Page 6 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“That’s his ex.”

“Oh shit.” He’d stepped in it up to his eyeballs. Kyle was charming enough and chatty, but he wasn’t exactly Shaun’s type. He wasn’t into drinkers, not in the same league as Kyle. The guy must’ve put back half a dozen beers in the space of two hours. Plus, Kyle bragged too much.

“Yeah, so it might have made Kevin a bit quieter than normal.”

“Okay, then what’s the story as you know it?” He planted one foot on the floor and nudged the drawer shut with the other, then propped his foot on his bent knee. “Lay it out for me.”

“You’ll have to ask him and you might have your chance soon—you need to go to the ballfield about advertising and their strategy,” she said. “I know they want to discuss dollar dog nights and half-price beers.”

“I can do that.” He wished he’d been given the heads-up earlier, but whatever. “Right now?”

“I’m delivering the message that you need to be there in half an hour.” She offered up a piece of paper. “I don’t know why they called the main line, but they did.”

“Then I’m on it.” He folded the paper up and tucked it into the front pocket of his tablet folio. “I’ll be back soon-ish.”

“See you.”

Shaun headed out to his car and checked to ensure he had everything before he left the offices.Wallet, keys, phone, tablet, paper and pen.He zipped his messenger bag shut, then backed out of his parking spot. He drove the twenty minutes across town to the ballfield and parked in the visitor area. Unlike the main areas of the ballpark, the offices were no different from any offices he might find in a bigger city. Bland colors, blocky spaces and no personality.

He checked in with the receptionist, then went to the meeting with the heads of advertising. Kyle sat across from him at the long table. He winked a few times and smiled. Shaun ignored Kyle’s advances. This wasn’t the time to make eyes at someone. Besides, he’d have to let Kyle down gently that he wasn’t interested.

At the end of the meeting, when the rest of the participants—save for Kyle, Shaun and Mr. Armstrong, the owner of the team—left, Kevin ventured into the room.

“Oh.” Kevin blushed. “I thought I was early. The memo said four. I’m sorry, Mr. Armstrong.”

“You were given the wrong memo.” Mr. Armstrong clapped Kevin on the shoulder. “I knew what you were going to mention—the dollar dog nights and half-price beers. I also suggested we do a nacho night. Maybe we can develop a food for each night and have a week-long theme? We’ll talk tomorrow.” Without another word, Mr. Armstrong left the room.

Kevin paled. “Sure.” He locked gazes with Shaun. “Oh.”

Kyle rounded the table. “Makes a better impression when you’re on time.” He winked at Shaun. “I’ll see you out to the parking lot.”

“Just a moment.” Shaun nudged Kyle out of the room and closed the door, giving him some privacy with Kevin. “Are you okay? You look unnerved.”

“I’m good.” Kevin shook his head. “I’m sorry. I got blindsided by the memo. I know it said four.”

“Don’t worry about it. Sounded like Mr. Armstrong has some big ideas for you.” Shaun reached for Kevin, then second-guessed himself. Maybe Kevin didn’t want him getting grabby. “I texted you.”

“I just saw it.” Kevin blushed. “I have to admit I’m not good at dating or getting close to people. I say the wrong thing and stumble over myself.”

“That’s okay.” Shaun understood Kevin better. “Are you free tonight? Say, seven p.m.?”

“I am.” Kevin’s blush deepened. “You really want to go out with me?”

“Sure. I hear the Coffee Bar is really good. I’m doing advertising for them through the paper and Joe’s a decent guy. We can go there and have drinks.” Shaun fixed the wrinkle in Kevin’s shirt. He couldn’t help himself, but he needed to touch Kevin. Plus, the tingles shooting down his arm spurred him on. He noticed the deep brown ring around the edge of Kevin’s irises and his thick lashes. He wanted to kiss this man and taste him. “What do you say?”

Kevin hesitated. “Joeisa nice guy, and the Coffee Bar is popular.”

“So is that a yes? You’ll come with me?”

Kevin toyed with the box of straws. “Okay.”

“Okay?” He inched up to Kevin. “You know, awkward isn’t bad. It’s a sign you’re human.” He traced his fingertip along the top of Kevin’s hand. “You’re also handsome, and any man would be lucky to go out with you.”

“Yeah?” Kevin’s eyes widened.

“Yes.” Shaun winked. “I’ll see you there at seven. My treat.” Before Kevin could argue or change his mind, Shaun grinned then walked away.

Something about Kevin got under Shaun’s skin. There was an aching there, like he’d been hurt in his past. Kevin was too sweet a guy to be alone, but if Kyle, one of the pushiest men he’d ever met, had dumped Kevin in a raw way…then it explained a lot. Kyle had probably steamrolled over Kevin trying to get what he wanted. If anything, Kyle embodied bluntness.

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