Time Out of Mind (Suncoast Society #43)(15)

Mevi let out a sigh before rubbing at his eyes. “I’ve slept better.”

Doyle walked over to his bag, pulled out one of the test kits, and handed it to him. “Work up spit, suck on that until I tell you to stop.”

The guy sat up and, fortunately, didn’t argue.

That was also a good sign.

Doyle knew it wasn’t going to show anything unless Mevi had somehow managed to sneak something past him, but he wanted the man used to the routine from day one.

Literally.

First thing every morning, at random times during the day, and even sometimes waking him up at night. Definitely every time they’d been apart.

Like when he returned from the store shortly.

It was a calculated risk to leave him alone, but he suspected Mevi was so out of his element right now he wouldn’t try to sneak away.

“I’ll get my shower first,” Doyle said. “While I’m doing that, let me know what you want to eat so I can bring it back. Wait on your shower until I get back so you can wash your hair after we dye it.”

He reached over and switched on the large floor lamp. Now he could really see the guy’s natural hair color. Deep, dark brown with some natural grey in it.

He was aware of Mevi’s gaze following him as he dug what he needed out of his bag. It was a struggle to think of the least appetizing things he could to keep his cock from hardening in his shorts. After taking his stuff to the bathroom, he returned and finally took the tester from Mevi and set it up. It would take a couple of minutes to process.

“Not in a hurry to get on the road?”

There was a hint of snark to Mevi’s tone.

“We’ll take it easy today. I want to be out of here before noon. Checkout’s at one.”

“Yeah. I’m sure people are flocking to get their rooms here at the Barstow Budget Bed and Breakfast.”

“Don’t leave the room,” Doyle said. “Last thing we need is someone recognizing you.”

“No worries. No offense to the delightful garden spot that is Barstow, I’d prefer to sit here and sulk.”

Doyle checked the test kit. Yep, clean.

“Did I pass, chief?” Mevi snarked.

“You know the answer to that.” Doyle leaned against the bathroom doorway. “I know this isn’t easy on you and I’m not going to insult your intelligence with a bunch of bullshit about how I’d like you to open up to me and want you to trust me. You just got financially assraped by that guy and are basically starting over. That’s got to leave a lot of anger to deal with, too. All I’m asking from you for now is cooperation and honesty. Telling me you don’t want to talk about something is honesty. But keep in mind, I’m here to help you. This is my job. At some point, you might want to think about that and actively take a role in beating this.”





Doyle had turned to brush his teeth at the vanity.

“Is that your motivational speech?” Mevi asked.

“No. That was blunt honesty.”

“Can I use the bathroom before you get in there?”

“Sure.”

Mevi closed the door behind him and had to stand there for a moment to let things soften up a bit before he could actually pee.

Yeah, this guy was not like anyone he’d ever met before. He could try challenging Doyle, and he suspected Doyle would just smile and get him turned around before Mevi even realized what’d hit him.

That was sexy as f*cking hell.

When he emerged, Doyle switched places with him, closing the door behind him.

It was all Mevi could do not to fantasize about following him in and taking a shower with him.

This is going to be a long f*cking trip.





Chapter Six


Doyle fought the urge to take the time to rub one out. He needed to get moving. There wasn’t time for that now when he needed to focus on Mevi.

Although Mevi was the reason he wanted to rub one out in the first place.

He only took about five minutes to shower, deciding to skip shaving that morning. He’d shaved last night and was only slightly scruffy now.

When he emerged, Mevi was sitting on his bed, channel surfing. From the smell of coffee brewing, Doyle knew Mevi had figured out the tiny in-room coffeemaker.

“I’ll get out of here and we can get on the road once we finish.”

“Thanks.”

“What do you want for breakfast?”

“I’m not picky. Whatever you get for you, double it. And coffee, please. Black.” He didn’t look away from the TV. “Can we get a cooler and some bottled water to take with us for the trip?”

No snark. So far, so good. “Sure. Any snacks?”

Mevi shrugged. “I’m not picky. Something healthy, I guess, if there is anything.”

“No food allergies?”

“No.”

Doyle packed his stuff and got it ready so once they finished everything, they’d be able to leave immediately. “I’ll be less than an hour. Leave the curtains closed, and don’t leave the room.”

“Fine.”

Doyle felt torn between wanting to lighten up on him a little and still trying to stay slightly aloof until he figured the man out. “Thank you for cooperating this morning.”

That finally earned him a direct glance from Mevi. “You’re just doing your job.” Back to the TV. “I can’t promise I won’t be a dick from time to time.”