Page 30 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

Kevin stopped eating long enough to take a draw from his water. “I love the gyros, but I can’t eat them often or I’d have to run all the time.” He laughed. “I love the fries, too. They have a funny coating on them that’s so good, but I’m so tired of fries. I’m surrounded by them.”

“Do you ever get tired of concessions food?” Shaun asked. “I’d get sick of it after a while.”

“It goes in spurts. I’m not wild about hot dogs because I’ve had to cook them almost every day I’ve been at the stadium, but I liked when I worked at Jack’s Hot Dog Shop,” Kevin said. “It was frantic and claustrophobic at times, but fun.”

“Jack mentioned you worked for him. He was in buying advertising space for the shop.” Shaun finished his gyro. “You’re right. This is addictive.”

“I know,” Kevin said. “So tell me about that ink.”

Shaun’s cheeks heated. He’d forgotten about his tattoo. “Eat and I’ll tell you.” He balled up his foil. “When I was seventeen, I thought I needed to look tough. I thought if I had a tattoo, then I’d be respected. It wasn’t the case, though. So I went to my mother and begged for permission to get inked. She said no and I had to wait. When I went to college, I had a job working at the desk in my dorm. I saved my pennies until I had enough to pay for the tattoo. My friend, Shelby, had a tattoo shop. I went to him for what was supposed to be a cross, but ended up being a cross and my initials—SMF.” He shrugged. “I forget it’s there. Once it healed over, it was no big deal.”

“It’s sexy.” Kevin finished his gyro, then downed more of his water. “I’m too chicken to get inked.” He shivered. “I’m not wild about needles, though. I give blood, but I have to look away when they jab me. Silly, isn’t it? I’m a grown man who doesn’t like needles. I like the way tattoos look on others, though.”

“Ever want to get pierced?”

“I never thought about it.”

“You’d be hot with your nipples pierced, but I’m not pushing.”

“I never thought about it.” Kevin crinkled his nose. “It sounds painful.”

“Probably.” He’d never considered it himself, but liked the look. “I dated a guy who had them. I didn’t ask him if it hurt.” He pressed his lips together. He shouldn’t have brought up a former boyfriend.

“It might,” Kevin said. “Do you regret your ink or are you proud?”

“I’m not regretful most of the time. It was an experience and I learned, so I guess it was worth the trouble.” He collected the trash. “I realized I’m not the kind of guy who wants to be covered in tattoos.” The temporary pain of being inked wasn’t high on his list of things to do again. Besides, he had no idea what else he’d get.

“It’s a commitment.”

“True.” Shaun sighed and settled in his seat. “I’m done in roughly an hour.” He’d like to be done right now. He’d rather spend the rest of the afternoon with Kevin than fiddle with copy and minute changes. The pet shelter story wouldn’t be hard, but he’d still rather be with Kevin.

“Come over. Leo wants to see you.” Kevin’s eyes flashed. “Yeah?”

“Do you want to see me?” He wasn’t sure why he’d asked that. Kevin wouldn’t invite him over if it wasn’t real.

“Always.” Kevin stood. “I’m off tonight and I’m sure we can find something to do. A movie, or TV show.”

“Yes.” He wanted to leave right now. He’d finish the pet feature in seconds if he could. “I’ll sort out dinner.”

“Deal. I need to run a couple errands, but I’ll meet you at my place when you’re done.” Kevin tossed his garbage into the can. “It’s going to be a great day.”

He agreed. “Kevin?” He wasn’t ready for Kevin to leave. They had such chemistry and he craved Kevin’s attention.

“Yeah?” Kevin wiped his hands on a napkin. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Shaun wasn’t sure what he wanted to say because his thoughts were a jumble. “I’ll text you when I’m on my way.” He left his seat and rounded his desk. “And right now, I’ll walk you out.”

“I’m not helpless. I know how I got here.” Kevin held Shaun’s hand. “But it’s nice to be escorted.”

“Accompanied.” He bumped shoulders with Kevin. “You make me happy.” He walked them out into the sunshine. “Things are falling into place.”

Kevin frowned. “They are?”

“I wanted to start over in Cedarwood. Find myself, put down roots and find happiness,” Shaun said. “I’m well on my way because I know what I want from my life and I’ve got a purpose—to write stories for the paper, do the advertising and be part of the community. My roots are starting to grow and I’m in a good place because I have you.” He kissed Kevin. “See? Life is how it’s supposed to be.”

“Yes, it is.”

Shaun’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He’d almost forgotten he’d tucked the device away. “Sorry.” He checked the name of the caller. “It’s Remy and I should take it.”

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