A Coal Miner's Son Read online

  Cai hoped James was interested in something serious and not just fucking. Something told him James wasn’t the sleeping around type, but what did he know? It wasn’t like he’d spent a lot of time with the man while he was in Willow Hollow. He snorted. Within a day, he’d gone from doing all he could not to spend a minute in James’s presence to wanting to be with him all the time.

  He pulled into the lot and parked. After shutting off his truck, he climbed out, joining his pa before they headed into the office.

  Sally looked up and smiled as they approached. “Hey, Mr. Rees. Cai. Mr. Callahan the younger told me to give this to you when you got here.” She held out a piece of paper.

  Pa took it, grunted, then handed it to Cai. “I can’t make any sense of it.”

  Cai smiled as he scanned the note. “It’s basically telling you what salary you should expect—and to ask for it if you don’t get it. Also, the other benefits a supervisor would get. That way you know what the job offers, so you don’t get screwed.”

  “Why would he do that? This is his company. Wouldn’t he want me not knowing what to ask for?” Pa scowled.

  “He doesn’t want you taken advantage of. Since you didn’t go to school for this job, you wouldn’t know what to ask for. James is giving you an edge in negotiations with his father.” Cai shoved it back to his pa. “Just keep it at hand.”

  “Mr. Callahan said you can go on back when you’re ready, Mr. Rees.” She winked at Cai after his pa walked by her.

  He smiled but stayed silent. From everything he was discovering about James, he wasn’t surprised that the man had given his pa those notes.

  Pa knocked on the office door, then opened it when James called to them. They walked in to find James seated behind the desk and Mr. Callahan over by the window. James stood, holding out his hand.

  “Mr. Rees. I appreciate you coming in to talk with me today.” James shook Pa’s hand before turning to Cai. “Cai, good to see you.”

  Cai took James’s hand and held it a few seconds longer than necessary. “I’m glad you’re letting me sit in on the discussions.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  JAMES GAVE Cai a quick wink before motioning to the chairs. “Please sit and we’ll talk about what’s being offered.”

  “Let’s get it out. Will you accept the job?” Father asked, obviously not having the patience for the niceties.

  After taking a deep breath, Mr. Rees nodded. “Yes. I’ll take the job.”

  “Great.” James started to pull out the forms Mr. Rees needed to fill out. “Here are some forms we’ll need you to complete.”

  “James, why don’t you and Cai get some breakfast? I think Bedwyr and I can hash out the specifics.” Nicholas waved toward the window. “Cai doesn’t have to work until this afternoon. It’s a nice day out. Spend some time together.”

  Glaring at his father, James knew what kind of game Nicholas was playing. His father wanted James to spend a lot of time with Cai so he’d come to realize just how much they didn’t suit each other. The other possibility was that James would get bored and decide to drop Cai for someone new. Neither of which was going to happen, but James wasn’t about to tell his father that.

  “All right, Father.” He clapped Mr. Rees on the shoulder as he walked by. “Congratulations, Mr. Rees. You’ll be a fine supervisor for the mine.”

  He took a hold of Cai’s elbow and dragged him out of the office. Cai didn’t protest until they were outside.

  “Are you sure we should be leaving them alone?” Cai looked worried.

  James chuckled. “Yes. Father might try to push Bedwyr around, but I’m sure your father can hold his own. I gave him that cheat sheet, so that’ll help him. Plus I’ll go over the papers when I get back and make sure my father didn’t try something sneaky.”

  “Would your pa do that?” Cai frowned.

  “No. He has many faults and is a miserly old man, but he wouldn’t try to cheat someone out of what he deserves. While your father might not have a college education, he has far more practical knowledge than most of the people graduating today.” James stopped by his truck. “Do we drive separately or do we take one vehicle?”

  Cai inhaled. “One. People are going to find out soon enough. No point in hiding.”

  James studied Cai. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like this is a test. If you’re not ready for anyone else to know, that’s fine with me.”

  “To be honest, the only person I was truly worried about finding out was my pa. He knows and seems to be dealing with it, so I don’t care who else knows.” Cai touched James’s elbow lightly before easing away. “Just need to be careful at work.”

  “Of course. Just so you know, I believe my father is dealing with us seeing each other by pretending it’s not happening. I think he feels I’ll get over this attraction at some point and move on.” He grimaced. “He’s more upset that I’ve decided to move to Willow Hollow instead of living in Charleston with him and Mother.”

  “Moving here?” Cai’s cheeks flushed.

  James wanted to grab Cai and kiss him, but that wasn’t possible. He waved his hand at the truck. “Let’s go to my place. We can have breakfast and talk.”

  “All right.”

  When they got to James’s place, the dogs came running around the house to greet them. James loved on them a little while Cai climbed out of the truck. They entered and went straight to the kitchen.

  James started pulling things out of the refrigerator. “What do you want to eat?”

  Cai turned him around so they were facing each other. James stepped into Cai’s arms and lifted his chin, begging for a kiss. Cai took his mouth with slow and steady purpose. He nibbled and sucked on James’s lips until they were both moaning. Finally, he stepped back and James could breathe again. James organized all the ingredients for pancakes, then cooked up a batch. He slid some on a plate and set it on the table where Cai sat. He plated up his own stack before joining Cai. After some butter and syrup, James took a bite. He smiled when he saw Cai enjoying his.

  “I want to talk about what you said about moving here. When did you decide that?”

  “I actually have been planning on making the move for a while now. That’s why I got cable laid out here and tried to bring Willow Hollow into the twenty-first century as much as possible. I don’t want to have to drive into Charleston every day. I don’t like living there.” James nodded in the direction of the sliding glass door leading out into the backyard. “This place has always felt more like home to me than anywhere else I’ve been in the world.”

  “So it wasn’t a sudden decision because of what we did last night?”

  He couldn’t tell if Cai was happy or disappointed about that. “No. Does that bother you?”

  Cai shook his head. “No. I’m thrilled you’re going to be here. Makes having a relationship with you a lot easier than I thought it would be. Long-distance affairs don’t tend to survive very long.”

  James placed his fork next to his plate and leaned his elbows on the table. “Are you saying you want to have a serious relationship? It wasn’t just a one-time thing and we go back to being acquaintances?”

  “Yes, I want us to try, James. Last night was the best sex I’ve had in a long time and I’d like to have it again. But I think we could be more and I’d like to see where it goes.” Cai entwined their fingers together. “Maybe what I’m feeling for you will evolve into love. Only time will tell on that front.”

  Tugging Cai’s hand to his mouth, James kissed his knuckles. “I want the same thing. I’ve always wanted you, Cai, and now this is like a dream come true. It might be too soon to say this, but I love you.” He held up his free hand. “You don’t have to say it back. Not yet. Wait until you know for sure before you say anything. I’m not trying to pressure you. I just wanted to let you know where I stood.”

  Cai grinned. “Thank you for telling me. You’re right. I’m not ready to say love, but I am ready to commit to trying. Maybe I can move in h
ere and we’ll see how that goes. Oh, by the way, Pa and I know that you were the one who bought all those extra groceries Ma handed out to people.”

  Ducking his head, James admitted, “Yes. I don’t like the idea of anyone going hungry or having to choose between bills or food. You have to promise me you won’t say anything. I don’t want the others to know.”

  “I get why and I’ll keep my mouth shut. I thought you should know I knew your little secret. I think you’re a pretty amazing guy, James Callahan, and I’d be happy to tell the world about us.” Cai grimaced. “Though I think my ma might take care of that for us.”

  “I don’t mind if you don’t,” James told him. “We’ll deal with what comes our way when it gets here. As long as we’re together, we’ll be fine.”

  “I agree.” Cai let go of James’s hand and went back to eating.

  James sat there another minute, staring at the man across the table. The idea that he could be seeing this same thing for the next twenty years excited him. In the course of a couple days, his life had changed, and he was a little afraid that he’d wake up and everything would be the same as before.

  “Stop staring and eat your pancakes. I have a good idea of how we can work them off.” Cai leered at him.

  Every atom in James’s body reacted and he shuddered. He shoveled bites in as fast as he could.

  This was definitely his dream come true and the future looked a lot brighter now that he had Cai Rees to spend it with.

  Epilogue

  A year later

  “CAI, GET your butt in gear or we’re going to be late,” James shouted from the kitchen. He finished packing the potato salad and deviled eggs he’d made earlier. “Your mother will kick our asses if we’re not there when the ribbon gets cut.”

  “They can’t start the ceremony without you. Hell, you helped make the clinic possible,” Cai yelled back, and then James heard the shower start.

  James smiled as he set the coolers by the front door. Pharaoh whined and James scratched his ears. “Don’t worry, boy. You can come as well. All of Willow Hollow will be there. Go hang outside until we leave.”

  His phone buzzed and he tugged it out while opening the door for the dog. “Hey there, Mary. Cai’s in the shower. We’ll be there in fifteen.”

  “Why is he late?”

  “Umm….” He didn’t really want to tell her they had been celebrating their anniversary. It had been a whole year since Cai and James had moved in together.

  She snorted. “Never mind. Just get here. The others will be arriving soon. Bronwen’s going out of her mind.”

  “Give her a beer and she’ll be fine,” James suggested.

  “I just might.” Mary sighed. “I can’t wait until today is over. The clinic will be open. Dilys and Bronwen can start working and leave me alone.”

  He chuckled. “You know you’ll probably be working as the receptionist there within the month. It’s the best way to keep on top of what’s happening in the town.”

  She snorted again. “I’m not that bad, Jim.”

  James noticed the shower had stopped. “Cai’s out of the shower. We’ll be there soon.”

  “Great. Be safe.” Mary hung up.

  He shoved his phone in his pocket before carrying the coolers out to the truck. When he came back, Cai was sitting on the couch, putting on his boots. James yanked Cai to his feet and kissed him.

  Cai stepped back, chest heaving. “We need to stop or we’re never going to get to the clinic.”

  Licking his lips, James agreed. “You’re right. Your mother called to make sure we were on our way. Let’s go.”

  After heading outside, James whistled for Pharaoh, Dean, and Sam and got them in the cab. Cai climbed behind the wheel and they headed out to the old general store.

  “Does Bronwen—or anyone else—know that you bought the building from the company before you told her she could have it at a reduced rent?” Cai shot James a quick glance.

  “Bronwen does. I told her she could tell anyone she wanted. It’s not like I care.” James shrugged.

  “Good. Ma spilled the beans the other night about you buying groceries for the families in need.”

  He laughed. “Of course she did. I’m surprised she managed to last as long as she did.”

  “True.”

  When they pulled up to the clinic, there was a crowd of people hanging out in front. A yellow ribbon hung across the entrance, waiting to be cut. James and Cai took their coolers over to the wooden tables that were already laden with food. Family members swamped them as they approached the clinic.

  “Glad you could finally make it.” Mary poked Cai in the chest before she hugged both of them.

  Bedwyr shook their hands. “It was nice of you to give everyone time off to be able to come today,” he said to James.

  “It was your suggestion, Bedwyr.” James nodded at Cai’s father. “I’ll take all the credit for hiring you as the supervisor. You’re doing a great job. Oh, I wanted to give you a heads-up. My father is coming on Friday for your yearly review. He said I couldn’t do it.”

  “Is he afraid you’ll give me a glowing review because you’re sleeping with my son?”

  Heat flushed James’s face. It was rare for Bedwyr to say something like that. Cai’s father had accepted their relationship, but he never talked about it. James figured it was mostly because he didn’t talk about emotions, not even with his own wife.

  “I’m sure it’s something like that,” James muttered.

  Bedwyr chuckled at James’s discomfort. “Figured. Let’s get this over with so we can get to the eating part.”

  “Yes, Pa.” Bronwen nudged James. “Come on. You need to be with me since you’ve been a big help getting this clinic up and running.”

  “Me? You’re the one who went through all those years of medical school away from your family.” James hugged her tight.

  “You’re family now,” she whispered in his ear. “Cai loves you so much.”

  He kissed her cheek. “The feeling is mutual.”

  She winked at him as she stepped back, and then she greeted Cai before dragging them up to the porch of the clinic. James stood there, staring out over the people of Willow Hollow.

  Most of them had welcomed him into their community when he moved there, even with him being the boss’s son. A lot of their acceptance probably had to do with Mary and Bedwyr, who were the leaders of the town. If they weren’t upset by the relationship between Cai and James, then the others felt they didn’t need to make a big deal about it. Oh, that didn’t mean there weren’t a few assholes, but every town had them. He and Cai ignored those, focusing their attention on the ones who cared.

  Dilys and her kids had moved into their own trailer while she took nursing classes to be able to help Bronwen at her clinic. Rich had caused some problems before the divorce was final, but James, Cai, and Owain had made sure he knew to leave her alone.

  As the little ceremony began, James thought about all the amazing things that were in his life because he and Cai had taken a chance. Their love for each other and family proved stronger than any obstacle life threw at them.

  More form T.A. Chase

  A Why I Love.... Novel

  New York City Homicide Detective Chuck Davidson is a guy’s guy. He likes sports, beer, and classic cars—fancy gadgets, not so much. When yet another high-tech phone goes on the fritz, he knows he needs help, and he meets a man who loves technology as much as he hates it—cute but awkward biochemist Herbert Pommerset.

  Herb’s never been with a man—not even on a date. He hides behind his research, daydreaming about what it might be like to find someone special. A malfunctioning phone causes his path to cross with a sexy older detective, and Herb wishes he’d spent less time studying science and more learning how to flirt, because he can think of some experiments he’d like to conduct with Chuck. None of his considerable intelligence is helping him express his desires to the other man.

  Just when it seems they might
overcome their differences, Herb’s research puts him in danger. He’s made a discovery that could cost him his life, and Chuck must use his very different talents to rescue the geek he’s coming to love.

  T.A. CHASE lives in the Midwest with her neurotic but still wonderful senior cat. She believes there is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates T.A., and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how she shares those insights. When not writing, she’s watching movies and reading. She’s also a part of a line-dancing group that takes over a bar on Tuesday nights and entertains at assisted living homes. It’s all about living life to the fullest.

  She loves hearing from fans. But don’t be too upset if she doesn’t get back to you right away. Life has a way of making her lose track of days and hours. Don’t worry, though. You will hear back at some point.

  Website: www.tachase.com

  Twitter: @TaChase

  E-mail: [email protected]

  By T.A. Chase

  A Coal Miner’s Son

  Why I Love Geeks

  Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS

  www.dreamspinnerpress.com

  Published by

  DREAMSPINNER PRESS

  5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA

  www.dreamspinnerpress.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.