Page 23 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

“How about we go inside? We can sort this out later.” Ashley rubbed his cheek on Colt’s hand. “When Wyatt goes to sleep and Ma gives up for the night…maybe we can explore whatever this is between us.”

“You read my mind.” He let go of Ashley long enough to retrieve his wallet and the briefcase with the take for the night. Safe neighborhood or not, he refused to leave a wad of cash in a locked vehicle. He strolled up behind Ashley and headed into the house. Once the door was locked, he sighed and relief washed over him.

Wyatt ran into the kitchen and threw his arms around his father’s waist. “Hey, Dad. I thought you weren’t coming over.”

“I changed my mind.” Ashley hugged his son. “It’s a long story, but I thought I’d hang out with you and Grandma.”

“I’ve kept Wyatt busy.” The woman entered the kitchen and stopped in the doorway. “Oh, hello. Ash? Who is this?”

“My friend, Colton. He’s in charge of the diner, remember? You met him earlier.” Ashley clutched his son. “Some stuff happened.”

She smiled and nodded once. “Now I do. Call me Brenda.” She reached for Wyatt. “Why don’t you put your pajamas on and we’ll finish watching the movie, okay?”

“You’ll make some popcorn?” Wyatt asked. He disengaged from his father. “Please?”

“Of course. I said I would. Now go.” She patted Wyatt on the back as he left the kitchen. When the kid was out of the general area, she sighed. “Okay, what happened? I know it’s not that you don’t trust me.” She stared at Colt. “What was the thing that took place?”

Ashley gripped the handle on the oven door and leaned against the stove. “Go ahead.”

“Long story short, the coalition for hate—” Colt began.

“It’s not called that, but it’s close,” Ashley interjected.

“Anyway, they don’t want gay people in Cedarwood. I’ve been fine for the last five years, but they decided to make their presence known today. They’re picketing outside my diner. The patrons are all gone and the police are there, but it’s not good.”

“Because of that single dad group?” Brenda folded her arms. “Who cares where you stick your dick?”

“Ma.” Ashley’s eyes widened and his lips parted. “I can’t believe you said that.”

“Ash, I’m old, but I’m not blind. I know what you do.” She shrugged and turned her gaze to Colt. “Now, the dads group? Or something else?”

Colt placed the case and his wallet on the table. He enjoyed the exchange between Ashley and his mother. For a few moments, he felt normal. He bowed his head then forced himself to look her in the eye. He’d been told to always make eye contact with whomever he was speaking to, especially if he had nothing to hide.

“I came out of the bathroom behind Ashley and went in with him. Most people wouldn’t care if two guys went into the restroom at the same general time. People do it all the time. But the group is looking for reasons to cause trouble.” He stole a glance at Ashley. “I don’t regret what happened. Not a bit. What I do regret is that these folks feel the LGBTQ community in Cedarwood is out to destroy the town.”

“You’re not.” She clasped her hands together. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I doubt anything bad will happen, but I like having my family close.” She grabbed one of Ashley’s hands and one of Colt’s. “And before your son comes back, the tension between you two is so thick it’s crazy. If you’re not dating, you should be.” She winked then let go and headed into the living room. She stopped in the doorway. “If you would, start a bag of popcorn, and while you’re at it, Wyatt’s in your old room. You’re welcome to stay in the guest room—or the couch. Up to you.”

She left them alone again. Ashley sagged against the stove. “Wow,” he muttered. “I should be thankful, but I’m still reeling.”

“She’s sweet.” Colt exhaled. “She’s also a pistol. She’s trying to push us together.”

“Like she needs to do much pushing.” Ashley grabbed a bag of popcorn from the cupboard and opened the packet. “I think the kiss in the bathroom said a lot.”

“It did.” He tilted his head and listened for Wyatt. He heard the kid tell his grandmother he was ready to finish the movie and her reply to climb onto the couch with her.Good.That meant he had a few moments to cuddle Ashley. He needed the support. He wound his arms around Ashley’s middle and rested his chin on Ashley’s shoulder. Forward, but he’d get the point across to Ashley—he wanted him.

“You’re not worried my son will come in here?” Ashley asked. He pressed the buttons to start the microwave. “He could.” Still, Ashley didn’t pull away.

“If he weren’t wrapped up in the movie.” He nipped Ashley’s neck. God, the man smelled good. He dragged his tongue along Ashley’s jugular vein. He liked guys with a sprinkling of hairs on their chin and neck, but he preferred Ashley’s smooth skin. A well-kept man was very sexy.

Ashley groaned and leaned into Colt’s embrace. “It’s been so long since I’ve felt like this.”

“Doesn’t have to end.” He kissed Ashley’s neck again. “I can be quiet if you can.”

“Quiet has nothing to do with it.” Ashley glanced over at Colt. “I don’t have any rubbers.” He ducked away from Colt. “I shouldn’t give in to this.”

“Why?”

“I can want all day long, but I can’t do something to put my kid in danger.” Ashley turned back to the beeping microwave.

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