Page 27 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“I’d love to, but they won’t advertise.” Kevin stood. “What are you doing at the shelter? A story?” He wanted to change the subject and stop discussing the team.

“I’m doing a feature on the animals, a pet of the week thing,” Shaun said. “I’ll get an interview with Stone to start, then photograph some of the animals. The idea is to get them homes.”

“Nice.” He liked the idea of Shaun branching out. “Stone’s a good guy. He’d keep every animal at his farm if it was possible. I’ve considered going up to the shelter and getting a companion for Leo. Maybe one of your features will be the one we’re looking for.”

“Could be.” Shaun tipped his head. “Wait. Stone has a farm?”

“And a donkey. Ask him.”

“I’m not shocked.” Shaun stood. He kissed Kevin and curled his fingers under Kevin’s chin. “It’s going to be forever when I see you again.”

“It’s not that long to wat.” Kevin nuzzled Shaun’s cheek. “Plus, it gives us time to explore each other.”

“Yes.” He brushed his lips over Kevin’s. “I had a good run because you were with me. We’ll have to find time tomorrow, too.”

“We will.” Kevin remained close for another moment. He’d ache until he got to see Shaun again, but it only made him like Shaun more. “I’ll try to text you tonight.”

“Tell Leo I said hi.” Shaun let go. “I miss the furball.”

“He’s addicting.” Kevin kissed him once more, then gathered himself. “Talk to you later?”

“You bet.” Shaun winked. “You’re sexy when you sweat.”

“So are you.” He paused. “And I want to know about that ink. It’s hot.”

“I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Shaun wriggled his eyebrow. “Go before you’re late.”

Kevin hurried to his car. He slid behind the wheel and checked he had everything—phone, keys, wallet.Phone display silent. Good, no missed calls.He waved to Shaun, then drove home. When he checked his mailbox, his new phone had arrived.

He carried the mail and box up to his apartment. While the phone charged enough to use it, Kevin showered. By the time he finished, the device had already synced up with the information from the ruined one.

Kevin dressed and ate his lunch, then fiddled with the new device. According to his personal email, he had fourteen new messages. He also had a slew of missed texts and five calls. The missed calls were expected since he hadn’t told most people his phone was down. At least three of the texts were from Shaun and one call was from Kyle.

What does Kyle want?

He checked the missed calls. A part of him felt guilt about missing the texts and calls, but he hadn’t received the texts until now and hadn’t known anyone had called him. That, and he’d worked things out with Shaun.

Leo hopped onto the table and batted at Kevin’s hand. Kevin kept fiddling with his phone, but also scratched Leo’s head. He appreciated Leo’s ability to relax him. The cat seemed to know when he needed soothing.

He opened his emails and thanked God nothing was important—mostly messages from Kyle about his exploits clubbing. He should delete Kyle’s number and email address. Could block him, too. Kyle was nothing but a bad influence.

Kevin deleted the emails, then set the wallpaper image. He should get a photo with Shaun to show everyone. He texted Shaun.

New phone up and running. Won’t dunk it. Promise. Had a good run today, too. You’re a fun partner. You pushed me.

He hit Send, then finished his lunch. He placed the dishes in the dishwasher, then left a single treat square in Leo’s dish.

“Be good. I need to go to work. Don’t knock stuff over.” He rubbed Leo’s head, then left the cat to eat. He put on his shoes, grabbed his phones and wallet, then keys and locked up.

He headed down to his car. The run with Shaun had refreshed him. He could handle anything today. Let the stress come. He was ready. He drove to the stadium. Once he headed into the building, he jumped right into the thick of setting up. Enough workers had shown up, giving him the chance to catch up on ordering stock for the upcoming games.

Nedra cornered him in the kitchen. “Hi, you.”

“Hi.” Kevin inputted the next set of numbers, then stretched. “What can I do for you?”

“Me? Nothing. Kyle? Face him. I don’t know what he needs you for, but he’s being a pain in my ass. He’s promo and we’re concessions, but he’s lurking,” she said. “He has no standing with us, not that he cares.”

“But if I can convince him to go along with it, we’ll get new banners and can advertise our food better.” Kevin saved the order and darkened the tablet screen. “Where is he?” He might as well get this over with.

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