Healing Their Wounds by Hayden West
Book 3 in the City of Fountains series
General Release Date: 29th March 2022
Word Count: 15,470
Book Length: NOVELLA
Pages: 69
Genres:
CONTEMPORARY, EROTIC ROMANCE, GAY, GLBTQI
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Book Description
Sometimes you have to face the past to heal old wounds.
Craig Donaldson has been through a lot in his life. There’s one good thing that has come from it—his son. Owning his own business is hard but he’s making it work. Landing in the hospital after a car accident brings into his life someone he wasn’t sure he needed. The problem is, Craig isn’t positive he’s willing to expose himself to more wounds.
Dr. Hobert ‘Bobby’ Pearson loves his job at the hospital. Being the disappointment of his family isn’t something he is happy with. It seems as though when he gets close to someone he feels he could start a real relationship with, the past shows up and he’s again left alone. His family leaves fresh wounds in their wake. This new patient he has, however, hits all kinds of emotions inside him.
Will they be able to heal together? Or will past pain keep them apart?
“Do you think you’ll be able to attend the game, Dad?”
Fuck if I have any clue. Craig nodded at his son. “I’ll be there. If it means I have to sign myself out and take an Uber to the game, I’ll be in the stands cheering for you, Cody.”
The smile on his boy’s face wiped away all the discomfort.
“Thank you for being so helpful to Debra.”
“She’s great to stay with. I know all the guys on the team are jealous that I’m staying with her.”
“Cody.” A warning.
His son waved a hand. “I know, I’m not supposed to think of women like that. But you can’t deny she’s a looker. Even you can’t deny that.”
He blinked and swallowed before readjusting his position in the bed. “What do you mean, even I can’t?”
“Being gay.”
The statement knocked all the air from his lungs as he watched his son beside him.
Cody shrugged. “I mean, I can tell when guy is good-looking even though I like women. I figure it’s the same for you.”
“What makes you think I’m gay?”
Cody crossed his arms and lifted an eyebrow, looking so much like Craig did he almost laughed. Almost.
“I’ve known for years, Dad.”
“And how does that make you feel?”
“I’m mad because you feel you have to hide who you are to protect me at school.” He blushed. “You deserve to be happy, Dad. The kids will get over it, and if they don’t want to be friends with me because of it, they weren’t people I wanted to be friends with anyway.”
Without asking permission, Craig dragged his son close, hugging him, tears of pride welling up in his eyes.
“I love you, Cody. And I’m so fucking proud of you. Thank you.”
Cody allowed it for a few moments then he pulled away. “No need to get mushy.”
A knock on the door had him looking up to see Harvey peeking in. “I’m here to pick up a young boy for dinner.”
“Hey, Uncle Harvey. Are we going to have time to swing by and work out with Deacon and Alan?”
“Work out?” Craig looked at his ex-brother-in-law.
The computer nerd shrugged with a smile. “When you have access to a bodyguard and an ex-parajumper… You didn’t think he wouldn’t take advantage of what they can teach him, did you?”
“Are you thinking of joining the military now, Cody?”
“Not sure, Dad. Would that be a problem?”
Fuck yes. “No, I think we should talk about it when you’re closer to the age of joining.”
“Okay.”
“Head on out, Codester, I need to talk to your dad a minute.”
“Bye, Dad.” Cody bounded out of the room.
“Bye, Cody!”
Harvey walked closer and claimed the chair beside Craig. Unease rose within him.
“How are you doing?”
“Ready to get out of here. Did you know Cody knew I was gay?”
Harvey shook his head. “Nope, but we don’t exactly talk much about it.”
“He acted like he didn’t give a damn, but I’m still worried about him.”
Harvey put a hand on his arm, giving a small squeeze. “You’re a fucking fantastic dad. Of course you are.”
“What’s wrong?”
“My sister called me.”
White-hot anger surged. Craig shook his head. “No, she’s not coming back into his life.” He flexed his fingers. “She called me the night of the accident saying that now she saw him on television she wanted to be back in his life.”
“She was pissed that you hung up on her. I told her she walked out and I wasn’t going to help her. Then the name-calling began.” Harvey rolled his eyes. “It was like being back at home growing up.”
Craig knew how much of a rough time Harvey had had as a boy in his childhood home. No parents to support his being gay, and a sister who was worse, if that were possible, than the adults, who did nothing to stop her abuse.
“I wanted to give you a heads-up and let you know she’ll probably pull out the grandparents to help her in her quest.”
“No way. I’m not subjecting him to that. Especially not before the World Series Final.”
Harvey nodded. “I know. I’m on your side, Craig. Always have been. Plus with Cody staying with Debra, I think he’s safer. The coach knows that Debra can pick him up if it’s not me or you. Since Anglea called, I’ve just had Debra doing it.”
A rough laugh escaped Craig. “Yeah, Angela will have definitely bitten off more than she can swallow if she tries to take her on.” He took several deep breaths. “It’s going to be okay. I’m pushing to leave as soon as I can. I will be at that final game.”
“I know. I’ll be here to take you.” Harvey stood. “Until then, get some rest.”
“Thanks, Harvey.”
He smiled and pushed his glasses up on his nose. “We’re family.”
That was it, all he said as he walked out.
Family.
Craig was lucky to have the folks he did have in his corner. Which begged the question, why was he thinking so much about the doctor who had saved him?
* * * *
Bobby smiled as he continued jogging, loving this time of day—bright and early. A few people were out, but the hustle and bustle of the city hadn’t started up yet. He continued on his path and slowed as he neared the Children’s Fountain. Whenever he didn’t feel his best, he ran in this park.
To be able to see the different depictions of children in the fountain, along with the plaque, helped him regain his purpose. The girl wading, boy with crutches, a ballerina, Joy, a boy standing on his head and finally a boy playing soccer.
The dedication read—The bronze figures represent children everywhere to whom this fountain is dedicated and the activities that shape young lives making childhood a joy.
Something so pure and honest about it spoke to him, and coming here never failed to fill the well that could, and did, get depleted. Hands on his hips, he completed his two walks around the entire fountain, staring at each of the tall bronze figures.
Once he’d done that, he made his way back to his car. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Craig Donaldson since he’d checked out. Hell, he’d even watched the Little League World Series Final and cheered as his son’s team had won. But there had been no sighting of Craig.
Bobby’s thoughts were bordering on obsessive. He thought about Craig morning and night. Hell, he’d jerked off to those thoughts more times than he could count.
He couldn’t call him because he would be using his job to get information on a patient, and he wasn’t going to cross that line. Yet.
He was almost back to his car when he heard someone yell for Cody. Spinning, he couldn’t quite believe his luck when Craig Donaldson bent his head to say something to his son, who then bolted.
Bobby was on his way toward him before it registered.
“Mr. Donaldson.”
Craig looked over his shoulder, confusion giving way to a smile. “Dr. Pearson. Good to see you. Do you live around here?”
“No, I just finished up my run. How are you doing?”
“Not bad. Slow still, but getting better.” His dark eyes were warm.
Bobby needed to cover his cock because it was starting to rise to the occasion it had lived out in so many fantasies.
“I know you’re not supposed to take things for saving someone’s life, but I’d like to extend an invitation to our house. We’re having a barbecue and hanging out.”
“I’d love to come, thank you. When and where? Also, what can I bring?”
“No need to bring anything. Unless there’s a certain meat you like that isn’t common.”
Heat throbbed in his cock. “There’s one I want.”
Craig didn’t back away, his breath hitched, but he responded, “That’s not going to be on the grill, but it will be offered if you’d like some later. After the party.”
Holy fuck, yes, he wanted. Now.
“When is this?”
Cody dashed back over, two hot drinks in his hands.
“Saturday.” Craig dug in his pocket and passed over a business card. “Address and my number are there. I’ll understand if you can’t make it, but I’d love for you to be there.”
“I’ll be there.” Nothing was keeping him away. “Cody.”
The young man smiled up at him. “Dr. Pearson. Are you coming on Saturday?”
“I am.” Cody gave his dad one drink. “Is that okay?”
“You saved my dad’s life. Of course it’s okay.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll be in the truck.” He inched away, that smile never wavering.
“Am I missing something?” He looked at Craig.
“No, he’s trying to matchmake.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, you’re the third guy this morning he’s wanted to leave me alone with.”
Bobby growled. “And the first two? Are they coming on Saturday?”
“Not unless they’re crashing.”
“Good.” Cutting his gaze to the truck, he wasn’t shocked to see Cody doing his best to not appear as if he were watching. “I’ll see you on Saturday. Do try to refrain from being set up with anyone else. I’m excited to try the meat.”
Craig licked his lips and dropped his gaze to Bobby’s groin. “Me too.”
God, he had to go or he would have a wet spot on the front of his running shorts like some young boy who had shot his load because he’d touched his first pair of tits. Or cock as had been the case for him.
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Hayden West
Hayden West lives in the Pacific Northwest, enjoys being outdoors, and hanging out with friends when not working on the next novella to be released.
Find Hayden at their website and blog.
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