Page 3 of Rocking Cedarwood

“I’ve traced my ancestry and while the branches seem to go all over the place, one of them leads back to the Spencer line.” He grinned. “So, I’d like to see where they’re from. Might be cool to know.”

“It would be.” Michael lowered his legs and leaned against the upright of the bench. He brushed the grass clippings from his hair. A blade of grass stuck to his temple. “When I went to Germany, I toured Hamburg and Berlin. It was fun, but different.”

“You’re quite the traveler,” Niall blurted. He hadn’t known Michael had seen so much of the world. “One day, I want to visit the places I’ve only ever seen in pictures. I’d start with the United States, though, first. Not because we’re better, but because it’s local. Mt. Rushmore, the Tetons, Joshua Tree, Route Sixty-Six…”

“Next summer, we should plan a trip down Route Sixty-Six.” Michael tugged his phone from his armband. “Damn it.” His eyebrows knotted. “I need to go. I missed a call.”

Niall lowered his legs then sat up. “Okay.” He stood with Michael. “Do you still want to run together?”

“Yes.” Michael fiddled with his phone. “I’ll find you tomorrow before school starts and we’ll discuss a schedule.” He met Niall’s gaze and grinned. “You’ve made my day.”

“I did?” Sweat and grass covered him. He couldn’t have looked all that sexy and probably stunk, yet he’d made Michael happy? Nice.

“You did. I wasn’t looking forward to endless lonely reps on the weight machines and you saved me. Plus, I’ve gotten to know you, Mr. Ten-k. I’m in awe.”

“Michael.” He couldn’t contain his bashfulness.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for the run.” Michael hesitated then touched Niall’s arm before walking away.

Niall’s skin tingled. He’d longed to get closer to Michael since they’d met. Being within reach had energized him. He couldn’t wait until tomorrow.

Niall brushed the grass from his shirt and face then walked to the parking lot. He should’ve done a longer cool-down and stretched, but he could miss one session for a change. He unlocked his car and dug through his bag for a towel. He tossed his MP3 player into the bag.

“Excuse me.” Dermott Kane stomped up to him. “Mr. Grayson.”

“Hi?” He knew Dermott from school but only because Dermott’s son had been in his class for three days before being moved to another class. “How are you? How is Tyson doing in Mr. Cramer’s class?”

“Tyson is fine now that he’s not being taught by a degenerate. As for me, I’m disgusted,” Dermott growled. “I’m sick of seeing you people here. This is the community metropark.”

Niall hid his confusion and refused to argue with Dermott. Not in public anyway. “It is.”

“Then why do you congregate here? To meet up for sex?” Dermott asked.

“Lower your voice,” Niall said. Dermott didn’t seem to mind he’d embarrassed Niall.

“No.”

“Stop.” Niall wasn’t known for his pluck, but he wouldn’t take shit from Dermott. “No one is meeting for the reasons you mention. We’re exercising. We—I’m assuming you mean the gay community—aren’t doing anything lewd.” He hesitated to center himself. “Besides, who I love and am with in private isn’t your business.”

“This is why Tyson was moved out of your class. I won’t let someone like you teach him,” Dermott said. “You’re a freak.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m not ashamed of myself. I’m sorry you’re finding issues with me.” He toweled off his face and neck then tossed the soiled object into the car. “I need to go. It’s getting late and I have papers to grade.”

“Yeah, you need to leave. Get out of here and go where you’re wanted because it’s not in Cedarwood.” Dermott nodded. “Freak.”

“Enough.” Niall climbed behind the wheel of his car. He closed the door and tamped down his irritation. Dermott excelled at striking the tender spots and had to know he’d make a scene by throwing a fit in public. Niall wasn’t sure if Dermott was part of the coalition, but it wouldn’t shock him. The group was out to ruin lives. He’d seen the effects of the coalition. People had been shouted at and Colt Harrison had been assaulted. The bookstore and diner had both been picketed.Damn it.

As much as Niall loved his hometown, he wished the people who didn’t like the gay community would learn tolerance. He wasn’t parading his sexuality or behaving improperly. One day things would level off and change. He knew it. He had to ride through the rough times first, but things wouldn’t stay this bad forever.

Niall wanted the change would happen sooner than later.

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