Page 8 of Daddy Frost

Delta walked toward the door first. Just as Kalen was about to follow, Quinton held up his fist. “Congrats.”

Kalen pounded it before he walked out the door.

Chapter Three

Delta stepped out of the diner first, his mind still reeling from his unusual behavior with Kalen. He was not a flirtatious person, and he certainly didn’t bat his eyelashes encouragingly at anyone.

Had he really suggested Kalen might have to carry him? Really? Ugh. Just shoot me now.

It was a moment he wanted to erase from existence, and yet it served as clear proof that he had officially lost his mind.

Going on breaks with strangers was not something he normally did.

He felt a strong vibe with Kalen, but that didn't mean he had to act on it.

But there was something about Kalen that drew him in, a mysterious connection that Delta couldn’t quite explain or deny.

“I believe the point of taking a walk with someone is to actually walk next to them.”

Kalen’s voice broke through Delta’s thoughts. It was deep and commanding yet gentle, as if he could lead a group of soldiers without ever raising his voice.

“Sorry.” He slowed, though Kalen’s legs were long enough he could have easily caught up to Delta. But the guy was strolling down the street at a leisurely pace.

That’s the whole point of a walk. To take your time.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind,” Kalen said when he was finally at Delta’s side. “I’m a pretty good listener. Try me.”

Delta should not be this comfortable around someone he’d just met, to the point he’d almost confessed his entire life. Still, it would be nice to have someone to talk to. Lord knew his uncle wasn’t anyone Delta could confide in.

“I just lost my mom six months ago,” he said, remembering to keep his pace slow. “I guess I’m just struggling to find my way in a world that suddenly feels so uncertain and unfamiliar.”

Delta never would have thought his mother’s death would cause him to unravel so easily.

“I’ve been there, and sorry to hear about your mom,” Kalen said. “Lost my wife quite a few years back, and it still hurts when I think about her.”

It seemed they shared the same kind of loss. Someone they’d loved dearly. Why did Delta have an urge to hug the guy?

“So it doesn’t get easier with time? And I’m sorry to hear about your wife.” They passed a few shops, a sweet scent wafting from the door of The Sugar Well. Delta glanced inside as they walked by, smiling when he saw some kids standing at the counter, looking as if they were pleading with their mom.

Why were kids at a candy store this early in the morning?

“The pain lessens, but the ache will always be there,” Kalen replied.

Delta found himself drawn to Kalen’s warm smile and kind eyes. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something very different about him.

“Did you ever find yourself making decisions that seemed like good, or at least decent ones, until they weren’t?”

Like, getting caught up in something shady because his uncle had pretty much twisted Delta’s arm.

Painfully.

Kalen stopped at the door of Sweet Spot bakery. The scents were warm and inviting, with hints of cinnamon and sugar lingering around the entrance.

Running his fingers over his long beard, which Delta was dying to touch, Kalen said, “I think, when it comes to grief, we all make those kinds of decisions. It’s just part of life, hon.” He pulled the door open and waited for Delta to walk in.

Delta felt a rush of electricity run through his body as Kalen’s fingers brushed against his back, guiding him into the bakery.

He’d been working so hard to get breakfast orders to the tables he hadn’t had a chance to eat anything, and now he was starving. The sweet, delicious scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, drawing Delta in with its enticing aroma. The soft hint of coffee mixed with the warm, buttery notes of croissants and muffins made his stomach rumble.

---