Page 26 of Cocoa

Lucas didn’t flinch. “I have a boyfriend. He’s a wonderful man named Ryder. He’s good to me, supports me emotionally, and I like who I am when I’m around him. I’m not going to apologize for that.”

The next sigh sounded different, and Paul’s voice lost some of its edge. “Lucas, damn it.” The unaccustomed curse made Lucas sit back and blink. “You don’t have to apologize for having a boyfriend. You know we… None of us care that you’re gay. We care that you’re struggling.”

Feeling suddenly very tired, Lucas closed his eyes. “But I’m not struggling, Paul. That’s what you all don’t seem to want to believe. I have to go. I have photos to put together for a client.” Without waiting for any response, he ended the call.

Lucas dropped his phone on the table and picked up his cocoa. The first sip soothed the edge of anger creeping into his chest, and the second restored some of the peace of the morning. He wasn’t angry, not really. He was just tired of having to defend himself like he was some wayward teen instead of a grown man who just wanted something different.

Yeah, the town didn’t have enough plows, and it took a while to dig out. It had cracked sidewalks and old streetlights that didn’t always work. It also had a strong community, people who cared, and a warmth that wasn’t performative or painted on like a veneer.

His gaze strayed toward the rickety bookshelf on the far wall. A photo sat there in a simple black frame, a candid shot of him and Ryder standing side by side with Lucas looking up at his boyfriend and smiling. Ryder’s thick arm stretched over his shoulders, pulling him against his side in a casual, one-armed hug. He remembered the moment. Lucas had teased him about wearing nothing but a dalmatian spot thong for the next calendar, and Ryder burst into a huge laugh. They looked joyous together.

Standing to cross the room, Lucas picked up the picture and took a closer look. He smiled as warmth filled him. The frame was plastic, the photo a little crooked, but the moment was real. He set it back in its place next to the carefully posed photograph of his parents, Paul, and him standing in front of his childhood home dressed in their Sunday best. Without a thought, he shifted that picture to the back of the shelf and pulled the one with Ryder closer.

A chime from his phone brought him back to the couch.

Ryder:Just finished a call and headed to another. I won’t be off until late but wanted to say I miss you. Proud of you, too.

Lucas:Thanks. That means so much, Ry. See you soon.

Ryder:As soon as we can.

After another sip of cocoa, Lucas got back to the marketing posts. The calendar would get released in just a few days, and he needed to do his part to drum up as much interest as possible beforehand. Not only did he want the best for the shelter, of course, but the work fulfilled him in a way that he never really thought possible before.

A lot of things did. If someone asked him the night before he packed his bags, jumped in his little car, and drove to a small town if he thought he’d be happy there, he wouldn’t have been able to come up with a confident answer. His own life, sure. He expected to struggle, and he had… still was, to be honest. He didn’t expect such amazing opportunities to come his way, or such wonderful people to become a part of his life.

He sure didn’t expect Ryder. He was the biggest surprise of all, one who made all the tough times and missteps worth it.

Chapter 16

Ryder

Greta’s enthusiasm filled the shelter’s backyard as much as the crowds did. The official release of the fundraising calendar took place at an open adoption event scheduled for a bright, sunny Saturday. At least the weather cooperated, and the firehouse even donated some of their outdoor heaters that they used during school demonstrations.

Everyone wore thick coats, hats, and gloves as they strolled between the tables and the fenced yard full of adoptable dogs. The back door stood open to the aisles of pens and cages full of dogs and cats that needed more warmth or alone time.

The big “Winter Warmth Adoption Day” banner flapped in a gentle breeze, but not one gust or errant snowflake threatenedthe signs, stacks of calendars, or other displays. One table held baked goods, coffee, and cocoa for sale. Another sold shelter t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. Folks could buy everything from doggie chew toys to cat leashes and more.

Ryder stood with his hands in his pockets near the calendar table between Will and Eva. He watched Greta chat with Lucas near a photo booth where people could get pictures with select animals. Ryder’s smile grew, half hidden by his whiskers. He couldn’t help it. His boyfriend was adorable when he got excited like that.

“I think we can officially say this is a success,” Eva said before taking another sip of steamy coffee. “And you, Mr. January, are drawing quite a bit of attention.” She tipped her chin at a couple of young women flipping through the sample calendar and shooting glances his way.

When he glanced over, he caught their eyes, gave a quick smile and nod, and looked back at his friend. The women quickly bought two copies and hurried off. “It’s for a good cause,” he said. “It’s not like I’m the only one getting attention.”

Will chuckled. “I’ve already gotten two phone numbers. Who knew a shelter fundraiser could double as a hookup event?”

Eva shook her head. “You might get some attention, but you’re not selling calendars. It’s our local hometown hero who’s doing that. It’s the celebrity status.” She knew as much as any first responder did that they weren’t in the job to be heroes. His partner and the others at the station had been teasing him about his picture showing up on the news stations all week.

A sudden hand on Ryder’s back made him jump and turn around.

Lucas stood there grinning at him. “He’s only a celebrity because of my amazing photography skills.” He met Ryder halfway for a quick kiss. “It all worked out. The turnout isamazing. Greta says they’ve already found six animals their forever homes.”

“That’s great. That’s what it’s all about, right?” Ryder scanned the crowd again, spotting a few people sitting with shelter representatives near the back door. They were conducting interviews and setting up home visit appointments.

Leaning against his side, Lucas sighed and let his head fall against Ryder’s shoulder. He slung his arm around the smaller man and pulled him closer. He was just about to ask when Lucas could leave, thoughts of cozy naked time sparking in his mind, when his phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hi, this is Metro International Media. Is this Ryder Anders? The EMT featured in the Lucas Vaughn photo?”

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