Page 22 of Rocking Cedarwood

“I hear you’re dating Michael Jepsen,” the caller said. “He’s not big on dating anyone.”

“Okay? What’s your point?” He hooked his fingers on his pocket. “Who are you?”

“I’m no one important to you, but since Michael is important to you, I think you should know the truth. Ask him about Bandit.”

“What? Bandit? What are you talking about?” The call wasn’t making much sense. Who in the hell was this person? “Why?”

“Just ask him. You’ll find out your future isn’t going to happen the way you want. I’d suggest getting the hell out.” The caller, a man, hung up and left Niall in silence.

Nothing made much sense. He placed the phone back on the table. Although he wanted to call Michael straightaway and get the situation sorted out, he refrained from making the hurried phone call. He’d learned not to push too far too fast. Most people weren’t willing to give up secrets right away. Even a little finesse didn’t always work. He’d bide his time and ask later.

He finished chopping the vegetables and switched on the grill. While he stood on the back porch, he noticed Michael’s car in the drive. Michael pulled to a stop by the garage.

“Holy shit,” Michael shouted through his open passenger-side window. “You live here? I knew it, but I’m…I’m blown away.” He left the car and strolled through the gate in the back fence. He’d ditched the button-down for a pale blue T-shirt and black vest. Paired with the faded jeans and white-tipped sneakers, he looked like he’d stepped straight out of a fashion magazine. He held up a bottle of red wine. “I wasn’t sure what to bring, but I couldn’t show up empty-handed.”

“I was just about to get the steaks. Want to help?” He nodded to the back door. “How do you like your steak done?”

“Medium and yeah, I’ll help. I expect the tour when we’re done eating.” He stopped at the top of the stairs leading to the porch. “We’re eating out here?”

“I’d thought about it.” Niall chuckled. He’d forgotten how nice it was to have guests. “Help me carry the stuff out here and we can spread out on the table.”

“You bet your ass I want to spread you out on the table.” Michael eased up behind him and wrapped his arms around Niall. “With the tall bushes and huge backyard, you’ve got a great setup for outdoor sex.”

He’d thought the same thing when he’d bought the property. “I suppose you want to help me break it all in?” He opened the door and went into the kitchen with Michael hot on his heels. “Take the salad stuff out. I was going to make potatoes but ran out of time. Think the salad will be enough? I’ve got wine, too.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Michael stacked the salad bowl, the smaller bowls and the dressing on the tray, then tucked the bottle of wine under his arm. “Got a corkscrew?”

“Right here.” He opened one of the drawers and handed over the requested item. “Keep the door open for me so I can bring out these steaks.” He hefted his own tray and grasped the tongs. “Ready?”

“Always.” Michael led the way and held the door as asked. Once he and Niall were both outside, he closed the door. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do something like this. My family disowned me years ago for being gay, so even if I called them, they wouldn’t visit.” He chuckled. “Not that I’ve got tons of room for guests. I barely have enough of a backyard for a couple of chairs.”

“I understand. I’ve invited my family, but they’re all too busy.” He shrugged and placed the steaks on the hot grates. He closed the lid on the grill. “I should be upset about it, but I’m not. It’s par.”

“But you shouldn’t have to worry about that kind of stuff.” Michael arranged the items from his tray on the table. “All we need are plates, wineglasses and silverware.”

“Right inside.” Niall turned to grab the items, but Michael stopped him.

“You tend the steaks. I can help with this.” He swatted Niall’s ass. “Besides, you’re hot as hell in that apron.”

The tips of Niall’s ears burned. The apron…he’d forgotten about wearing it. He glanced down at the garment. Oh well.

Michael returned after a moment with the rest of the dinnerware. “You said you grew up in Cedarwood.”

“I did. We lived in the development next to where you live. When you don’t have a ton of money, you make what you have work. I didn’t mind. When I went to college, I made a point to save up money. I paid for my education with part-time jobs and stuff. Would you believe I used to cook on campus? I worked the grill.” He opened the lid and turned the steaks. “That’s where I learned what not to cook.”

Michael poured the wine and plopped onto one of the deck chairs. “I bet you were handsome back then.”

“It wasn’t that long ago.” He picked up the platter. “Steaks are done.” He plated the food then switched off the grill. “Not long for you either. You’re, what, a year younger than me?”

“I am.” Michael nodded once. He smiled. “The more I get to know you, the more I like you.”

“Good thing.” He placed a steak on Michael’s plate. “I like you, too.”

Niall kept quiet while they ate. Part of him wanted to question Michael about the phone call. Was it a prank? He wasn’t sure and didn’t really know how to ask. Once they finished eating, he placed his fork and knife on the plate. He watched Michael sip his wine.

“What are you thinking about?” Niall asked. “You’re all deep in thought over there.”

Michael drank more of his wine until a dribble remained in the glass. “I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow. It’s beautiful here and I don’t want to leave.”

“No one says you have to.” Niall left his chair. “Help me clean up and we can sit on the swing.”

“You have a swing, too.” Michael gathered up the dirty dishes and followed Niall into the house. “I’m in love.”

When Niall turned around to retrieve the empty wine bottle, Michael caged him in his arms. He kissed Niall, taking time to nibble on Niall’s bottom lip and to make his way to Niall’s earlobe. His breath warmed Niall through to his core.

Niall grabbed the counter for stability. “Michael.”

“That’s me.” Michael licked a path of fire along Niall’s throat. “Want me inside you?”

Niall didn’t have to think about the answer. He knew what he wanted—Michael in his bed. “Yes. Please?”

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