Order (Tattoos and Ties 2)

“He’s brought me a long way. Given me something to work for.” Alec gave a small smile, knowing no truer words had ever been spoken. They both looked over at the front door when Key came through, talking to Nash in his version of a baby voice, giving the dog encouragement for doing his duty. Alec’s gaze snapped back Clyde’s way, who had lifted his brows at what he was seeing, a small smile touching the uncle’s face.

Key looked at both of them in confusion. His brow furrowed as he fixed his gaze on Alec, but spoke to Clyde. “I was hopin’ I could go show Alec the shop. Maybe take him for a ride back there.”

“Do you want me to watch him?” Clyde offered as he went for Nash.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.” Key carefully handed over Nash then went to an entryway closet and pulled out two leather jackets.

“Of course not. Take your time,” Clyde said, putting Nash on the floor. The puppy promptly leapt toward Key, face planting in all his eagerness to get back in Key’s hold.

“He likes his daddy,” Alec teased, the moment going a long way in relieving some of the anxiety Clyde had managed to instill in him. Key handed him the coat and scooped Nash up again to give him back to Clyde. “And he doesn’t walk much when Key’s around. He’s a bit spoiled.”

“He’s little,” Key justified as if there were no other reasonable explanation, never once admitting to the notion he might be spoiling Nash. “Wear this. We’ll walk.” Key left him standing there as he started for the kitchen but stopped abruptly in his tracks and turned back to look past Alec’s shoulder to Clyde. “I forgot to tell you, my old man died.”

That was news to Alec. His stomach sank as his gaze darted to Key, studying the way he looked at his uncle. Alec turned back to Clyde who remained stone-faced and didn’t offer a pretend apology or condolences. Neither spoke. Finally, the older man only nodded. Alec could feel the finality in the way Key returned the nod.

Whatever passed between the two men was over and done in an instant. Key showed no emotion. Alec, on the other hand, wasn’t sure how to feel. When had this happened? Why hadn’t Key said anything to him? Had he been a bad boyfriend because he hadn’t asked?

“Take your time,” Clyde said and settled back in his rocking chair with Nash. He lifted the remote, but Alec noticed he didn’t turn on the television. Instead, he watched as Key came back to help button Alec’s jacket. Those were the little things Key did for Alec all the time. He took care of Alec even in the smallest details. Those thoughtful assists were becoming more and more prevalent with each passing day. Alec finally dropped his hands to let Key finish fussing over him.

Key didn’t say anything as he took Alec’s hand and led him through the kitchen and laundry room and out the back door. They trotted down a set of steps, Key walking with purpose, pulling Alec along behind.

“Where are we going?”

“Watch where you’re steppin’. There’s ruts and shit out here.” Key didn’t answer his question. The man didn’t waste his words. Alec had been with his biker long enough to know he would eventually get the answer he sought.

“You didn’t tell me about your father.” Direct was the best way to approach the subject. Alec picked up his steps, matching Key’s long stride in order to keep up with the brisk pace.

“I thought I mentioned it.”

Alec shook his head and looked over to say he hadn’t when he stumbled over the raised edge of a rut. Shit! His heart sped up as he almost lost his balance. He tightened his hold on Key to help keep him on his feet. When balanced again, he added, “You didn’t.”

“Probably because I don’t care. He hated me. Didn’t want me there…at the funeral, you know.” The callousness of Key’s words weren’t convincing. Alec didn’t press it, especially after hearing what Clyde had to say about Key’s childhood. The man was gone, and hopefully, the pain of Key’s childhood could die with him. When Key was ready to talk, he’d be there for him.

Alec took a good look around. It was nice out here, quiet and homey. He wanted a place like this for Key and himself, minus the ruts. The property had tons of trees, and fallen leaves rustled loudly as a gust of cool air sent them swirling around. The heat from Key’s body deflected the chill in the air and made it perfect. The full moon’s light filtered through the trees, giving a soft glow to the area around them.

“So, Cedar Hill’s an accurate name for the town. Lots of cedar trees.”