Page 5 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“Do you want your number back?” He wasn’t sure where he’d put the piece of paper. “If you’ve changed your mind, it’s cool.”

“Why would I do that?” Shaun frowned. “I asked you out for a drink and I want to go.” His frown deepened. “I don’t ask if I’m not interested.”

“You didn’t know my name.”

“I said I acted on impulse, but I know it now.” Shaun’s smile returned. “Would you consider the date?” He pulled a small pad of paper from his back pocket. “What’s your number? I’ll call you.”

“Uh…” Why was he hesitating? Because he’d seen Shaun with Kyle. “It’s 555-8731.”

“Perfect.” Shaun grinned and his eyes sparkled. “I’ll text you.”

“Sure.” Up close, Kevin noticed the flecks of dark blue and green in Shaun’s blue eyes. Freckles dotted Shaun’s nose and the corner of his mouth quirked each time he smiled. Part of Kevin wanted to dart away and hide. He wasn’t good at dating and could be awkward without trying. But part of him wanted to linger with Shaun a bit more. Electricity crackled between them and he forgot a little of his self-consciousness.

Shaun adjusted the collar of Kevin’s shirt. “So, since I bungled this earlier… Hi. I’m Shaun Fallows. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Shaun, my name is Kevin Keiser and it’s my pleasure to meet you, too.” He wanted to touch Shaun’s hand, but the sound of voices jarred him from his mild Shaun-induced fog. “I should get going. I have to help clean up. One of the servers didn’t show and, being the supervisor, I have to jump in,” he said. “I hope you do text me, because I don’t remember where I put your number.”

“Then I will.” Shaun shook hands with him. “I like a man who knows how to take charge and how to help out. It’s good to have a partner.”

“Yeah.” He couldn’t agree more.

Shaun let go and ducked back into the banquet space. Kevin headed through the kitchen and the safety of the prep area. Talking to Shaun was easier than he’d thought.

“I saw you with that guy. Saw you up on the loge, too. He’s cute.” Nedra pushed the empty beer chest into the kitchen. “Did he ask you out?”

“He did.” Kevin managed to nod. “I think he’s interested in Kyle, too.”

“I saw he showed up. He’s working for the paper? Or is he still doing promotions for the team?” she asked.

“Still with the team.” Kevin massaged his temples. “Is the party over?”

“Almost everyone is gone. Mr. Nichols talked to the servers and thanked them. I think once he leaves, the rest will, too.” Nedra dumped the ice from the chest. “Thanks for helping us. We needed you on the buffet line.”

“Welcome.” He wanted to see Shaun one more time, but he’d have to worry about Shaun later. Right now, he had a job to do and dating wasn’t important.

Chapter Two

Shaun waited two days before he texted Kevin. His hands shook as he typed out the message. Part of him wished Kevin would text back, but for all he knew, Kevin was at work and couldn’t reply. He tossed his phone onto his desk and rolled backward to put his feet on his open drawer.

Cara stopped in the doorway. “Stuck?”

“Sort of.” He’d waited two days to contact Kevin. In some circles, that was plenty of time. In others, it was an eternity, and he’d been out of the dating pool for so long that he feared he’d screwed up.

“Did you call Kevin?” she asked.

“Texted him.”

“No answer?”

“Not yet.” He’d only just sent the text, and if Kevin wasn’t sitting on his phone, he might not reply right away.

“He is shy.”

“I know.”

She stepped into his office and closed the door. “He also saw you with Kyle.”

“Mr. Beglin?” He laced his fingers together. The only Kyle he knew was Kyle Beglin. Was that the infamous ex-boyfriend, Kyle?

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