Leo skittered across the floor and hopped onto the cat tree. He settled at the top and peered at Kevin.
“Sorry.” Kevin opened the email. It could be something for work, but he rather doubted it.
K,
Heard you and Mr. Fallows are an item. You must really like him. Hope it works out.
K
Kevin frowned. The tone of the email was so unlike Kyle. He’d never been this positive. Sure, he could be turning over a new leaf, but Kyle liked his ways. He wondered what Kyle meant or if he’d even written it. He closed the email and shook his head. For all he knew, Kyle was just trying to psych him out.
He deleted the message and vowed not to let Kyle annoy him. This was the time to move forward.
He retrieved the muscle tape from the drawer. Once he cut pieces of the tape to affix to his calf muscles, he smoothed everything into place. The tension on his calf helped during the run to keep his muscle from getting too sore and kept the blood flowing better. He donned his running shoes, then grabbed his work phone, keys and wallet. With Shaun coming along, he didn’t need to carry his ID and could keep that and his phone in the car.
Kevin petted Leo’s head. “I’ll be back later, then I have to work. Don’t get angry with me. Either I work and provide kitty food or I don’t and you go hungry.”
Leo batted at him, then curled up on the cat tree.
“Whatever, brat.” Kevin locked up and headed downstairs to his vehicle. Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. He gazed across the lot and swore he saw Kyle’s car, but that couldn’t be. Kyle should be at work.
He ignored the strange car and slid behind the wheel of his own, then left the lot to head over to the newspaper offices. He listened to the radio. The pop music station wasn’t his thing, but the songs buoyed his mood. His excitement increased. He couldn’t wait to get running. He loved the fresh air in his lungs, the burn in his muscles and the feel of the asphalt and dirt under his feet. Running felt like he was making progress.
He parked next to Shaun in the newspaper lot and half expected to see Shaun stretched across his hood again. God, the vision of Shaun that way was so sexy and a great surprise. He replayed the memory of it over and over. Everyone wanted to know who’d been waiting for him. Nedra teased him, saying she was both jealous and thrilled for him.
Kevin entered the newspaper offices and strode up to Cara’s desk in the foyer. She waved.
“Hi. I’m waiting on Shaun Fallows,” he said. “I don’t have an appointment.”
“I’ll bet not—you’re dressed for a workout, not a business meeting.” She tapped her tablet. “He’s on his way. I hear you’re his new squeeze.”
“I am.” He liked the way that sounded.
“You know, when he started here, I hoped he was straight. I mean, he’s cute.” Her eyes flashed. “Since he’s not and you’re just as cute, I’m glad he’s with you.”
“Thanks.” He hadn’t talked to Cara much, but he’d seen her around town and at the stadium a few times. She seemed nice enough.
“He should be right up.” She folded her hands. “Think the team will get themselves back on track and start a winning streak? I thought they had a shot at the playoffs, but at this rate, they’ll be lucky to finish at .500.”
“They might.” He wasn’t good at discussing the team because he didn’t pay any attention. He simply looked at the score. If they were winning, he wasn’t terribly busy. If they were losing, then all hell broke loose at the concession stands. “They’re trying.”
“I hope so.” She sighed. “We need something to cheer about in this town. It’s so boring these days. Nothing’s happening.”
“I heard the Baker brothers are getting a street fair organized in conjunction with the 5k race. The ballclub is considering doing a satellite shop in town during the race and if there’s a festival.” He kept expecting a nudge to find a way to sell food at the presumed festivities. He knew nothing about food trucks and thought the town should showcase the restaurants before the stadium concessions.
“Now that’s a good idea. People forget they can get merch for the team,” she said. “We should have merch for the paper. Even if it’s just stuff to give away.”
“Tell your boss.” Her idea wasn’t bad, but might cost more money than Remy would want to pay. “I hear the paper is a sponsor of the race, so the name will be on those shirts.”
“You’re right.” She grinned. “But I’m going to tell Mr. Nicholas. Who knows, we might have other shirts or something we can use for promotion.” She nodded. “Here comes Shaun.”
Shaun strolled down the corridor and his smile widened as he opened his arms. “Hi.” He’d dressed in mid-thigh length shorts and a loose T-shirt.
“Hi.” He hugged Shaun, not caring who saw them together. “Ready?”
“Very. It’s been hectic this morning and I need a break.” He kept his arm around Kevin, but spoke to Cara. “I told Remy I’ll be back just after lunch. See you.”
Kevin walked along with Shaun, not sure if he should tell Cara bye or not. “You’re allowed to be away for that long?” Kevin asked. “I’m impressed. If I go over my allotted time, someone hunts me down.”