Thiessen had every intention of courtesy-texting a thank you and then never replying back—dick move, yeah yeah—but the overjoyed smile Jory wore in his selfie made Thiessen’s heart skip a beat and damn it, he was sunk. How could you not reply to that face? How the hell did the guy not have a husband already?

What started as one little text exploded into a thousand, each and every message spawning branches into a brand new conversation. They talked about everything, from the weather to work to what they were eating for dinner and with each text, Thiessen relaxed a little bit more, opening up to the man.

It had been a long time since he’d learned someone new, and Jory was the perfect candidate for busting out the training wheels. He exuded natural charm and charisma with every word written, and Thiessen found himself eagerly waiting for Jory to reply between clients or on breaks.

They’d been talking practically non-stop for over a week now. Their lives seemed to vibe together well and their conversations lasted well into the night, since Jory never seemed to sleep and Thiessen had insomnia.

Though, to be completely honest, Thiessen was still waiting for that initial “crush” feeling to wear off. Because that’s definitely what it was. He had a fucking crush on this guy and that was so unlike him. It was almost laughable, but Jory had a way of making him smile when he least expected it.

It was nice.

He didn’t hear the text ring in. He always put his phone on silent while he was writing, and he was currently elbows-deep in the depths of chapter twelve. His fingertips clacked swiftly over the keyboard, each and every word piling up to form sentences and paragraphs and plot twists, first kisses and swoony stares.

Be still his heart.

Thiessen was no stranger to romance novels. He’d grown up reading them; he’d devoured his mother’s small collection of dog-eared, tattered Harlequin paperbacks that she swore up and down she didn’t own. After he’d finished those, he spent countless hours at the back of the stacks in the old library, reading about dashing knights and roguish highlanders and thoroughbred racing heroes.

There was just something about a love story that sent his teenage heart asunder…and other parts too. Then, of course, he discovered slash fan-fiction and he’d been a goner ever since.

This book was different than any of his others. The words poured from his fingertips as easily as if he’d slit a wrist to bleed his emotions onto the page. Filled with love and loss, happiness and loneliness, Rescue Me was going to be a beast of a novel—and his hero Jackson Cross was based on none-other than Jory Crosswind himself.

Not that he’d ever tell him that.

Leaning back in his chair to stretch, Thiessen realized his phone was blinking. He scooped it off the desk and flicked his thumb across the screen, but the words stopped him dead.

So should I start making plans for a second date ;)

Nerves bounced around like jumping beans, reminding him that they were still there, try as he might to ignore them. He bit down on his lip until it stung, then peeled at the chapped skin there. Fuck. Was he ready for a second date? Or was he just making excuses now? Texting was simple and fun and easy, but in person was a whole other ballgame.

Getting a little presumptuous there, Jory.

Don’t lie, you secretly like it.

I’ll never tell, he replied back.

So can I consider that a yes? I could use a few laughs.

Right, because I’m soooo funny. Thiessen rolled his eyes, but he was grinning. Jory thought he was funny? What did you have in mind? I might be swayed by something particularly rich and sweet. Maybe drizzled in chocolate?

He hit the send button before he could take it back, his mind going south fast. The idea of Jory stretched out, wearing nothing but skin, his broad chest swirled and glistening with dark chocolate syrup… Christ. A groan slipped between his lips and he wet them with his tongue. No. Bad. Save it for the book. That scene would definitely have to be written in now.

You have a sweet tooth, huh? ;) Damn that winky face. I think that could be arranged.

And you have a dirty mind, he shot back quickly.

Hah. If you only knew—but that’s a conversation for another day. How about that cheesecake place on Crescent. You know, the one they always advertise for on TV late at night? Turtle cheesecake sounds like heaven.

Thiessen swallowed. Yeah. Cheesecake. Cheesecake was safe, right?

That works.

Five-ish?

Today?

You know what they say. No time like the present. Five-thirty. I’ll pick you up.

Thiessen squirmed in his seat, his tongue pressed to the roof of his mouth. Where did he stash those oils? He set his phone down and slid open a desk drawer, rooting around for his stress-relief in a bottle, because suddenly he couldn’t breathe.

Why was this so fucking hard? Why couldn’t he just say yes and agree and be happy about it? Why did he have to be such a coward?

Another text chimed in. Say yes, Thiessen.

He sucked down a deep breath, then squeezed several drops of essential oil beneath his tongue. The minty taste was a welcome reprieve from the anxiety clinging to him like a monkey. He could do this. He wanted to do this. Shakily, he replied with, Okay. Five-thirty. See you then.

Then he immediately called Peri. “I just accepted a second date and I’m literally freaking out right now. Fuck me running. Why do I have to be so goddamn afraid of shit like this, Perr? Really. It comes so easy to you. Why can’t it work that way for me, for once in my damned life?” He groaned into the phone, folding his laptop lid shut before kicking away from the desk in his roller chair. He spun in a circle. “It scares me.”

“Of course it scares you, Thee,” she said, matter-of-fact, like he should know this already. “Look at you. You’ve always wrapped yourself in a tight little security bubble. You’ve never liked venturing into anything new, and I mean ever, and I’ve known you all my life. You were so terrified of talking to Bo when you first met him that you started stuttering. Remember?”

He pinched his eyes closed. He did remember. He’d been spooked by the intense feelings he felt for the happy-go-lucky boy. Before Bo, he’d never so much as had a crush. Fear had wound its way around his heart, constricting like a snake every time the other teen would flash that boyish smile at him.

Hell, it had taken him weeks of mental preparation before he could work up the nerve to even peep out a strangled “hello” and Bo was the kind of person that couldn’t hurt a fly, even if his life depended on it. So soft and sweet.

Come to think of it, Jory reminded him of Bo in a lot of different ways. If Bo had been allowed to grow up and become a man, he might’ve turned out exactly like Jory Crosswind and for some reason, that made him sad. Such a waste of a beautiful life. People were monsters…

His shoulders drooping, his sigh hissed over the line. “It sucks and I hate it.”

“I know, sweetie, but you’re gonna be fine. You’re gonna go and you’re gonna enjoy yourself, I know it. Take it one day at a time. You never know, maybe this guy is exactly what you need in your life. Besides, you’ve been smiling a lot more.” She sounded so happy about it, too. “You’re cute when you smile. I know it’s scary, but go out there and knock him dead. I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said, almost too softly for her to hear. She smooched into the phone and hung up. Thiessen listened to the beeping tone of the busy signal, holding on to his cell phone tightly. Then, punching the end call button, he got to his feet with a new determination swelling inside his chest.

He was gonna get his cake—and eat it, too.

The doorbell dinged its happy tune through the house at exactly half-past five and with a flutter at the center of his stomach, Thiessen hurried down the hall to answer it. He flipped the deadbolt and pulled the door open a few inches. The chain lock drew taut with a clatter of metal against the ivory doorframe, halting the door in its tracks, and Thiessen peered out.

Jory grinned from beyond the gap, his black hair shower-damp and slicked back away from his face. “Hey there, sunshine,” he said. He stood on the doorstep with his hands tucked into the back pockets of his slim-fit Levi’s with the knees worn soft. His posture made it seem like he hadn’t a care in the world, his form illuminated by the reddish glow of the setting sun.

“Hi.” Sunshine. “Uh. One sec.” Feeling his face heat up, he quickly shut the door on Jory and attempted to catch the racing beat of his runaway heart. He could do this. He reached up and slid the chain lock loose, then grabbed his keychain off the hook. Keys, check. He patted his back pocket. Wallet, check. Ready or not, here I come.

Thiessen swung the door open wide this time and Jory hopped backwards to give him enough room to come out onto the stoop. “Hi. Sorry,” he murmured, but Jory waved it off.

“Ready?”

Nope. “Yep.”

“Awesome.” With a low laugh, Jory spun on his heel and took off down the steps. His long strides swallowed up the distance between the house and his SUV parked in the drive and Thiessen hobbled to catch up. He looked down at his feet and focused on walking, one foot after the other.

“Hey. You okay?” He nearly ran headlong into Jory, who’d stopped right in his path. He stumbled back, but Jory’s firm grip on his arm kept him from flailing backwards. When he looked up, he couldn’t miss the worry glinting in the man’s dark eyes. Concern, definitely. Pity? Was there pity there? He felt his stomach knot at the thought. That’s the last thing he wanted. “You’re limping.”

No shit, Sherlock, he wanted to snap. For some reason, the idea of admitting to the guy he was crushing on that he was missing a couple vital parts and pieces sent cold washing through his veins. Whenever someone found out, there always seemed to be an apology on their tongues and pity scrawled across their faces, like he was a poor and unfortunate soul. Fuck that noise.

“I’m fine,” he barked, a little sharper than he intended. He could feel his hackles rising, his temper right on the edge. “You walk fast, is all.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. I’m peachy.” He offered a too-quick smile, even though it felt uneven. “Slow down.”

If Thiessen’s bitchy tone bothered Jory, the man didn’t seem to mind. A huge grin spread across his face, his white teeth flashing. “I can do that. Sorry, I guess I’m just excited to go eat cheesecake with a cute guy.” Elbowing Thiessen in the side, he winked and took off again, this time at a much easier pace. Thiessen huffed.

He carefully hoisted himself up into the passenger’s seat with the grip bar, then buckled his belt. When Jory twisted the keys in the ignition, music blared from the speakers loud enough to make his head ring. Thiessen reeled back, clapping both hands over his ears. Jory’s smile was sheepish as he cranked the volume down so low, it was barely audible.

“Ah, sorry.”

“Jesus Christ, do you want to go deaf? Cuz that’s how you go deaf,” Thiessen pointed out.

“Snarky, snarky. It’s not that bad once you get used to it,” Jory said around a chuckle. He settled back in his seat, then tipped his head to the side to regard Thiessen with an impishly curious look. “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, huh? I think cheesecake is just the cure for the grumps. You need a little sweetness in your life, huh, sugar?”

Thiessen scowled, but a laugh tickled through him before he could clamp it back down. Jory’s brows shot up, appraising him with just a glance, and the scowl slowly twisted into a wry grin. Damn it, he was losing his edge.

“I need something,” he muttered with a shake of his head. He needed to turn down the asshole knob, but his heart was beating so hard he feared it might climb up his throat and pop out of his mouth the next time he spoke. He clenched his jaw and fisted his hands over his lap to keep them from shaking. Maybe he should’ve taken his shrink up on increasing his Xanax...

Jory noticed his unease and immediately softened. “You’re nervous.” There was no judgment there, only compassion.

“Fuck.” The word hissed from him and he looked away quickly. “Yeah. I told you before, I don’t do people. I don’t… Hell, I don’t seem to have that program installed in my internal hard drive. I’m a mess. It just seems to be worse around you.”

“Because you like me?” Jory smiled.

He stiffened. “I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to. If you weren’t interested, you never would’ve texted me back. You would’ve tossed my business card in the trash and gone about your life.” Jory shrugged and shifted gears, putting the car in drive. They took off down the road. Thiessen’s stomach twisted like a storm was about to strike and he pressed both hands against it to try and quell the anxiety.

“And yet, you did and we’ve been texting each other like a couple of teenagers with high school crushes. So obviously, a little part of you is curious to see what might unfold between us. Therefore, you’re interested.”

Thiessen groaned. Was he that transparent? “I am. You’re… Nice.”

“Is that all?” Jory drawled. Thiessen reached out and smacked him on the arm, but the muscles bulging beneath the zip-up sweatshirt Jory wore were firm and unfazed by the abuse. Jory only laughed. “You’re cute, but you’re gonna have to hit a little harder than that.”

Thiessen scowled. “Jerk.”

“How about this?” They stopped at a traffic light and Jory flicked on his turn signal. The steady click-click filled the cab of the SUV and Jory turned his head to look at Thiessen. “Let’s break it down. You’re nervous and agitated because I spooked you with the idea of a second date. So let’s say screw it. It’s not a date anymore. We’re just two guys who’ve been getting to know each other, going to eat our body weight in cheesecake. As friends.”

“As friends?”

Jory nodded firmly. “Yeah. No more dates. Actually, I forbid you to date me. I’m a terrible influence, really.” A smile peeked out, not quite innocent. “We’re friends and I could definitely use a friend, especially after the day at work I had. Jeez. Does that work? No strings attached. Just friends.” The light turned and so did Jory, and Thiessen looked down at his lap.

Friends. He could do friends, but he knew deep down that he wasn’t fooling anybody, especially not himself. Friends didn’t have wet dreams about guys like Jory. Friends didn’t lay in bed and jerk off to fantasies of another man’s hands all over him.

Okay, he really needed to think about something else before he popped a rather un-friend-like boner right in front of Jory. “I like that idea.”

“Good.” Jory chuckled softly. “Now, the burning question—what flavor of cheesecake are you hungry for? Because I think I’m in the mood for something salty yet sweet. Turtle pecan, perhaps? Salted caramel? Oh god, that sounds so good.” He moaned in such a way that made Thiessen’s dick twitch, so he quickly cleared his throat.

“Let’s wait and see what they have,” he advised lightly. “When it comes to matters such as cheesecake, you can never be too hasty.”

“A man after my own heart,” Jory teased. “You know what, let’s just say screw it and buy a sampler. One of everything! Cheesecake for days.”

“You’re a dork,” Thiessen said, not without a smile of his own.

“I know!” Jory let out this huge, happy sigh. “Don’t you love it?”

Thiessen didn’t say a word, but honestly? He kind of did.

Thank the good lord for vacation time.

Jory loved his job. He loved his staff and his clients and their owners, but some days, you just needed to clock out early and spend the next week doing absolutely nothing. He’d cleared his schedule of anything surgery-related months ahead of time. The clinic would still take patients, but Amy and Michelle could totally take care of routine vaccines and check-ups without him being in the office.

Of course, he’d come in for any emergencies—saving furry lives was his job, after all—but hopefully everything would be smooth sailing. He was ready for a stay-cation spent at home with Felicity, playing video games with Jaren and Nikolas, and ordering a whole bunch of take-out.

And texting Thiessen Ward, but that was a given. There was something about the fickle man that lit a fire in his veins. Though he was far more bold over texts than in person, there was a passion glowing at very core of him, hidden out of sight. It was still there, though. Sometimes you just had to polish the magic lamp a bit for the genie to come peeking out.

He grinned at the thought. He wouldn’t mind doing a little bit of polishing to Thiessen’s lamp. Not at all, but that was putting the cart before the horse, and that horse was green as hell, spooked by the slightest noise.

But Jory could be patient.

Almost free! He tapped out a text.

A moment later, his phone buzzed in reply. Hallelujah, glory god and praise baby Jesus.

Jory snickered. You know it. So ready to be done. Picture this: A week of nothing but video games and TV. My dog is gonna flip out when she realizes I’m not going to work tomorrow.

Aw, she gets you all to herself. Lucky dog.

You’re welcome to come over and join us, you know ;) The door is always open.

Ha, you’d like that wouldn’t you?

More than you could ever imagine, he wanted to type back. Nope. He needed to behave himself. Patience, remember? Spending time in your charming presence? Of course I would. Also, I would totally kick your ass at old-school Mario Kart ;) Just sayin.

Nerd, came Thiessen’s reply.

In the flesh, he shot back. Then he got an idea. Hey, actually… I get off in less than an hour. Any possible way you’d wanna meet me for coffee? Brew You just released their spring flavors. Mocha-coconut? Yes, please. He held his breath and sent it.

He fully expected Thiessen to go dark for a bit. He tended to freak out and shut down, but that was okay. It took all kinds to make the world go round and like Peri said, he was worth it. But his phone buzzed only a minute later.

As friends? :)

Definitely.

Meet you there at 3.

Can’t wait. Ciao! Success! He grinned and stuck his phone back into the pocket of his scrubs, then did a little jig all the way down the hall. He danced into the office, right past Hemi, who was playing solitaire on the computer, and began to make himself a cup of coffee.

From behind him, Hemi whistled. “Someone’s in a good mood. Got a hot date?”

Jory only grinned.

The other man swiveled around in his chair and planted his feet flat on the ground. His brows shot up into his overgrown fringe of blond bangs and his eyes went round as saucers. “Ooooh, you do! Whose the lucky guy?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know, Mr. Nosy? Aren’t you supposed to be doing paperwork or something.” He peered at Hemi from behind his #1 Dad mug. It was a gag gift that his little brother had given him for Christmas one year. He doubted Remy thought he’d actually use it, but honestly he loved it. It was quirky.

“Joke’s on you, it’s already done,” Hemi replied. “Now I’m bored.”

“I’m not.” He took a big gulp of coffee, made a face, then promptly dumped the sludge out and set the pot to start brewing. “In fact, in less than twenty minutes, I will be a free man. You should be jealous.”

“I totally am. An entire week off to spend with Kit?” Hemi waggled his brows.

“Enough!” Jory flung the container of powdered coffee creamer at the man and Hemi cackled like a witch, high-pitched and crackly. Jory clucked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “My god. Why does my cousin put up with you?”

Hemi opened his mouth, then promptly shut it again, and his face turned cherry red and Jory knew exactly where he was going with that. Jory pointed at him, so Hemi giggled and replied, all too innocently, “Because I’m cute.”

“Right. Let’s leave it at that.”

“You’re almost as grumpy as Kit. Maybe you need to get laid.”

“Hey. I’m working on it.” Wait, did he actually say that out loud? From Hemi’s soft squeal, yes, yes he did. “Shut up,” Jory grumbled, crossing both arms over his chest. “And keep your nose out of it.”

“Of course, wouldn’t dream of it.”

“You’re trouble.” Jory was smiling though. Hemi Tembrook was the perfect blend of sweet and sassy to keep his surly cousin on his toes…and on his back, apparently. He shook his head with a chuckle of his own.

“If you wanna go home, you don’t have any more appointments, you know,” Hemi piped up. “I mean, you’re the boss so what you say goes. Besides, you should probably change out of those rubber ducky scrubs before you go on your hot date.” He winked and spun his chair back around.

“Hush!” He had a point though. He glanced at the cat clock on the wall, its tail and ears twitching with each tick of the second hand. Maybe he would run home to change before meeting Thiessen. “Alright. I think I’m gonna take off then.”

“Have a good vacation and good luck on your hot date,” Hemi called after him, but Jory was already pushing through the front doors, still decorated with leftover holiday clings and sparkly red and green paw prints. When that first blast of fresh air hit him, he breathed in deeply.

Freedom had never smelled sweeter.

He zipped home long enough to let Felicity out to potty and trade his scrubs out for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Pulling his favorite leather jacket on over the top, he finger-combed his hair with both hands. That would have to be fancy enough, and besides, this wasn’t a date. They were just friends.

For now, anyway.

He strolled through the doors of the coffee shop with three minutes to spare. He breathed in the heavenly scent of freshly roasted coffee and dark espresso and let his head roll back with a groan. So good. Sniffing again, he picked out the more subtle scents of cocoa and the sugary swell of the pastry case tucked away behind the counter. God, it all smelled amazing.

“Hi.”

Pulled from his daze, Jory spun around to see Thiessen sitting at a table, his grey and black messenger bag swung over one shoulder but gathered on his lap. He couldn’t help it—his gaze slid slowly down to take in the sight of the younger man, who quite obviously dressed up for the occasion, despite this being not-a-date.

His blond hair was tousled with product, swept off to one side and away from his face. It spiked up in the back, and paired with the eyeliner that ringed his eyes in emo-boy fashion, he looked like he just walked off the cover of Alternative Press. All he was missing was an electric guitar.

Jory grinned. “Hi yourself. Been waiting long?”

One shoulder bobbed up in a half-shrug, even as his fingers tapped over the glossy top of the table. Nervous. “Nah, a couple of minutes is all. No big deal.” His lip twitched into something reminiscent of a smile and he slowly stood up, one hand braced on the back of his chair. “Shall we peruse the options?”

With a wave towards the back-lit menu board, he slowly walked over to the counter. Jory hadn’t been certain before, but the man definitely favored his right leg. His mind zipped back to the day they met; Thiessen had been in a car wreck, but he’d downright panicked when Jory had suggested they go to the ER.

Jory didn’t realize he was frowning until Thiessen glanced back at him. “What?”

“Nothing.” When he’d mentioned it the other day, the man had gone on the defensive, claiming he was fine. I’m peachy, he’d said. Jory quickly pasted on a smile and sauntered up next to him. “Just thinking.”

Thiessen raised a brow. “About coffee?”

“Definitely.” He tilted his head to the side, studying all the different drink options. Iced or hot or blended, lattes and cappuccinos and frappes, half-and-half or whole milk. The list went on and on. On a small whiteboard in bright green marker, their spring flavors were scrawled in a spiraling penmanship that was actually a little impressive. “Like I said. Mocha-coconut sounds amazing.”

Thiessen wrinkled his nose and skimmed the list. “Peanut butter cup? Salted caramel cookie dough? What kind of flavors are these? Sounds like candy and coffee had a love-child.”

“Don’t hate. They all sound delicious and I’m not one to go for the sugary sweet drinks.” Usually. Today, he was making an exception because mocha-coconut sounded like the bomb. Thiessen scoffed at him, but Jory could tell he was on the verge of a smile.

Slowly but surely, he’d wear the man down with his charm.

Edging past Thiessen, he stepped up to the counter and dinged the little bell with a note that said “Please Ring For Service.” A moment later, Chelzi Hoover came rushing out from the walk-in, her face bright red from the cold. She peeled off a knit cap to reveal a messy blond ponytail and it flopped from side to side when she shook her head.

“Oh, hey there, Doc. How’s business?”

The Hoovers owned the biggest ranch in Sundog Park, breeding and showing champion Quarter horses, and Jory had been their veterinarian since the day that Doc Jones retired. It didn’t hurt that his family and the Hoovers were good friends. He’d always been fond of Chelzi. She was just a lanky kid with sun-bleached pigtails when he’d gone away to college. And when he’d come back? Damn, she was all grown up. Still as sassy as ever though.

“It’s going well. As of now, I am officially on vacation, so if you or Mikaela need anything, save it for next week, would you?”

Her giggle echoed in the lobby, but she gave him a thumb’s up. “Gotcha. Luckily for you, Princess isn’t due for another six weeks yet, with Diamond and Matcha right on her heels. God, those foals are gonna be the cutest little bastards in the world.” Her grin stretched from ear to ear. Chelzi lived for foaling season.

She snapped her fingers. “Now, back to business. What can I get for you?”

Jory scanned the board once more, even though he’d already made up his mind. Pulling his wallet from the pocket of his leather jacket, he flipped it open and fingered over his credit cards. “I think I’m gonna go with a medium iced coffee, no cream or sugar, but I want a couple pumps of your mocha-coconut syrup. Can you do that for me?”

“What, no espresso shots today?” she teased, punching in his order on the register.

“Nah, I think I’ve had enough caffeine for one day. This’ll do me.”

“Gotcha! One medium iced mocha-coco coming right up! What about you, Thiessen? Gonna be a little bold and try something new today?”

Thiessen had his thumbs hooked in the belt loops of his skinny jeans and his shoulders rolled up around his ears as he studied the menu. He nibbled at the chapped skin on his lower lip and then quickly soothed the spot with his tongue, and instantly, Jory’s gaze was drawn to his mouth.

What he felt in that moment was definitely not very friend-like. Thiessen really had no idea how gorgeous he was.

“Large iced latte, cream and sugar—whole milk, blah blah, you know the routine. My usual.”

Chelzi pouted. “Aw. You don’t wanna try one of our new flavors? They’re awesome.”

“I’m good.”

“Not even salted caramel? I think salted caramel is something that even a grump like you can enjoy.” She smirked and Thiessen ducked his head to no doubt hide the flush spreading across his cheeks. Jory could see the redness creeping up the back of his neck as he rubbed at it.

He muttered something under his breath and Chelzi heaved a sigh, like it was really putting her out to make such a boring order. “Okay, okay. The usual. Got it.” She paused, her gaze bouncing between the two of them, before she met Jory’s gaze head-on. Oh, he saw that glimmer of interest in her hazel eyes. Curiosity killed the cat and this kitty was venturing dangerously close to the edge. “Are these orders together, then?”

“Yep,” Jory affirmed with a nod. It earned him a scowl from Thiessen, but the man didn’t say a word. Jory stepped forward to swipe his card and Chelzi bounded off to make their coffees, humming along to the song on the radio. Jory nudged his shoulder against Thiessen’s with a smile.

The other man made a face, his lips puckered and pulled to the side in a sort of half-grimace. “I can pay for myself, you know.”

“Oh, I know,” Jory replied breezily. “Maybe I felt like spoiling you.”

“I don’t need spoiled.”

“I think spoiled is exactly what you need, you just don’t know it yet. You know, I like to make my friends happy and I have to admit, you’ve got a wonderful smile. You should use it more often.” He winked and stepped away just as Chelzi returned, two plastic cups of coffee in her hands. “Thanks, Chelz.”

“Of course! You two have fun.” The minute Thiessen turned his back, she winked at Jory with a devilish grin.

“Behave, Miss Hoover,” Jory warned. Thiessen walked back towards the table he’d been sitting at before, but Jory caught his elbow and took a step towards the exit. “Hey, let’s go for a walk. It’s nice outside.”

“For once,” Thiessen added wryly. Together, they left Brew You with a jingle of bells on the door. After all the rain they’d gotten, the ground was wet and muddy, but the late afternoon sun was out in full force, warming up everything in its path.

“You didn’t get many winters down south, huh?”

The man slowly shook his head, then took a sip of his drink. “Nah. Not this bitter ass cold bullshit, anyway. We dipped down in temps, but the most we ever got was a bit of ice.” He shrugged it off. “Doesn’t matter, though. Not planning on going back anytime soon.” There was a growl to his tone that hadn’t been there before.

“What brought you to Sundog Park, can I ask?”

“Peri’s uncle lives here. He offered us a place to live for awhile till we got our feet on the ground. I like it here, I just don’t care for this fickle weather. Once these damn storms pass us by, I’ll be a happy camper.”

“You? Happy? Blasphemy.”

Thiessen scoffed. “I can be happy.”

“Truly happy? No snark included? I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Jory bumped his elbow against Thiessen’s arm and this time, the other man smiled. “Perhaps not without snark. It tends to be my knee-jerk reaction to everything. How’s your mocha-coconut coffee?”

“It’s good. Sweeter than I usually get, honestly.”

“Don’t tell me you’re one of those guys who gets their coffee black as death.”

Jory laughed. “I add a little sugar, but yes. Cream bogs down that robust flavor I love so much. I wouldn’t be caught dead drinking that.” He waved to the cup in Thiessen’s hands, which was pale and caramel-colored. It was likely sweet as hell, too. “Sugar coma waiting to happen.”

“The sweeter the better. Like you said—I need a bit of sweetness in my life.” Thiessen flashed a quick grin, like he was still uncertain of where he stood, but it brightened Jory’s day considerably. He was so damn cute when he actually smiled, and not that typical sarcastic slant of his lips.

God, those lips…

Realizing a moment too late that he was staring, Jory quickly looked away. “I get the feeling that sweetness is something your life is sorely lacking. It makes me sad,” he said softly.

All of a sudden, Thiessen stopped walking and reached out to grab a handful of Jory’s leather jacket. When Jory turned back to face him, the expression on the other man’s face was strangely sorrowful. “How are you still single?”

The breath caught in his throat. That was the last thing he expected to hear. “What do you mean?”

Thiessen bit down on the swell of his lip and shook his head. “You just… Seem like the sort of guy who should be happily engaged and totally head-over-heels in love with some lucky guy.” He hunched his shoulders and looked down at his feet.

“Why do you say that?”

“You’re… Look at you, you’re the package deal. You’re confident and charming and gorgeous. You have a stable job and you have your shit together and you don’t seem crazy, though looks can be deceiving.” His lip twitched. “It just surprises me, is all. You’re the kind of guy anyone would be happy to take back to Mom and Dad.”

“Even you?” Jory murmured.

Thiessen barked out a sharp laugh. “No. I wouldn’t put you through the pleasure of meeting my parents. Ever. You’re too nice. Sorry.” He brushed past Jory and began to walk once more, his sneakers shuffling across the pavement. Jory stood there for a moment and watched him go, then took off after him at a quick jog.

“It was my choice, you know,” he finally managed to say. His chest tightened. It felt like there was something wedged in his windpipe. “To stay single after my…boyfriend died. I thought that he was my forever, that we’d get married and have kids and it would be amazing and beautiful.” Sorrow made his throat ache something fierce. “Cancer is a bitch. After he passed away, I couldn’t stomach the idea of someone taking his place, so I just… Didn’t date. Up until now, I wasn’t ready.”

Thiessen’s green eyes seemed so much brighter than before and Jory realized that he looked like he might burst into tears. “I—I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “I shouldn’t have… Shit. Just forget I said anything. I feel like an asshole.” He dropped his gaze. “Sorry.”

“Thiessen, it’s not a big deal,” Jory said. “It’s been a long time and I’ve come to terms with it. It’s time to move on—for me. Seth wouldn’t have wanted me to spend the rest of my life alone.” He reached out and caught Thiessen’s hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “But thank you.” He let it drop once more. The last thing he wanted to do was spook the man again.

“Yeah.” Thiessen offered an almost timid smile, then took another sip of his coffee drink. “I think you’re right,” he said, but he didn’t allude to whatever was churning in that mysterious mind of his.

I know I’m right, Jory thought. Even if it hurts, it’s time.

“You wanna catch a movie?” he asked instead.

Thiessen’s head popped up. “Depends. Do I get to choose what we watch?”

Jory laughed. “Your wish is my command. Really?”

He nodded and a slow smile touched the corners of his lips. “Yeah, really. So long as you have me back by curfew.” With a snort, he pointed to the cherry red Converse he wore. “Otherwise, the fairy dust on my magic slippers will wear off and I’ll turn into a pumpkin and we wouldn’t want that.”

“Consider it done, Cinderella.”