Page 39 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Why did you and Kyle split up? Really?” Shaun asked. “You’re a good guy.”

“He’s not?”God.He’d known he’d be asked this, but that didn’t make the confessional any easier.

“Seriously? I don’t want to make mistakes,” Shaun said. “I don’t want to mess this up.”

“We will.”

“You’re so positive.”

Kevin shrugged. “What I mean is that we’re going to screw things up. Things are going along fine right now, but it’ll get bumpy. It’s life.”

“True.”

“It’s how we deal with the bumps—that’s the thing,” Kevin said. “Kyle didn’t get over anything. He didn’t do anything wrong—that was his mentality. He was always right and everyone else was wrong. I tended to be wrong the most and he called me on it.”

Shaun frowned and said nothing.

“We had issues. Jesus. He wanted me in designer stuff and I couldn’t afford it. I didn’t have the extra for fancy clothes and clubbing on my salary, plus labels mean nothing to me. To him, the brand name is everything. I hated the unwarranted expense. That drove him crazy. Then, when I didn’t follow his orders on how I dressed and acted, he’d get angry. You saw him when he’s upset. He’s mean. He lies. He starts trouble. After a while, I couldn’t take it.”

“So you left?”

“He moved out.” Kevin shorted. “He said I was a shitty person and I should die. He said I’d never be loved and I’d end up alone.” His voice cracked. He’d never wanted to discuss this or tell anyone how he’d been verbally abused. The embarrassment nearly killed him. “Sorry. I wasn’t the best boyfriend. I worked long hours and didn’t want to go out. Plus, I’d make him clean the apartment. I hated having to follow him to keep the apartment straight, but he left a hot mess everywhere he went.”

“Kev, you’re more than he ever knew and you didn’t deserve that. It’s natural to want your partner to help around the apartment. Honey, he screwed up. I don’t know if he’ll ever be loved, but you will. You’ll be adored,” Shaun said. “I won’t have it any other way.”

“You won’t?” He petted Leo faster. The pent-up frustration boiled to the surface. “Shaun?”

“I won’t.” Shaun held him. “I’m sure this won’t be perfect, but we’ll do our best and I guarantee I won’t treat you like he did. Ever.”

He nodded. Shaun couldn’t promise forever, but they had a chance.

“Sleep. I want to hold you. The night’s been everything I ever wanted.” Shaun cuddled up to Kevin. “My guy.”

Kevin allowed himself to rest. No worries, no concerns or cares. Just bliss.

Chapter Seven

The morning after Shaun stayed over the first time, he lingered for breakfast and kissed Kevin senseless. The heat from those kisses seared Kevin to his core, even three days later. He headed to the stadium for the Saturday game, but every cell in his body wanted to be with Shaun again. They’d have to wait until Sunday, but he’d do that. He’d live.

He locked his car and strode into the building.Just let them win so we can catch up.

Kevin plunked everything but his work phone into his locker. Nedra was waiting for him in the kitchen. She waved to him.

“Sunny Vale is here,” she said. “I don’t know why, but I heard a rumor he bought the team. He wants to see you and won’t even let Kyle come down here—not that Kyle should be here, but he was kicked out.”

“WhatwasKyle doing in the concessions area?” Kevin donned an apron. “He’s promo and rejected my requests for fresh signage.”

“I don’t know, but the rumor about Kyle is that he wanted to discuss you and that handsome guy from the paper. I’m guessing he’s jealous.” She pointed to the office. “Vale’s in there. Good luck—whatever it’s for.”

“Thanks.” He knocked on the office door. “Sir?”

“Open.” Sunny Vale, car salesman extravaganza, C-grade celebrity and former mayor of Cedarwood, now owner of the Wildcats, sat behind Kevin’s desk. The man had more money than God and his celebrity status might help bring people into the park, if nothing else.Does he really own the team now?“I wasn’t sure what time you’d be in.”

“I’m a bit early.” Kevin nodded. “You need to see me?”

“I do. Is this your office or what?”

“It’s the central office and break room. It started off as my office, but I was never in it and we needed a break room, so this is what it morphed into.” He gestured to the snack machine. “It’s not exciting, but it’s ours. We can eat from the concessions stands, but we have to wait until everyone else has left or bring our own food. Mr. Mulhenney wanted to pinch pennies.”

---