“You can do it.”
Gage’s faith in him was unwarranted, considering how Tash had failed his brother. “I’ll have to move carefully. Randy is as skittish as a newborn deer.” Tash thought a moment. Ideally, he’d like to talk to Randy alone.
“When does he finish class tomorrow? Maybe I should come by the school and talk to him.” There was something to be said for a bit of a surprise attack. And if done on Randy’s home turf, he might be more willing to talk.
“I think he’s done at three thirty. That’s a great idea to come to him. I’m telling you, I know you two will hit it off.” The excitement in Gage’s voice both amused and annoyed Tash.
“I’m doing it for Randy and the kids, you know. I’m not looking to get laid.”
“Don’t know why not,” grumbled Gage. “Not like you couldn’t use a little action.”
“Screw you.” Tash’s halfhearted attempt at a comeback was met with a grin.
“Sorry, you don’t have the parts I like, although you do have a cute ass.”
Gage’s good humor broke the tension in the room, and the meeting ended on a high note. Tash took down the school’s address and left the clinic for home, for the first time in a long time feeling as though he had a purpose.
* * * *
The next afternoon, Tash waited by the entrance of Randy’s school. It was easy to spot him in the after-school crowd of students, parents, and other school administrators. At least for Tash it was, as Randy drew the light around him like a golden nimbus. There was true joy in his face as a child showed him a paper she clutched in her hand. It must’ve been a test with a good score, as Randy gave her a high five; his face lit up with a smile. Not one of those that’s-great-now-can-I-leave fake smiles, but one of pure happiness with what he was doing. Tash knew he was seeing a man who truly loved his job and was meant to teach.
Then Randy spotted him, and all that beautiful happiness fled his face. Instantly the fearful, wary look Tash remembered from last night returned to draw a dark veil over those laughing eyes. As Tash approached Randy, he could almost see the man girding for battle. Randy’s shoulders drew together, and he widened his stance, bracing himself.
Tash decided to take the friendly, nonconfrontational approach. After all, Randy really didn’t know who the hell he was. “Hi.” Tash gazed up at the man, who remained at the top of the steps. “I hoped we could talk.”
A muscle ticked in Randy’s smooth jawline, sending his skin jumping. Tash had a crazy urge to press his mouth to all that soft-looking skin.
“What about? And why you?” Randy’s fair brows drew together in confusion. “I was going to tell Gage I don’t think I’m the right fit.”
“Because it’s my program and I think you’re the perfect fit. Let me try and convince you, okay? Have coffee with me? No strings attached. Hear me out, and then if you still don’t want to work with us, I’ll go away.”
Tash held his breath, watching as a myriad of emotions played over Randy’s handsome face. “It’s not that big of a deal,” Tash pressed gently. “It’s only coffee.”
“All right, I guess.” Randy joined him at the foot of the steps. “When, now?” He hefted his backpack on his shoulder.
“Yes. There’s a nice, quiet coffee shop near my house where we can talk. Unless…” An idea popped into his head. “Do you like cats?” At Randy’s nod, Tash smiled. “Would you mind coming to my house? I need to check on my two devils. They’re a little overwhelming, and I hate leaving them alone all day. I’ve been with patients since early this morning.”
“I don’t know.” Randy hedged, shifting on his feet. Tash feared the man was about to bolt again.
“Come on. I’m a doctor. You can trust me. I promise not to bite.”
A blush crept up Randy’s neck, and Tash winked at him. He couldn’t help it. The guy was adorable—a caring individual and incredibly good-looking. The complete package. It had been years since anyone had piqued Tash’s interest or his desire.
“All right.”
“I have my car and can drive you home afterward.” Tash indicated the small SUV parked at the corner. “Consider it added incentive.”
Randy chuckled, transforming his somber face back into that younger, alive-looking man Tash had seen earlier when Randy was surrounded by the children. A crazy thought popped into Tash’s head.
I always want to see him smile. I want to be the one to put a smile on his face and keep it there.
“Sounds good. Thanks.”
Tash unlocked the car, and they climbed inside and drove off, bouncing along the ruts in the streets. He decided to hold off on any questions, even though Randy was a trapped audience inside the moving car. Within twenty minutes, he pulled into the garage across the street from his home. Randy hadn’t moved since they began the trip to the Heights, remaining silent, white knuckling the straps on his backpack.
“We’re here. Come on.” Tash exited the car, Randy trailing behind him.
Carefully opening the door to prevent the cats from slipping out, Tash entered the house, speaking over his shoulder to Randy, who hung back. “I can’t leave the door open because these demons will run out. Hurry up.”
