Page 4 of His New Toy

Seth picked up the trampoline, following Clark out a side door and to a part of the driveway that was covered. There was another SUV parked, but this one was a dark green Mercedes. Clark reached and touched a button on the back and the trunk opened. Then he stepped aside so that Seth could set the trampoline inside it.

It had already been dark when Seth had arrived at the house, but now it was pitch black outside. The only lights were from the house, outlining the driveway and down toward the road.

“It’s snowing already?” Clark said, turning toward it. Now that Seth was looking, he could see the snow piling up, heavy clumps of it falling around the covered carport. Walking back to the bus stop was going to suck.

Then, “Where’d you park?”

They were facing down the driveway, and it was easy to see that there were no other cars there. Seth crossed his arms, trying to ward away the chill that was already creeping underneath the cheap fabric of his winter jacket. He really needed a new one. Had, in fact, been planning to go to the thrift store today to try to find a good one, but between all his other errands he hadn’t found the time before needing to head out to Clark’s house. He regretted it now. It was freezing, and would only get colder.

“I didn’t,” Seth admitted. “I took the bus.”

Now Clark was turning to him, expression surprised. “The bus? And then you walked the rest of the way here?”

“Yeah.”

Clark opened his mouth, and then closed it. Then he shook his head. “But it’s snowing,” he eventually landed on.

“Yeah, I should go before it gets worse,” Seth said. “I’ll just grab my bag.” He motioned back inside where he left his backpack.

They went back in and out of the cold.

“No,” Clark said as they got back to the den. “It’s dark and snowing quite badly out there already, I can’t send you out in that.”

“It’s fine,” Seth said hurriedly, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. “I’ve walked through worse.”

That might have been the wrong thing to say, Clark’s expression only deepened from concern to worry.

“I’ll drive you, then. There’s no need for you to walk.”

As if on cue they both glanced at the nearest window. There was just enough light to see the heavy snowfall outside. Even by car, Seth’s place was a good twenty minutes away. That would make Clark’s drive risky at best.

“I don’t think you should be driving in that,” Seth said.

“Yes,” Clark was still facing the window, but something about him was pensive. “And you definitely shouldn’t go out in it either. I offer a third option. How about dinner?”

“What?” Seth asked, not certain he’d hear him right.

“Dinner,” Clark said, smiling now. Maybe he thought Seth’s surprise was amusing. “As you can see, I have plenty of space. It’s no trouble to put you up in a guest bedroom. And my landscapers will be here tomorrow morning to clear the driveway and the walk, not to mention it will be light outside. It would be much safer for you to simply spend the night.”

“I have work tomorrow,” Seth said dumbly.

“Is that a problem?” Clark asked. “What time do you start? I’m not all that far from downtown.”

No, Clark wasn’t. In fact, his house was closer to Turner’s Toys than the house where Seth rented a room. “I start at ten,” Seth said, still not sure what was happening. “When Turner’s opens.”

“Well now, that’s plenty of time,” Clark said. He winked. “Even if you enjoy lazy mornings.”

A flush bloomed hot on Seth’s neck. “I…” He wasn’t sure why he was arguing, only that it felt like he was supposed to. “I guess?”

“It’s settled then,” Clark said, with an air of finality. “You’ll join me for dinner and a night in a guest room, and have plenty of time to get to work tomorrow.” He threw Seth another amused smile. “I promise not to keep you up too late.”

Chapter Three

“How do you feel about salmon?” Clark asked, as he led Seth into a kitchen straight out of a magazine. It was full of gleaming chrome appliances, white marble countertops, and just enough personal touches to appear welcoming.

“That would be great,” Seth said nervously. He wasn’t sure of his place here at all. He was thehelpin a place like this. It felt very upside-down to have Clark be offering him dinner and a bed for the night.

“Excellent,” Clark said, opening up an enormous fridge. “My chef made a wonderful teriyaki salmon dish, and I was in the mood for it tonight.”

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