Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

A fter meeting Evan Behan, Del spent the next half hour helping set up tables and chairs while being grilled by the man about various inquiries, including Del's intentions toward his son, who'd groaned and begged his father to back off. Del hadn't minded the interrogation, especially when Evan finally seemed to approve of the two men dating.

The two-story former firehouse was now a sizeable shelter. The truck and engine bays had been converted into the new kitchen and a cafeteria-style dining room that doubled as the men's sleeping area when cots were laid out. Showers and bathrooms were also on the first floor. Offices and sleeping areas for women and children were upstairs where the original kitchen, bunk room, and living spaces had been. As far as shelters went, Del had seen worse.

Two hours later, the dining room was filled with people of all ages, and the buffet's dozens of assorted food trays were empty. As Del helped with the cleanup, Matthew was across the room with an older gentleman dressed as Santa Claus, playing with the children and the small toys they'd received as presents. Meanwhile, Carla and several other volunteers handed out new clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food that had been donated to the adults. Del made a mental note to speak to the shelter's director about making a monetary donation before they left for the night.

It took another ninety minutes to clean the kitchen and exchange the dining room tables and chairs for folding cots. Once everything was in order, the volunteers said their goodbyes as the shelter staff took over for the night.

Carla surprised Del when she linked their arms together as they walked across the street with Evan and Matthew. "Del, since Matthew usually works on Christmas to give his coworkers with children the day off, we've been celebrating on the twenty-sixth for the past few years. We would love for you to join us on Sunday if you don't have plans. My sister and brother-in-law, their kids, and a few grandkids will be there."

A glance in Matthew's direction told Del the younger man wasn't surprised about the invitation. His mother probably asked him if it was all right before approaching Del. Matthew gave him a little nod in encouragement. He wanted Del to meet his extended family, and the knowledge had warmth coursing through Del's body. "Thank you, Carla. I would love to join you. Just tell me what I can bring."

"We have all the food planned already, and beer, wine, and soda. If you want anything special to drink, you can bring that. And my son, of course."

"Of course," he said, opening the Camry passenger door for her after Evan used a fob to unlock it. "I couldn't leave out the best part of my day."

She grinned at him. "Now I see how Matthew fell for you so quickly." She kissed his cheek and then Matthew's before climbing into the car. "We'll see you on Sunday. Be safe tomorrow, dear."

"I will, Mom. Bye, Dad."

Evan hugged Matthew. "Bye, Son. Be safe." He turned to Del and held out his hand. "It was great to meet you. Thanks for helping out tonight."

Del shook his hand. "It was my pleasure and nice to meet you too."

"See you on Sunday. Fair warning, though, you'll probably be the only Cinnci Bengal fan there."

He laughed because the Bengals were scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that day. "That's okay. I can hold my own."

The older man winked. "I'm sure you can."

Del and Matthew waited until Evan started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. They waved goodbye to the couple, and then Del glanced around. It was overcast and dark, the only light coming from the street lamps and the neon signs in the windows of a convenience store next door to the shelter.

When Matthew wrapped his arms around Del's neck, Del grabbed his hips and pulled him closer. "I had a good time tonight, pup. Thank you for inviting me. It felt good to volunteer again. It's been a long time—since before my mom died."

Matthew laid his head on Del's shoulder. "I bet she's looking down on you right now, smiling."

"I wouldn't be surprised. She probably sees how happy I am."

"Happy?"

"Mm-hmm. You, pup. You've made me happier than I've been since . . . well, since I don't know when. Maybe I've never been this happy in my life. Let me stay with you tonight? I'd invite you to my place, but my car is at yours, and you probably need your uniform for tom??—"

"Yes!" Matthew lifted his head, and their gazes met. "I want you to stay with me. I was going to ask, but I didn't want to come across as too needy or—or . . . I don't know. I mean, a lot has happened in the past week. Am I pushing you? Between dinner, and you staying over, and meeting my parents, and now, Sunday?"

Del let him babble momentarily, trying to comprehend his fears before reassuring him. He wanted to be certain Matthew wasn't feeling pressure from him. "No, you're not pushy, sweetheart. Hell, if I had my way, you wouldn't work at all. Instead, you'd spend all your time with me."

Matthew snorted. "As if we could afford not to work."

Biting his bottom lip, Del closed his eyes for a moment. What he said in the next few minutes could make or break their budding relationship. "What if you hit the lottery tomorrow and were suddenly a millionaire? Would you quit your job?"

His brow furrowed. "Huh? What are you talking about? The odds of winning the lottery are??—"

"Humor me. If you suddenly had more money than you knew what to do with, would you go to work tomorrow?"

Matthew tilted his head as though seriously pondering the question. It was a few moments before he responded, "Yeah. I would. I'd miss what I do. I love being an EMT and know I'll love being a paramedic even more. Would I drive a nicer car, get a bigger apartment or a house, and travel more? Hell yeah! But quit doing what I love?" He shook his head. "Nope, I wouldn't.

"What about you?" Matthew asked. "Would you give up . . . whatever it is you do?"

He grinned and chuckled. "You don't remember what I told you I do?"

"Um, I may have been imagining you naked when you told me." The sheepish expression on his face was endearing and so fucking sexy. "In fact, I imagine you naked a lot, and it's very distracting."

"I know the feeling. I imagine you naked all the time too. I prefer it when you're naked in real life, though." Okay, now that he was hard as granite, maybe his confession could wait a little while. "Get in the truck, pup. Now."

Matthew's eyes lit up. "Yes, Captain Del, Sir!"