Page 10 of A Swan’s Love Song

For why he doesn’t want to spend time with me.

“Well, I have an errand to do.”

Sean worried his hands, barely able to keep them still. “Sure. No problem. I just thought I’d

ask.”

He was sure he caught Avi wince before his expression became impassive again. “That was

very sweet of you to ask, Sean. Really. It’s not that.” Avi sighed. “It’s the new job… and, stuff.”

Sean had no idea what he was talking about, but the one thing he knew for sure was that Avi

was trying to let him down gently.

Avi signaled left then pulled into the parking lot for the shop. “Here you go.”

Sean reached for the door handle but Avi laid a hand on his arm to stop him. “No, wait. I’ll help

you.”

Sean was about to protest, but Avi had already launched himself from the truck. Right as he

finished unclasping his belt the door flew open and Avi was holding out his arms to lower him from

his seat. Sean swallowed hard then scooted into his embrace. The moment seemed frozen as Avi held

him. Their gazes locked and all Sean could do was stare into Avi’s eyes. He didn’t notice he was on

the ground until Avi slowly released his hold.

Before Sean could say another word, Avi had averted his gaze and was already rushing away.

He glanced over his shoulder. “Just call me if you ever need a ride.”

Sean gulped. He’d love a ride with Avi, but he doubted Avi had meant the same thing as he did.

By the time the trance was broken, and he realized he didn’t have Avi’s number, it was too late. His

truck was already pulling into traffic.

Darn it. I need to be more forward, take chances.

Even if his thrift shop invite had been an epic fail, he could’ve taken him up right away on his

offer of help in the future. Instead, he’d waited a few seconds too long, hesitated when he should’ve

jumped right in.

Sean ran his fingers through his too-long bangs then turned to head into the thrift shop. He’d

concentrate on searching for a nice guitar he could afford and worry about everything else later.

As Sean pushed open the door, he was met by an amazing array of items of all description.

While there were shelves toward the front with interesting decorative objects—such as an elaborate

cherry wood metronome, brass candlesticks, animal figurines and more—his gaze quickly darted to