Page 6 of Cedarwood Manny

“She’s a friend, yes,” Nathan said. “Can I call you?”

“Me?”

“Who else? Yes, you.” Nathan offered a wide smile. He slid his phone across the table. “Add your digits and I’ll put mine in your phone.”

Adrien fumbled, but complied. Getting the number of a hot man wasn’t usual for him. He tended to ask and be declined.

“There.” Nathan left his phone on the table and folded his arms. “Maybe next time we get together, you can bring your son.”

“Yeah.” That wasn’t going to happen, but he could try. He didn’t introduce Kyle to men he wanted to date. He and Nathan might be having a great conversation, but until he could be sure Nathan wasn’t dangerous, he wasn’t going to bring him around Kyle. “I’ll see you. Thanks for the coffee and sorry once more for spilling mine on you.”

“I’m not sorry. I got to meet you. That was worth the trouble.” Nathan stood when Adrien did and offered his hand. “I’ll call you.”

“I won’t hold you to it, but I hope you do.” He shook hands with Nathan. “Bye.” Tingles shot from his fingertips to his heart. He held on to Nathan’s fingers for a moment longer than he should’ve, but couldn’t bring himself to pull away. He wanted that tingle again and to feel alive. Nathan had awakened something he’d thought was dormant within him.

“Bye.” Nathan waved.

Adrien left the coffee shop and walked back to his office, his heart lightened. He’d never thought he’d be giddy about talking with another guy, or feel this hopeful. Nathan made him happy and he’d realized he didn’t want to be lonely any longer. He deserved a second chance at love. Was Nathan the one to love him? It was too soon to tell, but he wouldn’t balk at the opportunity. He checked his watch.Kyle and Kelsi should be home by now.He needed to head out. He could think about love and Nathan later—after he played Dad for the night.

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