Page 5

And off he went again to his truck, returning a minute later with the ladder. He showed off his experience as he expertly threw the rope over a low-hanging branch and then securely tied the ladder. “Can you stand on the bottom rung to keep it somewhat stabilized?” he asked.

“Sure. I mean, you’re doing all the hard work.”

That might have come out a little snappier than I had intended because he paused for a moment, looking puzzled. “Do you want to climb up yourself?”

“Hell no. My balance is shit after the accident. I’d probably fall off and break a leg or something.”

“Oh, okay. You sounded like…”

I sighed. “It didn’t come out right. I’m grateful you know how to do this, I swear.”

“Okay.”

I put my foot down on the lowest rung like he’d asked, and he stepped over me, holding on to both sides as he started climbing.

Now I’d never been into men, but his ass was, like, right in my face, so I had a really good view.

And it wasn’t bad. In fact, as asses went, it was pretty damn spectacular.

I might not like the man, but even I couldn’t deny he was in excellent shape—especially considering his age.

“How old are you?” I asked, and he stopped climbing to look down in puzzlement.

“Forty-three, but why do you ask?”

Yeah, I hadn’t thought that one through, had I? Kinda hard to explain that I’d been admiring his ass. “It’s nothing. I realized you’re, you know, pretty fit for your age and all.”

“Pretty fit for my age, huh? Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

How else would he…? Oh. Of course. It could also be interpreted as a little dig at his age. “I didn’t mean it like that, I swear.”

“Okay, just checking.”

I deserved that one. He had no reason to assume I was being nice to him.

He refocused and started climbing again, and I studied him as he did. He was undeniably strong, with thick thighs and arms and a broad chest. Even Nash wasn’t in such excellent shape, and that was saying something because that man was religious about getting his workouts in.

Dayton had reached the branch and pulled himself up with ease, holding on to the tree trunk as he did. He climbed one branch up, then held out his hands to the kitten. “Come here, you little troublemaker.”

Did he really think that would work? That cat was gonna need a little more convincing, right? But without a second of hesitation, the kitten jumped into Dayton’s hands. He caught him with ease, cradling him against his chest. “There ya go, sweetheart. Now, hold on, okay? I gotta get us back down.”

I steadied the ladder for him as he climbed down, holding on to the kitten with one hand. When he was back on solid ground, I breathed out with relief. “Well done.”

“Two compliments in one day? Be careful, Tameron, or I may start to think you like me.”

“I don’t… That’s not what I… I was being nice,” I spluttered. “I’m not into men.”

“And I was kidding,” he said as he shook his head. “Jesus, dude, don’t take everything so personally, okay?”

Fuck. He was right. I’d overreacted to what had clearly been a joke. “Sorry. I’m…” What excuse could I possibly use for this? Nothing came to mind. “Sorry,” I repeated.

“No harm done. Take a look at this cutie,” Dayton said, and to my embarrassment, it took me a second to realize he was referring to the kitten, not himself.

I immediately focused my attention on the kitten, who looked exhausted as it nestled against Dayton’s chest. He was a beautiful gray, though a little skinny for my taste. “How old do you think he is?”

Dayton pressed his lips together. “I wanna say ten weeks? He could be older but malnourished.”

I couldn’t resist and petted the kitten’s little head. “He’s adorable. What are you gonna do with him?”

Dayton sighed. “Take him to the vet, probably, and have him checked. I don’t see any evidence of a microchip, but the vet will be able to tell. And if no one claims him, which I suspect, I’ll drop him off at the shelter.”

I scratched the little thing behind its ears, and it started purring. Which made me smile. “He’s bound to get adopted. He’s so cute and sweet.”

“We’ll see. Anyway, can you hold him while I finish changing your tire?” He held out the kitten, and I took it without hesitation. The little thing yawned, then closed his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

Dayton smiled at me as we made our way back to my car, Dayton carrying the rope ladder. “He likes you. Maybe you should take him home.”

“I can’t. Nash has made it clear we can’t have any pets.”

“Did he now? Maybe I could persuade him.” Dayton winked at me, then knelt next to my car again, putting the ladder on the ground for now.

Persuade him? What did that mean? It sounded like he was insinuating something, implying he had an influence on Nash that I didn’t. Oh, wait. “Are you and Nash…together?”

Dayton snorted. “Queer men can be friends without fucking each other, you know.”

“I’m aware, but the way you said you could persuade him made me think that… Never mind.”

Dayton was quiet for a while as he kept working. “I wish you’d believe me when I say I want to be friends with you, Tameron. You seem to be determined to always assume the worst of me.”

My cheeks grew fiery hot. “I don’t hate you.”

“I didn’t say you did.”

“You implied it.”

“No, Tameron, I didn’t.” I had to give him credit for consistently looking up at me when he spoke, even if it meant halting his work for a moment. “But it’s a perfect example of what I mean. Why do you always think I’m criticizing you?”

Because he was? But that argument wouldn’t go over well. I cradled the kitten a little closer, grateful I had something to hold on to. “Why would you want to be friends with me?”

I mean, I could’ve asked why he wanted to befriend a guy who clearly disliked him, but that seemed a little too rude, even for me. Besides, I already knew the answer. Pity. He felt sorry for me. The man had some kind of hero-complex, being a firefighter and all, and he saw me as a charity case.

Again, he took his time answering, putting on the spare first and securing all the bolts.

Then he finally looked up at me. “Because color me crazy, but you look like you could use a friend…and if there’s one thing I know how to do well, it’s being a friend.

In fact, I kinda specialize in it. So maybe you can give it a chance? Give me a chance?”

I had absolutely no comeback to that.