Page 37 of Check Me Out

Dakota pulled his head off Seth’s chest and considered him. “Would it make you jealous if I said yes?”

Seth felt his face go hot. “Maybe.”

“You don’t need to be. I am sure this is not the first time someone has had sex back here—after all, I did just toss a couple of ninety-year-olds out of the walk-in—but it is the first time I’ve had sex back here.”

Seth stroked Dakota’s arm. “We could do it again.”

Dakota groaned and checked his watch. “I can’t. Brooke will be wondering where I’ve gone. Well, maybe she won’t be wondering, but I still better check on the store.”

“Oh, right.” Seth disentangled himself and stood up. He held out a hand to Dakota and hauled him up. “I’d like to see you again.”

Dakota looked at him strangely. “You’re going? Oh, of course, you’re going. You have a life and stuff. Yes, let’s get together sometime.” He glanced toward the breakroom door and then turned back to Seth. “Would tonight be too soon? I get off at ten.”

“I thought you got off a few minutes ago.”

Seth loved how Dakota’s blush flowed up his neck and flooded his cheeks. Before he could answer, Seth wrapped his arms around him and whispered, “Yes. Let’s do it all over again at ten.”

8

Dakota

EIGHT WEEKS LATER

It was Tuesday night at the Pick and Grab, and Dakota was patrolling the produce section. This week, Celia had come with the friend from the cooler, a handsome man with a Willie Nelson vibe. They seemed very taken with each other and the eggplant parm they were planning for dinner.

From over by the apples, Miss Witherspoon gave Dakota a little wave. Beside her, Gerald seemed intent on finding the perfect Honeycrisp. They were all still together. There’d been magic in the air at the Pick and Grab the night they met.

Seth thought the reason everyone kept coming back was to keep alive the memory of that first encounter. Although the way he phrased it always sounded like there were orcs and dragons involved.

As if Dakota’s thoughts had conjured him, Seth emerged from the condiments aisle. His smile made little butterflies circle around Dakota’s belly. Two months and the sight of him still had Dakota all aflutter.

“How are things at gay-but-not-gaynineties night?” Seth asked when he got closer.

“Quiet. Mostly regulars. I’ve got to say, it’s sweet but a lot less exciting without a fresh romance.”

“I think I can help with that. Prepare to be amazed.”

“So it’s really happening? How is Michael doing?”

“Driving himself crazy, as usual. I don’t understand why he feels so guilty. It’s not like he took a battle axe to anyone. I told him it will all be okay, but I don’t think he believes me.”

“Thank you for setting this up.” Dakota touched Seth’s arm, feeling a rush of tenderness. “I’m hopeful for them, even though Brooke says matchmaking isn’t part of my job.”

Seth shrugged. “You can tell her this was all my idea, even though I don’t see what business it is of hers whether you matchmake or not. You’re her boss.”

“I’m not sure she sees it that way. But thanks for working so hard with Michael to get him to agree to this.”

“He’s a nice old man and I enjoyed spending time with him. It turns out he played D&D in the eighties. He’s taught me a lot about the origins of the game. Besides, nobody should grow old alone unless they want to.”

Dakota swept a curl out of Seth’s eyes. “I’m young and I don’t want to be alone again.”

Seth looked down at him tenderly. “You won’t be alone as long as I have anything to say about it. Now, let’s find Mr. Diaz.”

Mr. Diaz was in the dairy section. He kept glancing toward the corner where Michael usually lurked. He looked up when Dakota approached. “You don’t think there’s anything wrong with him, do you? I used to worry about his eating habits. Who knows what his cholesterol must be by now.”

“I’ve got a surprise for you.” Dakota took his elbow.

Mr. Diaz looked from Dakota to Seth and back again. “What are you boys up to? I’m not falling for the display consultation again.”

---