Page 28 of Rocking Cedarwood

“I couldn’t let my superfan come to the show all alone. I’m hoping the limo ride will make up for some of your sadness and make it great when you meet up with Michael afterward. He works for me and couldn’t tell you where he was. You’ll get to see him very soon, so hop in the limo and get your ass to Cleveland so we can rock this house tonight.”

The video ended and the screen darkened. Michael worked for Bandit? How was that possible? Niall sagged to the steps. “That’s why he couldn’t come but was able to get the ticket. Odd.” He peered up at Dexter. “Is this for real?”

“Yep.” Dexter tucked his phone back in his coat pocket. “Coming, or are you still going to ride alone?” He nodded to the car. “Between Michael and Bandit, they’ve gone to a lot of trouble.”

“I need to get my keys and stuff,” Niall murmured. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready.”

“You’ve got plenty of time. I’ll be in the limo.” Dexter turned on his heel and strolled down the sidewalk.

Niall watched him walk away. He couldn’t process what was going on. No way…but he wasn’t about to miss out on the concert. He found his footing and headed into the house. He tugged his license and a credit card from his wallet then tossed the wallet into his desk drawer. He scooped up his keys as well as the ticket and locked the back door. He made his way through the house to the front door and locked that once he stepped onto the porch. He checked the garage doors to be sure those were locked as well as the door to the basement. Once satisfied, he headed to the limo.

Dexter opened the door for him. “Ready?”

Niall climbed inside the massive vehicle and collapsed on the wide leather seat. He’d never seen such luxury, not even when he’d gone to prom back in high school. Deep brown leather everywhere and sparkly lights ringing the ceiling. The brown carpet muffled his footsteps as he switched seats to face forward.

“Bandit wanted to treat you right.” Dexter settled on the seat along the side of the vehicle. Someone outside closed the door. Dexter opened a diet soda. “He’s a good man with a big heart. Want something to drink? The bar is packed. Hard and soft stuff.”

“I’m sure he is, but no thank you. I’m fine.” He folded his hands in his lap and watched the world zip by. He didn’t say much because he wasn’t sure whattosay. Besides, he worried he’d throw up if he had something to drink. Riding in the backseat tended to make him carsick. He measured his breaths and focused on things outside the vehicle that weren’t moving, like the horizon.

When he stole a glance at the man in the car with him, he noticed Dexter fiddled with his phone and talked to the driver a couple of times, but didn’t make much of an effort to talk to Niall.

“What’s Michael’s job with Bandit?” Niall asked. He might as well try to make conversation. He glanced over at Dexter once more before focusing on the horizon again. “Sorry, I get carsick easily or I’d look at you when I said something.”

“Huh?” Dexter looked up from his phone. “Oh, Michael…he’s…I’m not sure what all he does anymore. He’s Bandit’s right-hand man once the concert season gears up. You’ll see him in a few minutes. We’re almost there.”

“Oh.” Niall wiped his hands on his pant legs to hide the shaking. He wasn’t even sure now what he was excited about—seeing Bandit or Michael. If he could hold Michael while Bandit belted out one of the few slower songs…

Outside the car, the world darkened. “What’s going on?” Niall asked. “I’m supposed to meet him in front of the arena right after the show.”

“We’re in the tunnel beneath the venue,” Dexter said. “For privacy purposes. Bandit wouldn’t dare step outside the venue, even if it was to meet a limo.”

“Oh—wait, for Bandit to meet me?” The car stopped and the cabin filled with light. He wasn’t sure what he expected, but no one seemed to be outside the car. He peered out of the window.

“This is our stop.” Dexter scooted across the seat then exited the car. “Come on.”

Niall, not sure what else to do, followed the lawyer into the tunnel. A couple of men in polo shirts and black pants strode past him. He hurried to keep up with Dexter.

“Here you go. Wait in here. I’ll be back.” Dexter nudged Niall into a room. Before Niall could question him, Dexter closed the door.

Niall froze. Where in the name of God was he? Things had gone from surreal to freaking scary. He turned around to take in the view of his new surroundings. On the beige couch sat Bandit. Niall gasped. He’d know Bandit anywhere. The bald head, the piercing—now a hoop—and the all-black ensemble.

“It’s a real treat to meet you.” He stepped up to his musical hero. “I hope I’m not interrupting something.” He wanted to stick out his hand for a handshake but hesitated. Bandit wasn’t talking and Niall suddenly wished he hadn’t been quite so forward. “Sorry. I’m excited about seeing the concert and getting to meet up with my boyfriend later.”

“Don’t need to be sorry,” Bandit said. “You’re fine. Your boyfriend, eh?”

Niall gulped. When Bandit rose to his feet, he stood only a couple of inches taller than Niall. He hooked his fingers in his belt loops and flexed his chest muscles. The scent of his cologne wrapped around Niall and made him pause. He knew that musky, outdoorsy scent. Michael wore that scent.

Bandit removed his sunglasses. His Adam’s apple bobbed and he parted his lips. “Hi, Niall.”

Niall wobbled on his feet. “Michael, I thought I was here to meet Bandit.” This had to be a joke, but at least he had Michael there. “What are you doing?”

Michael popped the piercing from his bottom lip and sighed. “Can we talk?”

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