Page 30 of The Fault Next Door

“What about your dad?” Nolan asked.

"He can't beat me up anymore. Other than that, nothing has changed."

Shock pulsed through Nolan. “Shit. He used to beat you?”

"Yeah, but he didn't think it was abuse. He was just showing me how to be a man. It's one reason Amy and I wanted to wait to have kids. I wanted to go through counseling and have time to really make sure I wouldn't be a jerk. Of course, my parents would both be appalled that I went to a therapist to work through that, but the abuse was heavy, and it shaped me."

“Jesus.” Nolan shook his head. “Damn. I freaking hate child abusers. I saw so much when I was in the bigger cities. Here, I’ve only seen a few kids that I had to report, but crap, I hate them.”

“Not surprised that you’ve seen a few here. Sadly, people out here won’t take their kid to the doctor if they do something like break the kid’s arm or hurt them badly.”

Nolan shook his head. “It’s the same in big cities. I’m glad that you were cognizant enough to get therapy.”

“Yeah. But I’m not having kids, ever.”

Nolan nodded, not sure how the conversation had turned to kids. He and Andrew had talked about adopting, but there had seemed to be plenty of time.

“So, dinner. Do you want me to heat something up?”

“No, my mom brought food over. At least she can cook.”

“That’s good. Well then, I’m going out to the barn and starting on the chores.”

“I feel bad making you do this.”

Nolan stepped close and kissed Ryder's jaw. "Don't feel bad. Remember, I wanted to learn what to do so I could help out if I needed to. Surprisingly, I like doing stuff for your animals."

“They help regulate my emotions.”

“I get that.” Nolan stepped back and held Ryder’s gaze as heat washed over him. He really liked this sexy man who lived next to him. Maybe they wouldn’t ever be more than friends, but he was starting to feel things about Ryder that went deeper than friendship.

Ryder gave a sharp nod as emotions filled his eyes. "I'm glad you helped out before, so you can do this now."

Nolan’s heart squeezed with emotions he shouldn’t be feeling. “Sit down and rest. I know you probably don’t want to, but resting will aid in healing. Your body is working overtime to replace the blood you lost and repair the muscles and skin. Take it easy.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll just be in here taking a break.”

Nolan took Ryder's hand, walked him over to the couch, and gently pushed him down. "I'll be back in a bit. Don't do too much. And you can't get that wet. I'll bag it and help you take a shower later."

“If you get in the shower with me, you’re going to have to jack me off.”

"Oh, now you're sweetening the deal. Let me go deal with Mavis and the gang, and then I'll deal with you."

He liked the way Ryder laughed as he headed out. It was weird that he enjoyed working in the barn. He didn't think of himself as the type to work outside, but he talked to the animals, and they either mooed or bleated back at him. There was something about the animals that calmed him.

Being out here in the semi-country area was nice. There were no nearby neighbors to see either of them walking home onweekend mornings to shower or change clothes. No one would see them kissing or doing more. He felt safe.

After he finished in the barn, he headed in and found Ryder asleep on the couch. Since he'd washed his hands outside, he didn't need to clean up. Hunger gnawed at his belly, so he headed into the kitchen, finding the casserole Ryder's mother must have brought over. He served himself a bowl full and ate while standing at the counter. When he was almost done eating, he heard Ryder's breathing change, and he made it into the den when Ryder was waking up.

“Hey,” Ryder said as he sat up and wiped his hand over his face.

“You ready for a shower?”

Ryder nodded. “I didn’t think I was that tired.”

“Of course.” Nolan stepped over and looked at his arm. “I’m going to get some plastic wrap and then we can bag your arm in a trash bag.”

Ryder rolled his eyes. “I don’t like this.”

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