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“I think so, yeah. He makes me feel settled, relaxed. You know how antsy I can get.”

“Well, that tiny town of yours isn’t too far from the city. You could get up there a couple times a month during the season.”

That was true. Caleb had the means to do almost anything he wanted. He was well paid and the only thing he’d really splurged on was his loft in Manhattan, and that was only because it was hard not to spend a lot on a place to live in the city. He could drive up as he’d always done or fly to Albany. Plenty of options were available if he and Aaron wanted him to use them.

“Talk to him.”

“Who are you?” Caleb appreciated the advice but was puzzled to get this from Dimitri. It sounded more like things Pam would say, and he couldn’t talk to her about this. Not with Aaron being her best friend. What was she going to think when she saw the picture? And it would be when not if. If she didn’t find it on her own, someone else would surely show it to her.

“I know how to be your wingman too, even if you rarely make use of those services.”

His phone beeped. He glanced at the screen and saw Pam’s ID.

“Pam’s calling. I should take this. Can you send me a link to the picture so I don’t have to search for it?”

“You got it. If you need to talk, I’ll be in Vancouver around noon.”

“Thanks.” He keyed over to Pam’s call. “Hey, Pam.” He decided to sound like he had no clue what she might be calling about.

“So it seems my little brother has something he needs to tell me.”

It seemed the proverbial cat was already out of the bag. Just his luck. “You’ve seen it?”

“It’s hard to miss. A lot of people are wondering who Caleb Carter is kissing.”

“Shit. Does Aaron know yet?”

“I don’t know. Haven’t heard from him today.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Of course not. Maybe disappointed you didn’t tell me something might be going on. I want you both happy. Can this end up in a way neither of you gets hurt?”

“I hope so.” Caleb’s voice was strained in a way that confused him as he heard it.

“Oh, little brother, you’ve fallen hard. No wonder the picture looks like something out of a movie. Whoever took it knew how to take a good shot.”

Caleb’s phone chirped. “Hang on a second. I just got the photo. I’m going to have a look.” He clicked on the text message and then the link. The picture was full screen on one of the Rangers fan sites. His chest tightened as a wave of emotion flooded over him. Despite the invasion of privacy, Caleb had to admit that the picture was… perfect. They stood in profile, their lips gently pressed together. A fleeting intimate moment captured by cell phone. They looked happy—as if they’d been together for years rather than days. “Wow.” The word was choked out and he cleared his throat. “That’s….”

“Exactly,” Pam said softly. “Please figure out what you guys want and go for it. Or at least decide together to walk away from it.”

The phone’s call waiting chimed again. This time the display showed Grant.

“I’ll try not to hurt him. I promise.”

“I know. Try not to hurt yourself either. I love you both. Whatever happens won’t change that.”

“Thanks. I should go. Grant’s calling.”

“Uh-oh. I bet he’s not happy. Call me later if you need to talk.”

“Okay.” He clicked over to Grant. “Hey, Grant. Sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. I just wish you’d told me you were seeing someone. It’s one thing to manage responses to the pictures and posts of you coaching kids, but a heads-up you’re on a date would’ve been good just so I’d know what to say. Isn’t that guy the teacher from the carnival? The one we walked out with?”

As they talked, Caleb packed his duffel bag so he could leave as soon as he was done with the calls. “It is. How bad is it out there?”

“I wouldn’t say bad. Except for Phil, who thinks this is the worst thing ever. People are mostly curious who the guy is. Some are questioning why you’re dating when you should be rehabbing. There’s some homophobes saying stupid stuff, but I’m just deleting that crap.”