Page 21 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

“Because I’ve seen Ash around town. He’s quiet and sweet. He needs the right guy to open him up—pardon the pun.”

“And I’m that guy?” Colt asked. Not that he’d turn Ashley down. He’d tried to come on to the guy but wasn’t sure how to read him.

“You might be. If I’ve learned anything since I reconnected with Colin, it’s that anything can happen and the last thing you expect is probably what you need.” Jordan removed his radio from his clip. “Excuse me.”

Colt waited until the officer had exited the building before he resumed bussing the tables. When he checked the clock, more than an hour had passed. He groaned and shoved the last batch of plates into the dishwashing machine then closed the cover. At least he could leave those dishes in the machine overnight. He locked the front doors, cashed out the till drawer and retrieved the tape. Once he’d deposited the cash and receipts into one of the money bags then into his briefcase, he switched off the lights in the dining room.

Colt herded the waitstaff out of the back door, switched off the kitchen lights and locked the back door. Once everyone had made it to their respective vehicles, he climbed behind the wheel of his own car. Someone had tucked a piece of paper under his wiper. Instead of getting out to take the paper off his windshield, he drove over to the cop car. He parked beside Jordan and removed the piece of paper before he handed it to the cops.

Jordan nodded and waved as Colt pulled out of the lot. He didn’t feel much better by leaving the police in charge of his diner, but he didn’t have much choice. He pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed Ashley’s number. He’d take the money into wherever Ashley lived, but he wasn’t ready to go home.

“Hi,” Ashley said. “You’re early. I just dropped Wyatt off at Ma’s. He wanted to stay there tonight.”

“Probably just as well. Her place is secure, right?” Colt asked.

“I thought so. I grew up there, but now you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?”

“Right after you left, the coalition struck and ran a bunch of my customers off. Wyatt and your mother should be fine but keep an eye out.” Colt shuddered. “I thought I’d come over. I know it’s forward, but I don’t want to be alone right now.” This wasn’t the reason he wanted to get into Ashley’s pants. He’d planned on something smooth, with romance and kind gestures…not with fear and threats involved.

“Understandable. I’ll call her and let her know and will keep an eye out for you. I’m at the Westminster apartments, 1B. Right on the end, second drive. There’s guest parking right next to my unit.”

“Cool. I’ll see you in five.” Colt clicked off the line in order to allow Ashley time to phone his mother. Otherwise he’d have stayed on the phone with him. He felt safer hearing Ashley’s voice. Dating Ashley wasn’t dangerous and Colt was scared. After all the shit at the diner, he wanted to be with Ashley, where he felt safe.

He pulled into the small lot and parked under the streetlight. Colt grabbed his briefcase, his wallet, phone and keys then left the vehicle. He clicked the lock and headed for Ashley’s apartment. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. Was someone following him? He wasn’t sure, but he’d feel better once he made it into Ashley’s place.

He strode up to 1B, but before he could press the doorbell, Ashley answered the door. “Hi. I thought we’d go to Ma’s. It’s more secure and I can keep an eye on Wyatt. Do you mind?”

Colt clutched his things. “Right now, I’ll go wherever you are.” He liked how Ashley thought ahead. They’d be safer if they were all together. Plus, then he’d get a chance to spend quality time with Ashley.

Ashley pulled the door shut, twisted his key in the lock then slipped his arm around Colt. “You’re shaking. It’ll be okay. I don’t know how, but it will. Let’s go.”

The simple gesture both comforted Colt and gave him hope. He could get past this craptastic situation and maybe, just maybe, give a real date with Ashley a shot. He leaned into Ashley’s one-armed embrace. For now, he thanked God he had a good friend in Ashley.

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