Excerpt of Some Place Like Home by Gin Vane

Daniel

Carver’s smile stuck around longer, fading on his face into an expression like interest. The tension in the cab shifted to something more familiar. “So, you’re not…”

“Straight?” It was Daniel’s turn to laugh. “Hardly. People are usually surprised when they hear I had a girlfriend.”

Carver’s voice remained low, still unsure. “What is it you want, then?”

That was the question, wasn’t it? He’d been trying to find the words all week and hadn’t managed any that didn’t make him sound like some desperate cliché.

“Honestly? I want what you have. To be able to let go for once. To just let myself be.”

He didn’t know what to expect in response, but the mechanic’s smile widened to something like a grin. “That?” Carver dared to wink at him. “I think we can do.” He pulled into Daniel’s driveway and shifted into park, turning in his seat to give him full attention. “I work late tonight, but I’m not closing. You should come by. Finish the drink I owe you.”

He searched the other man’s eyes for signs of sympathy, but Carver shook his head. “It ain’t pity, all right? You can trust me on that.”

Something about how he said that made Daniel believe it. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on familiar territory—talking shit to each other. “What, are you going to show me your moves? How you get all the guys?”

“I could.” Carver’s grin was sharp enough to cut. “Been going easy on you. On account of thinkin’ you were straight.”

“Assuming, just like the rest of them.” He smiled at the floor. “Fair warning. I’m not going to fall for your cheesy lines.”

“My lines aren’t cheesy.”

“No one ever thinks they’re cheesy,” he explained. “Just like everyone thinks they’re a good kisser.”

“I’m a good kisser.”

He met Carver’s eye. “My point exactly.”

The mechanic breathed a laugh and tipped his head away. “All I’m sayin’ is I know how to show someone a good time.”

“So show me, then.”

Carver’s gaze snapped to his, amazed. He hadn’t expected him to be so obvious—to be honest, Daniel had surprised himself. But it felt good to say what he actually meant. It reminded him of other parts of his life, of times he’d been much more comfortable taking the lead.

He gathered up his groceries and pinned Carver with a stare. A dare, if he cared to think of it that way. “If you weren’t just feeding me lines that night, then show me a good time.”

Was it his imagination, or was Carver leaning closer?

“Come by Jeanie’s and it’s a date.”

An interesting choice of words, coming from someone like Carver. “A date, hmm?”

“Yessir.” The mechanic smiled broadly. “My way.”