The One I Want Read online

  Josh sipped the coffee and grinned. “You’ve got a pool?”

  “And a sister that goes with it,” Cameron blurted. “My sister and I share the house our folks bought when I was a baby. We turned it onto a duplex, sort of. I have the upstairs and she’s got the first floor. It’s a pretty nice set-up.” Admitting that seemed so shameful, but he wasn’t sure. “Too much information. Sorry.”

  “You’re fine. We’re getting to know each other.” Josh smiled and this time, the joy shone all over his face. “I live in an apartment. Just Dolly and me. It’s cramped, but it’s home.” He clunked his cup against Cameron’s. “Here’s to a new relationship.”

  “Yeah.” Warmth spread throughout Cameron’s body. He’d almost forgotten the thrill of learning about the guy he liked. He’d been out of the dating pool for too long.

  Josh jerked in his seat. “Shit. I forgot I had my phone in my back pocket. It’s on vibrate.” He pulled the phone from under him and swiped his thumb across the screen. “I hate to cut this short since we’re having a good time, but I have to go. Work beckons.” He turned the phone around. “Put your info in for me.”

  Cameron fumbled with his own phone and traded with Josh. “Text me the details for our date.” He added the numbers and his name, then placed the device on Josh’s thigh. “We’ll have to plan a playdate or two for the dogs, too.”

  “Certainly.” Josh finished typing and handed Cameron his phone. “I’ll square up the bill with Milo.” He left his seat, then leaned forward and kissed Cameron on the cheek. “I had a great time this evening. See you tomorrow.”

  Cameron nodded and his skin sizzled from the kiss. “Yeah. Call me.”

  Josh winked and patted his thigh. Dolly nuzzled Winston before trotting off with Josh.

  Cameron sat rooted to the spot. He couldn’t believe his luck. Josh seemed so wonderful and their dogs got along. There were so many positives. Josh was a dog person. He had his own place. He wasn’t offended by Cameron’s living situation. Best of all, he and his dog liked Winston. God help me, just don’t let Josh be a drunk like Lance.

  “So…” Milo sat opposite Cameron in the place Josh had occupied. “He’s cute.”

  “He is.” Cameron stroked Winston’s head. “He’s nice, too.”

  “Just nice?”

  “I just met him.” Jesus. “Are you going to put the moves on him?”

  Milo shook his head. “He’s a little thin for me.” He crossed his legs and arms. When he tipped his head, the pink streak in his hair caught the light. “He seems like a good fit for you, but if he’s got a brother, send the brother my way.”

  “Milo?” He narrowed his eyes. According to Milo’s words, he wasn’t making a move, but Cameron wasn’t convinced.

  “I’m serious. He’s all yours, but if he’s got a brother, I want to meet that guy.” He leaned forward. “Oh, and he paid for the coffee. Even said he liked what you’d ordered. He’s so weird.”

  “Because ordering coffee without a bunch of craziness is weird.” Cameron rolled his eyes.

  “Hey, when I’m making drinks that barely seem like coffee…yeah.” Milo unfolded himself and stood. “Don’t be such a stranger. I miss talking to you.”

  Cameron stretched his legs, then left the sofa. “You do?”

  “Yeah, you’ve always been the compass I needed. Without you, I would’ve dated that sexy bear in college. He turned out to be a good time, but not forever like I wanted.” Milo scratched Winston behind the ears. “See you tomorrow?”

  “I’ve got a date, so maybe Saturday morning,” Cameron said. Winston jumped off the cushion and yawned. He ruffled the dog’s short fur. “Or Sunday if things go well.”

  “Deal.” Milo waved. “Later.”

  Cameron headed through the coffee shop and waved before he left. For one of the few times in his life, he trusted Milo. He swiped through his phone and stopped on Josh’s number. Josh McDowell. He clutched the device to his chest and grinned. Was he on the edge of something fantastic? He wasn’t sure, but whatever was happening…it felt good.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Cameron walked the two blocks to the middle school. He didn’t usually bring Winston with him, but the rules were lax during the faculty meetings in the summer. He stopped in the office long enough to pick up his mail before he wandered down to the science wing. According to the minutes from the previous meeting, this one was to be held in one of the seventh-grade science rooms.

  His thoughts turned to Josh. Against his better judgment, he’d looked Josh up on social media. He’d pored over the photos. Josh had lots of snapshots with Dolly and a few with groups of friends. Everything Cameron saw, he liked. Josh had a great sense of style and seemed to laugh a lot. He wished he hadn’t taken so long to meet him. But tonight… Tonight he’d have one-on-one time with him. Thank you, Jesus.

  Cameron focused on the meeting and his few tasks at the school. He’d turned in his grades and filed his students’ test forms away. The only things he had to do were to close his classroom and collect his new planner for the next school year. His lesson plans wouldn’t change much, but he preferred to get a jump on writing everything out.

  He made his way to the second floor and when he rounded the corner, he spotted Lance. He gritted his teeth. Each time he saw his ex, he tried to be cordial.

  Lance stopped short. “Hey, you.” He smiled, then frowned. “You brought the dog.”

  “I did.” He braced himself for the argument with Lance. “We’re allowed and, since I’m the only one who brings him along, it’s not hurting anything.”

  “I guess it’s better than Nancy bringing her kid.” Lance rested his hands on his hips. “You know, if you’d dump the dog, we could get back together. I always said I thought you loved Wally more than me.”

  “Winston,” Cameron corrected. “As in Churchill. You know that.”

  “Whatever.”

  “I’m not getting rid of him. He’s one of the few loyal individuals in my life.” Winston was his best friend, his compatriot and stress-reliever.

  “I still love you, but I can’t deal with the dog. He watched us,” Lance said, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Who lets the dog be in the room when they have sex?”

  “The dog owner who doesn’t want his door and carpet destroyed because the dog wants to sleep on his own dog bed.” Cameron sighed. “I’m late for the history meeting.”

  “Do you love the dog?” Lance asked.

  “I do.” What kind of question is that? Of course. “About as much as you love vodka,” he murmured.

  “You’re crazy. I’ll last longer and have more fun while I’m at it.” Lance notched his chin in the air and strode away.

  Cameron scrubbed the back of his hand across his forehead. He’d had Winston the entire time he’d dated Lance and the dog hadn’t gone anywhere. But that was Lance—he didn’t want to compromise, unless it involved having another drink. Lance hated dogs and wouldn’t budge for anything but vodka. Cameron glanced over his shoulder, then continued to the classroom. Why do some guys have to be such pains in the ass?

  Chapter Two

  Saturday night, Josh picked up his keys and phone. Dolly trotted to the door and waited. Her tail swished and she stared at him. Saturdays were their time together. He’d take her for long walks and sometimes ice cream. His heart sank. He had to leave her behind this time. Cameron struck him as the type who would probably enjoy having the dogs along, but he wanted to get to know Cameron without the crutch of the canine companions.

  His phone rang and he growled. The chime ringtone meant someone from work needed him. He wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone but Cameron. He answered. “This is Josh.”

  “Hey, it’s Demi. You have my spare laptop, remember?”

  He nodded, not that she could see him. “I do and it’s not fixed. The battery is shot and I can’t access anything without the cord.”

  “You said you’d fix it,” she replied. “It’s not my laptop. I
t’s my three-year-old’s, but still. We need it. Like yesterday.”

  “I will once the replacement battery arrives and you supply me with the cord.” He scrubbed his forehead with the back of his hand. “I have a cord that might work, but I’d rather use the correct one.”

  “Just fix it. That’s what you’re paid to do,” she growled. “I expect results.” She hung up before he could answer.

  Josh closed his eyes and blew out a ragged breath. He needed to center himself. If he went to the office, he could plug the laptop in and charge it enough to work on it, but did Demi deserve his kindness? Not really. But if he took an extra twenty minutes, he could get the project started and still meet up with Cameron. He’d rather see Cameron.

  “I’ll make it up to you.” He patted his front pocket for his wallet before he scratched Dolly behind the ears. “If he’s the kind of guy I suspect he is, then you won’t be locked up for long.” He opened the cookie jar, then tossed a couple of dog biscuits onto the floor for her. She’d be fine while he was out, but he regretted leaving her almost as much as he did when he went to work. He glanced back at her once more and hurried out of the apartment.

  Josh made his way down to the parking lot and his car. According to the texts he’d shared with Cameron, his date’s house wasn’t far away. He could’ve probably walked the short jaunt, but he preferred to have the car in case things went south.

  He stopped by the office on his way and plugged the laptop in, but hated himself for caving. Demi didn’t appreciate him or his time off, yet here he was helping her. He locked his office and left. He’d work on the laptop later.

  He drove twenty minutes back across town to Cameron’s place and sang along with the radio. As he sped down the street, he thought about Cameron. He shouldn’t have waited to talk to him. Cameron didn’t seem stuck-up like he’d thought, but rather shy. Josh grinned. He liked bashful men. Then there were Cameron’s eyes—such a beautiful shade of green offset by his sandy blond hair. If Cameron tousled his hair and massaged oil onto his chest, he’d have the makings of a photographer’s dream. He was so sexy, yet awkward, like he wasn’t comfortable in his own skin. Josh wondered why. Cameron was probably fantastic with his students.

  He flexed his fingers on the steering wheel. Blood rushed below his belt and settled in his dick. What would it feel like to run his hands over Cameron’s chest? Would he be just as muscled as Josh expected? He’d like to do some exploring and find out before the night ended. He’d have to get rid of the boner before he embarrassed himself. But Cameron was the first guy in a long time to bring out such overwhelming desires within him.

  Oh, boy, do I have a crush on the quiet teacher. Please, let him have one on me too and not see me as less than human because I’m a tech geek.

  Josh pulled to a stop in front of Cameron’s house. Compared to the other homes on the street, his wasn’t much different, save for the lush flowerbeds. Someone had certainly taken lots of time with the landscaping. Was Cameron a gardener? He sagged in his seat and allowed a short fantasy—Cameron, shirtless and glistening with sweat, push-mowing the lawn. He bit back a groan. He’d pay a lot of money to see that vision come to life. He opened his eyes and sighed. Thinking about Cameron without clothes and wondering what it would feel like to touch him seemed rather quick, considering he’d just met the man.

  Wasn’t this how attraction was supposed to work? Shouldn’t it be an instantaneous connection, spurred on by days, weeks and months of learning more about each other? He snorted. Wouldn’t his brother laugh. Josh, the king of computers and binary code, the man who could sort everything down to either a zero or a one, was thinking in terms of love, fantasy and attraction. His brother would laugh, then elbow him into making the first move with Cameron.

  Josh adjusted his pants to hide the erection and left the car. He strode up the walkway to the front door. When he rang the bell, Winston—he assumed it was Winston—barked. The sound of claws rattled. He stepped back and waited for someone to answer.

  The door opened and a woman inched onto the porch. She had the same color hair as Cameron but wasn’t as tall. She smiled. “You must be Josh. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “You must be his sister. He didn’t tell me your name.” Josh clasped his hands together. He wasn’t sure what to do with himself. He hadn’t thought to bring a bottle of wine along.

  “I’m Nikki.” She put her hand up. “Just a second. Cam will be down shortly, but if I don’t unleash Winston, he’ll tear up the rug.” She opened the door. Winston bounded past her but remained on the porch. He sat at Josh’s feet. Nikki laughed. “You’ve been approved and he expects you to pet him.”

  Josh knelt next to the Lab and scratched behind his ears. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?”

  “He’s a pistol, but we love him.” She folded her arms. “So, you and my brother.”

  He continued to pet Winston, but stood. “Yes.” Was she going to give him the third degree?

  “Just be good to him, okay? He’s not exactly introverted, but he’s had his heart broken a few times and he’s cautious. I know because, for the last few weeks, he’s told me about this handsome man at the dog park. He was afraid you’d tell him to get lost.” Nikki leaned on the banister. “So be good to him. If you’re not interested or you don’t like dogs, then be honest.”

  He nodded. “I like him, which is why I asked him out, and I do like dogs. I’ve got a Collie who seems to be enamored with Winston. That said, I’ll take what you’ve told me into consideration. I appreciate you caring. My brother would be the same way.”

  “Good.” She patted her thigh. “Come on, Win. We need to get Cam down here.” She opened the door, allowing the dog in first, and waved. “Shouldn’t be much longer.” She left the screen door closed but the main one open, and disappeared.

  Josh sighed. She seemed nice, protective and as if she meant well. He stared out at the yard and listened to the birds chirping. Of all the things he’d missed since he’d moved into the apartment, birdsong was at the top of the list. Sure, his floor was quiet and safe, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be happy with a tree close by.

  “Hey…hi.” Cameron stepped out onto the porch with Josh. His eyes widened. “I—hi.”

  “Are you shocked to see me?” Josh snagged Cameron in a hug. He kissed him on the cheek. “Were you afraid I wouldn’t show?”

  “If I said yes, would you laugh?” Cameron murmured. He remained close to Josh. “I didn’t think you’d show up.”

  “I had to finish something first, but I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He kept his arm around Cameron. “Ready?”

  “Yeah.” Cameron walked with Josh to the car. “I see my sister cornered you.”

  He opened the door for Cameron, then waited as his date settled on the passenger seat. “She’s just making sure I’m good for her brother.” He rounded the hood and climbed in beside Cameron. “She introduced herself and Winston made an appearance.”

  “Oh shit. Did he bite? I’m sorry.” Cameron pinched the bridge of his nose.

  “Cam, it’s fine. He didn’t bite or even growl. I think he likes me almost as much as he likes Dolly.” He pulled away from the curb. “He was a gentleman.”

  “Thank God. He bit Lance. Nothing horrible and it didn’t break the skin, but Lance threatened to turn him in.” Cameron sank in his seat. “I worry when new people visit. He’s a big goofy dog, but he’s…protective.”

  “Understandable.” He appreciated that Cameron’s family—human and canine—cared about him.

  “Um…where are we going? You never said.”

  “Club26.” He’d envisioned a little snack at the bar, some dancing, maybe some wine and a lot of kissing. He chuckled to himself. The next step should probably be to rein in his enthusiasm, or at least stifle his libido a bit.

  “Nice,” Cameron said. “I’ve never been there.” He rested his arm on the console. “Looked cool. Lance said it’s on point.”

  Josh r
eached over and grasped Cameron’s fingers. When Cameron didn’t pull away, he exhaled. He’d made some progress. “I don’t know about on point, but it’s nice. The music tends to be loud and the bodies a little sweaty, but it’s a fun environment to get to know someone.” He drove across town to the outskirts. Collinwood wasn’t exactly teeming with hotspots for the LGBT community, but Club26 had potential.

  When Josh stopped in the parking lot, Cameron whistled. “Aren’t we a little old for this place?”

  Josh laughed. “Are you saying I don’t look like I’m in my twenties?”

  “I—uh.” Cameron tensed. “Shit. I mean…”

  “It’s fine. I’m not twenty-six. Haven’t been for the last ten years.”

  “You’re thirty-six?” Cameron asked.

  “I am. And you are?” He’d guessed early thirties. “You can tell me.”

  “Thirty-seven.”

  Damn. Cameron had aged well for being on the back end of his thirties. Good thing Josh had a penchant for older men. “Well, we’re seasoned.” He kissed Cameron’s knuckles. “I’d rather be with a man who has been on the earth nearly as long as I have instead of someone younger. I dated a twenty-three-year-old and it flatlined. I talked about my neon rave phase and he’d never heard of raves.”

  “Wow.” Cameron chuckled. “I haven’t thought about my rave days in ages.”

  “See? We have something to talk about.” He kissed Cameron’s knuckles once more and left the car. He opened the passenger door for Cameron. “Ready?”

  Cameron paused. “Are you going to ditch me when we get inside?”

  He’d have to get used to Cameron’s odd questions. Josh shook his head. “Why would I do something like that?”

  “If a hotter guy shows up, it stands to reason you’d want to be with him.” Cameron left the car, but didn’t cozy up to Josh.

  Josh tucked his keys into his pocket. He hated the pained expression on Cameron’s face. Someone must’ve hurt the poor guy. “I came here with you for a reason—because I wanted to see you.” He wanted to smack whoever’d broken Cameron’s heart. No one deserved to be treated like dirt.