Page 13 of Glow

Quinn leaned in and pressed a soft, dry kiss to Dan’s lips before drawing back. “I like you,” he said in a deep, quiet tone. “I want to get to know you better. But I know you’ve got a lot going on. I’m not trying to rush you. Just putting it out there.”

Staking his claim? Dan wondered and didn’t mind at all.

“I like you too, and I am very open to see where this goes. Just be patient, please. Like you said, there’s a lot going on,” Dan replied.

“I can wait,” Quinn promised. “And I’ll help however I can.”

Dan waved goodbye as Quinn drove away, feeling like his heart would beat out of his chest. The strong chemistry between them scared him a little, although finding out that the attraction was mutual made him want to celebrate.

One thing at a time, be chill, he told himself.

When he got back to his room, Dan checked the time and realized it wasn’t as late as he first thought. On a whim, he logged into the Monster Network and looked to see who was online.

He spotted Calder and sent a note. Got time to talk?

Several seconds passed before a single word appeared. Yes, Calder replied.

I’d like to do a video call, if that’s okay, Dan sent back. It will be easier to explain my questions talking rather than typing. I’ll send a link. Seconds later, he opened the dialog box on his screen and sent Calder an invitation to join a virtual room.

“Dan. Start at the beginning,” Calder said. “I am listening.”

Dan sighed. “Thank you. I’m okay for now, but I don’t feel safe in Dover anymore, so I went to check out Fox Hollow. I might move there. And I met a nice guy. It’s just a lot all at once.”

“Tell me about it,” Calder replied.

Dan gave him all the details he had held back from Quinn about the photographers in the woods and being chased. “That’s happened a couple of times lately, more than ever before. I think they’re getting more aggressive, and one of these days if I stay in Dover, they’re either going to catch me or get a good enough picture that I’ll have to cut and run.”

“You should not have to live that way,” Calder said. “Your creature passes down from generation to generation. I’ve always been the ‘Beast of Bray Road.’ You have survived by remaining unseen. If that is no longer possible, then staying serves no purpose. If the photographers have become bolder, I would leave.”

“Have you heard about Fox Hollow?” Dan found himself holding his breath.

“I have heard of it. Its reputation has always been favorable. If what I heard is true, it would be safer than Dover,” Calder said. “As for the guy, does he know?”

“No, we’re not to that point yet,” Dan confessed.

“Then that can wait,” Calder replied.

“Lots of chemistry between us, but we haven’t known each other long. I’ve never really dated anyone seriously before. And then there’s that zap every time we touch.” Dan wasn’t counting hookups, and any other gay men in Dover were too far in the closet to see daylight.

“Do not tell him before you trust him. Trust grows—it cannot be forced,” Calder replied. “Good luck.”

“Thanks, I just needed to vent,” Dan told him.

“Keep me informed. If you need me again, ask,” Calder said before they ended the video call.

Just having Calder hear the whole story made Dan feel better about his decision to move and helped to quiet his restless thoughts. He got ready for bed and was afraid he would be too nervous about house shopping or going to the Fox Institute the next day to sleep, but to his surprise, he zonked out quickly and woke to daylight, feeling much better.

Another shower and a hot breakfast in the hotel dining room with plenty of coffee got the day off to a good start and helped Dan gather his courage. His phone buzzed, and he checked messages.

Quinn: Good luck today. Tell me all about it tonight.

Dan: Will do.

He appreciated the support.

Dan met the leasing agent on the hotel porch; a pleasant blond woman dressed in the outdoor preppy wardrobe that was so popular here.

“Welcome to Fox Hollow. I’m Lisa, and I’ll be happy to show you around. I got your email and the form you filled out, thanks. Can you tell me a little more about what your ideal rental would look like so we can make the most of our time?”