Page 33 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

Leo stopped bathing and stared at him. He didn’t blink, just stared.

“I like him, Leo. I like him and I want this to work. He makes me laugh and I feel comfortable. I want to climb all over him, too. I got a hint of what he’s packing and it’s all I can do to keep myself from exploring. My God, and he seems to really like me. It’s not fake, it’s not forced… Leo…I might be in love.”

His breath caught in his throat. He’d thought he loved Kyle, but realized it was only lust. The connection might have had a bit to do with punishment, too. He didn’t feel like he deserved to be loved by a nice guy and had to settle for guys like Kyle. He knew damn well Kyle wasn’t good for him. He’d known since they’d moved in together and Kyle had tossed most of Kevin’s clothing because it wasn’t designer label.

Shaun wasn’t like that.

The door buzzer infiltrated his thoughts and Leo scrambled out of sight. Kevin jumped up from the couch. He checked his phone. One text from Shaun.

At the door. Can use help. Arms full.

Shit.He grabbed his keys and stuffed his feet into his boat shoes, then hurried to the ground floor. Shaun stood just outside the main door with two bags in his arms. He grinned.

Kevin opened the door. “Hi. Let me help you.” He took one of the bags. “Are you feeding a mob?”

“No.” Shaun laughed. “I overthought this, though.”

“What are you making?” He opened the second door, allowing Shaun into the building.

“Baked chicken and pasta.” Shaun waited for Kevin and ascended the stairs alongside him. “I got sidetracked by my friend and talked with Jack at the grocery store.”

“Jack? Hot Dog Jack?”

“The one and only.”

Kevin opened his apartment door. “How is he?”

“Good.” Shaun carried his bag to the kitchen, then left the sack on the counter before he kicked out of his shoes by the door. “He wants to run a coupon.”

Kevin placed his bag on the counter. “Cool.” He didn’t want to discuss Jack or coupons. “What can I help you do?”

“Right now, kiss me.” Shaun threaded his arms around Kevin. “You’re enough.”

“Am I?” Kevin kissed him. “You look tired. Let me help you tonight.”

“I appreciate it.” Shaun held him. “Give me a minute. This is what I need most.”

Kevin snuggled in Shaun’s arms. He liked the way Shaun smelled and how he and Shaun truly fit together. He nuzzled Shaun’s throat.

Shaun stroked Kevin’s back. “When I’m right here, everything in the world is balanced.”

“Because it is.” Kevin smoothed his palm over the back of Shaun’s neck. “I don’t know how we didn’t run into each other earlier, but I’m glad I met you.”

Shaun squeezed Kevin’s ass. “My thoughts exactly.”

“We should get dinner going before Leo gets into it,” Kevin said. “I see him peeking around the corner. He’ll be digging in those bags in no time. He’s nosy.”

“I’ll bet.” Shaun disengaged from him. “Let’s get this to the kitchen and cook the chicken. Want to turn on the oven?” He washed his hands, then dried them on the towel.

“Sure.” Kevin followed suit, then emptied one of the bags on the counter. “Ooh, you got fresh mozzarella cheese. I think I’m in love.”

“I prefer fresh over the blocky chunks that you’re not sure how long have been there.” Shaun opened the package of chicken. “I thought about it after I purchased the bundle. I remember asking you if you were allergic, but things can happen or can be forgotten in the rush. I should’ve asked again before I went shopping.”

Kevin withdrew a skillet from the cupboard. “Here. You’re going to need that to brown the chicken.” He grabbed the spray. “This is what I use to keep it from sticking to the pan.”

“Thanks. Will you turn the oven to three-seventy-five, please? Oh, and I need a knife to clean the chicken.” Shaun blushed. “I guess I’m pushy and didn’t plan this well, did I?”

Kevin located the paring knife and cutting board. “It’s okay. You’re getting more cooking done in here than I tend to do. Want me to start the water for the spaghetti?”

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