Page 18 of Rocking Cedarwood

Niall shook his head, but a smile curled on his lips. “You’re bad.”

“Because I like you and fucked this all up?” He nuzzled Niall’s neck. “I promise to be better.”

“Just don’t fuck with my head.” Niall looked Michael in the eye. “That’s what I want. To know that if we’re going to do this, you’re honest with me. I’ll do the same for you.”

What was he supposed to say? Eventually maybe he could be honest. Or he could stick to only talking about the teaching side of his life… He’d do that. “Okay.”

“Now let’s get more food. I’m starving.” Niall strode away from Michael.

“Good sex will do that.” He watched Niall move. The man had a delicious ass. He couldn’t wait to tunnel it again. He headed into the living room and plopped onto the couch beside Niall. Being together suited him. He hefted a piece of pizza onto Niall’s plate then one onto his own. He sat with Niall in relative silence as they ate. Once the game started, Niall cuddled up to him.

The bit of domestic bliss pleased Michael. He looked forward to a few kisses during the game.

“What’s that?” Niall sat up. “It’s not my phone.”

Michael tipped his head. Phone? He recognized the tune. Shit. It was one of his earlier Bandit songs. That ringtone only meant two people—the manager, Blake, or his lawyer, Dex. “It’s mine. I need to take this.” He snatched the phone from the table. He swiped his thumb across the screen to answer the call.

“It’s Michael.” He rubbed his forehead. “Talk to me.” He was gruff, but damn it, he didn’t have time for the phone call. He should’ve seen this coming, should’ve known his worlds would collide.

“Slow down. It’s Dex. You sent me a text earlier. I thought you were available. What tickets did you need?”

“Oh.” He’d forgotten about the text. How was he supposed to word this? “Can you hook me up?” He ducked out of the room and dropped his voice to a whisper. “Cleveland. You know the deal. I don’t ask for much, so if you come through, it’ll mean the world to me.”

“Backstage passes and best seat tickets. Yeah, I can do that. I assume he’s sitting right there and you want to surprise him. Gotcha,” Dex said. “You’re packed and ready to shove off Monday, right? Or do you need the extra night? We could use the drive time to get to Columbus. The bus is ready to go.”

“Things are looking promising,” he murmured. “I need the extra night.”

“Then be at the hotel bright and early on Monday. Blake wants to head out at eight.”

Shit.That wasn’t too late, but he’d hoped to spend more time with Niall. “I’ll be there.”

“You’re with someone, aren’t you? Whoever he is, you seem to like him, don’t you?” Dexter paused. “If you like him, then tell him about your other life.”

“I’ll take your thoughts into consideration.” He needed to think through how to tell him and if he really wanted to be honest with Niall about his other life.

“Sounds like you’re either getting a blow job or you’re being a dick, so I’ll let you go. I’ll have the tickets waiting for him and will make sure something gets delivered to the school tomorrow during your last staff day. Later.”

“Yeah.” He hung up and turned off his phone.

“Sorry.” Michael returned to the room, plopped onto the couch beside Niall and plunked his hand on Niall’s thigh. He glanced over at the clock. “It’s almost nine already? Crap.”

“We were having fun, then you got a call. It’s fine.” Niall stood and brushed his hands over his pant legs. “I need to go. One more morning to get up for school.”

“You probably want a shower, too.” Michael hopped to his feet. “Sorry about the phone call.” He couldn’t say it was his lawyer. That wouldn’t work. “My friend had a problem with his friend.”

“You’re a good person to talk to when you’ve got a problem.” Niall stood by the doorway. “So…”

“So?” Michael grasped the front of Niall’s shirt. “I wish we didn’t have school. I’d like you to stay, but I understand.”

“One more night.” Niall shrugged. “We’ll figure it out.”

“What? You and me?” He caged Niall between his body and the door. “I’m not the kind of guy who fucks on the first date, but I kind of broke my own rules. One rule I don’t break is my rule of when I’m sleeping with someone, that’s the man I’m with.” He kissed Niall, wishing they didn’t have to part for the night. “You’re it for me. No one else.” He doubted Niall would wait all summer for him, but he could hope.

“You’re my friend.” Niall scrunched up his nose. “It’s kind of funny to think of us as dating.”

“But it feels right.”

“It does.” Niall gazed into Michael’s eyes. “I know you said you’re busy tomorrow night, but maybe we could have dinner?” He waggled his head. “We don’t have to fuck, but definitely get some supper? Can you find an hour for me?”

---