Chapter 12

Calendar Entry: Clean up evidence of Date!

The morning sun hadn't even made a show though the sky outside was lighter when Ryan's internal alarm clock nudged him awake. He opened his eyes, glancing around, and then the memory of the night before hit. He was still at the animal clinic, but Alex wasn't anywhere to be seen.

Ryan found the bathroom, and miraculously, a toothbrush and toothpaste sat on the edge of the sink. Was Alex really this prepared?

After the bathroom, he sniffed out coffee, leaning against the counter as he took the first sip. Something made a noise, and he tried to focus on where the sound was coming from. It took him a moment, but he realized the sound came from the room where Alex had operated on the dog.

As he walked through the main room, he realized the dog wasn't in the cage. He moved to the door and looked in, seeing Alex standing over the animal. Was he sewing up the dog?

Alex glanced up and waved him in. Ryan pushed open the door but didn't step in. "Hey."

"I had to do a quick little fix this morning."

"Oh, how long have you been up?"

"A couple of hours."

"I can't believe I slept."

"Yeah, you weren't moving."

"I've not been sleeping well since my parents."

"Understandable." Alex sighed as he seemed to finish his work, then lifted his hands over his head as he stretched his back and rolled his head. "Done."

"Do you need any help moving him?"

Alex shook his head. "Not yet. I'll wait until he wakes up a little before I put him back in the cage. Could you stand right there while I clean up and then get a cup of coffee?"

"Sure." Ryan only moved out of the way for Alex to pass, but then Alex stopped. Ryan turned and sucked in a breath as Alex reached out, putting his hand on Ryan's shoulder.

"Thank you for being here."

Ryan didn't know if he should or not, but he leaned in and brushed a kiss on Alex's cheek. "I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Alex didn't move for a long moment as he stood there, examining Ryan. Then Alex took Ryan's hand and lifted it to his lips, brushing a kiss over his knuckles. The gesture made something primal stir deep in his belly, and his cock grew hard as his balls pulled up. He didn't think he'd ever had anyone look at him like that, and he certainly had never had anyone kiss his knuckles. It was such an innocent move, but it spoke of something dirty.

Alex's lips quirked up like he knew exactly what he was doing. Ryan watched Alex walk away before turning his attention back to the dog on the table. The sight made his stomach cramp. He hated seeing animals in pain. He didn't want to think about what the dog would have to go through to heal.

After a moment, Alex came back in, coffee in hand. "The dog looks good. I know it's weird seeing them like this, but he's okay."

"How do you know?"

"Well, for one, he's hooked up to the monitor still, and the beep indicates that his heartbeat is steady. I'm hopeful he'll heal enough to go home tomorrow."

Panic washed over Ryan. "Will you have to stay up here tonight?"

A small smile played at the corners of Alex's lips, and he shrugged. "Maybe. I don't mind it if it means the dog survives."

"Why are you smiling?"

Alex looked at him over his coffee mug. "Because it sounded like you cared."

Ryan cupped the back of Alex's neck. "I do care."

"So, dating men. Are you open to another date?"

The question hit Ryan hard. He wanted to answer with a quick yes, but fear twisted through him. "I'm not ready to announce it to the world."

Alex laughed. "But you bid on me at the charity auction."

Ryan shrugged. "But I was bidding as an apology."

Alex's lips tipped up in a sexy smile that made Ryan want to kiss him. His dark eyes looked tired, but also like he wanted to take Ryan to bed.

"But people didn't know that, so yeah, you kind of already announced it to the city."

Ryan bit his lower lip. "I didn't think of that." He shrugged. "Oh well, if someone has an issue with me dating you, they can pound sand."

Alex moved closer and casually slung his arm around Ryan's waist. Only inches separated them. A shiver snaked through Ryan, and heat blasted right after. They were going to kiss. He could see it in Alex's eyes.

"If you don't want this, step back now."

Instead of stepping away, Ryan leaned in and pressed his lips against Alex's mouth. It was a tame kiss, nothing special, until Alex licked at his lips, and he opened for him. Alex's tongue twisted with his, taking charge like he was a professional at kissing. Maybe he was because Ryan had never swooned, but he swore he might as Alex ended the kiss.

"Was that okay?" Alex asked.

Ryan nodded. "Oh yeah, that was great."

"I saw a flyer about the opening of a new art gallery next weekend. Would you like to go together?"

"Art gallery?" Ryan arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting. "You into that scene?"

"Maybe," Alex admitted, allowing himself a small grin. "Could be fun."

"It sounds exciting as long as it's with you. Count me in."

Alex smiled, and Ryan thought he was going to get another kiss, but the dog took that moment to whimper, and Alex stepped away. The dog needed someone to look after him, and Ryan needed to head home to shower before work.

After Alex carried the dog to the cage and got him comfortable, he turned to Ryan. Sadness seemed to settle between them. They both knew they had things to do.

"I need to go home and shower."

Alex nodded. "Sure. I will see you on Saturday."

"How about one, and we can eat lunch before we go to the gallery?"

"I'd like that."

"Awesome."

Ryan should have walked out, but he moved to Alex and gave him a quick kiss. He liked the feel of Alex's lips on his mouth, and he wanted to explore more, but they didn't have time. Later, he would spend extra time on Alex. For now, he would be satisfied with the quick kiss.