Chartreuse by T. E. Ridener Read Free Book Online Page B

this city,” He wrinkled up his nose, which Rowan found to be cute.
         Christ. Stop thinking things about him are
cute.  You’re only going to end up in trouble.   So Rowan quickly pushed
those thoughts away as he chewed at his bottom lip.
         “I’ve been here my whole life,” Kasen
continued.  “And I’ve never really made big plans to leave.  I wish I could, of
course, but I don’t see it happening any time soon.”
         “Where would you go if you could?”  Rowan asked
curiously.
         He watched as Kasen stroked his cheek in thought. 
“Honestly? Anywhere.  I think it would be fun to go to Florida.  See the ocean
for once.  Or maybe even going to Kentucky to see the Cumberland Falls.  I’ve
heard that on nights of a full moon, you can see a moon bow.  It’s supposed to
be quite a sight to see.”
         “Is that so?”  Rowan smiled.  For an instance,
he could see himself traveling to Kentucky just for that.  He’d read about the
Cumberland Falls online before.  It was supposed to be an incredible landmark
or something.  Maybe one day he’d venture there.   And perhaps, if he and Kasen
became good friends, he’d take him along.
         “I can’t believe it’s already eleven,” Kasen
said, pulling Rowan out of his thoughts.
         “Is it really?”  Rowan asked.  He glanced down
at his own watch. “Hm.  So it is,” He nodded.
         “I understand if you need to go.  Though, it’s
been really great having someone to chat with.  I’m normally used to just
hearing voices on the other end of the line, not face to face,” Kasen smiled,
and it was a gentle smile that could’ve been taken in several different ways.
         He’s just being friendly.  Rowan told
himself.  But he returned his smile, “I don’t have to go. I mean, unless you
just want me to.  I don’t have to work tomorrow. That’s the best part about the
weekends.  I’m only on call.” 
         He saw another smile playing at Kasen’s lips as
he pulled out another computer chair, guiding it to be beside of him before
patting it.  “Why don’t you sit down? You can be my guest DJ for the night.”
         Rowan’s eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas
morning, “I don’t mind if I do.”

 
     
    Chapter
Seven
     
         Kasen was surprised that Rowan stayed until it
was time for him to leave.  Maybe he didn’t have anything better to do, or
maybe he actually enjoyed Kasen’s company.  Either way, Kasen was not
complaining.  As he locked up the studio he glanced down at his watch. 
Caroline would be coming in for her shift around five thirty, so he knew things
would be safe until then. 
         He glanced back to see that Rowan was unlocking
his car to get in, so he nodded to him.  “Was nice to chat with you.  Thank you
for the food and for the company,” He smiled at him.
         “You’re welcome. I enjoyed it a lot,” Rowan
replied with a nod.  Then he noticed that Rowan was looking around before their
eyes met again.  “Where’s your car?”
         Kasen could feel his ears burning as he chewed
at his bottom lip.  “I uh, don’t have one,” He replied.  He’d never really been
able to save up enough money for a car yet.  He was doing good enough to manage
his bills and his rent.
         “Oh,” Rowan nodded in understanding, one leg in
the car, one leg out of it as he glanced at him again.  “Can I offer you a
ride?”
         Kasen smiled stupidly as he gave a small nod. 
     
     
         “Yeah, sure.  Thanks,” He shoved his hands into
his denim jacket pockets as he moved over to the passenger side and then opened
the door.  He smiled at Rowan over the roof of the car, and then Rowan returned
that smile.           As they both got in and buckled up, Kasen felt his heart
going a little crazy.
         He’d never been in anyone’s car aside from his
mother’s.  And that never