Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 102282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“This I need to see.” Renzo grinned at him as they made their way back to the truck. He seemed to do that a lot around Canaan, and he liked it. Felt good. “Do your phone thing and lead the way.”
“While I’ve got my phone out, how about I text you. That way you’ve got my number. You know, if you need an emergency ramen delivery.”
“I just might.” Renzo gave out his digits because he really wouldn’t mind another night like this, and he could see being friends with Canaan, especially if sex didn’t go and mess things up.
The GPS led them on a meandering drive west on Balboa, then Canaan took over and gave him directions into a neighborhood, skirting a park, until—
“Holy cow.” The city lay glittering beneath them, the clear night showcasing the view of shimmering lights, which seemed to stretch on and on. Renzo got to see plenty of impressive vistas in his deployments, but this was nice, being able to just park and enjoy it and not be on duty. “Now that’s a view.”
“Told you.” Canaan sounded smug, which Renzo supposed was fair.
“How’d you even know about this place? We’re nowhere near North Park.”
“Well...” Canaan rubbed the back of his neck again. “It’s one of those spots, you know? It’s not a touristy place, but local teens are good at finding places to park.”
“It’s a makeout place?” Renzo blinked. Reflexively, he scooted closer to his door, which was hilarious as Canaan didn’t seem inclined to jump him. More like he was running from himself. He was a twisted-up mess of conflicting feels. “Is that why you brought me here?”
“Relax.” Canaan stretched to make his point. “You said you didn’t want to hook up. I wouldn’t turn you down, but I’m not about to pounce. I’ve got some self-control. I brought you here because I love the view. I’ve come even by myself, just to think.”
“Thanks.” Then because Canaan was being so damn nice, he added, “It’s not that you’re not cute. It’s more...” Unable to find the words, he waved his hand.
“You don’t put out on a first date?” Canaan leaned back in his seat.
“Something like that.” No way was Renzo going to go into detail about his issues right then.
“Nothing wrong with being a little old-fashioned, man. I’m having a great time with you.” Even in the dim light, he could see the hope in Canaan’s smile.
“Same.” Renzo’s throat was thick. The moment stretched out until his chest tightened. Reaching for the stereo, he found one of his favorite chill playlists—not the heavy, driving beat he favored when working out but the more mellow stuff he liked when driving.
“Love this band.” Canaan’s long fingers tapped the rhythm against the dashboard. “You ever see them live?”
“Nah. I like music, but concert tickets can be pricey.”
“I hear you on that. I thought about adding live music to one of our stops, but most of the cheap venues I know are also bars. I wasn’t sure you’d be up for that.”
“Maybe next time,” Renzo said absently. “Might be fun to see a band. But no making me dance.”
“You don’t dance?” Canaan’s voice was light and teasing. “I’ve seen your videos, remember? You’ve got good rhythm. Bet you’re a natural dancing.”
“Hardly. I always worry about where my hands go or if I’m about to step on someone. I don’t like things that I’m not good at,” he admitted.
“Ah. A perfectionist. But I can tell you where to put your hands...” His tone was just flirty enough that Renzo could take the opening if he wanted. Only problem was that he didn’t know if he did, so instead he leaned back, listened to the music.
Canaan burst out laughing with the next track. “Not this one, okay?”
“What? You don’t like Kirby’s Revenge? Discovered them on my streaming app a while back.”
“It’s my former band.” Canaan shook his head. “And I’m the drummer on this song. Can’t listen to my own stuff.”
“Dude. That is so cool. You’re like almost famous.” While not Fun or Imagine Dragons or something huge, the band was well-known enough that they showed up in his recs frequently and they seemed to have a decent following.
“Says the internet celebrity.” Canaan bumped shoulders with him. “Anyway, I’ve moved on now. School and all. They’ve gotten bigger since I left. More buzz.”
“Yeah, they got a spotlight on the streaming app. And they got to be on one of those big music award shows my ma likes. That’s cool. Their newest stuff is boss—wait, should I not say that?”
“Nah. You can compliment them. I just find it weird.” Canaan yawned. “Maybe we should head back? My phone battery’s getting low, but I should be able to get the GPS to work, and if not, I can just give you directions.”
“Here. Use mine.” Renzo handed over his phone. “Then I’ve got your addy.”