Page 26 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Falling from heaven because I’m an angel?” Shaun asked and laughed. “I’ll tell you about my ink when we’re done. It’s not that exciting.”

Oh, he wouldn’t agree. He wanted to run his fingers over the tattoo and everywhere else on Shaun’s body.

Shaun held up his hand. “That’s two miles. If we turn back, we’ll have four. If we go twice around the square, that’ll add the extra mile.”

“Do it.” Kevin lost himself in the run, logging steps and fighting the urge to stare at Shaun. Nothing else mattered right now—just being with his man. He navigated around the town square twice, then kept up with Shaun as they ran back to the newspaper office. By the time they reached their destination, Kevin needed a water break. His muscles ached in a good way and he needed to catch his breath, but he’d loved every second of the run.

“You’re not too bad.” Shaun settled on the grass in front of the building and propped his feet on the back of the bench. “Gotta elevate.”

“Recuperation is good.” Kevin joined him on the ground and propped his legs on the bench. “I’m told we don’t have to do this. If we simply recline in the grass, we’re good.”

“I read that, too, but we always did this after cross country events, so it’s just part of my post-run activities.” Shaun tucked one arm behind his head and rested his free hand on Kevin’s belly. “But we used to do a lot of things back then that I wouldn’t do now.”

“Like?”

“Let stupid stuff bother me.” Shaun tipped his head and grinned. “Like eat an entire pizza by myself.” He shrugged. “Or let my dick run my life.”

“We’ve all done that at one time or another.” Kevin rested his hand on Shaun’s and sighed. “I’m coming to realize there’s no point in looking back unless you’re learning from it. You know?”

“I do.”

A shadow darkened over Kevin and he turned his attention to the invader. He shielded his eyes. “Remy?”

“Hi.” Remy knelt on the bench. “I see two runners prepping for the race. Good. We need stout runners to represent the paper.”

Shaun groaned. “I haven’t asked him about being a participant on behalf of the paper.”

Kevin propped himself up on his elbows. “Wait. What?”

“I’m supposed to ask you if you’d like to wear aTribuneshirt when you run.” Shaun covered his face with both arms. “It’s not required.”

“No, but I’d appreciate it if you would,” Remy said. “I’m pushing and I shouldn’t, but this would be a great time to promote the paper and show we’re involved in the community.”

Kevin sighed. Shaun had said he’d signed him up for the race, but he wasn’t sure if he could represent the paper. Kevin would probably be expected to wear something advertising the baseball team. Or, they might not care. “I’ll consider it.”

“That’s the best I can ask for. Thanks.” Remy left the bench. “You’re going to the shelter, right?”

“It’s next on the hit parade,” Shaun said. “After lunch.”

“Get a sandwich from the food truck and get moving.” Remy walked away, leaving Kevin alone with Shaun.

“I’m sorry. He’s determined and pushy sometimes.” Shaun planted his feet on the ground and sat up. “He’s been pestering me to ask you about the race.”

“It’s okay.” Kevin folded his legs up, then stretched his back. “It might be a problem if I wear any promotion for anything, but I’ll see.” He didn’t care what the team said. He wasn’t actually part of the ballclub—he worked in the food service department. If the race wasn’t sponsored by the team, then they didn’t have a say.

“Don’t hurt yourself finding out. Remy will live and I just want you to be there.”

“I know.” Kevin sat up. “I need to head out soon. The game is at two-thirty and we start set-up at one. It’s tedious, but it’s a living.”

“You need to help set up? You can’t just watch? You’re management.”

“But when we’re short of workers, I have to jump in.”

“You did the last time.”

“And I’ll keep doing it until they hire more people.”

“You can’t get more help?” Shaun asked.

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