Page 28 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

“We’ve never been an item, so I can’t have hurt you.” He grasped the door handle. “Good evening.” He closed the door and engaged the lock.Damn it.He didn’t know when he’d ever hurt Brandon or seen him before, but he refused to argue with him. He had better things to worry about.

Len rubbed his hands together. “The salmon is ready for the grill. Is he gone?”

“He’s gone.” He didn’t look back. “Salmon? What kind?” His mouth watered. He’d devour whatever Len made.

“Maple glazed spicy salmon with a pineapple salsa and blanched green beans.” Len beamed. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“Sounds delicious.” He followed Len to the kitchen. “Did you hear our argument?”

“No.” Len picked up a spatula and fiddled with the flames on the grill built into the kitchen island. “Why?”

If he didn’t address what was said, the worry would eat him alive. “He thinks I’m with you because you’re a former lawyer and I want your money.”

“Damn.” Len added both salmon fillets to the grill. “Little does he know, I’m giving everything to Aiden. I dumped a lot of money into the shelter and the library, so there isn’t a ton there.”

“I’m not here because of money.” He wasn’t sure why he’d said that.

“I know.” Len smiled and cut lemon wedges. “You don’t realize it, but I know you. Getting together was the hard part. We weren’t sure of each other because we didn’t give each other the chance to speak up. Now that we’re on this road, we’ve got the same plan.”

Isaac relaxed. “We do.”

“Here. Carry this to the table. The fish will be done in moments.” Len nodded to the green beans and lemon wedges. “I’ve got glazed almonds for the beans. Just a second.”

“I’ll get them.”

“In the fridge.” Len plated the fish. “Perfect char.”

“Looks delicious.” He carried the bowl and plastic container to the dining room. His breath lodged in his throat. The candles, the wine and formal silverware…damn. “You’re too good to be true.” Isaac placed the food on the table. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, but I’m very human.” Len offered one plate to Isaac. “Sit. We’ll eat. Wine?”

“Sure.” He hated to admit he was overwhelmed. He’d dated a few men and none had been as nice or considerate as Len.

“You know me, but I’m a wolf when I want to be.” Len sat opposite him. “I’ve got a temper, too.”

“It’s okay,” Isaac said. “You’re a sexy wolf.”

“I’m old.”

“No.” He reached across the table and held Len’s hand. “Age doesn’t matter and you don’t look your age.”

“Sweet talker.”

“Of course.” Electricity shot from Len’s hand to his. Isaac suppressed a groan. He didn’t want a hand job this time around. He needed more. He held hands with Len, but ate in silence and debated his next move.

“What made you get into medicine?” Len asked.

He hadn’t thought about that in a long time.

“Aiden loved helping people and enjoyed anatomy—if I remember right.” Len laughed. “He loved his toy doctor set and giving people a shot.”

“I believe it,” Isaac said. He wiped his mouth. “My grandmother developed cancer and I thought I’d cure her. I didn’t, but I was also twelve at the time. I couldn’t do much for her, but it was the catalyst to do more for others. If I could save someone else from losing their grandmother that soon, then I wanted to do it. I went into medicine to help people. By working at the family practice, I can’t cure cancer, but I can see my patients through their life and know what they’re dealing with as they age.”

“Makes sense.” Len finished his salmon. “You helped me.”

“I try.” The tips of his ears burned. “What about you? Why law?” He’d never asked Len about that before.

“I liked to argue. I’m good at it and I enjoyed trying to fight the good fight,” Len said. “I used to be angrier and the rush of the courtroom helped curtail my temper. I stayed in the game because I liked the money. I wanted to raise Aiden well and pay for my ex-wife. In some ways, it was a curse, but in others it helped.”

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