Page 39 of Rocking Cedarwood

“Not with such nosy reporters, but yes. She’s pushier than some. Most of the reporters are cool and I don’t mind speaking with them.” He draped his arm across the seatback. “I’d say you’ll get used to it, but I hope you don’t. I hope they leave you alone.”

“I don’t want to talk to them.” Niall faced him. “What did she mean about the resignations? No one told me I needed to worry about losing my job.”

Michael sighed.Damn reporter.He didn’t hate the press, but also didn’t appreciate when he wasn’t the first to disclose his own news. “I don’t know about the resignations, but the coalition knows about us.”

“That took long enough.”

The car stopped and Michael lurched forward a bit. “We’re at the underground entrance to the hotel. Let’s go. Our stuff is upstairs.”

“Sure.” Niall didn’t say anything until he and Michael reached the penthouse suite. Once in the room, he plopped onto the bed. “You get the best setup. This is crazy luxury.”

“I’m treated well, but we pay for it.” Michael shrugged. “We’re alone. Finally.”

“We are,” Niall said. “But we were in the car, too. I know what you want to do, but I can’t. I’m stuck on the resignation thing. I want to know every detail.”

“There isn’t much to tell.” He sat beside Niall. “Leif, Dex’s ex-boyfriend, told everyone about us. I don’t care because I’m not ashamed, but the school board found out.”

“Michael.” Niall’s eyes widened. “What are they going to do?”

“I’m not sure, but them finding out was bound to happen. I can’t hide forever—even if it is in plain sight.”

“But…” Niall stood. He paced the length of the bedroom. “What areyougoing to do? Leif had no right to tell your secrets.”

“No, he didn’t.”

“Michael, what’s going on? Why are people who aren’t you going to the media about your life?”

“Leif went public because he wanted to be a shit. He did it so the media would ask questions. Once that happened, then the coalition would get wind of us and tell the school board. Everyone wants to know about my private life and about you. The school board can’t ask for your resignation because you’ve done nothing wrong. As for me they know about my being Bandit. So what? Until now, it hasn’t been a problem or interfered with my school career.”

“But?”

“But the coalition also knows about us. They know I’m a musician and I’m gay. I don’t give a shit what they think, but I care about the opinion of my students’ parents. I haven’t violated my contract—I had Dex investigate it.” His hands shook. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but hated that Niall was going through this crap.

“But?”

“We know the coalition. They don’t let up. They’ll keep trying until they ruin my life and run us out of town,” Michael said.

“I’m not leaving,” Niall said. “Fuck them.”

“I’d rather fuck you, but I agree. I’m not letting them push me out.”

“You’re staying once you’re done touring for the summer?”

Michael sighed. “Yes. I don’t go without a fight. I earned that job.”

“You did.”

“I said no lies, but the problem is I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut and my lives separate. It’s falling apart.”

“What can I do?” Niall asked.

“What do you want to do?”

“I’m beside you.” Niall sat on the bed and held Michael’s hand. “I can live without the fame and double life, but not without you. Don’t resign. Make them find a reason to get rid of you. They won’t find one.”

“Unless the coalition gets involved,” Michael said.

“They already have.”

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