Free Mark's Not Gay [Brac Pack 11] by Lynn Hagen Page B

Gay
    67
    “No apology needed. You were looking out for him. I’m grateful.” Loco glanced sideways at him. “We take care of ours. We’re a tight-knit family, and you’re one of us now.”
    “I feel all warm and fuzzy inside.” Mark held his hand over his heart.
    “Dick.”
    Mark laughed. “That might be, but you just claimed me.” He batted his eyes at Loco.
    “Shut the fuck up.” Loco chuckled.
    “You claimed my mate?” Caden asked as he joined them.
    “Only as family, Caden.” The three watched as a young man approached the garage.
    “This must be the guy applying for the mechanic job. I’m supposed to meet with him this morning.” Mark watched the tall, thin young man approached them.
    “He looks awful young to be working as a mechanic. He’s human, too.”
    Mark turned to Loco. “Can any of you wolves work on an engine?”
    “Point taken. Just watch him,” Loco advised.
    Mark shook the young man’s hand. “You must be Billy.”
    “Yes, sir.” The kid had a firm grip. Mark was impressed. The voice was a bit shaky, but Mark chalked that up to nerves.
    “What’s your experience?”
    The young man looked from Mark to Loco then over to Caden.
    Seeming a bit uncomfortable, he shifted from foot to foot. “My daddy taught me how to work on cars. I’ve done everything from changing oil to replacing alternators and brakes. I’m real good, sir, if you can just give me a chance to show you.”
    The guy did seem desperate when he called. Mark liked the way he wanted to prove himself. “Tell you what.” Mark rubbed his chin, giving the effect of hard consideration. “I’ll give you two weeks to prove to me you know what you’re doing. Deal?” 68
    Lynn Hagen
    “Thank you, sir. When do I start?” Billy had a gleam in his eye, his thankfulness showing on his face. Mark could practically see the excitement racing through the man’s body.
    “Monday at six sharp. Don’t be late.” If the guy was anything like Tangee, he wouldn’t be here until ten. Mark smiled, thinking of the days when the young man worked two jobs and couldn’t get to either on time. That kid would forget his head if it wasn’t attached.
    “Yes, Mr. Forester.” A smile broke across Billy’s young face.
    “Mark.”
    “Yes, Mark. See you Monday.”
    Mark smiled as Billy ran back the way he came.
    “Seems like a nice boy. Think he’ll work out?” Loco watched the redheaded kid until he was out of sight.
    “Nerves will make him screw up the first week, and by the second I’ll see what he knows.” Mark liked Billy. He seemed way too eager.
    Maybe he was trying to help support his family. He’d give him more than two weeks if he proved to know what he was doing. If not, maybe he could just clean up and keep the place clutter free. Mark had a soft spot for gangly kids trying to help their families. He’d given Tangee a thousand chances, and the guy never could make it to work on time, but he was eager to help and make a few bucks.
    “Well, I’m heading next door to pick up some stuff Maverick ordered for Cecil and Melonee. Catch you later.” Mark waved Loco off, returning to the garage.
    “I need help.” Caden stuck his head out of the office.
    Mark smiled, kissing his mate on his head as he stood behind him.
    “What’s up?”
    Caden covered the mouthpiece. “Mrs. Cross says her engines ticking like a bomb and wants to know if it’s safe to drive.”
    “Sounds like she needs oil. Tell her to bring it on down now and I’ll take a look at it.”
    Caden nodded, conveying the message. When he hung up, he told Mark she would be right in.

    Mark’s Not Gay
    69
    As he stood behind his mate, Mark ran the pads of his thumbs over Caden’s neck. His mate moaned and leaned his head back against Mark’s stomach. “Sorry, pup, wasn’t trying to tease you.” He tilted Caden’s head back to kiss him then left his mate to grab the items he would need and sat them on the bench.
    His first customer arrived ten minutes