With Caution

over.

    www.samhainpublishing.com 43
    J.L. Langley
    Sterling caught it and trotted back toward Remi. Once within talking distance, he flipped the ball to Remi. “You know I don’t care. I mean if you and Jake—”
    “Sterling…”
    “It’s perfectly fine with me. You guys looked good together last ni—”
    Oh fuck! What had he seen? “Sterling, I don’t care what you saw, drop it.” Remi shook his head and pointed for Sterling to go out for a pass. Damn. He himself didn’t understand his attraction to Jake.
    “Okay, okay.” Sterling held his hands up and took off again.
    Remi stepped back and passed the ball. He threw it harder this time, making Sterling have to hustle for it. Maybe it would wear him out and he’d stop with the uncomfortable questions.
    The ball was high, but Sterling didn’t hesitate, he jumped for it, snagging it out of midair.
    It was a hell of a catch. Remi smiled.
    Sterling tripped over his own feet as soon as he landed. Tucking his head, he rolled and ended up flat on his back. He lay there for a few seconds, then his hand shot straight up, ball still clutched in it. “I freakin’ rock.” Sterling hopped to his feet, grinning from ear to ear.
    Please throw the damn thing back. I can’t take any more of Sterling’s endless questions. Remi groaned, seeing Sterling head toward him.
    Halfway back, Sterling hesitated and the happy expression slipped from his face.
    What the—? Something hit the back of Remi’s head, hard. “Ow. Fuck.” Remi rubbed it.
    “Watch your mouth, Remington. Is that any way to greet me?”
    Bile rose in Remi’s throat. Shit. He swallowed hard, turning toward his father. “No.
    I’m sorry, Dirk.”
    Dirk Lassiter stood two feet away with his arms crossed over his massive chest. He appeared to be looking down his hawk-like nose at Remi, even though his brown eyes were hidden behind his mirrored sunglasses.
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    www.samhainpublishing.com

    With Caution
    He wasn’t much taller than Remi, but he was bigger, more intimidating. The years had not diminished the lean, hard muscle he’d worked hard to build. His long black hair was tied back in a braid. He was in his tan uniform with the gun belt around his waist.
    God, Remi hated that fucking belt. It was a standard law enforcement utility belt, essentially two leather straps velcroed together, making it thick. Getting hit with it hurt like a son of a bitch. Remi shivered.
    “You need a haircut.” Dirk’s breath was surprisingly liquor free today.
    Remi didn’t know what to say. His hair wasn’t at all longer than Dirk’s. But any response would get him smacked, so he just nodded.
    “How’s work? Put out any fires lately?”
    Out of habit, Remi fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot, and managed to get himself out of striking distance. Okay, this is good. A safe subject. I can do this. “Work is good.
    Thankfully, we haven’t had any fires lately. I’m thinking about applying for the open EMT position.”
    Dirk’s brow furrowed.
    Oh fuck. Remi winced.
    Stepping closer, Dirk glowered. “That’s the thanks I get for getting you that great job? You want to be a fucking nurse? Why not tell everyone you want to be a faggot while you’re at it. It’s a faggot job.”
    Remi flinched, inching backward, not even caring if it appeared like he was retreating.
    Sterling finally came up beside them. His hand touched the small of Remi’s back briefly and slid away. “Hey, Dirk, is it time for me to go?”
    “Yeah. Get your shit. It’s hot out here.” He glanced at Sterling, then grinned, looking back at Remi. “You don’t honestly want to be a pansy-ass EMT, do you?”
    “No.” Remi chuckled, hoping it didn’t sound nervous. “I was joking around.”
    “Well, quit joking and take your goddamn job more seriously and maybe you’ll make something of your worthless ass.” He looked back at Sterling. “What are you doing standing there? I said I was ready to leave.”

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    J.L. Langley
    “I’m ready. I didn’t bring anything with me.” Handing Remi the ball, Sterling gave him a wobbly smile.
    Taking the ball, Remi ruffled the kid’s hair. It was the most affection he was allowed to show in front of his father. “I’ll come get you tomorrow and we can practice again.
    We’ll have you ready for football season in no time.”
    “Bunch of horseshit. He ain’t gonna make the team. ’Sides, who the hell is going to pay for it if he does?” Dirk glared at