Page 17 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

Shaun shrugged. “It happens. So, where are you at? Which place is yours?”

“I’m in the Harrington Building,” Kevin said. “It’s on First Avenue.”

“I know where that is and I’ll follow you.” Shaun let go. “I like looking at your ass.”

The tips of his ears burned. He had no words, but managed to round the hood and locate his keys. He pointed to the exit.

“I’ll follow.” Shaun grinned. “I’m right behind you.”

“Yeah.”Holy shit.He slid behind the wheel. Once he left the lot, he checked a couple times to make sure Shaun was indeed a car-length back. The whole situation could be a dream. Guys like Shaun weren’t in his league, but Shaun seemed interested.

Hot damn.

Once he drove across town to his apartment building, he parked in the potholed lot and waited for Shaun as he parked. “This is my place,” Kevin said. “I’m on the second floor. It’s boring, but it’s home.”

“Lead the way.” Shaun fell into step beside him. “And I doubt it’s boring.”

“It’s not expensive or fancy.” He headed into the building to the main staircase. “Up here.”

Shaun stayed right with him. “I thought about this complex, but Cara suggested the Wainwright Estates. The only thing that has to do with estates with that place is the name.”

“I looked into those, but there weren’t any units open and these accepted pets.” He strode up to his door. “This is me.” He paused. “The cat’s name is Leo and he’s a pushy orange baby. He doesn’t take kindly to some people, but if you let him come to you and don’t swat at him, he’ll probably like you.” He unlocked the door and moved out of the way to let Shaun in first. “It’s simple, like I said, but it’s home.” He didn’t know the first thing about interior design, but he liked ‘clean and efficient’, mostly because he hated cleaning. He spotted Leo lounging on his cat tree and staring at the intruder.

“I like it.” Shaun stayed by the door as Kevin entered. “Shoes on or off?”

“Off.” He didn’t want to be a pain, but he’d always taken his shoes off when he entered the apartment.

“Good. I prefer sock foot at home, too.” Shaun closed the door and removed his boots, then touched Kevin’s arm. “I know you’re scared, but it’s okay. I won’t bite. Your cat might, but I won’t.”

Leo sat up and stretched, then let out a growl before departing the cat tree. He narrowed his eyes and sauntered up to Shaun.

Kevin put his wallet, work phone and keys down. He hadn’t thought his tensing was visible, but it must’ve been. “Sorry.” He dropped to one knee and scratched Leo behind the ears. “Leo, this is Shaun. Shaun, this is Leo. He rules the roost.”

“Hi, Leo.” Shaun knelt next to Kevin and placed his open palm on his lap. “You’re a good kitty, aren’t you?”

Leo stared at him, then sat next to Kevin. His tail swished as he licked his chops. Shaun didn’t move, giving the cat a chance to adjust. Leo curled his paw and licked out his toes, then sneezed and stared at Shaun again.

“Am I passing the test?” Shaun mumbled. “Or is he still going to pounce?”

Kevin resumed scratching Leo behind the ears. “He’s deciding. You haven’t grabbed at him, which is good. He-who-shall-not-be-named used to swat at him.”

Shaun offered his fingers, allowing the cat to sniff him. “No need to swat at you.” When Leo didn’t pull away, Shaun petted his back.

Leo arched his spine and thrust his ass in the air, then whipped his tail and walked away.

“What was that?” Shaun asked. “He vibrated.”

“He’s always done that. It’s his tail thing.” Kevin shrugged. “He didn’t bite you, so consider yourself lucky. He hasn’t accepted you yet, but you’re on the right track.”

“I can handle that.” Shaun grasped Kevin’s fingers. “He-who-shall-not-be-named did a number on you and that was crap. Seems like he did a number on Leo, too, but I’m not him. Give me a chance? Please? Looks like Leo’s considering it.”

Kevin let go and shifted enough to remove his shoes, then grasped Shaun’s hand, linking their fingers as he sat on the floor. “I’m trying.”

“And I’m patient.”

Kevin nodded. “I can work with that.” A whole new Chapter of his life seemed to be opening and not a moment too soon. “As for Leo, time will tell, but you’re starting out right.”

“Good.” Shaun squeezed Kevin’s fingers, then stood. “What’s your poison? I’ll order.”

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