Page 19 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

Chapter Seven

Colt closed the bathroom door and wiped his hands on his pants pockets. “Hey.” He hadn’t expected to see Ashley that early afternoon and he loved that Ashley was there. “I didn’t want to corner you in here, but I wanted to talk to you.”

“I know. I’ve been bad about getting back to you. Well, no. I tried to call and I texted but got no answer.” Ashley dried his face and shook his head. “Anyway, I brought Ma and Wyatt here because we needed food and it’s a good price. I’m not trying to push or step in or anything. I figured you weren’t interested the other afternoon when we got ice cream. No harm done. I get when I’m not wanted.”

Colt smiled and kept the chuckle at bay. Ashley was babbling. He had no idea and Colt hadn’t been bold enough with his affections. Knowing he’d gotten under Ashley’s skin was cute and endearing. “Stop.”

“Yeah, I’ll shut up now.” Ashley tossed the paper towel. “It’s bad. I can stand in front of a group of six-year-olds and not feel self-conscious. When I talk to you, I feel like I’m the six-year-old. All gawky and goofy.”

“You’re adorable.” Colt crossed the room and curled his fingers under Ashley’s chin. The sizzle returned and grew stronger.

“Oh…really?”

“Uh-huh.” He stared into Ashley’s eyes.God, the man’s handsome.Reluctant, careful and oh so sexy and he wanted Ashley in his bed. He breathed in the scent of Ashley’s cologne. He could get addicted to the woodsy aroma.

“I should get back to Ma and Wyatt. They’ll think I fell in.” He blushed from his hairline to his collar. “I mean… That sounded dumb.” He shuffled away from Colt, only to have Colt move with him and block his path. He bumped into Colt, brushing his chest against Colt’s. A shiver ran the length of Colt’s spine.

“It sounded fine.” Colt swiped his thumb along Ashley’s chin. “Call me later? Like eightish? I’m off and I’d like to see you.” He stared at Ashley’s lips. What would Ashley taste like? Would he return the kiss if Colt tried?

“I’ve got Wyatt,” Ashley blurted. He also didn’t pull away. “You can come over to discuss festival stuff, but it’ll be the three of us.”

Festival stuff. Shit.That wasn’t what he’d meant at all. “I suppose we can talk about the gathering for a while. How about I bring dinner?” He stepped closer until Ashley’s breath feathered over Colt’s cheeks. “I didn’t get a chance to say this before, but I like you.” Now he’d been blunt. Ashley could accept Colt’s advances or stop things right now.

Ashley’s lips parted as he gasped. “You like me? But…”

“Yeah,” he replied and planted his mouth on Ashley’s. He didn’t want to hear any buts, especially not when he’d prefer to do more than say he liked Ashley. He wasn’t above meeting for a quickie in the bathroom or a blow job in one of the stalls, but not with Ashley and not at the diner with patrons there. He wanted so much more from Ashley. Besides, Ashley’s mother and kid were waiting on him. Far be it for him to keep a man from his loved ones. There’d be time for sex or whatever later. He nipped Ashley’s bottom lip then pulled away and licked his lips.

“Colt.” Ashley wobbled on his feet. “But you weren’t interested.”

“I never said that.” Colt kissed him once more. He’d never tire of tasting Ashley. “I simply took my time in approaching you.”

“I-I need to get back to the table.” Ashley slid his hands along Colt’s chest. The simple touch seared Colt to the core.

“If I don’t hear from you by eight, I’ll call you.” He swatted Ashley’s ass, then directed him out of the bathroom. So what if someone saw them together. He wanted to stake his claim on the sexy art teacher—even if only for a night.

He headed to the kitchen and washed his hands, then jumped in and helped sort out the different orders. When the server brought back the order from Ashley’s table, Colt added a few extra fries to Wyatt’s plate and bulked up the salad. He allowed the server to deliver the food but watched through the window as she placed the plates in front of them. Wyatt squealed, and the mother gushed thanks. Ashley slid his gaze to the window. Was that amusement? Or more embarrassment? Colt wasn’t sure.

He ducked into the kitchen and out of Ashley’s sight, but stayed where he could see his crush. He wasn’t a kid person, but he could see why some would decide to become kid people. Having a kid certainly held perks—ordering from the kid menu, going to fun places like amusement parks… He turned his attention to work in the kitchen. By the time he glanced out of the window, Ashley wasn’t at the table. Neither were Wyatt or Ashley’s mother. Had he scared them off? Probably not, but he would’ve liked to have been told goodbye.

He headed out to the register to check the stock of candy and mints.

“Excuse me.” One of the ladies from the group table approached him. “Are you the owner?”

He braced himself. Either she’d have a compliment for the diner or a complaint about her food. “I am. How can I help you?”

She stared at him. Her brown eyes glittered and the corner of her mouth kinked. “You’re part of that single father group, aren’t you?”

Single father… Ashley.“No, I’m not. I don’t have any children, unless you consider the diner my child. It does require most of my attention.”

“I see.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I’ve seen you with members of that group. I hear they’re discussing a festival. Something to promote gayness in our town?”

He frowned.Promote gayness in the town? For the love of Pete.“You’re mistaken. The group wanted to create a family gathering situation to celebrate living in Cedarwood. One’s sexuality doesn’t factor into the plans.”

“Are you sure?” She folded her arms. “If you’re hanging out with that bunch, then can we assume you’re gay, too?” She raised her voice. “You are gay, aren’t you?”

He hated a bully—especially one trying to ruin not only his day but his reputation and his diner, too. His sexuality made no difference to his ability to run the diner.

“Not going to answer.” She turned around and held up both hands. “Ladies. This gentleman won’t tell. What do you say? Since he won’t tell, we won’t pay.” She whipped back around to face him. “Well?”

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