More Than Words - Jerry Cole Page 0,6
David’s homework assignment in math was and then he reviewed with him the steps he should take to complete the task. It was test prep, so it was pretty intense.
“When’s this due?” he asked.
“Friday morning, sir.”
“How about you finish it by Thursday’s session and bring it to me. We’ll see if you used the best strategies and we’ll see how you did.”
David nodded eagerly.
“Okay, pack up and I’ll see you again on Thursday.”
After David left, Jordan marked the diagnostics he had given to a fresh set of students, entered their scores in his online gradebook, and then left as well. He had nothing much planned for the evening, aside from planning, but he’d walk the dogs when he got home, and maybe he’d cook for Mrs. Salvietti if she hadn’t done that already.
Marco and Polo were way too energetic for five o’clock on a Tuesday afternoon, but he let them drag him down the sidewalk, his earbuds in his ears as he listened to classic Rock ’n Roll on the phone clipped to his waist. He’d jog back with them so they’d be tuckered out and docile. Not that they were aggressive dogs, but they could be hyper.
When he got there, the dog park had all the usual suspects…Matt the pediatrician and his pretty wife Sarah walking their two Great Danes, Pete the pizza delivery guy with his chihuahua, and the little old lady and her husband with their impossibly large German Shepherd. No one seeing them together without him would ever imagine they could handle that large animal.
“How are Marco and Polo today, Jordy?”
The question came from another park regular, Harry, the twink who couldn’t seem to get the memo that Jordan wasn’t interested in tapping his ass. His dog, whose name was Cupcake, was one of the most beautiful dogs — for being Heinz 57 varieties — that Jordan had ever seen. That had been their first and only real conversation, back when the guy first hit on him. Aside from Cupcake, Jordan had absolutely no interest in the man and had said as much back then. Clearly without the desired result, because here he was again, playing twenty questions.
“They’re good, thanks.”
Maybe if he didn’t engage with him the fool would go away? Jordan could only hope, but he wasn’t about to entertain any further conversation with this guy. He kept on walking behind Marco and Polo, deliberately ignoring the man now walking beside him. Someone threw a frisbee and both dogs leapt as if they wanted to join in the game. Jordan held them more firmly.
“So, happy New Year, sexy!”
“Thank you,. Same to you.”
“Any New Year’s resolutions?” the twink wanted to know next.
Just one…to stay the fuck away from you! “I don’t do resolutions.”
“Pity.” The guy jiggled Cupcake’s leash before adding, “I’ve added to my ever-growing list. Just one more thing which is important to me. Wanna know what it is?”
No, I don’t, actually. What I wanna do is strangle you, so you won’t have any breath left to bother me!
“What is it?” Jordan didn’t really care, but he had to be polite and adult.
“I’m going to cast a wider net.”
Jordan couldn’t help it…he turned to look at the shorter man, wondering what in the hell he was talking about.
“You’re taking up fishing?”
And as soon as he asked the question, he understood exactly what the idiot meant. It probably meant he’d finally given upon trying to tap Jordan’s ass. Maybe he thought that would make Jordan take an interest. Maybe Jordan should be relieved. He spoke again, hoping to sound encouraging.
“Well, you know what they say…plenty of fish in the sea.”
And he’d be happy not to be counted among them since the shark strolling next to him was hunting.
Chapter Two
“Ryland Tucker.”
“Hey! I’ll be there in twenty. Does Chandler need me to bring anything?”
“Let me ask.”
Bennett heard Ry ask his husband and heard Chandler’s reply clearly. “No, we’re good.”
Twenty minutes later, Bennett walked into his friend’s cottage through the back door, like he usually did, to an unexpected silence. Where the heck were they? He called out as he placed the ponytail palm he had potted for them on the counter and after a moment heard Chandler’s muted response.
“We’ll be right there, Bennett. Make yourself at home.”
Bennett helped himself to a bottle of water from the refrigerator and he was swallowing the last of it when Chandler appeared. His hair was a little mussed, which was the only clue Bennett had as to what had delayed him. Ry’s