurt.
But seeing Dante won’t hurt at all. Sharing a secretive look with him, just knowing the two of us will get together later, is worth any unease I encounter with Kian.
It will be awkward. It always is.
Starting the SUV, I then wind my way out of the parking lot and hang a right onto Main Street. I make it to First and find a spot in front of Belle’s Boutique. After sucking in a calming breath, I trot across First to Focus. As soon as I open the door, I lock eyes with him.
Kian Abrams.
His hazel eyes widen, surprise evident in them. I ache to see his smile, but he turns to talk to one of the patrons, giving me the cold shoulder. Swallowing down the melancholy of what could have been, I scan the wine bar for Dante and Brie. I find them at a high-top table, both of them laughing.