Page 55 of Shift Change

“Mm.” Chuck sounded a little like he was about to come. “Did you get the meat from Marino’s?”

“Where else? I’m going back to the kitchen, so you two hurry. I don’t want either of you getting hungry.”

“Come on,” Chuck said. “You’ll love the salami.”

The stairs led to a hallway with a bedroom on either side and a bathroom straight ahead. Chuck nodded at the door on our left. The room looked like a time capsule from his teenage years. Trophies lined one set of shelves, a framed Mohegan jersey hung over the double bed, and another set of shelves was stuffed full of dog-eared paperbacks. A chest of drawers was against one wall, with a small desk crammed in beside it.

“Chuck?” I turned and found him standing in the doorway, chewing his lower lip.

“That’s me.”

“I can just see you, stripped down to your boxers, lying on the bed with your phone at your side and a book in your hand. You were probably texting your girlfriend while you read whatever shit you had to for school.”

“Sounds about right.”

I picked up a trophy. “MVP for the All-State Hockey Championship? Damn, you’ve been showing off since high school.”

“Guilty.” He set our bags down and crossed the room. “I’m so glad you came.”

Before I could say anything, his arms were around me, pulling me close. Our lips met, and my nape tingled as warmth bloomed in my chest.

Goddamn, how does he have this effect on me every time we touch?

This was no quick, checking-in kiss. I cradled his cheeks in my hands, and when he started drawing away, I put a hand behind his head and slipped my tongue into his mouth. My dick lengthened while I enjoyed his taste—peppermint gum and Chuck.

He pressed himself against me, making my heart pound with excitement. I loved being with him and sharing things we both enjoyed. It felt so right that I already hurt when I thought about it ending.

A voice from downstairs interrupted my thoughts. “Come and get it, boys, or I might eat it all by myself.”

We pulled apart, grinning like fools. “Be there in a minute, Nana,” Chuck called out, then looked into my eyes.

I wanted to kiss him again, but she was waiting for us. “Guess we should go,” I whispered.

“Guess so.” He brushed a thumb across my cheek. “Remind me to get a sleeping bag from the basement.”

Dread coiled in my gut, cold and heavy. “Are we actually using it?”

“Hell no, but Nana doesn’t need to know that.”

He gave me a quick peck on the lips, and my breath caught. This was all so easy.

17

mad dog

Nana beamed at Nate.“You were awfully nice to take Chuck in, especially since you didn’t know him. I hope it’s not too much of an imposition.”

“Believe me, it’s a pleasure.” He flashed the smile that always made my pulse go haywire. “I have a big house and live alone, so I’m happy to have the company. Chuck and I hit it off right away, and I don’t think I’ve ever gotten close to anyone so quickly.”

“I’m glad it’s working out. No one deserves to be lonely, and I’m sure Chuck would have been if they’d left him on his own.”

Nana was always kind to everyone, but something special had clicked since we’d arrived. After our snack, Nate insisted on helping her in the kitchen—amazing, since scrambled eggs were pretty much his limit. They carried on like long lost friends, telling stories and laughing while I watched reruns in the living room. By the end of dinner, Nate had practically become her second grandson.

After doing the dishes, we all moved to the living room. Nate and I took the couch while Nana settled into her favorite chair. I mostly stayed quiet and let them talk. She’d already known who he was since she loved hockey; now, they were totally at ease, comparing notes on everything from the ideal roses to grow in Western New York to fun places for a drive in the country. I sat there with a full heart, wondering why the sight of them together made me feel like I had everything I’d ever wanted.

“What do you think, Chuck?”

Nate’s voice pulled me back into reality. “Sorry. What do I think about what?”

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