Page 32 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Tell me about him,” she said. “Not the ‘he’s sweet’ bullshit. What do you know about him? This is happening fast. What is his favorite color? Cat’s name? Is he allergic to shellfish? Come on. You don’t know anything.”

He pulled into the lot and parked, then disconnected his phone. He pressed the device to his ear. “He has a cat, so he’s not allergic. The cat’s name is Leo and he’s a little choosy, but I like him. Besides, he’s a cat. He’s going to be a snot. As for shellfish, I haven’t asked, but I will. I don’t know his favorite color or even his birthday, but I will.” He groaned. “We haven’t slept together yet. The hottest thing we’ve done has been a five-mile run and a hot kiss at his apartment. I’m taking it slow, so I don’t mess this up.”

“I want to be mad at you, but I can’t. You’re being good, which is all I can ask.” She sighed. “Just keep your head on. I know how you dive in deep, then flame out.”

“I know,” he said. “I need to go. I’m cooking for him tonight and I need to get stuff.”

“Cooking for him?” She laughed. “You really are in over your head. You don’t cook for anyone.”

“It’s not my idea of fun, but I want to do this.” He tucked his wallet into his back pocket. “Anyway, I’ll call you in a day or two. Okay? Love ya,” he said. “Thanks for checking on me.”

“Love you.”

He hung up, then headed into the grocery store. He wasn’t sure what to make. It probably didn’t matter what he cooked, because he had plenty of time. Hell, they had all night. He wandered the aisles, seeking inspiration. None came to mind. He walked past the meat counter and spied the prepared meatballs and chicken dishes. A thought came to mind—he could make chicken with mozzarella and spaghetti. He picked up a package of chicken breasts, some fresh mozzarella cheese, pasta and a jar of sauce. Would Kevin like bread? The carbs might help with their run the next day. He should grab some.

He stopped at the frozen food section and picked out breadsticks.

“Shaun?” Jack strode up to him. “It’s Jack. I bought an ad in the paper. It’s nice to see you.”

“Sure, I remember. Hi, Jack. How are you?” He had his arms full of stuff or he would’ve offered his hand. “How’s sales?”

“Good.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Your ad should be running now,” Shaun said. “I like how it turned out.”

“I saw it and it looks great. I may offer a coupon next time. Can I do that?” Jack asked.

“Sure can. Email me and we’ll get it set up when you’re ready.” He jiggled the things in his arms. “Sorry.”

“No worries,” Jack said. “Got plans for tonight?”

“I’m cooking for Kevin tonight.” He nodded to his purchases and hoped he didn’t drop anything. “I hope it turns out okay.”

“Looks like you have a good start.” Jack tipped his ballcap. “I’ll let you go. Have a great night and thanks for the advice. I’ll be in touch.”

“Good deal and good afternoon.” Shaun headed to the register and paid, then left the store. He drove the short distance to Kevin’s apartment. Halfway there, a though occurred to him—he should’ve bought wine or something.Shit.

Oh well.A forgotten bottle of wine wasn’t going to ruin his evening. Nothing could. He was about to see Kevin and have a good time.

He deserved nothing less.

* * * *

Kevin cleaned the apartment and tried to ensure the place looked spotless. He doubted Shaun cared if his space was messy, but he refused to have a disaster. He didn’t want a tumbleweed of cat hair on the carpet, cat toys on the floor or dirty dishes in the sink. He had to have this perfect.

Leo strutted across the coffee table and bopped the unlit candles onto the floor.

“Thanks.” Kevin picked up the tea lights.So much for setting the mood.He placed the candles on the side table, then paced the length of the room. He should make sure he looked okay. He’d never thought he was handsome, but he was passable. Part of him knew he had Shaun’s affection, but the niggling doubts came back. They always did. God, he had to stop being negative and worrying. Shaun wasn’t Kyle and probably never would be.

He checked his outfit and fixed his hair. He’d paired a clean pair of khaki shorts with a different T-shirt. Should he wear socks? His slippers? Did it matter?

He groaned, then walked away from the mirror. Staring at himself wasn’t going to help.

Where was Shaun? He sat on the couch and petted Leo. He hadn’t been this worried with Kyle. Then again, with Kyle, he’d worried about how Kyle would react and if he’d even show up. With Shaun, he couldn’t contain his excitement. He had to embrace the positivity. Shaun was the man he needed.

Leo sat on Kevin’s lap and cleaned his paw, then licked his side.

“You don’t care about any of this, do you?” He petted the cat. “What do you think of Shaun? Do you like him?”

---