Page 35 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

Kevin left Shaun in the kitchen and set the coffee table. He arranged the silver and napkins, then carried out the water glasses.

“Potholder?” Shaun opened the oven a crack. “It’s melted.”

Kevin stole a piece of cheese and popped it into his mouth. The creamy goodness slid over his tongue and down his throat. He offered the potholder to Shaun.

“Thank you.” Shaun withdrew the pan from the oven and turned it off. “This is ready.”

“Smells fantastic.”

“I should’ve seasoned the chicken more.” Shaun frowned. “I didn’t add anything beyond salt and pepper.”

“You’ve got the pasta and cheese. It’ll be fine.” Kevin plated the pasta and arranged the chicken on top. “Here.” He hand shredded cheese on top of each piece of chicken.

“Nice touch.” Shaun carried his plate to the coffee table.

Kevin followed, then turned on the music. “I know it’s not only Mozart, but this channel has some pretty dinner music.”

Shaun beamed. “You remembered?”

“I listened to you.” Kevin sat beside him on the floor and leaned on the sofa. “If this tastes half as good as it smells, then it’ll be delish.”

“I hope so.” Shaun sighed. “This is how I want to end my day. Good food, great environment, a cat staring at us while we eat, and you.” He kissed Kevin’s cheek. “Thanks for bringing me lunch, but does he always stare at you while you eat?”

“Always. Usually he paws at me, too.” He’d gotten so used to the cat staring at him that he didn’t notice. “As for lunch, you looked like you needed a break.” Kevin ate his dinner. The mozzarella melted in his mouth. The chicken was tender and juicy. “This is good.”

Shaun smiled. “I didn’t burn it, so there’s that.”

“It’s wonderful.” Kevin ate in relative silence and stole glances at Shaun. Even Leo didn’t interrupt dinner. He stared at them, but didn’t try to walk on the table. Kevin had to agree with Shaun—this was the best way to end his day. He had his boyfriend beside him, the cat and the perfect atmosphere.

How can one man get so lucky?

Chapter Six

After dinner, Shaun helped clean up and wash the dishes. He liked the companionship he’d built with Kevin. They were a team already, pleasant and easy. Sure, he and Kevin would probably fight—he’d never asked Kevin about his political views or if he liked rave music—but did those things matter? They could agree to disagree. He wasn’t one for rave music, but so what if Kevin did? They didn’t have to love every single thing together. He wanted Kevin to have his own things and for them to have a difference of opinion.

“Do you see your folks often?” Kevin asked. He draped the soggy dishtowel over the oven handle. “I don’t get to see mine much. Mom’s still a nurse and working. Dad retired from the glass factory and putters in his garage.”

“I call my mom every month, but not as much as I’d like. My parents split and I don’t have any contact with my dad since he remarried.” Shaun shrugged. He didn’t like his father’s wife, but she was only a few years older than Shaun. He couldn’t see how she and his father had much in common.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kevin wandered out to the sofa. “Want to watch a movie?”

“Got any suggestions? I’m game.” Shaun sat beside him.

“How about an old Cary Grant flick?” Kevin opened his laptop and tapped the internet icon. He placed the device on the coffee table.

“Sure.” There was so much he didn’t know about Kevin, but a ton he did know. Kevin was a romantic, a sweet guy, caring and had a big heart.

Leo strolled into the room and jumped into Kevin’s lap. “And someone wants attention.”

“He’s fine.” Shaun scratched Leo behind the ears. “We have to share, though.”

Leo blinked and didn’t otherwise move.

“He’s settled in.” Kevin pointed to the laptop. “If you tap Start and join me, he’ll snuggle up on the couch with us.”

“I heard he’s a tough customer, but he seems to like me—okay, he tolerates me.” Shaun tapped the icon and started the movie, then stretched out on his side lengthwise on the sofa.

Kevin lay with him, his back to Shaun’s belly. Leo climbed on top of Kevin’s side, resting on his hip.

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