The Wrong Man (7 page)

“Lucky?” I turned around quickly, jabbing an angry finger in his direction. “You think I was lucky? Luck has
nothing
to do with who I am, Jake. Not one fucking thing! I had no choice. I was forced to accept what I could not change from a very early age. It sucked. I made it through my teenage years on a fuckload of bravado that was 95 percent bullshit. I am no overnight creature of fabulosity. Don’t believe my lie. Me? This man in front of you has worked hard and for many years to become extraordinarily comfortable in his skin. So don’t tell me I’ve had it easy. Don—”

“Brandon! Okay. I get it. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to insult you or insinuate… fuck, I don’t know what I’m saying. I… you…. Look, we’re adults now. Not kids. I’ve been through shit I wish I could forget and lost things, people, I’ll never get back. I never thought I’d see you again, Bran. I didn’t think I’d get a chance to apologize. I’m taking the chance while I have it. That’s all.”

I stood still in the middle of the kitchen, staring at my impossibly handsome ex. My first love. My first heartbreak. The only one I’d ever truly suffered over. I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but the words wouldn’t come. I didn’t hate him anymore for hurting me. Long ago, I’d come to terms with the reality that every gay man or woman muddles through a process of acceptance in their own way and at their own speed. Jake was correct. I’d put on a damn convincing show of self-awareness as the “ultra fabulous” gay kid in school. And being mixed race made things interesting. My skin was too light to be considered black and too dark to be called white. There was no part of me that ever fit in. I’d spoken with a Southern accent when I first moved to California, and I lived on the wrong side of town with a trashy mother and an older sister who followed her footsteps closely. I was born an outcast in every way possible. If I hadn’t figured out a way to come to terms with myself, I would have been dead by now. I was sure of it. Either by self-hatred or by the hand of someone who hated someone they couldn’t understand. I was determined not to allow hate and fear to run my life.

My story was mine. Everyone, including Jake, had their own. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know his. But I could let go of the anger, disappointment, and pain he’d caused years ago. It was over and done.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came. I tried again and let out a whoosh of surprise when I found myself crushed against Jake’s hard body in a strong, fierce embrace. I melted into him instinctively, smelling his clean soapy scent and a hint of musky cologne. He felt solid and strong. I pushed back when I caught a glimpse of that tattoo peeking out under his T-shirt. The ink was a sexy surprise, but I didn’t want to start writhing against him in a sudden fit of lust brought on in a moment of weakness.

Jake gave me a small smile and let go.

“Think we can be friends? It’s been years, Bran. I’m not asking for us to go back in time, but it would be cool to get to know you again.”

“Why? I’m not trying to be difficult, but I don’t see why—”

“Lots of reasons, but the most important one is….”

“What?” I furrowed my brow at his playful tone. What was he up to?

“Mack likes you.”

“I should have known! Mack, the man is using your considerable charm to hunt down a second-string dog sitter.” Mack’s ears lifted at the sound of his name, but he didn’t sense any treats coming his way so he sighed and lay down.

“You can be first-string.” Jake offered jokingly.

“Ha-ha. I’m touched.”

“I was kidding. I just… I feel like running into you again is a sign of some sort. Don’t laugh. I know that sounds hokey, but I can’t help thinking….”

“Don’t think too hard. Look, I’m happy to help you out with Mack. But as far as you and I are concerned….” I shrugged. I honestly had no idea how to continue. I wasn’t sure it was wise to let him be part of my present.

“Will you have dinner with me? Friday night? I’m off and—wait! I can tell you want to say no, but let me at least thank you for taking care of Mack. Please? No strings attached. I promise.”

He held his hands up in surrender. His eyes twinkled with a humor that overrode the strange current between us. I eyed him warily before answering.

“Okay—”

Jake let out a triumphant whoop that startled Mack and made me chuckle in spite of myself.

“Great! You choose where. I’m still trying to figure this town out. Does seven work? I’ll pick you up here. Or is the store better for you?”

I was charmed by his nervous excitement. He exuded an almost manic energy, like a kid in a candy shop. I gave him a comical “you’re crazy” look before tackling his barrage of questions.

“I’ll think about the restaurant and make a reservation for seven thirty. You can come here at seven to pick me up. We can grab a drink at the bar if we’re early. Sound good?”

“Great. Sounds great.”

“What about Mack?”

“He can’t come.”

I chuckled at his deadpan expression. “If we chose a place with outdoor seating, he could. I thought you didn’t want to leave hi—”

“I don’t but—are you really okay with that? It probably limits choices and—”

“People love dogs in WeHo. We can find a fabulous place to eat where a well-behaved Lab can sit outdoors. It’s spring, and the weather is gorgeous. We may as well take advantage, right?”

“Right.” He gave me a searching look, followed by a bright grin. “We’ll see you Friday then. Bye, Bran.” He swooped forward and kissed my cheek quickly before calling his dog.

I walked them to the door and watched as they walked down the path toward a shiny white SUV. The memory of my multiple attempts the night before to get Mack in my MINI Cooper had me wondering how Jake managed to get him in a much larger vehicle. I stood in the door way with my arms crossed and noted with childish satisfaction the way Mack pulled back on his leash as though indicating he was not interested in a ride. Jake threw something from his pocket into the car, and a flourish of his arms seemed to indicate he should retrieve it. Mack scrambled after what I guessed was a treat. Jake gave the dog a push before quickly taking his place behind the wheel and closing the door. He turned to look back at me with a sheepish grin and a wave before driving away.

So I had figured it out, I thought with satisfaction. I was better with dogs than I credited myself. Ex-boyfriends were another matter. What was I doing?

T
HE
REST
of the week passed quickly. I divided my time going through the remaining new inventory, redecorating the store, and waiting on customers. Business was booming. The warmer temperatures seemed to bring out shoppers anxious to celebrate spring and brighten their homes with pillows and knickknacks appropriate to the new season. And thankfully most of them were willing to open their wallets. It was times like this I loved retail.

I was too busy to think about my upcoming dinner with Jake. Or maybe I’d become a master at compartmentalizing things that made me uncomfortable. I’d agreed to dinner in a moment of weakness. A hot man in my kitchen with his loyal dog at his feet was a hard combination to resist. Two days later I was a little angry
with myself for going against my personal edict. I clung to the anger, knowing it kept me from feeling nervous. Nothing was going to happen. This was not a date, nor was there any chance of rekindling a long dead romance. It was a thank you dinner. Nothing more.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket as I finished ringing up a large sale. I waved a cheery good-bye at my customer before pulling my cell out. It was a text message from Luke.

We’re in LA today. Want 2 come by 4 dinner?

Can’t. Going out tonite.

Date?

No. Going w/Jake. Long story. Let’s talk later.

I set my phone on the counter near the register and waited one… two… I rolled my eyes when it rang a second later.

“You’re doing what?” Luke’s incredulous tone made me smile.

“It’s a harmless thank you for watching Mack. No big deal.”

“What happened to your personal commandment ‘the past shall not be revisited’? What’s going on?”

“Nothing is going on. Don’t worry. I still feel the same but….”

“But what? Bran, if you want a dog, go get one of your own. Don’t borrow your ex’s. This has trouble writ—”

“Lukey, I know this is a tad outside the norm, and I’ll even admit he caught me in a moment of weakness, but—”

Luke gasped dramatically. “What kind of moment of weakness?”

“Not the kind your dirty mind is imagining,” I assured him. “I was tired and yeah, I have a soft spot for the dog so….”

“There’s something you aren’t telling me. Spill it.”

I stared into the phone for a second. Since Luke had met Michael, he’d reclaimed his confidence and spirited sense of righteousness. It was a beautiful thing to see. However, it threw me off guard every once in a while. I’d forgotten how tenacious he could be.

“He apologized.” I picked up the lip balm next to the register and liberally coated my lips.

“What?”

I gulped like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar. “I know, I know.”

“Brandon, you’re worrying me. Since when would—”

“I… It must be the dog. I admit this is out of the ordinary. I’ll let him buy me dinner, and that will be that. Don’t worry.”

“Really? A dinner is going to erase what he did or better yet, what he didn’t do all those years ago?”

“No, of course not. But at some point I have to let go. Don’t you think? It’s an odd set of circumstances and… I don’t have any real explanation.” I shrugged helplessly, though Luke couldn’t see the gesture through the phone. I didn’t want to start overanalyzing now. I’d been doing a great job keeping busy enough to ignore any flashing red warning signs.

“I’m coming to the store tomorrow. Can you take a break for lunch?”

“Well, it’s been very busy and—”

“Perfect! See you tomorrow!” He cheerfully exclaimed before hanging up on me.

Damn it. Best friends were a blessing and a curse. But Luke was right to be concerned. I was acting out of character by doing things like dog sitting and having dinner with an ex. Truthfully I’d known I was out of whack before Mack and Jake came into the picture. Was I sadder about Trevor’s departure than I acknowledged, or was I having a late quarter-life crisis? I pasted a smile on my face as a customer approached with purchases in hand. Whatever. It was one dinner. I’d go because I said I would, but that was it.

J
OHN
L
EGEND
’
S
soulful, smooth voice serenaded me as I finished primping later that night. I glanced in the full-length mirror in my bedroom and decided the tight, fitted designer jeans and floral-printed button-down shirt looked good. Real good. I chuckled at my narcissistic streak as I went to answer my front door when I heard a soft knock.

“Hey.” Jake’s smile was sweetly contagious. And damn, he cleaned up nicely. He was dressed similar to me in jeans and a light blue oxford shirt that complemented his eyes beautifully. His style was a bit more conservative than mine but it worked for him.

“Hi.” I stepped back to invite him inside. “I’m ready. I made a reservation at The Garden. Is Mack waiting in the car? I requested an outdoor table and made sure they were fine with a very well-behaved pet but—”

“I left him at home. It’s just us tonight.” He turned to go to his SUV before I could respond.

Oh. Shoot. No Mack was a deal changer. Possibly a deal breaker. I furrowed my brow as I followed him.

“Um… I don’t know if—”

Jake opened the passenger door and held it for me, his engaging smile still in place.

“We can go to my apartment later to say hi if you’d like, but restaurants aren’t really Mack’s thing. He’s a terrible beggar.” He winked and motioned me to hurry along.

When he was behind the wheel, I turned to face him. “You tricked me.”

“How so, and where am I going?”

“It’s on Beverly Boulevard. Turn left on La Cienega. And you know what I mean.”

“You mean I know where La Cienega is. Sure. I’ve only lived here for a few months but I’m beginning to get the lay of the land.”

“What does that have to do with anything? You tricked me! You said Mack was coming.”

“I talked him out of it. Sorry.” He stopped at a red light and glanced at me, his blue eyes twinkling with humor. “Will you still have dinner with me?”

“Hmm. I would have chosen someplace a lot more expensive if I’d known.” I grumbled, only half kidding.

Jake chuckled, looking decidedly nonplussed. I sighed and leaned forward to play with the volume on his car radio. If I was stuck without canine diversion, I had to think of other ways to occupy myself. I found a song I liked and hummed along, stopping to give directions or point out places of interest along the way. Anything to keep my mind off the fact this was beginning to feel like a date.