Doc Cedarwood Read online

  Matt laughed, despite the ache in his head. He liked Aiden’s attitude and how the conversation flowed between them. For the first time in a long while, Matt wasn’t touchy about his body art and wanted to discuss it. “I’ll assume, then, you don’t have any ink. Is it against the hospital regulations or just not your thing?”

  “We can have tattoos, but it’s preferred for them to be where they can’t be seen. I don’t see the difference. If you’re doing your job, it shouldn’t matter what color your hair is or what you’ve got inked onto your body.” Aiden shrugged and yawned. “But even if I wasn’t squicked out by needles, I’m not sure what I’d get. I thought about it once, but I couldn’t decide, so I never got beyond the idea stage.”

  “Makes sense.” The tiredness filtered into his brain again. He still wanted to go home, but he wasn’t so apprehensive about being at the hospital. He also didn’t want Aaron to come back. “So…do you have someone special at home?” Please let him be gay and single.

  “No.” Aiden shook his head. “I’m very unattached. I’m never home and if I’m not here, I’m probably dead asleep at my townhouse from being here for too long. I wish I had time for a cat. I’ve always wanted one, but I don’t think it’d be fair to the kitty to be left alone so much. Still, I’d like the company.”

  “I’d like to get a dog. Probably will once I’m healed.” Matt shifted his hips. He couldn’t roll onto his side. Damn. “Is there anyone in particular you’re looking for? Blond? Brunet? Male?”

  “My ex-boyfriend would say I’ve got a type. He’d also say I’m an ass for staying at the hospital so often.”

  He’s gay. Thank you, God. Hell yes. Matt tried to sound nonchalant to hide his joy. “His loss.”

  “I agree.” Aiden nodded and clasped his hands together. “Which tattoo was your first?”

  He hadn’t discussed his tats in forever. Matt shifted and bit back a moan. Fucking balls, his shoulder hurt. “The stars on my lower back. I wanted something to make me look tough but settled for the stars.” Memories of that night at the tattoo parlor rushed into his brain. He’d been so young and wet behind the ears.

  “Settled?” Aiden’s eyes widened and he smiled. “Didn’t you have enough money for what you really wanted?”

  “No. I was on the fence—a dagger between my shoulder blades or the stars.” He chuckled. Back then, the needles had hurt like a bitch, but he’d refused to show his discomfort. “The dagger would’ve made me look like a badass, but I had plans for the future too. Being a badass wouldn’t last forever, but aiming for the stars would. I’m not ashamed of my choice. I ended up getting the dagger too, but down my arm instead.” He hadn’t realized how corny he sounded until now, but oh well. “I wanted to play football professionally and was pretty good until I blew out my knees during my senior year. Since I couldn’t follow that dream, I aimed for another set of stars and vowed I’d open my own auto repair shop. So…yeah…” He refused to talk about his father and his past beyond what was easy to say.

  “I see.”

  “Well, if you did my exam, then you probably did see them.” He laughed. The joviality between him and Aiden pleased him. “They’re my way of dealing. When I wasn’t working on cars and serving as an apprentice so I could open my own shop, I got more ink.”

  “To dull the pain?” Aiden asked. “That’s what you said.”

  “You listened. Nice.” Men who not only heard what he’d said but understood and offered an ear were one of his weaknesses. “I feed my need for pain.” He didn’t want to explain that he needed the pain to feel normal and to level him. If he had enough money to put more art onto his skin, he could subject himself to the mild torture and not deal with the shit in his life.

  “I don’t understand, but I kind of do.” Aiden met his gaze and held it a little longer than he should’ve, but Matt didn’t mind.

  Getting close to Aiden, although scary, worked for Matt. He wanted to know everything about the doctor. But first, he wanted to change the subject. “So. Your car is still good, right?”

  “It’s fine.” Aiden laughed. “You did a great job. I said I’ll bring it back for the next issue. You do change oil and rotate tires, right? Maybe put on new windshield wipers?”

  “We do.” He relaxed. “Whatever you want.” He caught himself. Talk about a loaded statement. He almost wished Aiden would reply with something like, ‘I’d like you.’ But that would be too much to ask. “So. You’re not involved?” Fuck. He’d asked that already and gotten an answer. Damn nerves anyway. “I mean…shit.”

  Aiden’s eyes widened again and he laughed a little louder. “Like I said, I’m very single. Are you…looking to mingle?”

  He had an opening. Matt stared at Aiden. “It’s not against the rules to date a patient, right?” He craved a chance with the doctor. “I wouldn’t be your patient any longer once I’m discharged.”

  “I don’t think many doctors and patients are hooking up and I’m guessing there’s a rule about not dating current patients, but I don’t see why we couldn’t once you’re not in my care.” Aiden leaned forward in his seat. Fire lit in his eyes. “Do you want to go out socially with me? I have a horrible track record with dates. If you’re just trying to get business for your shop or you want money from me, just be honest.”

  “You think I’d do that?” Matt blurted. “That’s low.”

  “I think I’ve found too many frogs and I’ve had to be careful.” Aiden half shrugged.

  He melted a little more for Aiden. “If you’re interested in being seen with a tatted-up mechanic, then yeah, I’d like to go out with you. I don’t want your money or the status of being with a doctor. I’ve got my own cash and status never meant much to me anyway.”

  Aiden didn’t speak right away, but he grasped Matt’s fingers. “You’ve got a deal. Rest up and we’ll plan a night out when you’re healed up.”

  Matt wanted to lean forward and kiss Aiden, but he noticed footsteps in the hallway. When he glanced over at the doorway, a man in a lab coat strode into the room.

  “Aiden,” the doctor said, “I thought you went home.”

  “You know me. I can’t seem to leave this place.” Aiden stood. “Del, this is Matt. I’m sure you read that on his chart. Matt, this is Del…er…Dr. Ramos. I’m going to step out so you can do the exam.”

  “Thanks.” Dr. Ramos stood beside the bed and waited for Aiden to exit before he started the examination. He checked the bandages on Matt’s shoulder and the bruises on his face. “You’ve been through a lot. Do you remember what happened?”

  “I do.” Matt recounted the story again. Little details, like the color of his attacker’s hat and the scent of his cologne, came back to Matt. Once he finished, he wanted a nap—but in his bed. “I’d like to go home.”

  “Of course. Sleeping at the hospital isn’t the easiest.” Dr. Ramos tapped something on his tablet. “First, do you have a ride home? Aiden, maybe? I didn’t realize he was dating, but he likes to keep to himself.”

  “We’ll make plans when he comes back.” Or he’d ask Aaron if Aiden said no. He paused. Good Lord. He’d started thinking ahead with Aiden and didn’t blink when the doctor mentioned dating him. Sure, he wanted to hook up and it seemed like they’d made progress, but things were so unstable and new.

  “Okay.” Aaron bounded into the room. “Do you know they don’t have soda or tea that’s not diet down there?” He stopped short. “Whoa. Sorry.”

  “I’ll send the nurse down with your paperwork,” Dr. Ramos said. He smiled but didn’t appear pleased. “It was nice to meet you, and I wish you the best.” He left without another word.

  “Wow.” Aaron sank onto the chair Aiden had abandoned. “You got an old doctor. Too bad you didn’t get that hottie one who wrecked his car.”

  “We can’t win them all.” Matt settled on his back. “What did you mean about the diet…what?”

  “Oh, the drinks in the cafeteria. There isn’t a regular soda or tea to be found and do
n’t ask for sweet tea. They don’t have that, either.” Aaron laced his fingers together on his belly. “Want me to take you home? I heard him say you were going to be discharged soon.”

  “If you can. I don’t want to leave the shop unattended for too long.” Every day he remained closed, he lost money and would have to deal with irate customers wanting their vehicles like he’d promised.

  “It’s fine. The windows are boarded up and the security footage went to the police. I made sure there’s a new memory card and everything was uploaded to your computer at home.” Aaron toyed with the tubing on the IV. “I’ll get you home and settled. Then I’m at your service until you’re better.”

  “Aaron, you don’t have to.” Shit. This wasn’t supposed to happen. “I just need a ride home.” Not a servant. He’d be great on his own, and if he wasn’t, then he’d see if Aiden might drop by.

  “You can’t lift anything and you’re down an arm. You’ve got a sling.” Aaron rolled his eyes. “You’ll be crap at the shop. We might as well just stay closed for now.”

  “Yeah, but I’ve got shit to do. Customers want their cars and we’ve got bills to pay. I can’t afford to be closed for God knows how long,” Matt protested. If he knew anything, he knew exactly how close to the edge he was and when he needed to bring more cash flow in.

  “Then what do you want me to do?” Aaron snapped. “Run the whole thing myself?”

  “No. I want you to work on the cars and I’ll do what I can manage while keeping the lights on.” Ordering parts, payroll and invoices couldn’t be that hard with one arm, right? “Give me two days to sort things out and we’ll be rolling again.”

  “Then I’ll take you home. I’ve got lots of room and I’m all on the first floor.” Aaron stood. “It’ll be great.”

  Christ. “I want to go to my house. I’m not putting you out.” And he’d deck Aaron if he didn’t stop pushing.

  “No, you’ll stay with me.” Aaron grinned. “You’ve got to have supervision and this is my chance. I’m taking it.”

  “Whoa, Aaron. I want to go home. My home. Don’t make this harder or weirder than it has to be.” He managed to sit up. “Please?”

  “You need care.”

  “Not at your house. I’m going to be fine at my own.” And he wasn’t interested in giving Aaron a chance to be with him. They were friends and coworkers, not each other’s love interest.

  “Asshat,” Aaron snapped. “I’ll bring the truck around. But think about my offer. I’m willing to stay. Just say the word.” He clunked out of the room, grumbling the entire way.

  Well, shit. Matt settled against the pillow again. Everything was fucked up. He had no idea who’d shot him and he guessed the cops would want to take his statement sometime that day. He was interested in Aiden, not Aaron, and doubted he had a chance with the doctor beyond one date. Damn it. He needed help too. He hated being dependent on anyone. He groaned. His body ached. He hoped things would work out. No question. He had little choice. He needed to ride this storm out in order to see the rainbow on the other side.

  Chapter Three

  Aiden watched Aaron leave Matt’s room and a pang of jealousy hit him. He’d just gotten to know Matt and the connection was real. Was Matt the kind of guy who made everyone feel invited? Was he the type to click easily? Aiden scrubbed the back of his hand across his mouth. Man, he was overthinking things. The situation with Matt was new and fragile. Suck it up and stop expecting something so fast. But could he listen to his own advice? He ducked into Matt’s room and hoped for the best.

  “Hi.” Matt sat on the edge of the bed. He’d managed to put his jeans on and wrangled a button-down shirt over his shoulders. “I really don’t like this thing.” He waved his arm in the sling. “Motherfucker, that hurts.”

  “Which is why you’re not supposed to.” Aiden helped him finish putting the shirt on. “Don’t do that again without help.”

  “Then be my help.” He wriggled his eyebrows. “I don’t want to be snarled up in this sling. I like to move.”

  “You’ll be able to move before you know it. It gets easier.” He stood beside the bed and folded his arms. He sounded like a damn greeting card. “You’re waiting on the paperwork?”

  “Yeah. I’m glad to get rid of the IV. I hate that stuff. You said saline, but it could’ve had something else mixed in.” Matt shook his head. “When you know addicts, you vow not to be like them. I don’t mind a beer every so often, but never pharmaceuticals. If I can’t have control, I’m not doing it.”

  “Makes sense, I suppose, but it wasn’t mixed with anything. You like pain but on your terms.” Aiden notched his chin in the air. “Have you ever considered getting implants? The discs or whatever? They give me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about them.”

  “Wow. No.” Matt struggled to his feet, wobbled, then sat back down. “I like the art and the pain, but I’m not into dermal anything. I’m also not used to being upright. Wow.” He leveled his gaze at Aiden. “I can’t stay here. I need to get out.”

  Aiden recognized the pleading in Matt’s voice and couldn’t argue. He believed the best healing took place when the patient was the most comfortable—and usually at home. “The attendant will be here in a few with a wheelchair.” He paused. “It shouldn’t be much longer.”

  “Are you leaving?” Matt asked.

  “Yeah, soon. I’m late for a nap.” He didn’t move. He had to deal with his twinge of jealousy concerning Aaron. “I saw your business partner came back. He’ll take you home, right?”

  “Yeah.” Matt toyed with the edge of the sling. “Would…would you be interested in stopping by my place? Say it’s to check on me or because we’re friends and we want to talk. I don’t care. Just come by.”

  “Aaron isn’t staying with you?” He’d hate to impose.

  “He’d love to be, but I told him no.” Matt tipped his head. “What do you think?”

  “I think you’re supposed to have someone staying with you for the first twenty-four hours in case you have complications. You should have Aaron sleep over for a precaution.” He hated arguing and encouraging Matt to be with Aaron.

  “Then you come over. We’ll talk more and you can watch me all you want. I’d planned on asking you to take me home so we could get to know each other better.” Matt reached for Aiden. “It’s forward and pushy, but it feels right to ask you.”

  “But what about Aaron?” He heard the clicking of the wheelchair on the tile floor. “Your ride is here.”

  The volunteer, a high school girl, pushed the chair into the room and smiled. She hesitated and flexed her fingers on the handles. “I’m here to spring you.” Her grin faltered. “Got your stuff?”

  Aiden helped Matt into the wheelchair. Once he was satisfied Matt had settled, he scooped up the labeled bag and placed it on Matt’s lap.

  “Can I have one more second?” Matt asked. “Just a second. Then I won’t complain or give you hell. Promise.”

  She toyed with the cuff of her shirt. “Uh…” She switched her gaze between Matt and Aiden. “Sure. I’ll be right out here.” She left the room, plunging Matt and Aiden into silence.

  Matt turned his attention back to Aiden. “Well?”

  “Well what?” Aiden asked. Matt’s question stunned him.

  “I was trying to have a moment with you. I’m at 327 Oakdale. You can’t miss the house. I’m the only one with a wrought-iron fence.” Matt folded his hands on the bag. “I don’t expect you to come over tonight—you’re dead on your feet. But maybe tomorrow?”

  Aiden had been up and down Oakdale a hundred times and didn’t remember seeing a house with a fence.

  “Please?” Matt grasped Aiden’s fingers. “It’s just a check-up. If we talk more and you hate me, then that’s it. No strings. If things do work out, then good. I’d like to spend more time with you.”

  He couldn’t say no. Besides, he was a sucker for blue eyes and facial hair on handsome men. “I’ll do it—but after I catch a nap. If I’m
too tired, I’m a pissy mess.”

  Matt sat back in the chair and nodded. “I don’t know how doctors run for so long with so little sleep. I’d be dead by now if I were you.”

  “Adrenaline gets us through a lot, but there are plenty of days when I would rather be sleeping. If you’re ready, let’s go.” Aiden didn’t give Matt the chance to argue. He grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and steered Matt into the hallway. “He’s all yours.”

  The girl took control of the chair and blushed. “Thanks,” she whispered.

  “Bye,” Aiden called.

  “Bye.” Matt waved with his good arm. He didn’t look back.

  “Sending another patient home after the super care of Dr. Connor?”

  Aiden tensed, then whipped around. “Colin, hey.” He hadn’t heard his friend in the hall. He prided himself on listening. “How are you? How’s Gage? The group?” Shit. He needed to stop talking.

  “Matt Phillips.” Colin gripped Aiden’s shoulder. “He’s an interesting choice. Were you going for the most opposite award?”

  So much for small talk about anything but Matt… “No.” He hadn’t thought about Matt as being his opposite, but now that Colin mentioned it.…yeah, he and Matt didn’t have that many similarities.

  “Good. You’re more alike than you realize,” Colin said. “To answer your questions, Gage is great. He made the honor roll for the first grading period. The group is fine and you should know…you were just there. As for Jordan, even though you didn’t ask, he’s fine too. We missed you at the reception. Thank goodness Whit filled us in.” He rolled his eyes. “But back to why I hunted you down… Del said I’d find you here.”

  “Did he?” He’d never get that nap. “What’d you need?”

  “First, don’t hang out with Whit. If I have to deal with him again, I might string him up. He never stops talking and boasting.” Colin held up both hands. “Second, I’m supposed to tell you to go home.” He steered Aiden toward the elevator and pressed the button to call the car. “Del’s worried you’re overworking yourself. He thought I’d be able to convince you to leave. You’ve put in your time and deserve a break.”