Page 57 of Finding Michael

“YoulikeMichael.”

“Correct, but I also like you. The real Cody is better than the fake one.”

Cody wriggled his eyebrows. “We wouldn’t have a chance at a second go-round, would we?”

And the dick side had come back. Tristan groaned. “No, but we can be friends.”

“Okay. I can handle friends.” Cody laughed. “Friends is good.”

“What about Dennis?”

“That’s your problem to work out. He quit on me. I can’t go back.” Cody bowed his head. “Speaking of going back, when you see Michael again—and you will—tell him I’m sorry. I would do it myself, but I think he’d deck me.”

“He might.” And he might take a swing at Tristan, too. “I’ll see what I can make happen, but I still think you should say the words in person.”

“You work it out with him and I will.” Cody offered his hand. “Friends?”

“Yeah, friends.” He shook hands with Cody, then hugged him. “As for New York, I should go back. I owe my aunt a visit and my cousin has a party, like, tomorrow. I want things settled and I want my life back in my control. Where are you staying tonight?”

“The B&B. I saw it was highly rated and I wanted a place to go if things went to hell. I’m glad they did.” Cody waved. “I’ll see you.”

“Yeah. See you.” Tristan unlocked his car, then glanced over at Rose. “Everything okay?”

She nodded and strode over to him. “We’ll see what they say in the morning, but I did get the offer in. We won’t fill any paperwork out until Monday because their realtor is out of town until then, but they sounded receptive, so keep positive thoughts.” She waved the sheath of papers at his car. “You’re leaving? You’ve got me parked in.”

“I am. Thank you. I’ll look forward to your call.” He winked at her, then climbed behind the wheel of his car. Cody drove off first, then Tristan backed down the drive. He had too many thoughts in his head. The house, the argument, Cody…Michael.

His brain ached as he motored down the street. How had he missed the signs from Dennis? The man was his butler, his friend and nearly old enough to be his father. Sure, he liked Dennis and trusted him more than almost everyone, but he wasn’t in love with him.

Tristan gripped the steering wheel. The more he thought about Dennis, the more he realized he hadn’t missed anything—he’d chosen to ignore. He’d brushed off the shoulder massages as butler stuff. When Dennis shooed away Tristan’s former lovers, Tristan had considered it the act of helping a friend. The special dinners, offers to go along to signings and family events… Dennis wanted to be involved and more.

Tristan pulled the car into one of the parking spots lining the main thoroughfare through town and stopped the vehicle. He had to deal with the fires in New York. Cody was right—damn him.Tristan needed grounding, but he also needed to sort out his life. He’d walked away from a lot. Did he want to stay away from the action and glamor of New York? Could he handle being with one person in the middle of Ohio and without the noise? What about being noble and running the shelter? His uncle had expected a lot out of him. He wasn’t sure he could shoulder the pressure.

Then there was the stalker.

He didn’t know what to do. For all his bombast about being done with New York, he missed it. The lights, the food, the friends, the anonymity…

He stared at the blinking light over the intersection. The choice wasn’t clear. Stay or go? Follow through or hide?Fucking hell…He raked his fingers through his hair. One thing was certain—he needed to see Michael. If nothing else, Michael deserved an explanation and an apology.

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