Page 21 of The Fault Next Door

Nolan moved through his house,fear still beating a staccato rhythm through him. He pulled open the door, and Ryder stepped in, then froze as his gaze traveled down Nolan's body. Ryder swallowed hard, and Nolan glanced down, realizing he was only wearing a pair of boxers and hadn't grabbed anything to cover up with.

Ryder cleared his throat. “Um, I stepped out and fired a shot into the air, pointing it over toward the trees. I saw someone run off. I think someone was trying to break in.”

His heart nearly stopped, and his stomach fell. "Shit."

“You gotta call the sheriff. Heck, the gunshot might have them headed this way already.”

“Fuck.” Nolan shook his head. “Why is someone trying to break in?”

“No clue, but you should put on some clothes before they get here,” Ryder said.

"Oh, yeah." Nolan turned to head back to his room, but he felt a hand on his shoulder as the door closed. He spun, coming face to face with Ryder. Heat flashed as Ryder's hand came up and hovered over his chest. He could feel the heat from Ryder's hand and wanted to lean into the touch.

Ryder cleared his throat and stepped back. “I’ll call the sheriff while you get dressed.”

“Sure.” Nolan had no clue what was going on, but he swore Ryder had been about to kiss him.

He pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, then grabbed his shoes. He didn’t know which door the person had been trying tobreak into, but maybe Ryder had an idea. When he stepped into the den, Ryder was just ending the call.

"The emergency operator said the sheriff's deputy would be here in a few minutes."

“Okay.” Nolan glanced around, unsure what to look at. “Which door did they run from?”

“The front door.”

“Shit. That alarm stuff needs to get here fast.”

“Yeah. At least I frightened them off with the gunshot. They know someone heard them.”

“I hate this. I hate that I feel threatened. Why would someone try to break in?”

“Well, it could be your mother-in-law trying to get the ashes.”

“Shit, I don’t want to explain that to the sheriff.”

“Just tell them you have no idea. Maybe someone thinks you keep medicine here.”

Nolan snorted. "The only thing I have here is over-the-counter stuff I bought for myself. But you're right. It could be that. Someone could think I have opioids here. Hell, there's been such a huge crackdown we don't even have them at the office. Back in the day, they were easy to get, but now, not so much. Which is good for us, but hell, maybe someone doesn't understand how closely we inventory medicine."

"That's what I'd tell the deputy. Maybe someone thinks you have medicine here. It will make it less complicated."

Ryder hadn't met his gaze. Nolan wondered if it was because Ryder had thought about kissing him and now regretted that thought. After this was over, maybe next week, when they both had enough sleep, he would have a talk with Ryder. He didn't think Ryder was gay, but maybe he was just confused. Over the years, especially in high school, he'd dealt with plenty of confused guys. Some of them turned out to be gay, but some were just hyped up on lust and were just looking for anywhereto get off. And then there were those who couldn't admit their desires.

Luckily, Ryder knew the deputy who showed up. The deputy took Nolan seriously. He bought the idea that someone might be looking for drugs and said they’d increase patrols for the next few days.

Nolan was a little sad to see Ryder leave when the deputy took off, but it was better this way. If Ryder had stayed, they might have done something that Ryder would have regretted in the morning. Nolan realized that if Ryder wanted to get busy, he would do something with him. It would be too hard to say no.

He was beginning to heal from losing Andrew, which was a good thing, but getting into bed with his neighbor would be weird. No question he would always miss his husband, but it felt good to know he wouldn't be trapped in grief for the rest of his life.

Chapter 16

Ryder didn’t seeNolan for a few days because of their work schedules. When he came home on Wednesday, his mother was in the driveway, her arms crossed over her chest. She looked angry.

Ryder wished he could have snuck away, but there was no escaping Sherrie since she’d already seen him. If he popped his truck into reverse and squealed away, she would have his hide. It was best to get it over with.

"Hello, Mother," Ryder said as he stepped from his truck.

"I've been talking to Cindy. It looks like a wedding in August would work best since she works at the school."

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