Page 36 of Cedarwood Manny

“You cheated on me and left us. Call me leery.”

“Adrien.”

“I’m in the garage. Text me the details and if we can get together, then fine, but don’t expect it,” Adrien said.

“You’re bitter.”

“It happens,” Adrien said. “I need to go.” He didn’t give his ex time to plead. He hung up and silenced his phone. He was done with Gerry and hated the angry bitterness involved.

Nathan stood at the kitchen door with Kyle and waved. When Adrien spotted them, his day brightened. He’d come home to his safe, happy place.Time to unwind.

Nathan opened the garage door to Adrien. “Hi.”

“Hi, Daddy.” Kyle waggled free from Nathan’s grasp. “We made jelly sammiches.”

“Did you?” Adrien hugged Kyle, then stood. “Did you eat supper?”

“No.” Nathan frowned. “We were waiting for you.”

“Good. I thought we’d go out.” Adrien left his bag on the counter. “I thought we’d go to the Diner. We’ll have a night off.”

“Yes.” Kyle darted away. “I can see Wyatt.” He ran out of the room singing.

“The Diner?” Nathan asked. He wasn’t upset, but confused. “I can make something.” His stomach soured. If they went out in public, then someone might think they were a couple. If that happened, he’d lose his job. He had feelings for Adrien, but damn it, until he knew they were going to stay together, he needed to know his job was secure. He had himself to blame. He’d encouraged Adrien to allow him to grow closer.

“I know.” Adrien wound his arms around Nathan. “It’s been a rough day and I want someone else to do the work—not me or you. The Diner is a safe environment—Colt’s nice and it’s gay-friendly. Plus, I want to treat you.”

“Adrien, you pay me.” He leaned into Adrien. They could be caught tangled up. Did he mind?Not really.“You don’t have to take me out.”

“I know.” Adrien slipped his hands into Nathan’s back pockets. “I thought you’d appreciate the break and me taking initiative.”

“I do, but I’m conflicted.”

“How?”

“I’m excited to be going out into public with you. You want to be seen with me. That’s huge and I want it to happen. I like being with you,” Nathan said. “But what about my job? What do we do if people think we’re together? I could be outted to the training center and lose my job.”

“You’re my manny and we’re going out. No one says we have to crawl all over each other,” Adrien said. “If they have a problem with us going to dinner, then that’s on them. I’ll explain everything to the training center because there’s nothing wrong with having a meal out. Next.”

“Then there’s you. I don’t want to push you into agreeing to do something if you’re not ready. I don’t want to push Kyle, either. What if the bottom falls out? What if he gets attached to me and you dump me?”

“You’re thinking too hard,” Adrien said. “He’s already attached to you, but you could get another job. I don’t want you to—I prefer you being here. You’re good for Kyle and me. But what if you decide you don’t want an old man? Then I’m out of luck.”

Then Adrien had been thinking about the ramifications more and not just making a snap decision.Good.“You’re not old.”

“I’ve got ten years on you.”

He rested his forehead against Adrien’s. “You can be so difficult.”

“Likewise.” Adrien kissed him. “If you’d rather have something here, I can order dinner to go. I’d rather you feel comfortable than do something you don’t like.” He brushed his mouth over Nathan’s. “I’m ready to admit to everyone, especially myself, that I’m entranced by you. I want everyone to know I like you, but I don’t want you to regret it. I’m sorry. I’m excited, happy and ready to move forward with my life. I want Kyle to have a family—us. If someone has a problem with us being together—like the training center—then we’ll figure something out. I don’t want to lose you.”

Fuck yes.He mattered to Adrien. He wanted to reply, but heard Kyle’s footsteps in the hallway. Adrien didn’t let go right away.

“You’re kissing.” Kyle broke into a fit of laughter. “Daddy, you kissed Nate.”

“Is that bad?” Adrien asked. “What if I want to kiss him again?” He knelt next to Kyle. “Do you mind? I like Nate. Can I like him?”

Holy Jesus.Adrien wasn’t kidding. Nathan held his breath. He’d dreamed of this moment, but now that it was happening, fear gripped him. What if Kyle said no?

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