Proven Guilty Boys in Blue 05 - (4 page)

Shawn huffed with annoyance. James had acted funny ever since the shower incident. Since he couldn’t very well take it back or make believe it hadn’t happened, Shawn was at a loss as to how to ease the tension. Things had been weird before. They were weirder now. It didn’t help when James tore out of the house an hour later without anything more than a jingle of car keys.

“Okay, have fun,” he said to the empty house. “Don’t mind me. I’m just going to hang out and watch TV.” He looked down at the couch. “On my bed.” He plopped down on the leather seat.

Thank God his stuff was coming tomorrow. The couch had been awkward. That hadn’t been the issue. The issue was waking up to a silent town house, going into a still-steaming bathroom and being surrounded by James’ scent. Especially after Wednesday’s…activity.

He didn’t know how a man that large could move so quietly, but the dude had skills. Stealth ninja skills. It bugged the shit out of Shawn because he never beat James to the bathroom, never managed to run into him accidentally-on-purpose. He’d even tried setting his alarm as early as he could tolerate. True to form, James closed his bedroom door every night as Shawn came home, and had already departed every morning when Shawn woke up.

And the smell of him. God, it made his skin tingle to stand in the hot shower inhaling the aftershave and smell of soap left by James. More than once he leaned into the water pounding his chest as he brought himself off in a replay, dragging up the spare seconds when James’ eyes had been on him and had seen him do exactly that.

He dropped his head back on the couch. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d crushed on a straight man. He’d just never been masochistic enough to fall for a room-mate before. Delicious hell on Earth.

“How’s the living situation going?” Thomas answered without greeting. They didn’t need one.
“It’s interesting,” Shawn confessed. “I never see him.” Did that sound like a whine?
Thomas snorted. “Most people would think of that as a benefit. He’s not the most cheerful guy I know.”
“He’s not un-cheerful,” Shawn countered.
“Okay, sure, but remember I see this guy on an almost daily basis. We don’t have to interact for me to know he has a reputation as a hardass. There isn’t anything remotely friendly about the guy.”
“C’mon. Of course he has friends. Like tonight, he’s on a date.”
“He’s run off more partners than I can recount, but the one he has now seems to tolerate him okay,” Thomas noted.
“Then he must have some redeemable qualities.”
“No, Shawn. Just,
no
. I see where you’re going and you can’t go down that road. I heard that he went to an interdepartmental camp and freaked out on a gay couple there.”
“If he’s such a homophobe, why’d you recommend him as a roomie?” Shawn argued. And if he was such a homophobe, why had he stuck around to watch another man shoot his load?
“Because I’d still trust him with my life and once he gets to know you, I figure he’ll come around a little. He’d never hurt you, and that’s more than I can say for a stranger. It’s the lesser of two evils.”
“Always the protective older brother. Glad you’re looking out for me.” Shawn sighed. “What’s his story?”
“What do you mean?”
“I think he’s avoiding me.”
Thomas scoffed on the other end of the phone line. “A guy like Runyon doesn’t have to avoid anyone. When he’s in a bad mood, they avoid him.”
“You wouldn’t know it from my perspective. He’s rarely home. Why do I always fall for the unavailable grunts?”
“Ah, nah, Shawn. You haven’t fallen for him, have you? I mean,
why
? At best he’s silent and surly. At worst, he’s kind of a rough-neck ass.”
“Again with the why’d you recommend him as a roomie question,” Shawn huffed.
“I dunno. You two just seemed like a fit. I mean aside from him needing a room-mate and you needing a place to stay. You’re kind of like that old TV show with the oddly matched friends.”
“
The Odd Couple?”
Shawn choked on a laugh. “God, you really
do
hate me.”
“Maybe you can break through his damage. He’s a good guy down in there. I think.”
“Right.”
“Shawn,” Thomas added. “Don’t fall for him. He’s supremely unavailable and not so fond of the homosexual lifestyle. Keep it in mind, okay? Because if you forget yourself and try something, you’ll come back with a black eye and hurt feelings.”
“I know. I know. I suppose rooming with a straight man is safer in the long run. Less likely to scamp around on me,” Shawn teased.
He hung up the phone, picked up a magazine and idly thumbed through it. The thought lingered in the back of his mind that he really wanted to check out Runyon’s room. Sure, he’d seen it before, but he wanted to touch the bed he slept on. Sniff his pillow, open his closet and see if the clothes housed inside also smelt like the man.
He reasoned that if he already had his own belongings, he’d have found something more engaging to occupy himself. But that wouldn’t happen until tomorrow. Now? He was alone in a house oozing with Runyon’s personality and after a week of skirting the edges of his territory, Shawn wanted to step a foot in and demystify the man a little. Was that so bad?
Shawn climbed the stairs, already feeling guilty. Runyon’s door stood open. The bed had been made. It struck him as odd that a man so committed to behaving like a
guy
would also be kind of anal about cleanliness.
Entering the room, he took a slow turn. He tried to see the room from Runyon’s point of view. Masculine and comfortable, imposing yet warm, the furnishings seemed like a perfect representation of the man.
Shawn had to hop to sit on the edge of the bed. He liked the feel of being far off the floor. Like being king of the domain, or something. He slid off the edge, straightened the comforter and opened the closet door. Tentatively he reached a finger out, drawing it down the sleeve of one of Runyon’s shirts.
The whole closet did indeed smell like the man. If he’d been a kid seeking comfort, he’d have found a corner in the tiny space and taken a seat. He sighed, closed the closet just
to
, the way it had been.
Shaking free of the weird wistfulness that had taken him over, Shawn crossed through the shared bathroom, out the other side to his own room. With nothing in there but his open suitcase, it was hardly welcoming. He kept walking, opened the sliding door and stepped onto the terrace. It was the best part of his space.
Holding onto the railing, he leaned over, closed his eyes and breathed in the night.

The precinct was called to the meeting room in shifts to meet the new D.A. liaison. Late Monday, it was Greg and James’ turn. The police chief, some of the street beaters and most of the detectives ambled in. He saw Shawn standing at the front next to the chief. It put a lump of foreboding in his throat. He’d managed to avoid the kid, but here he was. In his space.

“Glad you boys could make it,” the chief said, showing his displeasure that they’d arrived late. He turned his attention back to the rest of the guys. “As I was saying, Mr Janis here is our centre point when working with the D.A.’s office. I don’t want any of you wasting time leaving messages with her secretary anymore. If you need something, you see this guy and he’ll take care of it. It’s about streamlining, gentlemen. And ladies…” he added, belatedly acknowledging the handful of female officers.

The chief stepped aside, ushering Shawn to take the floor. James crossed his arms and propped a hip on a table. His back rested against the wall as he watched his room-mate go into action.

Which started out as a nervous smile and a boyish chuckle.
The kid cleared his throat. “Some of you know that I’m Officer Thomas Janis’ brother. That holds no particular weight except to say that I understand your point of view. I’m not here to provide special consideration. I’m here to see that the law is done to the best of its efficiency and with the most up-to-date information on a case. I’m happy to be here and hope you’ll find me an easier way to get to the D.A.’s office.”
Shawn held up a stack of business cards then moved through the room passing them out as he spoke. “Please take one of these. You can find my contact information on the internal contacts list. I’m here to make transitions easier, not harder. I look forward to working with all of you.”
The meeting concluded and James quit holding his breath. He didn’t know what he’d been worried about, but it hadn’t happened.
Greg slapped his back as they returned to their desks. “I’m proud of you, Runyon.”
“Why’s that?” James said, already smiling as he waited for the punch line.
Greg looked at him funny. Suddenly his eyes widened and he laughed. Every time his eyes darted back to James, he laughed harder until tears squeezed from the corners of his eyes.
“Oh, my God. This is priceless. You don’t
know
!” Greg exclaimed, wheezing now.
Other people in the office were staring, smiling like they’d soon be let in on the joke too. Whatever was so hilarious it had Greg weeping. He didn’t like being at the centre of it.
He grabbed Greg’s collar and hauled him through the office to the outside. He didn’t stop until he rounded the corner on the patrol parking lot.
“What?” James snapped. “What is so goddamned funny?”
“How much time have you spent with your room-mate, man?” Greg had stopped laughing but he continued to wipe at his eyes with the back of his arm. And the shit-eating grin wasn’t helping matters.
A memory of Shawn in the shower stole through his mind. “None, essentially.”
“He’s
gay
.”
“No, he isn’t,” James snarled. “I think I would know if he was gay.”
Wouldn’t he? James thought back to another time he’d completely missed the mark. Liam Knight. But there’d been no denying he’d seen another man’s dick in Knight’s mouth, or Knight calling that man his boyfriend.
“Your
gaydar
is seriously malfunctioning,” Greg insisted.
James stormed back into the station, leaving his partner behind. His gaze raked over the room, looking for his target. He found Shawn by the coffee maker, talking to a couple of the guys from the beat.
“Shawn,” James snapped, his voice carrying louder than it probably should have.
Shawn looked up. His smile faded to concern. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Follow me.
Now
.”
James didn’t slow. He continued down the hall, straight to the interrogation rooms and pushed the door wide. Shawn entered. His expression held confusion and defensiveness. Good. He had better be ready to defend himself. How dare he bring his gay ass into James’ town home and take up residence?

Shawn took a deep breath. Whatever was on his mind, Shawn knew he was about to get an earful.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the attention, but you’re kind of making a scene,” Shawn noted.
“I don’t fucking give a damn.” James stood aside, holding the door until Shawn entered. He swung the door behind him, not waiting to hear the latch take before he began pacing. “You’re
gay
,” he barked.
Shawn folded his arms across his chest. So, James knew. “And?”
“Don’t you think you should have told me that before moving in?”
“No. Last I checked, that kind of thing is considered discrimination.” Shawn sat on the edge of the interrogation table.
“You’re in my
home
, Shawn. I get a say as to who lives in my home.”
“Yeah, you do. Shall I move out, or are you going to grow up and stop acting like an over-testosteroned moron?”
James stopped pacing to glare at him. “You don’t get to do that. My preferences are my own.”
“Funny, but I think that’s my line,” Shawn returned.
“I don’t like gays.”
“Did you have a problem with me before you knew I was gay?” Shawn challenged.
“No. Well, yes.” James glowered darkly. His thick brows drew low and together. “That’s not the point.”
“Have I offended your straightness in some way?” Shawn drawled.
“
You
offend me. Your kind should wear badges.”
“Wow, Runyon. How very Nazi of you.” Shawn frowned, disappointed in his roommate’s character.
James ran a hand through his hair several times with a great deal of pent-up frustration. It didn’t bode well. Shawn already began thinking of places to search for a new residence. At this rate, James would have him out of the town house before nightfall.
“So now you know,” Shawn prompted.
James huffed his annoyance. “I should’ve heard it from you. Instead I get the scoop from Greg. How did
he
know?”
Shawn shrugged. “I have no way of knowing that, do I?”
“Did you come on to him?” James barked, his gaze darting from one of Shawn’s eyes to the other.
“Right. Because all gay dudes think about is where to get the next piece of ass. Even if it’s married.” Shawn sighed. “Look, I get it. You’re a homophobe, and I’m your worst nightmare. How much time are you giving me to find a new place?”
“What?” James’ lips twisted. “No. I’m not kicking you out.”
“Maybe I
want
to leave,” Shawn countered.
“Why?”
“Are you serious?” Shawn stood, incredulous at the circular direction the argument had taken. “Do you really think I want to live with a guy who hates everything about me? Including the fundamental parts of who I am as a person?”
“I don’t hate you. I just don’t want you jacking off in my shower, thinking about another dude.”
“You hate that I’m gay. You hate that I didn’t tell you I’m gay. You hate that someone else knows I’m gay and I’m living with you. You think I’m coming on to your friend. You also don’t want me thinking about other guys while I’m taking care of business. Did I miss anything?” God, James exasperated him!
“No. That about covers it.”
“So when am I moving out?” Shawn concluded.
“You aren’t fucking up the rental agreement too. I don’t have time to look for a new room-mate. You signed an agreement to lease for six months, so you’re going to lease for six fucking months. Clear?”
Shawn lifted his brows.
“And while you’re leasing, you aren’t going to act gay.”
Shawn laughed then. “You straights are so goddamn micromanaging. Since we’re discussing the lease, I don’t remember anything on it saying I couldn’t have a guy over.”
“I told you the day I gave you the key.”
Shawn moved closer, holding James’ gaze so as not to be misunderstood. “No. You told me not to fuck my girlfriends in the common areas, or loudly in my bedroom. I told you that wouldn’t be a problem. Did I lie?”
“That doesn’t count.”
“It counts. You’re being an asshole. If I’d known that, I’d have penned in that being a douchebag asshole wasn’t acceptable to the lease either,” Shawn growled. “Looks like we both forgot to get specific.”
James’ lips pressed tightly. They stared each other down for several long seconds. Shawn waited for a crack in the armour. There had to be one, because he sure as hell wasn’t going to back down first.
Then he saw it. James’ gaze slipped down to Shawn’s lips. James’ nostrils flared slightly and his pupils dilated. He wouldn’t have seen it if he hadn’t been standing as close as he was.
“What is it, James? Is it that I’m hot for other guys, or that you think I’m not hot for
you
? You brought up the shower. So let’s go there. Are you insulted because you think I jacked off imagining another man?”
James’ face clouded. A muscle in his jaw ticked, but he still didn’t say anything. Still didn’t meet Shawn’s steady gaze.
Oh,
God
. It was so much worse than Shawn had realised. He didn’t just have an angry straight man as a room-mate. He had a homophobic closeted gay man in denial as a roommate. He should leave the deposit and move out now. He would if he had any sense.
Where the fuck had his sense gone? Shawn wondered. Apparently, it was waiting outside the closet with a membership pin. And it had a mean streak.
“I was thinking of you,” Shawn admitted quietly.
James’ head lifted, questions and vague horror mirrored in his eyes.
Shawn smirked. He stepped up, keeping his eyes on James’ face in challenge, and kissed him square on the lips. James’ eyes flew wide. He stumbled backwards against the wall as he fumbled for the doorknob.
“Stay away from me,” James snarled. “Don’t fucking come anywhere near me!”
Shawn watched him go. His eyes snagged on a movement in the corridor. Tom’s mouth hung open. His partner stared at Shawn, a look of amusement lighting his eyes.
“Well, shit,” Shawn muttered under his breath. There went anonymity. If James hadn’t been ready to kick his ass after that last stunt, he sure as hell would be when word floated around the precinct that something seemed to be going on between them. Because the door hadn’t been fully shut when it had all gone down.