Page 54 of Finding Michael

“It is.” He breathed in the chilly air. “See you tomorrow?”

“No.” She clasped his forearm. “It’s your required weekend off. I’ll see you on Monday. Don’t come in unless there’s an emergency and even then, we can handle it. You need a break.”

He’d forgotten about the forced vacation days. He’d worked too many regular shifts in a row…Drat.Well, he’d have a long weekend doing his own thing alone. No way Tristan would want to be with him after the new guy made a move.

Dicey waved, then drove off.

Michael unlocked his bike. He put his helmet on and switched on the headlight. The little safety features didn’t make him feel all that secure, but whatever. He pedaled over to the specified house. Three cars waited in the driveway and Rose, the realtor, stood on the porch.

“Hello, Michael.” She waved to him. “I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can talk sense into these two.”

He doubted it. If Jamie was one of the men there, then he’d have little say. He steeled himself and parked the bike. “I’ll do my best.” He strolled into the house. The rich wood and old paint smell wrapped around him. He’d always wanted a home like this, but the place hadn’t been in his price range. When he stepped into the parlor, the guy from the library stood with Tristan. Michael should’ve guessed…

“Oh, hey.” The guy nudged Tristan, who had his back to Michael. “Why’d you call him over?”

Tristan stared at the guy for a moment, then turned. His face lit up, then dimmed. “Michael.” His eyes widened. “I forgot you were coming over. That my boyfriend was coming over.”

“What do you think of the house?” Michael asked. He forced himself to stay focused. “There are plenty of bedrooms and lots of space for common areas. It’s in your budget—for you and the boyfriend.”

“Right. Wait—no.” Tristan held hands with the guy—or rather the guy held onto Tristan. “Shit.”

“But that’s just my take.” Michael shied away from the pair. He’d had enough.

“Have you met Cody?” Tristan let go of Cody. “He decided to visit me.” He hurried over to Michael. “This looks bad. Just…trust me. I can explain.” The pleading in his voice resonated in Michael’s brain.

“I met yourfriend.” Cody? Of course, the handsome man would have a trendy name. Michael wasn’t sure what to think—be mad? Uh, yeah, he was pissed. Tristan was holding on to someone else. Be jealous? A little. Cody was better-looking than he’d be on his best day.

“Oh, honey, we didn’t meet. You’ve got me confused with someone else. I’ve got that kind of face,” Cody said. “I’d remember a sweet thing like you.” He winked. “But it’s a pleasure to meet you now. Michael, is it? Hon, you’re wearing a bike helmet.”

“Right.” He’d forgotten all about his helmet.Fuck.Every cell in his body screamed to have Tristan explain himself, but Michael kept quiet. He’d ignore the Cody in the room. “Did Jamie come by?”

“No.” Tristan snapped to attention. “He had other business.”

“You probably should get his opinion.” Michael sighed. He’d had enough. “Well, I’m heading out. I still have to bike home and it’s getting dark.”

Tristan fidgeted in Cody’s grasp.

“It was good to meet you,” Cody said. “When Tristan and I decide on the house, we’ll have you over for the shower. We’ll need lots of stuff to fill this huge place.”

Michael’s mind swam. Fill the place? They were a couple and he’d been a fool. He turned on his heel and left without looking back.Just pedal home.He rode until his legs ached and his chest damn near exploded. Tristan owed him an explanation, but not right now. He wasn’t in the mood for more drama.

* * * *

“What the hell?” Tristan swatted Cody’s had away. “What was that about?”

Cody shrugged. “He’s not needed.”

“Heis myboyfriend.” Anger welled within Tristan. How had he managed to stay quiet when Cody practically shoved Michael out of the door and why hadn’t he chased after Michael?

“Was.”

“Jesus. Yeah. It’s probably past tense now.” He glared at Cody. “What’d you say to him?”

“Me? I just met him a moment ago.” Cody held up both hands. “You heard everything. I don’t see the big deal.”

“You’re lying,” Tristan snarled, angry at Cody, but also at himself. “I know you. There’s always an angle. You saw him. I know. He texted, so either you tell me the truth now, or I do something I’ll regret.”

“Oh Christ, you drama king. You’re with me.” Cody shook his head. “You never want to admit the obvious.”

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