Page 18 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

Shit.He hadn’t meant for Wyatt to blurt that out.

“Colt?” His mother grinned, this time much stronger. “Is this your new guy?”

“He’s Daddy’s new friend.” Wyatt grabbed his grandmother’s hand. “Let’s go. “

“Yay.” His heart had been in the right place when he’d suggested the diner, but his stomach soured. He’d taken a huge leap.Well, no, not really.Maybe Colt wouldn’t be there and he wouldn’t make a fool of himself. He’d hope for that.

Ashley followed his son out to the car and waited for his mother to lock the house. Moving into the place would be a good idea. The more he thought about a future in an actual home, the more he liked the plan. He slid behind the wheel, drove across town to the diner and parked in the small lot beside the building.

He held his breath as he left the car. This would be the test for his mother. Usually they didn’t go out together in public. Even with Wyatt, she preferred to keep things under wraps.

Brenda eased out of the vehicle and held the door for Wyatt. When he jumped onto the pavement, she grasped his hand. “Are you coming, Ash?” She smiled. “I haven’t been here in years.”

He blew out a long breath. She acted like she wanted to be there.Score one for the Ashley team.He followed his mother and son into the diner. Next step—hoping Colt wasn’t there, and if he was, Ashley prayed he wouldn’t make a fool of himself. He liked Colt and wanted to look smooth, not like a doofus.

“Welcome. How many…” Colt rounded the half-wall and shook Ashley’s hand. “Hi, you.” He grinned and chuckled. “Nice to see you again, Wyatt. Is this your mother?”

Ashley’s eyes widened. So much for smooth. The man was trying way too hard.

“I’m not Wyatt’s mother.” Brenda giggled. “I’m his grandmother. This is my son, Ashley. I hear you know each other?” She wriggled her brows. “Maybe more than just as friends?”

Colt’s smile strengthened. “We’re good friends, yes. How about I show you to a booth?” He ushered Brenda and Wyatt forward, then stepped between them and Ashley. He offered Ashley another smile, this one softer.

“Sorry,” Ashley muttered. “Ma’s pushy.” She also seemed to be eating up Colt’s attention. At least one of them was getting him to notice.

“She’s fine.” He winked. “You are, too.”

“Colt.”Jeez.What the hell? Where is this coming from?Colt had touched him, but he hadn’t done anything else. Ashley bit back some of his confusion. Was that a compliment? Or a come-on? If it was either, then he liked the comment. He stopped at the appointed booth but didn’t sit. “I need to go to the restroom. Wyatt?”

“I’m good,” Wyatt said and snuggled against his grandmother. “Let’s look at the menu.”

“We’re fine. Go ahead,” Brenda said. “Want water?”

“Yes.” Embarrassment washed over him. He needed to get away from the group for a minute. He wasn’t even sure why he was embarrassed. Because he was attracted to Colt? Or because he knew his attraction was one-sided? He escaped to the bathroom and stood in the silence of the room. Everything was happening too fast. First his mother had changed her mind about his sexuality, then made the offer of her house, and now he was introducing her to his unrequited crush. He splashed water on his face and sighed. What next? Colt would waltz into the bathroom and ask him out?

The door creaked. When he glanced in the mirror, he noticed Colt behind him.Well, fuck.

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