Chapter Five

Delta couldn't believe he had talked to Kalen for thirty straight minutes about his mom while they'd been hanging out in the park. But the guy was an attentive listener, asking questions and even laughing at times, as if he genuinely enjoyed hearing about her.

It was a nice change. Delta didn't have many to talk to about his grief or how amazing his mom had been. Leo certainly hadn't offered any empathy or comfort. Talking to Kalen almost felt therapeutic, even though Delta had confirmed his earlier suspicion that Kalen was old enough to be his father.

Normally, Delta wasn't attracted to older men. They always made him feel uneasy for some reason. He'd never understood why anyone would want to date someone significantly older than them.

The idea had never appealed to him, until now.

At first, Delta thought it might just be a desire for a father figure, something he had never had in his life.

Weird because he'd flirted with Kalen, but it was true.

But as they continued to talk in the park, Delta felt as though there was something deeper between them.

So much so that he'd agreed to go for a drive with Kalen after work.

"Just keep an open mind,"

Roman advised. His boss had called him into the kitchen once Delta clocked out. Roman had his butt parked against the edge of his workstation, his arms and ankles crossed.

"Why, because he's older?"

Delta had no idea why Roman was saying this. It wasn't as if he planned on having sex on their outing. And even if they did, it was none of Roman's concern.

Where was this even coming from? Delta and Roman had known each other for about a year, but they'd never been buddies. In fact, he hadn't talked to the guy in months before visiting the diner and asking for a job.

"Because—"

Roman rubbed the back of his neck then dropped his hand and grinned. "You know what? You two have fun. I'll see you in the morning."

"Kalen's here."

Julian stuck his head into the kitchen then vanished just as quickly.

Delta eyed Roman. "Nice talk. We should do this more often."

His boss gave him a dry look. "Very funny. Now get your ass out of here and go have some fun."

"You should stop inhaling so much steam from the cooking pots. I think it's affecting your brain."

Delta headed out of the kitchen, his conversation with Roman fading into oblivion as his eyes landed on Kalen at the counter. Damn.

The guy was a hulking mass of muscle, exuding pure masculine energy. Delta couldn't help but think of a wild, untamed beast with all that intricate ink adorning Kalen's arms and that long beard he still yearned to run his fingers through.

And once again, just being near Kalen had Delta fighting against a raging erection.

He discreetly shifted his weight, trying to calm himself down and praying his arousal wouldn't be too obvious.

It seemed Kalen had gone home and freshened up since this morning. He was now wearing different clothing, which clung to every contour of his muscular physique, and his hair—cropped on the sides and long on top—was styled much better than earlier.

The unfairness of it all. Delta hadn't had a chance to go home and get ready like Kalen clearly had. He probably smelled like grease and cheap tips.

As if sensing his presence, Kalen slowly turned his head, his piercing gaze travelling down Delta's body before snapping back up.

The pure desire in his eyes made Delta's cock throb with need.

With a commanding presence, Kalen stood and made his way toward Delta, every step exuding power and dominance.

Delta couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. As Kalen towered over him, he couldn't move a muscle. "Ready, muffin?"

Blue-diamond eyes stared down at him. Clearing his throat, Delta managed a nod before he headed out the door, desperately needing to suck fresh air into his lungs.

The early afternoon was gorgeous, the sky a flawless expanse of blue, stretched out as far as the eye could see. Delta heard the distant sound of a plane passing overhead.

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

There was no way he was even going to look because he already knew who was calling him.

Leo. His uncle was persistent, to say the least. Delta still couldn't believe the guy had called him earlier, trying to drag him into another sketchy situation.

That was another reason Delta had agreed to go for a ride with Kalen. It kept him away from home. He just bet his uncle was sitting on his porch, waiting for his nephew to come home so he could twist Delta's arm once again. If his mom were still alive, Leo wouldn't be pulling this bullshit. She may have been small in stature, but she had always kept her brother in check.

It wasn't until after her funeral that Leo began preying on Delta, taking advantage of his grief and vulnerability.

And since Delta hadn't been in his right frame of mind, he'd fallen for Leo's manipulative tactics. His mom had always been a barrier between her son and her brother, which had left Delta at a disadvantage after she died. She had known all about her brother's mind games, while Delta had been completely oblivious.

Delta realized he'd been played, but that realization came too late.

Now he felt as if he had no way out. Leo was never going to leave him alone.

Emerging from the diner, Kalen gestured for Delta to follow him to a parking space where a massive motorcycle sat. The sleek machine was coated in glossy black paint, accented by custom-faded maroon trim that gleamed in the sunlight.

Hard saddlebags were attached to both sides, including a smaller one mounted on the back, all three adorned with intricate designs. But what caught his attention was the plush passenger seat with a high backrest for ultimate comfort.

He vaguely remembered the names of the different parts. His mom had briefly dated a man who never stopped talking about his prized bike.

Ted had been obsessed with his own motorcycle and had gone on and on about its various features. The guy had been completely enamored with the vehicle as if it were his own child.

With ease, Kalen swung his long leg over the bike and settled onto the driver's seat. He turned the key, and the powerful engine roared to life with a satisfying rumble. Delta felt a surge of excitement as he climbed onto the backseat behind the guy.

Kalen reached into one of the side saddlebags, retrieving a pair of sunglasses. He handed them to Delta, who gladly accepted them and slipped them on.

"Do you need some protection for your face? Or can you resist the temptation to swallow bugs?"

Delta furrowed his brows. "I'm not in the habit of eating bugs."

Kalen's chuckle was deep and rich. "That's good to know, muffin."

His eyes crinkled with amusement as he slipped on his own pair of sunglasses. The sunlight reflecting off the lenses gave him a mysterious air, causing Delta's heart to flutter in his chest.

He wasn't sure how long they'd ridden. He was just enjoying the peacefulness of the back roads, the scenery of the forest and mountains in the backdrop, and simply being with Kalen.

All of Delta's worries faded as he listened to the rumble of the engine, but he wondered why he felt so safe and comfortable with a guy he'd just met this morning.

Honestly, he felt as if he should be more cautious. Dealing with his uncle for the past six months had taught him that a lot of sinister people lived in this world, which was another thing Delta's mom had tried her best to shelter him from.

He had loved her with all his heart, had mourned her passing deeply, but as time went on, he started to realize her protectiveness had been more of a crutch than a blessing.

If Delta had been exposed to Leo's treacherousness before her death, if she'd allowed him to see his uncle's seediness years ago, he might not be in the situation he now found himself in.

And maybe he wouldn't have readily agreed to go on a ride with a stranger. Even after spending time together in the park this morning, Delta still knew very little about him. He hadn't even found out how old Kalen's sons were.

In fact, he still didn't know how old Kalen was.

The guy had kept steering the conversation back to Delta's life or they'd talked about inconsequential things whenever he'd asked Kalen a personal question.

That should have been red-flag city. Instead, he'd eagerly nodded when Kalen asked if he wanted to go for a ride after work.

Delta had officially lost his mind.

That was evident by his actions. Then again, he'd been making bottom-of-the-barrel decisions since his mom died, causing him to consider the fact he'd relied too heavily on her to make all the choices pertaining to his life.

He was pulled back to the present when Kalen slowed then turned into the parking lot of an ice cream parlor. The guy eased the massive bike into a slotted space and cut the motor.

"I'm starting to suspect you like grazing."

Delta dismounted and stretched, glancing toward the order window. There were two SUVs and a white sedan in the parking lot, all three on the other side of the small building.

On one of the benches in front of the place sat an elderly couple enjoying their cold treats. On the opposite bench were roughly six or seven kids in blue uniforms. One boy, who looked around twelve, was bouncing a soccer ball on his foot, causing a tapping sound, though the ball kept rolling away.

It looked as if the kid needed a lot more practice.

Delta rested his sunglasses on top of his head then glanced up at Kalen. "So, are you a grazer?"

The guy's smile was heart stopping as he tucked one arm of his glasses into a pocket on his leather vest. "Guilty. I do most of the cooking at home, but when I'm out and about, I nibble like crazy."

Sweet Jesus. When Kalen said the word "nibble,"

he'd looked Delta over with a hungry gaze. Now all he could think about was Kalen nibbling like crazy on him.

"Behave. We have impressionable eyes on us,"

Delta admonished with a grin. There he went again, shamelessly flirting with Kalen.

"The kids aren't paying us any attention."

"I was talking about the elderly couple,"

Delta said with a smirk then drew in a breath. "Mmm. I smell pretzels. Watch as I float toward the aroma like a cartoon character."

Kalen's grin was out to steal his breath. "If you start floating along, I'm out of here."

"Don't believe in the supernatural?"

He wiggled his fingers at Kalen while walking backward toward the parlor. "How can you be certain I'm not a ghost who's possessed this fine-ass body?"

He loved the way Kalen's blue eyes sparkled with merriment. "How can you be certain I'm not a wolf hiding in plain sight?"

"Why did you have to go and trump my supernatural being? Now I want to be the wolf and you can be the ghost,"

Delta said with a playful pout. "I'm calling tradsies."

Kalen reached out and grabbed Delta, pulling him close. For a brief moment, all he could do was stare up into the man's amazing blue eyes.

"Watch it. You almost tripped over a kid."

Kalen's voice had deepened to pure seduction, causing Delta to shiver. Was that how Kalen sounded when he had a lover in his bed?

Why on earth did Delta feel jealous at the thought of Kalen with someone else ? Jesus. What is wrong with you? He's not your boo thang, so back off your jealous trip.

"Sorry,"

a boy said from behind them.

Swallowing roughly and hating the fact they weren't alone so Delta could steal a kiss, he spun and headed toward the window.

"My treat this time."

Kalen's voice was close, sounding as if he was a wall at Delta's back, like he'd been in the bakery this morning. The guy definitely had boundary issues.

"I have a ferocious appetite,"

Delta warned, his back still to Kalen. "I'm not sure you can afford me."

Then he winked at the girl behind the window, causing her to blush. "Can I have one of those delicious-smelling pretzels, a cup of cheddar sauce, and a bottled water?"

"I might have to take out a loan just to feed you,"

Kalen said with a smile in his voice.

With a grin, Delta stepped aside so Kalen could order. As the guy bent, cause damn he was tall, Delta took the opportunity to check him out.

Good Lord. He had a nice, round ass that Delta wanted to either pinch or pat to find out just how firm it was. He had to bite his bottom lip to stop a moan from escaping while he imagined gripping two handfuls as Goliath pounded into him.

As massive as Kalen was, Delta just bet the guy had a big, fat cock. Because if he didn't, what a waste of a perfect mountainous man.

Ripping his gaze away from Kalen's mouthwatering body, Delta noticed the elderly woman from the bench standing to his right. Her hair was a delicate shade of white, flowing in soft waves around her lovely face.

The years had left their mark, etching deep lines through her features from the passage of time, but they only added to her beauty. She was smiling knowingly at him, causing her pale green eyes to twinkle.

For a moment, he imagined his mom at this age, the two of them visiting the ice cream parlor, simply enjoying each other's company and making each other laugh the way they used to. His chest constricted with pain at the loss.

The elderly woman reached out a shaky hand and gently squeezed his wrist. Her skin was wrinkled and spotted with age, but it held a warmth that Delta found comforting. Then she whispered, "Even after fifty-two years of marriage, I still stare that way at my husband."

Fifty-two years? He felt a tinge of envy for their long-lasting relationship as he glanced over at the woman's husband, who sat peacefully on the bench.

Delta had a hard time keeping a boyfriend for more than two months, let alone decades. But then again, he was only twenty-five.

Even so, a guy could dream of having a relationship that meaningful.

"It takes hard work, but if he's the right fella, it's worth the ride."

She nodded conspiratorially toward Kalen with a whimsical smile.

Delta didn't have the heart to tell her that he and Kalen had only just met and were simply hanging out. The woman seemed proud of her words of wisdom, and he didn't want to take that away from her.

Yet, there was something undeniably compelling about his and Kalen's connection, which he still couldn't explain.

As the old woman went back to admiring her husband, Delta wondered if he would ever find someone who would make him feel as content and loved as she seemed to be.

He glanced at Kalen, who stood there chatting with a guy Delta assumed was either the soccer coach or the father of one of the boys. Or both.

Oh hell no. You really have officially lost your goddamn mind. You just met him this morning! He's not going to grow old with you. Kalen will grow old before you.

The woman turned then suddenly seemed unsteady. Delta gently took her arm and walked her back to her husband, helping her to sit.

"Thank you, young man."

The husband smiled at him, patting Delta's arm. "Your mother raised a true gentleman."

Jesus, the couple was determined to make him blubber. Swallowing past the hard, burning lump, he smiled. "She was the best."

The man's face fell slightly. "I'm sorry about your loss, son. Name's Milo, and this is my wife, Sarah."

"Delta."

He shook Milo's hand.

"What a unique name!"

Sarah appeared delighted, her smile infectious.

The soccer ball hit Delta's ankle. "Excuse me, you two."

He winked at them. "I have to show these rug rats how it's done."

Milo grinned. "Go get those kiddos, Delta!"

he said enthusiastically.

Delta bent and grabbed the soccer ball.

"Can we have it back, mister?"

the same boy who'd been bouncing the ball on his foot when they'd arrived asked.

Holding out the ball, Delta grabbed it back at the last second before the kid could grab it. "Unless you want me to show you a few tricks."

He pretended to fumble it in his hands, nearly dropping it.

The kid's expression was doubtful, clearly not believing McFumble could teach him anything. The little bugger had no idea Delta was once an all-star soccer player in school, leading his team to victory and snagging multiple varsity trophies. Technically, Delta wasn't being a sandbagger since he was just goofing around with the soccer ball to impress some little kids.

The boy crossed his arms, his team rallying around him. "Fine, but if you drop the ball even once, you have to buy us each an ice cream."

"And if I don't drop it?"

The boy looked at his friend's like Delta was full of it. "Then we pay for yours."

If the kid hadn't been wearing an arrogant smirk, Delta might have felt bad making them pay for an ice cream he didn't want.

Once again, he pretended to fumble the ball, letting it slip from his hands, the group of boys laughing at how easily they'd won an ice cream from such a loser.

Watch and learn, half pints. Delta quickly jerked his foot up at the last second to catch it. Honestly, he thought it would actually hit the ground. It seemed he was a bit rusty, but he refused to let a bunch of twelve-year-olds best him. Are you seriously showing off in front of kids? Does your self-esteem really need this kind of boost?

Apparently so.

But Delta knew the real reason. He was trying to show off in front of Kalen.

The muscle memory of years of practice finally took over as he flawlessly bounced the ball from one foot to the other, using his knee to transfer it back and forth in complicated maneuvers while spinning and turning with ease in between.

In that moment, Delta became lost in the fluid motions, transported back to his glory days on the field, his mom's proud cheers from the stands echoing in his memories.

Incorporating more of his body—elbows, head, and chest—Delta made the soccer ball an extension of himself, seamlessly moving and controlling it with ease and finesse.

And for those few moments, he was lost in the familiar rhythm and joy of playing the sport he loved so much.

Then he spiked the ball high in the air and caught it in his grip on its way back down, dropping to one knee as he presented it to the little boy.

"Son, that is what you call a hustle,"

the boy's father said with a grin as he joined them. "Maybe next time you shouldn't be so self-assured and cocky."

He pointed at Delta. "That's what commitment and dedication looks like."

Delta hadn't been trying to embarrass the kid. He'd just felt a little mischievous and wanted to have a bit of fun. The boy glanced toward the ground but not before he saw shame in his eyes.

"You're holding your foot at the wrong angle,"

Delta said quietly. "Do you want me to show you an easy-peasy way to do it?"

He glanced at Kalen, who was standing there with a wide, proud smile on his face. Why did that smile touch him so profoundly, as if Kalen's view of him deeply mattered?

Slowly, that gorgeous grin faded as the guy cocked his head to the side, like he was trying to read Delta's mind. Then Kalen gave a slight nod and turned toward the father, engaging him in conversation. How had he… A strange feeling spread through the center of Delta's chest, something warm and tingly. Somehow, Kalen had known what he needed and had delivered like the guy could actually read his mind.

Delta turned back to the boy and introduced himself.

"Tyson."

The boy shook Delta's outstretched hand, the kid's grip a little too firm. "How did you get so good?"

"I wanted to make my mom proud of me,"

he answered truthfully. "Hours and hours of practice, but you also have to love the sport."

Tyson glanced toward his dad. "I do, when it's just me and my friends playing."

Before his mom died, Delta wasn't sure if he would have been able to relate to Tyson's situation of an overachieving parent. Since Leo had come into his life, Delta knew how it felt to have someone pressuring you.

It sucked.

"All you can do is your best,"

he said. "You have to remember to have fun as well, or it becomes a chore and the joy is gone."

He spent the next forty-five minutes showing Tyson and his eager teammates simple tricks and techniques, encouraging them when they failed instead of criticizing them, like he was sure Tyson's father constantly had. But he also praised them when they got it right.

"You wouldn't be interested in helping me whip them into shape, would you?"

Tyson's father asked when he and Kalen joined them. "It's not a paying gig, but this team could really use your help."

Delta held back what he really wanted to say, that the guy was taking the freaking fun out of the game by acting like an asshole. Tyson and his teammates had responded beautifully when Delta had used positive reinforcement and encouragement.

Kalen looked at him with an expression that said he would back any decision Delta made. "I work mornings, so if you're talking about anything after two in the afternoon, I can help out."

The guy stuck out his hand. "Jeremy."

"Delta."

He shook Jeremy's hand. "If you give me a copy of the practice and game schedule, I can let you know what's feasible for me."

The poor kids needed someone helping them who wouldn't jump down their throats when they screwed up.

This afternoon was even better than Delta had expected, though he wouldn't have minded making out with Kalen at some point. But the day wasn't over yet.

"Are you really going to help us?"

Tyson once again looked skeptically at Delta as Jeremy walked to his SUV.

Ruffling the kid's hair, Delta said, "I'm a man of my word, buddy."

Which was why he was in over his head with Leo. His mom had taught him from a young age that a man was only as good as his word. It had become a code Delta lived by, and just might die by if he couldn't figure out a way to get Leo to leave him the hell alone.