After Hours

Cory glanced at the clock again and huffed out an annoyed breath. Who the hell came into a bakery at five minutes to nine? Knowing his luck, it would be another jerk wanting a customized birthday cake iced in just a few minutes.

Wiping his hands on his apron, he stalked to the register. A lone man stood before the display case, looking over the offerings inside it. In his least helpful voice, Cory said, "Can I help you?"

The customer lifted his head and offered Cory a tentative smile. "I'm sorry to come in so late. I just really needed some coffee and something sweet."

Cory recognized the face. He winced, regretting his bad attitude. Kyle was one of their regular customers, a young doctor from the local hospital. He'd never been anything but nice to Cory, and he was cute, too. Cory had spent the past couple of months admiring his tall, sleek physique and his big hazel eyes, made larger by his glasses. He made baggy green scrubs look good. The worn jeans and thin sweater he must have changed into after a shift were sexier than scrubs, though.

Tonight Kyle's exhausted, drawn face told Cory he must have had a bad day. If coffee and a donut would help, Cory was more than happy to provide them. Hell, he'd provide a lot more than that, if he thought Kyle wanted him to. Too bad the man had never given him any indication he liked guys. Cory pushed his thoughts aside and smiled. "Hey, Kyle. Rough day?"

Kyle shrugged, but his expression was anything but nonchalant. "The victims of a really bad multi-car accident came in. We couldn't save them all."

Cory didn't know what to say to that. "Oh, wow. That sucks." He poured some coffee into a mug and handed it across the counter. "What else can I get you?" How about me?