Page 4 of Rocking Cedarwood

Chapter Two

Michael donned black running shorts and a white T-shirt with the elementary school logo on the front. He’d planned to meet Niall at six-thirty for the race. He glanced out of the window. It wasn’t even light out yet. Who planned the races for such an early hour? He poured a glass of water then downed the cool liquid and contemplated life. In the last few weeks, he’d upped his exercise routine and looked better than ever. He’d rock those leather pants this summer. No doubt.

He’d gotten to know Niall, too. They hadn’t spent as much time together as he’d have liked, but still. He admired Niall’s determination. The guy ran, rain or shine, and almost always ten miles or more.Craziness.

He liked Niall beyond the almost obsessive need to run. The guy was sweet and good with his students. If he ever became a dad, Niall would be fantastic with those kids, too.

Michael’s phone rang. He jerked then glanced down at the ID screen. Niall said he’d be there soon, but he wasn’t the type to call. When he saw the name, he knew the caller.Dexter Tryor.

Well, shit. He wasn’t in the mood to talk to Dex, but he had to answer or his lawyer would keep calling. “Hello.”

“My favorite guy.”

“Dex, stop. You don’t have to pander to me.”

“What? Me? I never.”

“I make you money. That’s the only reason you like me,” Michael said. He’d gone out a few times with Dex, but it had been nothing serious and they hadn’t slept together, much to Dex’s chagrin.

“True, but you’re cool. I love when you’re on stage,” Dex said.

“Get to the point.” He wasn’t in the mood to listen to how important he was or Dex’s desire to get close to him again. He groaned. “I’m waiting on my ride, so I can’t talk long. What’s the deal?”

“Where are you going? You have a car and a motorcycle.”

“I’m running a ten-k with a friend.”Jesus. Does Dex need to know everything?

“Running? Are you crazy? You could get hurt. You could be putting the tour in jeopardy,” Dex said. “Come on.”

“I’m running. Even if I get hurt, I can still perform. I’ve done it before.” He noticed headlights on the street.Shit.He had to get off the phone. “Look, my ride is here. “

“Wait.”

He groaned again and strode out to the front porch. “What?”

“Have you heard anything about your teaching contract? I need to know,” Dex said. “It’s important.”

“No, and I won’t until June.” The decision wouldn’t come until the middle of June. “Why?”

“I want to discuss tour dates.”

“No. The deal is summer only. No extensions. The band is fine with the arrangement and prefers to have the year to do solo stuff.” The lights flashed as Niall pulled into the driveway. “Time to go. Bye.” He didn’t give Dex a chance to answer and instead hung up. He switched his ringer to silent then tucked the device into his armband. He needed to focus on the race.

Niall parked and rolled down the window. “Hi. Climb in.”

“Hi.” He sat beside Niall. “How’s things?”

“Good,” Niall said. “Are you ready?”

“To get sweaty with you and punish my body? Yeah.” He clicked the seatbelt into place then winked. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

“Sweet.” Niall blew out a breath. “Do you need anything? No bag?”

“I have a zipper pocket in my shorts, but my armband has a pocket, too, so my house key is in there with a little cash.” He settled in the seat. “I’m good.”

“All right then.” Niall backed down the driveway. “I almost missed your house. It’s so dark. Were you waiting on your porch? Eager much?”

“I’m excited. I had to run off some of the nervous energy.” He shrugged. No, he’d been energized to see Niall. Was he excited to run? Kind of, but not as much as he should’ve been. “Are you?”

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