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“He wasn’t. We’re just two hockey players bonding over noodles. I promise.”

She nodded, still not looking satisfied. “Get those tags done as soon as you’re finished assisting Mr. Carter. There’s stock to unload in the back.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Liam said. “So, Mr. Carter,” he said as he pulled a box of spaghetti off the shelf, “this is what my mom uses all the time, and it’s on sale.”

Caleb nodded. “Is she gone?” he whispered, and Liam nodded. “Good. She’s kinda scary.”

“Yes, she is.” Liam gave a lopsided smile.

“Thanks for the recommendation.” He took the box and added it to his cart. “I’ll leave you to your work. I don’t want her coming back for you.”

Liam held out his fist and Caleb bumped it. “Thanks, Mr.—I mean, Caleb. Thanks, Caleb.”

A few aisles over Caleb ended up signing a few autographs for some shoppers, the majority of which were on blue Powerade bottles since that was the drink he’d endorsed a few years back. He grabbed an extra bottle and dropped it in his cart as well. Once he’d paid, he went looking for Liam, who was in the diary section stocking bags of shredded cheese.

“Hey,” he said, looking around.

“Um, hey,” Liam said, sounding confused.

“Got a marker on you?” Caleb spoke softly.

“Yeah.” Liam pulled a black pen from his pants pocket.

“Perfect.” Caleb set his bags down, pulled out the Powerade bottle he’d bought, and signed it. “Here you go. It was nice meeting you.”

He handed the bottle and the pen to Liam, whose mouth hung open.

“This is the coolest thing ever. The guys aren’t going to believe this.” Liam put his fist out for another bump, which Caleb happily met. “Thanks, Caleb.”

“You’re welcome. See you around.”

Caleb gathered up his bags, and he and Liam nodded to each other.

He’d picked up ingredients for something he knew he could make—spaghetti with meatballs. No way was he going to try a new dish for the first time with Aaron. It was risky enough cooking for him since they’d eaten at Nate’s restaurant—Caleb’s food was in no way comparable to that.

Shortly before six, as Caleb put the al dente spaghetti into the sauce, splattering it all over the stovetop and nearby counter. “Dammit,” he said softly as he stirred the pasta. He was more careful with dropping in the meatballs he’d already partially cooked.

The doorbell rang as he got the final meatball settled. He stole a look at the clock on the stove. “Of course he’s on time. Just like I would be. Stupid sauce.” The cleanup would have to wait. At least none of the sauce made it to his light blue shirt.

At the door Caleb’s breath hitched as he saw Aaron through the beveled glass panels. Aaron looked sharp in black jeans and a light-purple button-down with a coordinating tie and tailored jacket. Caleb was going to see Aaron in his classroom tomorrow, and if he dressed like this, it would be very difficult to focus on his teaching rather than how attractive he looked.

He opened the door. “Hey. Come on in.”

“Sorry,” Aaron said, sounding flustered as he stepped inside. “I’d hoped to be early to help with the cooking, but I got stuck talking to your sister about some students. I did pick up pie from Nate’s, though.” He held up a shopping bag.

“Don’t be silly. You’re right on time—and even if you weren’t, you brought pie and that makes up for practically anything.” Caleb quickly embraced Aaron to say hello. It was involuntary, and even surprised him. He liked how Aaron felt, perfectly huggable, with just enough firmness to feel sturdy but enough mushiness to be snuggly. He wished he could’ve held on longer. One day, maybe, Aaron would feel comfortable enough to fully hug him back. “Trouble today?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. It’s a constant battle to keep the bullying at bay and to try to turn it around. One of the usual suspects acted out, and there were reports to file and a meeting after school.”

“Well, you’re here now, and there are no misbehaving kids.”

“Thank God. If you were harboring any, I’d have to take action on that, and I’d really rather not.”

They both laughed as Aaron hung up his jacket on one of the hooks just inside the door. Caleb was mesmerized. This was only work attire, but everything fit just right and gave Caleb an idea of what might be under the clothes.

“Come on back to the kitchen. I’m finishing up.”

As they walked to the back of the house, Caleb’s phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket with the intention of silencing it until he saw who it was.