Page 4 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

Andrew stole a glance at Cain’s backside. He’d never heard of that jeans brand, but the man certainly filled the denim out well. He shouldn’t be staring at him. “Sorry I’ve put you to work. You showed up to shop.”

“No, this is great. I feel useful,” Cain said. “That hasn’t happened in a long time.”

Every time Cain spoke, he intrigued Andrew. He wondered what Cain did for a living that he didn’t feel important or useful.

Cammie approached, keeping him from asking those questions. She fluttered her hands. “You’ve packed it up. Thank you.” She waved her fingers at Cain. “Do I know you? You’re new. Are you Andrew’s boyfriend?” She turned her attention to Andrew. “Keep this one. If he helped you get this all ready for me and he’s smiling, then he’s one in a million.”

Andrew bit back a groan. “He’s not my boyfriend.” He’d just met Cain. For all he knew, Cain wasn’t gay.

“Oh.” She massaged her forehead. “I’m sorry. I got ahead of myself.”

Cain shrugged. “Think nothing of it.”

“Anyway, let’s get this loaded.” She moved the dolly into place. “Thank you for your weekly donation, Andrew. Without you, we’d definitely have gaps in what we can distribute. People love getting fresh produce.”

“You’re welcome.” He loaded the dolly. “You’re going to need another cart. Let me get mine.” He grabbed the handcart from behind the display. “Here.”

“Thanks.” She helped him load the rest of the boxes. “Didn’t sell much today?”

“I had a bumper harvest,” Andrew said. He stole glances at Cain. The joy in Cain’s eyes confused him. He cleared his throat. “I’ll help you take this to your van.”

“I’ll take this one,” Cain said and gestured to the dolly. “We’re here and we’re capable.”

Cammie elbowed Andrew. “Okay, if he’s not your boyfriend, snap this boy up.” She patted Cain’s arm. “And if you’re not gay, I might have to buy you dinner to thank you.”

“You wouldn’t buy me dinner?” Andrew asked, faking hurt. He’d known Cammie since high school. She might be cutthroat when it came to getting funding for the food pantry, but she could be sweet. She’d also been a good friend to him, too.

“I can buy you food any time.” She winked at Andrew. “Let’s get moving so you can go on with your life. I’ve taken up plenty of your time already.”

Andrew worked in silence as he loaded the boxes into her van. He and Cain did work in harmony. Cain seemed to fall into the job so easily.

Cain wiped his hands on his jeans legs and tucked the dolly into the van. “Need anything else?”

“I’m good.” Cammie hugged him, then Andrew. “I owe you both. Thank you.”

“Welcome.” Andrew folded his cart up. With the food pantry providing the tables, the biggest thing he had to break down were the tablecloths and empty boxes. He fell into step beside Cain. “Don’t feel you have to come to dinner. If you’d rather have a feast with Cammie, it’s fine with me.”

“What?” Cain stopped mid-step. “You asked me, and I’m enjoying your company. Besides, she’s barking up the wrong tree.”

Andrew wanted to answer, but he’d been dumbstruck. He hadn’t thought Cain would admit he was gay.

“What do you need to put in the truck?” Cain asked. “Can I help? If you’re going to cook, I should at least keep helping.”

Andrew chuckled. “Just to put the boxes in the cargo bed of the truck. Don’t need to put them in any rhyme or reason. The cab keeps them in place and I’ll sort it out tomorrow.”

“Sure.” Cain stacked the boxes and pushed them into the back of the truck. “It’s funny. My family doesn’t think I can make it on my own.”

“No?” What was it with this guy and the strange comments? “Why? You’re like twenty-eight, right?” He hated trying to guess ages. Everyone looked about the same age after a certain point.

“I’m thirty.” Cain finished placing the boxes in the truck.

“Close enough.” Andrew closed the tailgate. “You can live on your own, you know. Did you have a hiccup in life?”

“Something like that,” Cain said. “Truth be told, I never had the chance to try living by myself.”

“You should. It’s freeing.” Andrew checked the space around his display to ensure he’d picked up everything.

“Well, I have to get used to being alone now. I’ve got an apartment here in Cedarwood,” Cain said. His phone rang and he blushed. “I’m sorry.”

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