Page 41 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Will do.” Nedra grinned, then turned on her heel. She left him to his prep work.

Kevin washed his hands and donned gloves. Once done, he focused on getting supplies out, then running onions through the chopper. His heart lightened. Things were finally going his way.

Half an hour later, Kevin took a break long enough to text Shaun from his personal phone.

Not a promotion per se, but got a lot more respect from the new team owner. Who knew? He listened to me and put promos in place.

He hit Send, then added a second text.

Will call you after the second game. Miss you.

He almost added a heart, but changed his mind. Too soon. Besides, Shaun had to know he was falling for him. God, it was so obvious.

His phone pinged with a text from Shaun.

So proud of you. Didn’t know about new owner until today. Think you could get a break and see me if I come up to watch part of the game?

He hadn’t thought about it. Kevin checked his watch. If Shaun came up and sat in the lower tier, he could sneak away for a few minutes to see him.

He sent a reply.

Try to get a seat in the lower tier, west end and I’ll bust tail to see you.

Seconds after he sent the message, another one showed up.

Deal. Miss you, too.

Kevin tucked his phone back into his locker and grinned at his reflection. He looked like a man in love. Was he? Possibly. He cared about Shaun and could see him as his partner, but also as his lover. He missed being in Shaun’s arms, craved his kiss, the way he sighed in his sleep and how he liked Leo.

This just might be love.

For the next forty-five minutes, Kevin completed his work and manned the central concessions counter. His thoughts never wandered far from Shaun. He was lucky to have Shaun in his life. He wasn’t destined to be alone or treated like dirt. Shaun was his equal.

Kevin switched out the money drawer for a fresh one. He’d count the full drawer between games and after he locked it up in the safe. Part of him wanted Shaun to show up, but the rest of him was glad he hadn’t arrived yet, because he had no time to stop and visit.

“Kev?” Nedra elbowed him as he came back from the office and safe. “You have a customer.”

“I do?” When he rounded the corner, he spotted Shaun at the counter. “Hi.”

“May I get some food?” Shaun asked. “I’m starving.”

Nedra grinned. “I’ll handle him. You wash your hands and take a break. If I need you, I’ll holler, but I doubt that’ll happen.”

“Yeah.” Kevin had to piece through what she’d said.Right. Wash hands.He shook his head, then washed his hands and left the counter. He walked out to the concourse and spotted Shaun. “Hey you.” He settled in the seat beside Shaun. “Is anyone sitting here?”

“You are.” Shaun tucked his cup into the built-in holder, then rested his carton of nachos on his lap and palmed Kevin’s thigh. “I got tired of typing up advertisements and wanted to see you. You’re right—you’re not so busy when they’re on a winning streak.”

“You people-watched?” He hadn’t had a chance to watch for Shaun. “I guess it’s not that hard, though.”

“It’s something to do. You, though, are electric.” Shaun shifted in his seat. “I miss holding you.”

He couldn’t stay out for too long, but didn’t want to interrupt their moment. “I miss being held.”

“I’m going to start looking for a house,” Shaun said. “It’s time.”

Kevin froze.What a hell of a topic change.“What prompted that?”

“The roots thing we talked about. I want to put them down, and it’s time. I want you to help me,” Shaun said. “I looked at a couple of houses listed online and I want your input.”

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