Page 45 of The Fault Next Door

Nolan put his hand on his hips. “I’m tired of hiding.”

“Just be careful,” Lila said as she patted him on the shoulder.

“I will be. I know it will take time.” He just hoped Ryder didn’t get too upset that most of the town probably knew he was gay by now. No one knew they were together, but it wouldn’t take much for someone to find out.

They’d both been through so much already. Ryder was strong, but this would challenge even the strongest of souls.

Chapter 33

Ryder knewthe guys were talking about him, except maybe Rafe because that man just didn't gossip. Ryder didn't care what they said. He did his work and kept his head down. Close to the end of his shift, Dave came over, and it was obvious he was going to be a jerk.

“So your neighbor fucks guys,” Dave asked.

Ryder turned to Dave but didn’t react. Dave shifted from one foot to the other like he’d expected Ryder to either make a joke or say something bad. Saying nothing had thrown the guy off.

“Is that true?” Dave asked.

“Why do you want to know?” Ryder hated the immature attitude of the men around here. What were they going to do if they found out Nolan was gay? What would they do if they found out he and Nolan were sharing a bed on the weekends and thinking about moving in together during the week?

“Because it’s gross.” Dave’s face scrunched up like he’d bitten into a lemon.

“Dude, what’s gross is that you even care,” Ryder said.

Dave scoffed and tried to act cool. “I don’t care.”

Ryder rolled his eyes. “Then why are you talking about him?”

"It's just gross, and I don't want anything to do with him."

“I’m sure the feeling is mutual,” Ryder said.

“What does that mean?” Dave asked, his voice going high at the end of the sentence.

“It means you should keep your nose out of his business,” Rafe said.

Ryder hadn't heard or seen Rafe come over, but he was glad the man was there to back him up. He lifted his chin, acknowledging Rafe. He didn't know much about the man, but he liked him from what he did know. He seemed to be a good worker and wasn't into drama.

“What? Now you two are in on it?” Dave laughed as he asked.

Rafe rolled his eyes and turned to leave. Before Rafe left the area, he met Dave’s gaze and lifted one eyebrow then looked him up and down. “I’m sure most gay men would have better taste than to be with someone like you.”

Dave’s chest puffed up, and he straightened his shoulders. Ryder felt like things were about to get dicey. He was stronger than Dave, or he had been before the accident, and he was a better fighter. He knew from seeing Dave out one night when he tried to pick a fight with another guy. He didn’t know if Rafe could hold his own, but he’d said those words like he thought he could back up the statement with force if he needed to.

Ryder didn’t move or even really breathe. He wanted to see if Dave reacted. He looked disturbed, maybe even conflicted. Dave might be trying to hide something, like the fact that he might be bisexual. Ryder had been doing some reading and had come across a study that linked aggressive anti-LGBT activity with hidden desires for same-sex relationships.

“I get plenty of pussy,” Dave spat out.

Rafe threw back his head, and laughter spilled out. Ryder laughed, too. He hadn't meant to laugh at the guy, but he knew from being in town for about six months that Dave wasn'tgetting any action and not because he wasn't trying. The women around here just weren't interested.

“What are you laughing at?” Dave said.

Ryder noticed that Rafe had taken a step closer. He didn't really want to escalate this into a fight, but he would give as good as he got if Dave took the first swing.

“Just stop while you’re ahead,” Ryder said.

Maybe he shouldn't have said anything, but he'd tried to tell Dave to stand down. The man wasn't very smart, though, and he should have known that saying something would get Dave to react.

Instead of going after Rafe, Dave advanced on Ryder. The man was fast, but Ryder moved, sidestepping out of the way before Dave could attack. Dave wasn’t sure on his feet and stumbled, almost landing on his face. Ryder stood back and watched, not wanting to get too close to Dave. He would have to watch his back because he had little doubt Dave would try to sabotage something if he continued working here. He hoped Dave didn’t try something with any of the other guys. It would probably go bad for Dave if he did.

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