Page 50 of Finding Michael

“Nothing. I had to deal with a telemarketer.” He shouldn’t lie, but he didn’t want to worry Michael. The poor guy was already touchy about Jamie. Knowing they were talking on the phone would cause problems he didn’t want to deal with.

“Oh, okay.” Michael shrugged. “Want farmhouse, pasta or Chinese?”

All three options sounded good. “Farmhouse.” He’d have to run more to work off the calories, but it’d be worth it if he could be with Michael. Besides, he could use the running time to work through his story.

Michael offered up his phone. “Here’s the menu for the diner. They do a special farmhouse feature on Sundays. Let me know what you want and I’ll put in the order.”

He perused the listing and stole glances at Michael. He’d lost his mind, but he wanted this moment and more like them to continue. “Move in with me.” His comment was bold and off-the-cuff, but felt right.

Michael froze. “What?”

“Move in here with me.”

“Tristan.” Michael tugged his shorts on. “You’ve only been in Sullavan for a little while and what you and I are doing is new. You’re jumping the gun.”

“No.” Michael didn’t understand. Tristan had moved too fast, but he went with his gut feeling and being together felt right. How could Michael not see that? He needed Michael there.

“I have my doubts. Not about us, but about living together already. I’m not moving in.” Michael folded his arms. “Here’s my suggestion. You spend the time I’m at work writing. When I’m done, I’ll come over. If you’re not writing, we’ll hang out. If you’re busy, then fine. I can’t go so fast. We need to see where this goes at a slower pace.”

Tristan groaned. He hated not getting his way.

Michael splayed his hand on Tristan’s chest. “If I move in with you, it’ll prove to me that this is just a whim for you. I don’t want to be someone to occupy your time.”

“You’re not.” Michael wounded him. Occupy his time? How didn’t Michael see this was fated? Tristan groaned. “I don’t say what I don’t mean.”

“But I’m not ready.”

Tristan sighed. Michael had a point—quite a few, if he had to be honest. His idea was too quick and moving in wouldn’t work—not yet. Part of him wanted Michael there for the stability he craved, but another part didn’t want to be lonely. He wanted to force the relationship, but that wasn’t healthy.

“What do you want?” Michael asked.

“You.” At least he was being honest.

“Besides me.” Michael tweaked Tristan’s nipple.

“There’s plenty of nutritional value in you,” Tristan said. “And emotional value.”

Michael chuckled. “What did you want to eat for lunch?”

“Oh.” He met Michael’s grin with one of his own. “Wedge salad, ham steak and potatoes. But you’re going with me to run off the calories.”

“I can work with both and will do.” Michael dialed the phone and wriggled his eyebrows. “You can eat me later.” He left the room again.

Tristan pinched the bridge of his nose. His impulsiveness would be the death of him and drive Michael away. He could rein it in. If chilling out meant proving to Michael they could work, then he’d do it. He didn’t have roots in Sullavan, but wanted to put them down with Michael. He needed stability and love—with Michael. Damn it, he deserved both and he’d get them. He wasn’t about to quit on what his heart desired.

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