Hudson continued his survey of Shaney’s face, searching for something, but Shaney held fast. He saw the moment Hudson relented. “Can you walk out of here?”
Shaney contemplated for a second what an answer of ‘no’ would get him. Maybe a piggyback ride. Maybe a piggyfront ride. Hell, there went his dick again. At least his libido had come to no harm.
“Yeah, I can walk.”
Hudson helped Shaney to his feet and hovered as Shaney checked his steadiness. At Shaney’s nod, Hudson retrieved his bag and they started back to the truck. Shaney glanced back at the camp and, for a moment, the sensation of the attack assaulted him. When he glanced at Hudson, the man’s closed expression opened and he smiled at Shaney, erasing all doubts about the lie. Telling Hudson what had really happened would be a mistake and would take away that smile permanently.
Chapter Six
The weird ass shit that had happened at the camp still plagued Shaney as Hudson parked the truck. Even his touch on Shaney’s arm took a moment to register.
“You sure you’re okay? You seem kind of out of it. Do you need to see a doctor?” Hudson asked.
Shaney rubbed at his temple and regarded the beautiful man quietly. At only ten-thirty in the morning, the stubble covering the man’s jaw would be a full day’s growth for most men. Visions of Hudson’s dark-haired, naked body flashed through Shaney’s mind. He quickly clamped down on that thought process.
“I’m good. Head doesn’t even hurt.”
Shaney noticed that Hudson had parked on Main Street in front of the bank. As they had walked back from the cabin, Hudson had told Shaney, in no uncertain terms, that he was going home and resting. Home was two miles away.
Most likely seeing his confusion, Hudson said, “I’ve listened to your stomach rumble since we left the pond. Come on and we’ll get something to eat before I take you home.”
Without waiting for a reply, Hudson left the truck and headed toward Libby’s Diner next door to the bank. Shaney scrambled from the truck and had to run to catch up. This late in the morning, the diner was practically empty—except for his mother sitting with some guy! The man had his back to Shaney and a large fake plant partially blocked their booth, but Shaney could see white hair. Definitely, a man. An old man, but a man all the same.
Shaney glared in their direction and Hudson asked, “Who are they?”
Clenching his teeth as his mother threw her head back, laughing at something the man had obviously said, Shaney tossed eye-daggers at them. “My mom and some guy. I’ll be right back.”
Shaney approached their table, fists clenched at his sides. His mother caught sight of him and the sudden brightness on her face was almost blinding. He immediately felt like an ass for being angry. His father had died almost ten years ago. Shaney had despised every man his mother dated, as if they were at fault for his father’s death. God, he still missed his father as if he’d only died a week ago.
Shaney pasted on a smile.
“Shaney, honey, what a surprise!” His mother jumped up and wrapped him in a tight hug. She always smelled like lemon and something sweet. Shaney drank in the comfort.
She pulled back, her emerald eyes sparkling. Her short brown hair was neatly styled as always, but Shaney noticed the streaks of grey and the lines around her eyes and mouth. She looked older. He’d seen her a few days ago, but he always noticed her aging. After the loss of his father, his fear of losing her had taken up constant residence at the forefront of his mind.
“Yeah. I’m here with Hudson. You remember the guy who I’m doing my community service with? Taking a break from the hard work.”
Her eyes widened in concern. “You’re not overdoing it, are you? I wish you had waited longer to start back. You need to be careful or—”
“I’m fine, Mom.” God, he had to stop her before she took his temperature right there in the diner. “Who’s your friend?”
The man, who had been staring at Shaney since he’d approached the table, drew up his cheeks and a toothy grin split his face. The older man had shocking white hair and deep lines covering his face. The gaunt features and bony frame showed his age. He resembled a skeleton with skin. Creepy.
“This is Silas Friedmont. He was a friend of your father’s,” his mother informed him.
“Shaney, so nice to meet you. You have definitely grown up to be a handsome young man.” The rise in pitch at his delight increased the creep factor.
Silas held out his shaky, bony, and veiny hand, and Shaney worked hard not to cringe. Something about the man repelled him but, still, he took the proffered hand. Silas’ grip was strong and tightened until Shaney felt a jolt, like a shock on his palm. He pulled away and Silas continued to smile as if he hadn’t felt the stinging pop. Shaney turned his attention back to his mother.