“Cool. I’ll meet you there in a little bit.” He placed Stan into the back seat of his car. He groaned. He should’ve bought one of those things that allowed him to buckle the dog in and keep him from getting hurt. But he hadn’t planned on getting a dog today. He’d thought he’d just look and think about it, then come back another day.So much for that plan…
Isaac drove to the coffee shop and kept glancing back at Stan on the seat. The dog stared out of the window and panted. Should he put the windows down more? What if Stan was a jumper? Damn, dogs were hard work. Not that being a doctor was easy. He pulled into a spot in front of the coffee shop. Within seconds, Len parked beside him.
Isaac left his vehicle and helped Stan out of the back, then met Len beside his car.
“I’ve always wanted to try this place.” Len clapped Isaac on the shoulder. “It’ll be a good way to end the day. Thanks.”
“Welcome.” His skin, despite the shirt in the way, tingled beneath Len’s touch. He fought the urge to lean in to Len.
Len ventured into the shop first. “Oh good, they’ve got tea.”
He almost asked what Len was talking about but didn’t. He couldn’t see the signboard or what the shop had on special… The only thing he saw was Len.
“What’ll you have?” Len elbowed Isaac. “Hey.” He waved his hand in front of Isaac’s eyes. “Are you in there? I was going to buy your drink.”
“Sorry.”Shit.He’d been caught not paying attention. “I’ll get a coffee. Don’t worry about it, but thank you for the offer.” He waited for Len to place his order, then stepped up to the counter. “Coffee. Black. Regular size.” He handed over the bills. “For Isaac.”
The guy behind the counter winked. “I’ll have it right up, hon.” He lowered his voice. “You’re sweet to bring Dad out for coffee.”
“Dad?” he blurted. “He’s a friend.”
The barista’s eyebrows rose. “Uh-huh. I’ll bring the drinks to your table.”
“Thanks.” He stuffed a couple of dollars into the jar, then went right to the table. His mind wandered. Would he have to deal with this kind of treatment if he dated Len? Would he have the courage to ask Len out? Christ, he wasn’t sure.
“Problem?” Len toyed with Cissy’s leash. “The kid behind the counter is spirited.”
“That’s one way to put it.” He sat opposite of Len. “He thought you were my father.”
“Damn.” Len snorted. “I thought the stuff I use to wash the gray away was working. Guess not.”
“It’s working, but I don’t think you have to use it. The silver fox look is very in and sexy.” He wasn’t ashamed to admit the truth.
“Isaac.” Len chuckled. “Aiden said I’d taken a few years off.”
“He’s right.” He wanted to run his fingers through Len’s hair and see if it was as soft as it looked.
The barista brought the cups over. “Enjoy.”
“Thanks,” Isaac muttered. He still wasn’t thrilled with the punk.
“Appreciated.” Len held up his paper cup. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your date,” the barista said as he winked and turned on his heel.
“Date?” Len laughed and placed the cup back on the table. “Jesus. I’m twice your age.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re my son, Aiden’s, age,” Len said.
“I’m older. I’m thirty-nine.” His hands shook. Why was he so nervous? He glanced down at Stan. The pup was so comfortable, curled up with Cissy. He wished he could be so relaxed.
Len sipped on his tea. He watched Isaac. “You dated Aiden, didn’t you?”
“No, we were just friends.” He wasn’t ashamed to admit it. “We wouldn’t have worked out if we’d tried dating. Two doctors under one roof? You can’t have both people in charge. It doesn’t gel.”
“Aiden does like to keep things under control.” Len held on to his cup. “I’m too old for you.”