Page 24 of Rainbows Over Cedarwood

His common sense said to leave Ashley alone and to give him space. But in his heart, he wanted to be close to Ashley. He eased up behind Ashley again.

“There’s plenty we can do without going all the way. Lots of sexy stuff.” He ground his burgeoning erection into Ashley’s jeans-clad ass. The pressure relieved some of the ache, but not much. He’d have to rein himself in when they went into the living room, but first he wanted another taste of Ashley. He needed to prove they could be great together if Ashley gave them the chance.

Ashley opened the microwave and retrieved the bag of popcorn. When he turned around, Colt caged him between his arms and the counter.

“It’s not the date I had in mind, but I’m not one for doing things conventionally.” He rested his forehead on Ashley’s and kissed him one more time.

“My kid is going to find us,” Ashley murmured. He eased his hand between them and nudged Colt away. “I like you, I do, but we have to slow down.”

Slow down? They’d barely gotten going! Colt bit back his frustration. He’d never worked this hard to impress a guy and wasn’t sure why he was still working on Ashley.

“Dad, is the popcorn done?” Wyatt shouted. His question jarred Colt out of his lust-induced fog.

“Shit. We’ve been caught.” Although he wanted to keep Ashley in the kitchen, he appreciated the interruption. “Until later?”

“Yes.” Ashley patted Colt’s chest then walked away with the popcorn in hand. “Got it, kid.”

Colt gave himself a moment to settle down and adjusted his pants to hide the bulge behind his zipper. When he felt ready, he joined the others in the living room.

Wyatt sprawled out on his father’s lap and rested his head on Ashley’s shoulder. He dragged a blanket over them and munched happily on the popcorn. A cartoon movie played on the television. Brenda sat on the other end of the couch. She pointed to the armchair.

“Have a seat and take a load off.” Brenda tossed him a pillow. “You might want this.”

She’d noticed his erection?Fuck.

“The chair’s comfortable, but you need a pillow for your back. It’s saggy from a couple of broken springs.” Her smile faltered. “That was Ashley’s father’s chair.”

Colt placed the pillow against the back of the chair and eased onto the cushion. He wanted to question Ashley about his father but didn’t. Some things were best left unsaid.

While the movie played, no one spoke. Wyatt barely moved other than to snatch popcorn from the bag. Once the film finished, he climbed off Ashley and yanked the blanket with him out of the room.

“I’ll be right back.” Ashley followed his son out of the room, leaving Colt alone with Brenda.

“How long have you two known each other?” she asked. She switched off the television. “I’ve gone to the diner for the last two years and never noticed you.”

“I try to stay on the floor and stay visible, but it doesn’t always work. I jump in whenever we need an extra pair of hands.” Colt folded his hands on his lap. “I’m told Ashley came in before the other day, too. Wish I’d have known, but to answer your question, not long.” He had no better excuse. He’d seen Ashley a few times but hadn’t bothered to make a move until a few days before.

“You’re a good businessman, but you’re not observant.” She stared at him and narrowed her eyes a bit. “Makes me wonder. This is new between the two of you. I can see it when you look at each other. He’s cautious and you’re overwhelming.” She crossed her arms. “You know about Wyatt and I’m hoping that’s not going to be a deterrent.”

“It’s not. He’s a cute kid.” The more time he spent around Wyatt, the more he liked the kid.

“He’s a lot like Ashley. Sweet and has his heart in the right place.” She paused. “Speaking of my son, he’s got a kind soul, but he’s been kicked around by life. First his father walking out on us, then Danica and Lane. I hope you know going in that he’s a strong man but tender. If you break his heart, I will make your life miserable. I’m tired of seeing him down. If you can boost him up, then we’ll get along. Otherwise…you’ve been warned.”

“I have and I appreciate it.” So Dear Old Dad had strolled? No wonder Ashley had trust issues. Now throw a kid into the mix… Some people might have run from Ashley, his situation and his hesitance, but knowing the man had survived endeared him to Colt. “I’ll do my best to treat him like a king.”

“That’s all I ask. Now, I’m heading to bed because I’m tired and Wyatt takes a lot out of a body. He’s a good kid, but I forgot how active they are at six.” She stood then strolled across the room and patted Colt’s shoulder. “Good night, but don’t you dare wake him or me up.”

He sat on the chair a few moments after she’d left him alone. He appreciated her concern. Ashley appeared in the living room next and collapsed on the couch. “The kid asks so many questions,” he muttered. “I heard Ma giving you the third degree. That’s new for her, too.” He shrugged. “Other than Danica, I didn’t bring home dates, so she hasn’t had anyone to practice on.”

“She means well. I’m glad she said something. She seems to really care.” Colt scooted to the edge of the chair. “She also wasn’t kidding about this seat. The springs are shot.”

“Dad wasn’t a small man. When he wasn’t sitting there, he was passed out in the bedroom.” Ashley averted his gaze. “He liked the bottle more than he liked us.”

“Because you were gay?” He wanted to understand Ashley better.

“No. As far as I know, he never found out. One day he walked away and we never saw him again. We’re better off without him. It was only a matter of time before he went from a lazy alcoholic to a violent one. He punched holes in the walls when he wasn’t drinking and threatened my mother. I felt so guilty when I went to college. I don’t know whatever happened to him, but I worried he’d come back and do something to Ma.”

“Did he?”God.He’d thought his situation was dangerous. He had no idea what Ashley had dealt with.

“Not that I know of.” Ashley threaded his fingers into his hair, making the strands stand on end. “If you’re ready to go to bed, I’ll show you to the guest room. I know Ma said to shack up together, but I’m not sure.” He stood and started out of the room. “I hate thinking about my dad. He was such a—”

“I understand.”Kind of.His parents had been wonderful and so much in love. He grasped the back of Ashley’s pants, hooking his fingers into Ashley’s belt loop. “Slow down.” Ashley wouldn’t get away from his past by running away from Colt.

When they reached the room, Ashley yanked him inside and closed the door. “Sorry. I didn’t want to turn on the light until you were in the room. It’d wake up Wyatt.”

“Gives us privacy, too.” He let go of Ashley long enough to drape his arms around Ashley’s waist. He rested his forehead on Ashley’s and kissed the tip of Ashley’s nose. “She cares about you and so do I. You’re a good guy, Ashley Willis.” Good, sexy and smart, but haunted.

“I am, eh?” He slid his hands into Colt’s back pockets. The move, the boldest by Ashley so far, turned Colt on. “We can’t do this. We barely know each other.”

“No one said we’re getting together forever,” he whispered and captured Ashley’s mouth in a kiss. Ashley swallowed Colt’s moan as he sucked on Colt’s tongue. This was what Colt wanted, what he needed—to let go and be himself with someone he trusted. The relationship with Ashley was new, but damn, it was intoxicating. He never wanted the night or the kiss to end.

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