Page 82 of Bear Creek Valentine
Aiden had concerns other than the move or even the busy month ahead. This would be the first Valentine’s Day for him and Dash as a couple, and it brought along its own baggage. Should Aiden ignore it? Pretend he didn’t know how painful it was for Dash? And what about the box full of Harv’s gifts? Was it better to toss it and leave his mate in blissful ignorance? The last thing he wanted to do was hurt the man he loved, but there had to be a way to embrace the holiday without pain. The question was, would he find it in time?
####
Late January
Dash was hiding.
Normally he loved spending time in his office, but lately it served as his sanctuary—a cocoon of peace in a world drunk on the Holiday of Love. It was the only way to keep from being overwhelmed by Valentine’s Day, but reminders presented themselves at every turn. There were decorations in every shopon Main Street, includingDelicious, special getaways for the happy couples staying at the resort, an altered menu at the Delaware Room, and romantic dances in the ballroom.
Outside of work, gifts and chocolates were available in every retail shop, from the gas station to the grocery store. Billboards proclaimed eternal love, red hearts were plastered hither and yon, Hallmark-worthy articles appeared in the news media, and love songs played on the radio... it was all too much. And only made worse by the nerve-wracking silence coming from Aiden.
Dash hadn’t mentioned his loathing of the holiday to his new mate, but somebody must have tipped him off. He was avoiding the subject for a reason, so he must know. Damn it! Dash didn’t want to dredge it all up, but what if he was hurting his mate by holding it in? Did Aiden expect gifts and flowers like Harv used to do for him? Dash didn’t think he could handle that and not be overwhelmed with memories. What was he supposed to do?
Ryder’s scent arrived just before the man’s signature double-knock on his office door, and he welcomed whatever distraction his friend might bring him.
“Come in, Ry.”
Ryder walked in and sized up the office and its occupant with a few quick glances. The desk was empty; his computer turned off. Dash wasn’t on the phone or with someone, and Ryder hadn’t heard of any issues needing his attention today. The man’s scent, however, revealed something deeply troubling.
“I wanted to double-check with you about tomorrow. Do you want me here, or does Aiden need my help with the move?”
Dash acted as though he’d forgotten about the long-awaited transfer from D2 to the newly refurbished location. The man was definitely distracted by something.
“I’d rather have you here in case something comes up. We’ve hired professional movers, so there really won’t be much for us to do. If we run into a snag, I’ll call you.”
With that decided, Ryder took a seat on the other side of Dash’s desk.
“Start talking. You’ve spent a lot of time in here the last couple of weeks, and I can tell something has you worried.”
Dash wasn’t interested in spilling his guts at the moment and waved away his friend’s concern.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Ryder growled long and low, not moving a muscle.
“Tough. I’m not giving up until you tell me what’s going on. Don’t make me beat it out of you.”
Dash fought hard to keep his expression neutral, but he couldn’t help laughing at Ryder’s tough guy threats. In the early days of their relationship, he often used the tactic to force Dash’s hand, and it never failed to work.
“Nosy bastard. Where did you get the idea that I owe you an explanation for every little thing?”
Ryder shook his head.
“You’re stalling, and I haven’t got all day.”
Dash huffed his way to the desk and sat down. He knew when he’d been beaten, and Ryder understood Dash better than anyone he could name. He was also trustworthy, discreet, and extremely stubborn. Dash started at the beginning, laying his soul bare while Ryder listened quietly and without comment. Admittedly, it felt good to unload the story, surprised it didn’t bother him as much as he expected. Ryder finally spoke after a few moments of contemplation.
“So you think Aiden suspects something, but he’s afraid to talk to you about it? Meanwhile, you’re both unhappy and walking on eggshells?”
Dash reluctantly nodded in agreement, and Ryder leaned forward over the desktop.
“You, my friend, need to pull your head out of your ass andtalk to your mate. You can’t expect him to read your mind, andas a human, he can’t be guided by your scent. Why in the world did you wait until two weeks before Valentine’s Day to get this sorted out? Aiden deserves better, and you know it.”
The words stung, not only because they were true, but because he’d promised Aiden not to withhold stories about Harv. He’d really stepped in the steaming pile of poo this time. Ryder detected his attitude change and added one more thought.
“Looks like you’ve backed yourself into a corner. As soon as the move is over, sit down with Aiden and talk it through. It’s time to let it go and move on.”
####
