According to Design Read online

  Was his heart ready?

  Trust came slow to him after all the damage Dwayne had caused. Bit by bit, Wyatt had revealed how Keegan could trust him. It was both in the little things he did and the larger ones. Wyatt broke down to Keegan’s bare soul and allowed Keegan to see and care for him. Not many men would risk such a thing. On the opposite side, Wyatt stayed with him, even threatened to beat up the paramedics to remain by his side. Somehow he managed to get someone in the hospital to allow him at his bedside. Again, it was unusual behavior for someone to go so far when they were only dating.

  “Why do you put up with someone as broken as me?” Keegan asked.

  Wyatt tilted his head as if confused by the question. “You’re not broken. You built yourself back together, a shattered piece at a time while you regained your sense of self.”

  “What would you call me then?”

  “A little unsteady and unsure. That’s all. You need to get your confidence back. Both in yourself and your heart.” Wyatt rubbed his calloused fingers along Keegan’s calf as he talked.

  There were always these light touches and reassurances when they were together. Other than his fathers, Keegan never liked people touching him for unknown or unwanted reasons. He liked to keep the bubble around him. With Wyatt, he’d let the bubble pop without even knowing when it had happened.

  “Confidence,” Keegan repeated and thought about it. “Confidence in myself. Figure out my self-worth.”

  “How to continue standing on your own even while being in a relationship so you’re not taken advantage of or hurt,” Wyatt added.

  “You haven’t tried to do any of those things with me.”

  “I respect you too much and would never even consider hurting you. I’m not the type of man who has to smother someone to feel strong and assured of his place in the world. That leads to dangerous things.”

  “I see a lot of that happening in law enforcement. Give someone a badge and gun and they take the responsibility too far,” Keegan said. “I’ve never worked under a sheriff like Robin Burke. He’s strong, yes, has full control of the officers and staff under him, but he doesn’t step all over them, forcing his ways or thoughts upon anyone. You always see him in the station, assisting others, or out in the field taking calls and offering help to anyone who asks. Like all he’s doing to help arrest the one who hurt Samuel Ashford. He tracked down that suspect and entered the house with the arrest team to protect Beau Courtenay from getting hurt. I helped work the scene at Beau’s home. What he went through during the crisis…” Keegan shook his head.

  “He’s okay, though. He’s safe and with Robin. We saw him walking around on Halloween with Robin. Hell, he managed to get Robin in a Roman-style skirt of all things.” Wyatt sat on the bed next to Keegan. He turned and brought one leg up to face him. “The reasons you gave are why we keep electing Robin to his position. He looks out for everyone under his care. He doesn’t give a shit if you’re heterosexual, homosexual or any sexual type, black or white or something else. In his eyes, you’re human and therefore under the law. Human. No difference.”

  “Why can’t everyone do that? Things would be a helluva lot easier in this country. Why are we reduced to not even second-class citizens just because we’re attracted to the same sex? So what. We don’t follow the rules of a book written over a thousand years ago by a group of stuffy old men. There were different sexualities even back them, back to ancient Greco-Roman world. Men were assumed to be attracted to both sexes and considered eccentric to prefer one sex.” Keegan shook his head. “Did you know it was standard for a Greco-Roman man of status to have both a wife and a male lover? It was to balance something inside of him.”

  “But there was a taboo about penetration. That to be penetrated would cast shame upon the person,” Wyatt said.

  “Exactly, but it happened. Folks knew about it. Law knew about it.”

  “But wasn’t a huge deal within society like it is now,” Wyatt said.

  “Because of a stupid book written by a bunch of old farts.” Keegan rolled his eyes. Exhausted by the conversation and thoughts racing through him, he flopped backward on the bed, spreading his arms to the sides.

  “What brought on this historical discussion?” Wyatt asked as he stretched out alongside Keegan.

  “I don’t know. Just popped into my head,” Keegan said. “Everything is rattled up there. Stupid stuff is pouring out of my mouth. No filter.” He turned his head. “There are times I feel so lost and confused.”

  Wyatt traced Keegan’s jaw with a single fingertip. “I wish I could help you more than being here and listening.”

  “Having your presence nearby helps in every way. More than you know,” Keegan admitted.

  Wyatt picked up Keegan’s hand and kissed his palm. He entwined their fingers. “I enjoy having you around, in my home, my studio and my life. Beyond the dating, I want you with me.”

  “I’m falling in love with you,” Keegan said. He turned over so he could outline Wyatt’s face with his finger.

  “I’m falling in love with you too.”

  Snuggling closer to Wyatt, Keegan closed his eyes and let himself fall into a light nap, safe in Wyatt’s arms and love.

  * * * *

  Hours later, Keegan heard Wyatt send Collin off with Lucas and his family to Delights for dinner. Wyatt pressed money into Collin’s hand and asked him to bring back food for them.

  Keegan pushed up from the bed and rubbed the sleepiness from his eyes. A glance toward the windows showed him how time had passed. “I can get up and go eat,” he called out.

  “No, no, we can stay in. There’s stuff we need to do here,” Wyatt said as he returned to the room with two glasses of water. He held out one glass. “Thought you might need this.” He drank from the other glass before he placed it on the dresser.

  “I did. Thanks,” Keegan said and proceeded to swallow half of the water.

  “Now, I know you don’t want to go through this, but we must handle it. I’m here to help you, so you’re not alone,” Wyatt said.

  “Go through what?”

  Wyatt walked to where Keegan had left his bag, rustled through it then held out the netbook. “The email. We need to deal with your ex and contact Robin. He’ll know how to track your ex down and find out where he is. I’m tired of this bastard lingering in your shadows. I want you free of him. For good. Okay?”

  Keegan stared at the netbook, at the horrible email waiting, then glanced back to find Wyatt’s determined expression. He let out a long breath and nodded. “Let’s do it.”

  Wyatt returned to the bed and sat on it. He set the netbook between them.

  Chapter Eighteen

  It had been a few days since Keegan had passed the emails from his ex to Robin. Robin had promised to get someone looking into the problem, contact the Raleigh department and see if anyone could track down the bastard. Feeling better after their talk, Keegan returned to handle the next few school days and some simpler crime scenes. Thanks to the way things fell on the calendar, the school ended up having a three-day weekend.

  Once he cleaned up his extra work, Keegan drove to Wyatt’s home in the early evening and found Wyatt home after an exhausting day. Wyatt had pushed himself harder to finish the dolphin sculpture on time for delivery. He’d promised it would be before the holidays and they were coming up close.

  Ever since he’d stayed the last few weekends, Keegan had brought over additional clothes and items at Wyatt’s insistence. He hated the emptiness of his own apartment. Especially if Dwayne tried to find him, he didn’t want to be alone. When Wyatt had revealed the cleared drawers and closet space, Keegan had packed what he needed and made himself comfortable in Wyatt’s home.

  Collin had only rolled his eyes in a teen-like acceptance, but hadn’t argued.

  As the sun rose, Keegan snuggled closer to Wyatt’s warm body until they both got up for coffee and whatever else the day would bring them. He wore one of Wyatt’s T-shirts again, reveling in the lingering
scent within the cotton.

  “I need to get to the studio and handle the finishing details for the dolphin sculpture.” Wyatt propped his hip on the counter while he spoke in between sips of coffee. “What’s on your schedule?”

  “Nothing is planned. I cleared out my work for different cases at the lab. Just have to grade papers.” Keegan cupped the coffee mug between his hands. “Could I go to the studio with you?”

  “You know I love the company.” Wyatt stepped closer to press their lips together in a warm kiss. “I have to work, though.” He kissed him again. “Not play hooky.”

  Keegan blushed. He wrapped his fingers around the back of Wyatt’s neck to tug him in for another leisurely kiss. “I guess I’ll have to torment you until you get free.”

  “Damn you,” Wyatt said with no heat behind the words.

  Keegan laughed and nuzzled their bristly cheeks together.

  “Umm. Ick. Room,” Collin called out.

  They turned their heads to face the teen, who stood in front of the opened refrigerator, but neither one of them pulled away.

  “Shut it, kid. What are you doing today?” Wyatt asked.

  “Going to hang out with Lucas, Emmett and Ryan.” Collin looked up from the orange juice he’d finished pouring. He took a sip from the glass. “Is that okay?”

  “Sure. We’re going to the studio if you need either one of us.”

  “No prob. Not expecting anything to pop up,” Collin said. “See ya later.”

  “Guess that’s it. Off we go.” Wyatt cleaned up their mugs and Collin’s glass.

  * * * *

  At the studio, Keegan realized he needed more than coffee in his belly. Wyatt continued to shape metal pieces for the elegant sculpture. He hit the switch to alert Wyatt and made his way over.

  Wyatt shut down the machine. “Hey, whatcha need?” Wyatt moved the piece to a table to refine the edges.

  “Coffee isn’t doing it for my belly. Thinking I would get us brunch.”

  “Are you buying?”

  “Considering I charmed my way into your life and your bed, yes.”

  Chuckling, Wyatt crossed arms over his chest. “You can charm yourself anytime you want in my bed. I wouldn’t mind walking in on a naked Keegan spread out for me.”

  Keegan raised both eyebrows. “Is this a fantasy?”

  “It’s a growing one,” Wyatt said with a wink. “Now… You were talking about food.”

  With a shake of his head at how easily Wyatt could wind up his libido only to put it on hold, Keegan rested his hands behind him on the table, gripping the edge to brace his body. “I was thinking of getting brunch for two from Minstrel Café. Is there anything in particular you want?”

  “Tell them you want the Artist Special with no strawberries. Stress the no strawberries.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m allergic to the little buggers.”

  “Eek. Hives and itching?”

  “And swollen throat if it’s a large amount.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Yeah. Not pleasant. I don’t appreciate the swollen chipmunk look. It’s not dangerous like Samuel’s allergy, but annoying as hell.”

  “Okay. So Artist Special with no strawberries. What’s the special?”

  “Something Isaiah, the owner, created for me since I came in and ordered the same thing every time. He put it all together and gave it the name.”

  “What’s in it?”

  Wyatt gave him a list of food.

  “I’ll be ordering two of them. Gonna run over and be back in a bit.”

  Wyatt captured Keegan’s mouth in a lingering kiss. “Hurry back. Oh, the gallery isn’t open today. Grab the keys from the hook.”

  Keegan grinned and walked away. He wrapped his fingers around them and glanced over his shoulder. “See you soon.”

  “I’ll be here,” Wyatt said and waved.

  Outside, Keegan lifted his head to enjoy the breeze filled with a light ocean scent and a chilly autumn touch. November in Florida was far different from anything he’d experienced in North Carolina. He crossed the street to the café then stepped inside to a ringing bell.

  “Hello. Ahh, Keegan, hi there. Missed you. How are you doing?” the waitress, Diane, said.

  “Doing good. Thank you for your help.”

  “Any time, sweetie.” Diane waved toward some free tables. “Do you want your usual table?”

  “Not this time, I need two to-go orders,” he said.

  “See Amanda at the counter and she’ll help you out. Good to see you looking better, Keegan.”

  “Thanks, Diane. Appreciate it,” he said and wandered around the tables to the back counter. There was something unique about this place. He enjoyed checking out the decorations and styling within the café. It had a comfortable, beach, homey appeal and was one of his favorite places to set up shop for a few hours.

  “Hello, Keegan, I usually don’t see you back here. What can I get you?” Amanda, a brunette, asked. She dried her hands on a towel and tucked into the strings of her apron.

  “Hey there, I need two Artist Specials. One with no strawberries.”

  Amanda raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hip. “Artist Special with no strawberries. Are you getting one for Wyatt? I saw you two in here together. He rushed to your side when you had that spell and was so concerned. You had everyone worried.”

  Keegan blushed. “Umm. Yeah. I’m sorry about causing so much worry. I didn’t think I would slip that bad.”

  “It’s nice to know you felt safe coming here.”

  “I did. From the first time I sat here, I felt comfortable.”

  “I’m pleased to hear it. Now, about you and Wyatt…” She tapped her fingers on the counter.

  Keegan worried his lower lip.

  “If I may be nosy, are we talking about a good sexy way or casual?”

  “Both?”

  She laughed. “Diane and I thought so. You two are adorable together.”

  “What is it about small towns? You can’t keep any secrets.”

  “Well, not quite a secret with you two.” Amanda gestured to his shirt. “I think you mixed up your shirts, because I’ve seen Wyatt wearing that one.”

  Keegan glanced down at the shirt. “Oh shit.” His cheeks warmed with a deeper flush. “Yeah, I took one of his shirts this morning. He didn’t say anything.”

  A harsh elbow dug into the middle of Keegan’s back, forcing him to step forward. “Stupid faggot,” someone muttered.

  “Shit!” Keegan fixed his glasses and watched a hulking figure in a white beater shirt, jeans and suspenders with a ball-cap leaving. He caught a glimpse of a distinct cobra wrapped around the man’s thick biceps with its head flared and mouth opened. He shivered at the realistic snake. Whoever had created it was a brilliant, but creepy artist. Luckily, the bastard headed toward the door. “What the hell, man?”

  “Ignore him. He’s a brute and idiot. I need to tell Isaiah that he needs to be banned from stepping in here. He isn’t worth the hassle or business,” Amanda said. “Are you okay?”

  Rolling his shoulders under the faded T-shirt, Keegan tested his back. “A little tender, but I’m good.”

  “I’ll get Isaiah to put those orders together. We’ll get you out of here and back to Wyatt. Have a seat and I’ll bring it to you.”

  “Thanks, Amanda.” Keegan paid for the meals then settled in a chair. He passed the time on his phone. To his relief, he didn’t see an email from an unknown address in his inbox.

  Within a few minutes, Amanda walked over and placed a handled brown bag on the table. The café’s logo and name were on the side. “Here you go, sweetie,” she said.

  “Appreciate it.” Keegan gathered the bag then headed to the door.

  “Tell Wyatt we said hello,” Amanda called out before the door closed.

  Another flush colored his cheeks, especially when he heard Diane chuckle. Keegan glanced back at them. He shook his head and waved back. “Definitely something about
small towns. Gossip vine around here tops anything on social media.”

  As he returned to the gallery, he looked to cross the side street before the main street. A hand slammed against his back, right between his shoulder blades. Dropping to a knee on the pavement, Keegan hissed with the pain shooting through his leg. The bag fell a few inches away from him, but their meals didn’t spill out. His position was enough to prevent him from kissing dirt. He tucked his face down to protect his glasses.

  Another elbow jammed into his shoulder, knocking him forward. Something cold, thick and nasty splashed across him. Some kind of horrible sticky substance covered him from head to feet.

  Curses sputtered free under Keegan’s breath.

  “Stupid faggots taking over this town. Get the hell out of here.” Then came the sound of someone pulling in a sharp breath and spitting next to him on the ground. “Fag. Get out or worse will happen.”

  As he pulled his tattered senses together in time to wipe the muck away from his upper face and hair, Keegan peered through the partially covered lenses. The same cobra hissed at him from the bulky biceps. Holy crap! It was the same man who’d bumped him in the café. Why would he attack me here? Like this?

  While the brute raced away, Keegan shook his hands hard to try to force some of the crap off him. With care, he took his glasses off. He managed to shake the glasses enough to get the lenses free of gunk. He replaced them in the same fashion. The forensic scientist inside became curious about the substance. He rubbed his fingertips together to feel the proportions and contents. Part of him wanted to figure out what the hell had made the odd stuff. It was a strange combination of sand, water and mud. His pants and Wyatt’s shirt were ruined. He doubted even the best washing machine and detergent could clean them. He scraped off most of it with his hands then rose to his feet, but knew he had to save some of it as evidence.