Page 2 of Rocking Cedarwood

“Awesome.”

“When is the race? In case I want to join it.” If the race wasn’t during the tour, he’d be there.

“May twentieth here at the metropark. It’s right before the end of the school year.” Niall fiddled with his earbud. “I’m averaging about forty-five minutes for my race time if I go slow and thirty-seven if I push it.”

He wasn’t sure what his average time might be, but he’d do whatever he needed to in order to keep up with Niall. “I should ask if you can still sign up before I say I’m doing the race.”

“They’ll have people here to do race-day sign-ups, but you can go online, too.” Niall shrugged. “The money goes toward putting in playground equipment for special needs children.”

“Nice.” He’d sign up as soon as he went back into the building.

“Let’s go. I’ve got three more miles on this run and I want to get them in before it gets dark.” Niall tucked the earbud into his ear then pointed to the trail. “Ready?”

“I’m right beside you.”

Niall kept sliding his gaze sideways. Michael was really there.No way.Michael was so handsome and out of his league. He’d never have thought Michael Jepsen would pay him any attention outside school. The spring returned to Niall’s step and he wanted to show off for his friend. Could he attract the hot teacher from across the hallway? He hoped so.

According to the rumors, Michael wasn’t gay. Niall had never asked because it wasn’t his business. Who was he to get nosy? He hadn’t made a big deal about being gay, but then again, in Cedarwood being gay wasn’t a good thing. Too many other gay people in town had been targeted. Barbs, insults and even a few assaults. Ridiculous, but effective. Three couples had left town, but many remained. Colin Baker and his partner, Deputy Jordan Hargrove, practically challenged the coalition to argue with them since Jordan was part of the sheriff’s department. Colin’s younger brother Farin and his partner, Steve, a fellow teacher, were still in Cedarwood. Both couples were determined to raise their children in the community and be successful. Colt Harrison, the owner of the diner, was with another teacher, Ashley Willis. The token public figure, the center fielder for the Cedarwood Wildcats baseball team, Tanner Fox had a relationship with Dr. Dane Bloom going strong, too. So why couldn’t Niall have a similar partnering? Because he didn’t know who he wanted to date. There weren’t many single gay men in town.

He dashed through his second mile and his legs didn’t ache. He appreciated having Michael along. Yes, they were both listening to music, but he had someone there. He slowed once he’d finished the third mile.

Michael yanked out his earbuds. “Is it me? I’m not up to your pace, am I?”

Niall laughed. “You’re fine. I’m at the cool-down phase. I’ll have eight miles for today, so I deserve a slower pace.”

“Holy shit. Eight miles?” Michael asked. “You’re a beast.”

“Language.” He laughed again. He hadn’t been this happy in a long time. “I’m going to elevate on the bench in the shade by the woods. Care to join me?”

“Yes.” Michael panted and remained beside him.

Niall kept moving, but mentally paused. He’d spent so much time around non-runners that it struck him odd to not have to explain what he meant by elevating. He stopped at the bench. “How long have you been running?” He stretched out in the grass then propped his feet on the back of the bench. The lactic acid in his legs dissipated a little, relieving some of the pain in his calves.

“About ten years…since just after high school.” Michael matched Niall’s pose. “Why?”

“You didn’t ask about elevating or make a crude joke.” Niall stared at the clouds overhead. He might have overstepped, but since he wasn’t sure if Michael was gay, how was he to know if he was out of bounds?

“Well, yeah. I could’ve made a joke,” Michael said. He swatted Niall’s hand. “But I’m being an adult for now. Besides, you need to hang out with better friends if their mind goes to pervy stuff so fast or they don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re probably right.” He needed to spend time with people, rather than being alone so much. “Are you offering?”Oh God.Was he getting forward again? “I mean…”

“Yeah, I’m offering.” He bumped Niall’s hand again. “Running and school. We’re a good team and we should be together more often.” Michael sighed. “I forgot how hard running can be. My legs are killing me.”

“It’s worth the pain.”

“You bet it is,” Michael said. “What are your plans for the summer vacation? Are you going to do more races?”

“I’ve thought about it. I’m interested in trying to do one in each quadrant of Ohio before the end of August, but we’ll see if I make it happen. I’m not committed to anything yet.” He tipped his head to watch Michael. “I need to get my students through the school year, first. You?”

“I’m not sure what I’ll do.”

“Didn’t you go to London last summer?” Niall asked. “That had to be pricey.”

“London? You knew about that?” Michael paled. “I mean…yeah, I did. I wasn’t there for long. Maybe a few days, tops.”

“I heard it through the rumor mill at the school. Someone said you’d saved all year to go.” Niall tensed.Fuck.He was making a mess of small talk. “I looked at the prices to fly over there, but it was too much for my paycheck.” He shook his head. “I’d love to visit London, Liverpool…and track my family line. One of these days.”

“You’ve got British blood?” Michael asked.

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