His son waved a hand. “I know, I’m not supposed to think of women like that. But you can’t deny she’s a looker. Even you can’t deny that.”

  He blinked and swallowed before readjusting his position in the bed. “What do you mean, even I can’t?”

  “Being gay.”

  The statement knocked all the air from his lungs as he watched his son beside him.

  Cody shrugged. “I mean, I can tell when guy is good-looking even though I like women. I figure it’s the same for you.”

  “What makes you think I’m gay?”

  Cody crossed his arms and lifted an eyebrow, looking so much like Craig did he almost laughed. Almost.

  “I’ve known for years, Dad.”

  “And how does that make you feel?”

  “I’m mad because you feel you have to hide who you are to protect me at school.” He blushed. “You deserve to be happy, Dad. The kids will get over it, and if they don’t want to be friends with me because of it, they weren’t people I wanted to be friends with anyway.”

  Without asking permission, Craig dragged his son close, hugging him, tears of pride welling up in his eyes.

  “I love you, Cody. And I’m so fucking proud of you. Thank you.”

  Cody allowed it for a few moments then he pulled away. “No need to get mushy.”

  A knock on the door had him looking up to see Harvey peeking in. “I’m here to pick up a young boy for dinner.”

  “Hey, Uncle Harvey. Are we going to have time to swing by and work out with Deacon and Alan?”

  “Work out?” Craig looked at his ex-brother-in-law.

  The computer nerd shrugged with a smile. “When you have access to a bodyguard and an ex-parajumper… You didn’t think he wouldn’t take advantage of what they can teach him, did you?”

  “Are you thinking of joining the military now, Cody?”

  “Not sure, Dad. Would that be a problem?”

  Fuck yes. “No, I think we should talk about it when you’re closer to the age of joining.”

  “Okay.”

  “Head on out, Codester, I need to talk to your dad a minute.”

  “Bye, Dad.” Cody bounded out of the room.

  “Bye, Cody!”

  Harvey walked closer and claimed the chair beside Craig. Unease rose within him.

  “How are you doing?”

  “Ready to get out of here. Did you know Cody knew I was gay?”

  Harvey shook his head. “Nope, but we don’t exactly talk much about it.”

  “He acted like he didn’t give a damn, but I’m still worried about him.”

  Harvey put a hand on his arm, giving a small squeeze. “You’re a fucking fantastic dad. Of course you are.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “My sister called me.”

  White-hot anger surged. Craig shook his head. “No, she’s not coming back into his life.” He flexed his fingers. “She called me the night of the accident saying that now she saw him on television she wanted to be back in his life.”

  “She was pissed that you hung up on her. I told her she walked out and I wasn’t going to help her. Then the name-calling began.” Harvey rolled his eyes. “It was like being back at home growing up.”

  Craig knew how much of a rough time Harvey had had as a boy in his childhood home. No parents to support his being gay, and a sister who was worse, if that were possible, than the adults, who did nothing to stop her abuse.

  “I wanted to give you a heads-up and let you know she’ll probably pull out the grandparents to help her in her quest.”

  “No way. I’m not subjecting him to that. Especially not before the World Series Final.”

  Harvey nodded. “I know. I’m on your side, Craig. Always have been. Plus with Cody staying with Debra, I think he’s safer. The coach knows that Debra can pick him up if it’s not me or you. Since Anglea called, I’ve just had Debra doing it.”

  A rough laugh escaped Craig. “Yeah, Angela will have definitely bitten off more than she can swallow if she tries to take her on.” He took several deep breaths. “It’s going to be okay. I’m pushing to leave as soon as I can. I will be at that final game.”

  “I know. I’ll be here to take you.” Harvey stood. “Until then, get some rest.”

  “Thanks, Harvey.”

  He smiled and pushed his glasses up on his nose. “We’re family.”

  That was it, all he said as he walked out.

  Family.

  Craig was lucky to have the folks he did have in his corner. Which begged the question, why was he thinking so much about the doctor who had saved him?

  * * * *

  Bobby smiled as he continued jogging, loving this time of day—bright and early. A few people were out, but the hustle and bustle of the city hadn’t started up yet. He continued on his path and slowed as he neared the Children’s Fountain. Whenever he didn’t feel his best, he ran in this park.

  To be able to see the different depictions of children in the fountain, along with the plaque, helped him regain his purpose. The girl wading, boy with crutches, a ballerina, Joy, a boy standing on his head and finally a boy playing soccer.

  The dedication read—The bronze figures represent children everywhere to whom this fountain is dedicated and the activities that shape young lives making childhood a joy.

  Something so pure and honest about it spoke to him, and coming here never failed to fill the well that could, and did, get depleted. Hands on his hips, he completed his two walks around the entire fountain, staring at each of the tall bronze figures.

  Once he’d done that, he made his way back to his car. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Craig Donaldson since he’d checked out. Hell, he’d even watched the Little League World Series Final and cheered as his son’s team had won. But there had been no sighting of Craig.

  Bobby’s thoughts were bordering on obsessive. He thought about Craig morning and night. Hell, he’d jerked off to those thoughts more times than he could count.

  He couldn’t call him because he would be using his job to get information on a patient, and he wasn’t going to cross that line. Yet.

  He was almost back to his car when he heard someone yell for Cody. Spinning, he couldn’t quite believe his luck when Craig Donaldson bent his head to say something to his son, who then bolted.

  Bobby was on his way toward him before it registered.

  “Mr. Donaldson.”

  Craig looked over his shoulder, confusion giving way to a smile. “Dr. Pearson. Good to see you. Do you live around here?”

  “No, I just finished up my run. How are you doing?”

  “Not bad. Slow still, but getting better.” His dark eyes were warm.

  Bobby needed to cover his cock because it was starting to rise to the occasion it had lived out in so many fantasies.

  “I know you’re not supposed to take things for saving someone’s life, but I’d like to extend an invitation to our house. We’re having a barbecue and hanging out.”

  “I’d love to come, thank you. When and where? Also, what can I bring?”

  “No need to bring anything. Unless there’s a certain meat you like that isn’t common.”

  Heat throbbed in his cock. “There’s one I want.”

  Craig didn’t back away, his breath hitched, but he responded, “That’s not going to be on the grill, but it will be offered if you’d like some later. After the party.”

  Holy fuck, yes, he wanted. Now.

  “When is this?”

  Cody dashed back over, two hot drinks in his hands.

  “Saturday.” Craig dug in his pocket and passed over a business card. “Address and my number are there. I’ll understand if you can’t make it, but I’d love for you to be there.”

  “I’ll be there.” Nothing was keeping him away. “Cody.”

  The young man smiled up at him. “Dr. Pearson. Are you coming on Saturday?”

  “I am.” Cody gave his dad one drink. “Is that okay?”

  “You saved my dad’s life. Of course it’s okay.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll be in the truck.” He inched away, that smile never wavering.

  “Am I missing something?” He looked at Craig.

  “No, he’s trying to matchmake.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes, you’re the third guy this morning he’s wanted to leave me alone with.”

  Bobby growled. “And the first two? Are they coming on Saturday?”

  “Not unless they’re crashing.”

  “Good.” Cutting his gaze to the truck, he wasn’t shocked to see Cody doing his best to not appear as if he were watching. “I’ll see you on Saturday. Do try to refrain from being set up with anyone else. I’m excited to try the meat.”

  Craig licked his lips and dropped his gaze to Bobby’s groin. “Me too.”

  God, he had to go or he would have a wet spot on the front of his running shorts like some young boy who had shot his load because he’d touched his first pair of tits. Or cock as had been the case for him.

  Chapter Three

  Music blared, laughter filled the air, and food cooked on the grill. Craig remained by the grill enjoying the day as Cody and some of his teammates played volleyball. Beside him, Deacon stood manning the grill. Debra was out in the yard talking to some of the wives, and Harvey was in deep discussion with another computer geek, Burlsen.

  The day was perfect, with one exception. Dr. Bobby Pearson hadn’t arrived yet. Craig’d gotten a message that he would be late. An emergency had come in.

  “How are you doing?”

  Deacon flipped the burgers and grunted. Craig smiled. The man wasn’t talkative at all. Part of why he was here manning the grill instead of mingling. Deacon’s other half, Joe Chavez, had had to work, but he had said he would try to stop by later.

  The doorbell pealed, and Craig patted Deacon on the back as he walked to the front door with beer in hand. There was an uncomfortable hitch in his chest at the thought that perhaps the handsome doctor had gotten here earlier than expected. Not in a bad way, just suddenly he wasn’t ready.

  Swinging it open, he froze as his breath caught in his throat, disbelieving what he saw. Or rather who. Angela.

  As immaculate as always, she stood there on his stoop, her expression one he was intimate with—like she was surrounded by shit, and they should be grateful she had blessed them with her presence.

  No! No way she was going to ruin this for him or Cody today.

  “What the fuck could you possibly want?”

  “I told you, I want to see my son.” A sniff as she touched her hair.

  Like those strands would dare leave the coif they’d been slapped into.

  “No.” Craig didn’t move.

  Her blue eyes narrowed, and Craig had no doubt she was gearing up for a fight.

  “Look, you walked out on us when he was just a baby. You can’t come back now because you saw him on television and suddenly think that your status will be elevated by having a son who gets to go around to the talk shows.”

  “He shouldn’t be with you. Your disease will rub off on him.”

  This beer isn’t going to be enough. “Are you telling me that after twelve and a half years, now, you’re concerned for his morality because I’m gay? That’s why you left us. I was nothing but a sinner, and you couldn’t be associated with that, or the child we created. But now, you think”—he stepped closer to her, anger vibrating through him—“you actually fucking think I’m going to let your phobic nature and narrow-minded views twist my son? Get off my property, Angela.”

  She swallowed, not used to him arguing with her, face-to-face. Before, he had just nodded and let her get away with whatever she’d wanted. He’d done what he could to be there for both of them, his wife and son. That time had long since passed, and he owed this bitch nothing.

  “I’m his mother.”

  “On paper maybe. You abandoned him.”

  “You drove me away because you are gay!” Her voice rose.

  “No way. I’m not letting you put this on me. I told you I was gay and that I would happily place my life on hold for the benefit of our son. You said no, because if I was, chances were I infected our son. You don’t have the slightest idea what it is to be gay. I’m not sick nor is it a disease. If you’d learned to accept that, we could have continued to do what was best for Cody, but you left. Packed up your shit and moved on. Then so did I. Never once asking you for a penny of your family’s money. It’s been me, Cody and your brother for years. I’m not letting you back in.”

  “What would have been best for Cody is for you to have died in that crash. Then he could come back to live with his family, and not that disgusting man who used to be my brother.”

  His head pounded. “God, you’re such a bitch.”

  “I think that’s about enough of this.”

  Dr. Pearson stood there, angling his body between Craig’s and Angela’s.

  “Glad you could make it, Doc. The party’s out back.”

  Angela turned from raging, vindictive, psychotic homophobe to charming flirt in a second.

  “A doctor?” She fairly cooed as she offered her hand.

  Dr. Pearson looked at her but didn’t take her hand. Instead he slid a supportive arm around Craig. “Yes. I think it best you leave, ma’am, or I will call the cops. He’s not supposed to be dealing with such stress after the accident.” His arm tightened around Craig, “You know, the additional stress induced by you stating he should have died in that crash.”

  “This isn’t over, Craig.” She flounced away, and he closed his eyes.

  “She’s a peach.”

  “You got the last two letters right.” Craig tried to stand on his own but Dr. Pearson didn’t let him go.

  “Let’s get you inside.” The man supported him to the couch. “Can I get you something? Water?” The beer was plucked from his hand.

  “Everything okay?” Harvey’s low tone broke the bubble manifesting between him and Bobby.

  “I’m fine. Harvey,” Craig said, struggling to open his eyes, “your sister was just here.”

  “Fucking bitch. How did she find you?”

  “Not sure, remember, she called before the accident. Wants to see Cody. You know, now that he’s been on television winning the Series with his team.”

  Dr. Pearson got to his feet. “I’ll get you some water. No more beer for you.”

  Harvey sat beside him while pushing up the glasses he always wore. “How can I help?”

  Therein lay the problem—he didn’t think anyone could. He’d never claimed custody. The way she’d left them, he honestly hadn’t thought it necessary.

  Bobby lingered in the kitchen as he put ice in a glass then filled it with water. He needed a few moments to get himself back under control. Seeing that woman threatening Craig and his son had pushed every button in him—dealing with protectiveness he hadn’t even known he had.

  How dare she!

  He’d had his own experience with family not accepting who a person was, but this had to do with a child. Not to mention he’d fallen for Craig while he’d been in the hospital. It was perfectly clear that everything that man did was for the betterment of his son’s life.

  No sacrifice was too great for him where Cody was concerned.

  Anger firmly under control, Bobby walked back into the living room and handed over the glass of water to Craig, making sure their fingers didn’t touch. He wasn’t sure he could handle that electric reaction.

  There was a look between Harvey and Craig before the computer nerd walked away, readjusting his glasses. Silent for a moment, Bobby sank to a cushion on the other side of the coffee table and looked across to the man slumped on the cushion.

  Features still gaunt after the accident, but he looked better.

  “How often have the dizzy spells been coming?” He got up and stood over the man on the couch.

  Christ, right now, where he stood, that put Craig’s mouth level to his dick. His hard and thickening cock.

  Craig’s gaze had locked onto his groin. It took a while for him to pull his focus away and move it up to Bobby’s eyes.

  “Dizzy spells?” Bobby reiterated, determined not to think of this man on his knees or hell, even right there on the couch, sucking him off. “How often and how long do they last?”

  “Not often and they’re short. Usually when I drink some water they fade.” He took a long drink, punctuating the point. “I’ll be fine. Now, there’s a party out there I should get back to.”

  He went to rise, and Bobby put a hand out to stop him. “Not yet. I’m your doctor and I need to check you out.”

  Craig lifted an eyebrow. “I signed out of the hospital.”

  Reaching in his pocket for the penlight he always had on him, Bobby clicked it on once it cleared the denim. “Lucky for you then, I make house calls.”

  Craig grinned. “Not sure my insurance covers that.”

  Bobby pushed his hips forward without thinking. “I’m sure we can figure something out. Head back, please.”

  God, he wanted to say that before sliding his dick fully into Craig’s mouth. He was big but didn’t doubt that Craig could take him. All of him.

  Shifting fully into doctor mode, he’d got Craig following his finger when Cody came running inside.

  “Dad, Uncle Harvey said you were in here with Dr. Pearson. Are you okay?”

  Bobby waited, but Craig seemed to have a hard time getting the words out.

  “He’s fine, Cody. Had a bit of a dizzy spell but I’m just finishing a quick check-up on him and I’m not seeing anything to be worried about here.”

  Cody moved to his side, his sandy-brown hair, a color he’d got from his mother, falling over one eye. “Are you sure?”

  Bobby heard the fear in his question.

  “Positive. If I was worried about him getting worse instead of better, I would have an ambulance on the way here right now. I think he’s not been drinking enough water. We’ll let him sit here, and he can come out when he’s ready. I’ve been hearing great things about this barbecue. Think you could show me around?”

  Cody smiled up at him. “Sure thing. We’re playing games. If you’re any good at sports I want you on my team.”

  Bobby laughed, and they headed out of the living room. Before he walked out back, he looked over his shoulder to find Craig’s gaze firmly on him.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6