Page 38 of Rocking Cedarwood

“A little.” Niall snuggled against Michael. “You were fantastic.”

“I had a great audience.” He kissed Niall. “I play for the guys, my amusement, but mostly you.”

“Thanks,” Niall murmured.

“Want to go? I’m tired and have had a long day,” Michael said. “Plus, we need to talk.”

Niall tensed.

“Nothing bad,” Michael said. “I’m telling the truth.”

“Uh-huh.” Niall held Michael’s hand. “We can go.”

Good.“Guys, I’m out. We’ll regroup in the morning for practice. Yes?” His question was met with nods. Fine. “’Night.” He left the arena with Niall in tow. Fans waited outside and screamed as he and Niall climbed into the car. Michael normally posed for photos and signed autographs, but not tonight. He wasn’t in the mood. A reporter climbed into the back of the car with them.

“Hi,” she said. “I heard you’d be here.”

“Nancy.”Shit.Dex hadn’t mentioned him doing any interviews and he wasn’t ready to expose Niall to this crap. “Dex allowed you in here?” He knew better than to argue with her, but fuck, he wanted her to go.

“He said I could talk to you, but he put me off, so I found you instead.” Nancy whipped out her phone. “I’m taking photos.”

“Two and that’s it. Any more and you won’t appreciate my response,” Michael said. “Play nice. You know you’re only supposed to be in here with permission and as of right now, you don’t have it.”

“Okay…smile.” She snapped two shots, but probably more. Once she put the phone down, she pulled out a notepad and pen. “So, who is this? The teacher you’re rumored to be with?”

“Yes.” He placed his hand on Niall’s thigh. “First, you’re getting the exclusive—Bandit is gay.”

“Despite all the videos of you with women?” she asked. “You’ve been lying?”

“I can’t have female friends? And women can’t work better for certain songs? You know better than that.” Michael patted Niall’s thigh. “I’m gay and always have been. As Bandit, I’ve played a role. As for my boyfriend, this is Niall Grayson. He’s a teacher and shy. He’s the love of my life.”

She swept her gaze over Niall. “A teacher? That wasn’t a bullshit line?”

Niall hesitated. “Yes, I teach second grade in Cedarwood, Ohio. I’ve been there for six years.”

“Very good.” Nancy flipped the page. “This question is for both of you—how does working at the school gel with fame? Niall, do you like sharing Bandit? Michael, how do you balance both sides of your life?”

Michael shifted in his seat. “I balance it by keeping the different sides separate. The band knows about my day job and when I’m in the classroom, I do that job. Niall’s the link, but it’s very separate.”

“Niall?” She continued writing and didn’t look up.

“I don’t mind sharing Bandit with the audience. The music is his life. He’s good at it and I like seeing him succeed.” Niall tensed. “As for the fame, that’s all Bandit’s. I don’t want any of it.”

“So you call him by his stage name.” Nancy nodded. “I see.”

“Nancy.” Michael bit back his irritation. “No, he doesn’t call me Bandit.”

“It’s a valid question.” She put the pen and pad down. “Fair enough, though. But how do you reconcile being gay in Cedarwood? You’re a couple and public figures. Don’t you mind the threats being volleyed for your resignation?”

“What?” Niall asked. He paled. “Resignation?”

Michael put his hands up. “Enough. The calls for anyone to leave the school district are rumors. We’re happy and yes, we are public. As for the interview, it’s over. Sorry. We have to be at the hotel in ten minutes and I’m done for the night.”

“Do you have a hot date?” Nancy scooted across the seat. “Kidding. Thank you. I’ll let you know when this posts.”

“Appreciated.” Michael ensured Nancy was out of the car and on the curb before he tapped the button alerting the driver to leave. “Well, shit.”

“That was intense.” Niall sagged in his seat. “You put up with that a lot?”

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