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Tanner arrived at the coffee house a half hour before the arranged time, not wanting the guy to have to wait for him. He wanted to make the best impression possible because if this worked out, his worry regarding the rent would be over today.
The picture Zeke sent of himself was quite impressive, even though it was a grainy shot taken at his desk. He was nice-looking with dark hair and sharp eyes, and he had broad shoulders, which made Tanner assume he worked out regularly. He loved the look of a solid body. He was eager to meet him in real life because, between the voice on the phone and the photo, Zeke seemed like a nice guy. Tanner was ready for a nice guy in his life, even if it were just as friends.
He recognized him immediately upon entering the coffee shop. Zeke was more than Tanner expected; definitely not your average IT guy. He said he worked IT and security at a local downtown establishment, and upon seeing him, Tanner thought that he was more security than IT. Tanner stood up, but Zeke seemed to already know who he was and had started heading in his direction.
"Hello, I'm Zeke Montgomery; we spoke about the apartment." He introduced himself, and his voice was even more sexy in the flesh.
"Tanner Fenn, pleased to meet you, Zeke." That was an understatement. He was tall, like six foot five inches tall or taller, and he was built. The picture did not do him justice. His body was sculpted, and he moved with the grace of a dancer.
Zeke Montgomery was a man to be reconned with. Zeke ordered a cup of black coffee and sat down across from Tanner. Tanner wanted to hand him the keys and ask when he could move in. No interview was necessary when you looked this good. But he managed to control his libido just barely and started with his usual questions.
“How long have you lived in Cincinnati?”
"Nearly four years I moved here for a job opportunity. A friend opened a new club and offered me a job in security, and that expanded into overseeing their technical needs." His tone was calm and measured, and his beautiful aquamarine blue eyes framed by thick, long, black lashes studied him with an interest that seemed more than just friendly, or at least Tanner hoped so.
"Have you lived with roommates before, and are you open to sharing common spaces such as the living room and kitchen?" You will have your own bedroom and bath." Tanner was being drawn in by this man and his handsome face and deep voice. The questions were unnecessary, and there was little the guy could say that would put Tanner off at this point.
“I’ve lived with roommates, and I have no problem sharing space. I work nights till after two in the morning and like to sleep in, so I would appreciate quiet in the mornings." Zeke made his first request, and it was perfect.
"I work nights, too, so that's not going to be a problem." Tanner smiled a sweet smile, which Zeke reciprocated, and Tanner felt his heart speed up. This guy was pressing every button Tanner possessed. They talked a little longer, getting to know one another, and Tanner saw no reason not to offer him the apartment if he was interested.
“Would you like to look at it?”
“Yes.”
"We can go now if that works for you. It's right around the corner, so we can walk."
“It works for me.” Zeke stood and waited for Tanner to join him. They walked side by side, and Tanner felt Zeke's hand on the small of his back as he carefully stepped over broken blocks of concrete that were strewn across the sidewalk from a damaged curb.
Tanner was impressed with his manners and surprised by the concern he showed for him, a veritable stranger. He thought he felt Zeke’s hand ghost across his back several times, but he might have been wishful thinking. The apartment building rose up before them much too soon, in Tanner's opinion.
"It's on the second floor and has front-facing windows, which give a nice view of the main street." He sounded ridiculous as he sang the praises of this dreary-looking building on this dreary-looking street, but he was trying to sell this to Zeke. He wanted Zeke Montgomery as his roommate. It would solve all his immediate problems and give him close access to this attractive and hopefully available man.
CHAPTER THREE
Zeke was bowled over the second he walked into the small coffee shop and was hit with an overwhelming scent of lily and jasmine. It filled him with anticipation and hope as the scent stirred his heart and his emotions in a manner like never before. Attraction, want and need all flooded his mind and intensified every nerve ending throughout his body. This man was his world, his center, and his heart's most desired. Tanner was his mate.
The lily and jasmine continued to waft in and out of his lungs, saturating his consciousness with the reality of true bonds and forever love. This was happening because the gift of Fate had come to him, and his mind was having trouble catching up with his heart. He stood still for several seconds before taking his first steps toward what was to become the focus of the rest of his life.
He reached out his hand with a smile born of satisfaction and joy too deep to describe. "Hello, I'm Zeke Montgomery; we spoke about the apartment." He took hold of Tanner's hand, and everything snapped into place. The conversation went easily, and he seemed accepting of him as a possible future roommate.
Zeke had to consciously temper his responses to appear interested but not too eager. He was actually over the moon with the idea of moving in with his mate. He had a large, lovely home, which he was very happy with, but he'd move into this tiny apartment with Tanner tomorrow if the offer presented itself.
"My roommate moved out this morning, and unfortunately, he owned most of the furniture, so the place is looking a little sparse. I have a lead on a used sofa and matching chair, but if that doesn't work out, there's a decent-looking loveseat at Reardon's Thrift." Tanner sounded embarrassed, but he didn't have to be. Zeke couldn't care less about furniture. The only thing he wanted to see in that apartment was Tanner.
Tanner was about five foot eight, as he'd guessed from his grainy photo, but the picture did not do him justice in the least when it came to his vibrant dark hair and that sweet face. Zeke had a preference for fresh beauty and boyish charm, and Tanner possessed both in spades.
"I have a few pieces, so don't worry if this works out; I'll bring them along." That statement brought a wide smile to Tanner's face. Zeke was surprised at how good he felt after making his mate happy. These new feelings and his growing fascination with this young man were amazing, and Zeke couldn't wait to see where it went. This was just the beginning. He had a lifetime ahead of him to learn, love, and experience everything about Tanner Fenn.
Tanner led him to the second floor and quickly unlocked the door to a small but clean little apartment. He wasn’t lying when he said there were few furnishings apart from a lawn chair. The living room was empty. The kitchen could use a few basic appliances like a microwave and a coffee pot.
"You don't drink coffee at home?" He asked; since he was drinking it at the coffee shop, he must not be averse to the beverage.
“I use instant, and I boil the water." He looked embarrassed again, and Zeke didn't like it. "My former roommate, Salem, owned the coffee pot and took it with him. In my defense, he only gave me one day warning that he was moving out, so I had no time to prepare."
"There are some good instants out there. I drink it myself sometimes when I'm in a hurry." Actually, he never touched the stuff. Instant coffee was vile, but Tanner relaxed a little, so the lie was worth it. "It's a good size, plenty big enough for both of us, and I have a coffee pot and a microwave; I'll bring both." He winked, and Tanner laughed.
"Let me show you your room." Tanner led him to the room on the left of the living room, and Zeke assumed Tanner's bedroom was the door on the right. "The bathroom is attached, as you can see, and the room is big enough for a king bed. Salem had a king, but he rarely slept in it."
