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Gary poured another cup of coffee. “This is good.”
“If you’re anything like me, you need a decent hit of caffeine to kickstart your brain in the morning.” Dan wiped his lips with his napkin. “Thanks for agreeing to meet me for breakfast.”
Gary cocked his head to one side. “I was glad to get the invitation, if a little surprised at the hour you sent it.”
Dan stilled. “Oh God. I didn’t wake you, did I?”
Gary chuckled. “One thing I learned long ago—put the phone on silent when going to bed those nights when I’m not on call. I should go one step further and leave it outside the bedroom, but I’m nowherenearthat disciplined.” He leaned back in his chair. “So… want to tell me what you were doing awake at that ungodly hour?”
“I had a dream.” That much was true. “And I sent the text while you—whileitwas on my mind.” He had to steer the conversation in another direction. “So how long have you lived in Boston?”
“Since I went to college at Northeastern.”
“And before that? Where did you grow up?”
“Springfield. It’s not that far from here.”
“I know where it is. From New Hampshire, remember?”
Gary chuckled. “Ah, but did you also know it’s the birthplace of Dr. Seuss?”
“No kidding. And do you like Boston?” Dan smiled. “Stupid question. If you didn’t, you’d go someplace else.”
“Yeah, I like living here.” Gary drank some more. “In fact, that was my plan for today. I was going to show you the sights.”
“My own personal tour guide?”
Gary sat immobile, and Dan cursed his loose mouth. It wasn’t the first time he’d uttered something that could have been interpreted as flirtatious, but he couldn’t help himself. He had to be honest, Gary’s proposal didn’t appeal. He had a goal—to learn more about Gary—and he didn’t think sightseeing around Boston would help him achieve that.
Dan helped himself to another cup. “Actually, I had something different in mind. Well, a different location at least.” His heartbeat quickened as the idea took root.
Gary lifted his brows. “Oh?”
He nodded. “Can we visit Springfield?”
That earned him a blink. “Why there?”
His heart hammered. “Show me where you grew up. The places you went to.” He held his hands up. “I don’t want to be a tourist. I want to see places that meant something to you.”
Gary rubbed his chin, his lips pursed.
“I know,” Dan said quickly. “It makes no sense, but—” He swallowed. “—I feel safe with you.”So safe, you wouldn’t believe. “And… I want to know more about you.”
Gary tilted his head. “Before you leave us to head back to New Hampshire?”
Dan didn’t want to contemplate leaving Boston, leaving Gary, just yet. “I guess.”
Gary studied him in silence, and for one awful moment, Dan felt certain he was about to refuse. Then he nodded. “Okay. Although I think Boston has more to offer.”
“Then we can do Boston tomorrow, if you’re free. Today I want to see Springfield.”
Gary’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Then you have yourself a tour guide.”
Dan got to his feet. “Let me go up and grab my stuff, and then we can head out.”
“Sure. I’ll wait for you in the lobby.” He gestured to his cup. “I’ll finish this first. But what do I owe you for breakfast?”
“Nothing. It’s on me. And before you get any noble ideas, I’ve already paid.” Dan walked out of the restaurant, heading for the elevators. Gary’s smile occupied his thoughts.
