Page 55 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“I have gloves in my Jeep. Should I grab them?” Nathan notices.

“No. I’m totally fine.” Jamie squints his face. “Maybe I'm just a bit nervous.” Vulnerability is outside his comfort zone.

“Me too.” Nathan’s iridescent cheeks flush.

That’s comforting. Jamie assumed the smooth hunk was always so confident from their meeting in the sanctuary. He could never just walk up on a stranger and initiate such a hot encounter. He wished he had that sort of bravado.

“How’s Mabel?”

“She’s amazing.” Nathan beams talking about the sweet pup. “We went for a walk around my neighborhood before I left. She’s probably snoring away.”

“She’s adorable!”

“Just so you know. She doesn’t usually like other adults. I’ve never seen her take to someone like she did to you.”

Jamie shifts his shoulders back, grinning. “Well. Dogs do love me.” He boasts.

Nathan chuckles. “There definitely is something about you Jamie Carter.” Warm light from a streetlamp coming to life sparks fireworks in his eyes.

Jamie melts. Speechless.

They round the corner at the bottom of the street and can see a small gathering of people standing around a table a few blocks ahead.

“That must be our group?” Nathan nods forward. “There's dinner at the end of the tour.” He’s deciphering Jamie’s express reaction again. “The article said some local chef, I forget their name, was hired to create a spooky themed tasting menu.” His eyes wait for a clue to Jamie’s level of interest.

“That sounds nice.” He smiles.

When they reach the group, a short stout woman wearing an orange knit hat with neon green Pom Pom and black felt gap toothed smiling jack-o-lantern face appliquéd on, waves them toward the little table. Her curly pigtails spill down over her shoulders.

A sign-in sheet and styrofoam hot beverage offerings are on display. They both add their names to the list. Nathan pours himself a hot cocoa while Jamie drops an English tea bag into steaming water. Cradling their warm cups with both hands.

“Welcome everyone.” The stout woman calls out. “Thanks so much for joining our spooky haunted old port tour. I’m Joanna and this is my partner Brig.” She points to a tall lanky androgynes beauty with short, cropped platinum hair still holding onto the faded remnants of green dye at the tips, angular features and orange earmuffs to match their partner’s pumpkin hat.

There are four other pairs, plus one third wheeler in the intimate crowd. Jamie doesn’t recognize anyone, so assumes they’re tourists. He’s lived in the small city long enough to recognize a majority of the locals' faces from passing on the street or serving them through his career.

“Let’s get started with our tour, shall we?” Joanna turns on her heel and bounces up the sidewalk.

Nathan holds an arm out, gently touching Jamie’s lower back, inviting him to walk first.

The sparks from his touch rise up Jamie’s spine like a dynamite string set ablaze. Fizzing at the back of his neck where the cold air puts it out.

“Okay.” He smiles, stepping ahead, off the edge of the curb. His ankle decides it isn’t in the mood to support his weight and rolls to its side. The steaming cup of tea flies out of his hand, splattering on the pavement. His knee collapses to the side and he tries to catch his fall with a hand outstretched.

Nathan couldn’t grab his arm quick enough to keep him upright.

“Dammit.” The humiliation burns his face and chest as he sits, twisted on the pavement.

“Shit, Jamie. Are you okay?” Nathan is kneeling at his side.

“I think I may have twisted my ankle.” He whispers.

The stout leader kneels at his other side. “Oh my god! Are you alright?” She places a dainty hand on his knee.

“I’m okay.” He stares at the ground. “I’m not sure I’ll be continuing the tour.” Looking into Nathan’s stunning hazels.

“We don’t have to.” His hand rests between Jamie’s shoulder blades and the other sets the cup of cocoa on the street before laying on his barely healed thigh. “I’m going to get my Jeep. Stay right here.” He takes off jogging back in the direction they’d just come from.

“I’ll be okay.” He speaks to the pumpkin head. “You guys go on with the tour.”

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