Page 6 of Rocking Cedarwood

“Niall? Grayson?” Her brows rose and she clicked her tongue. “He’s a good teacher, but you don’t want to get mixed up with him.”

He paused. She hadnotsaid that. “Why? He’s an educator, not a criminal.”

“No,” she said, drawing out the word. “But he’s one ofthose.” She crooked her finger, expecting him to lean forward. When he didn’t, she groaned. “He’s…you know.”

She could insult Niall in private, but not in public?Nice.“What do you mean…those?”

She lowered her voice. “Gay.”

“So?”

She shook her head. “That doesn’t bother you?”

“Why should it? He’s a person.” Besides, she had no idea he was gay, too.

“But…he’s agayperson.”

He’d had enough. “I should find Niall and the line,” Michael said. “I believe we need to stretch and warm up. He’s a great guy and nice human being. I enjoy his company. He’s a killer with conversation.”

“Yes.” She crinkled her nose. “You should stretch. I’m sorry I bothered you.”

“Does this mean we’re not on for coffee?” Michael asked.

She said nothing, but the lines deepened around her mouth.

“Guess that’s a no.” He suppressed a smile and left. He wasn’t happy she’d reacted so strangely to Niall being gay, but he knew she’d be the type to seek him out if she found out he was semi-famous. He had style and was considered handsome to some. She’d want to be connected to the fame and his status. Too bad he wasn’t looking for her.

Niall stood by their bench. He’d affixed his bib and wore his sunglasses. He didn’t remind Michael of the quiet, mousy teacher, but rather a confident sports figure. Niall waved. “Long line?”

“Talkative attendant.” Michael pinned his bib to his shirt. “Did you stretch?”

“Some. I’ve been waiting on you,” Niall said. “Mind if I ask about the chatterbox?”

“Nope.” He finished attaching the last pin. “Why?”

Niall hesitated then rested his hands on his hips. “I get strange looks and every time I go inside the main building here on the grounds, one of the attendants makes comments.”

“And says what?” Michael suppressed his irritation. Who would want to cause trouble for Niall? Or was his secret out?

“They know I’m gay. It’s not hush-hush, but there are those in town who don’t want gays here. They don’t like homosexuals. I get snarled at in the parking lot. I’ve received hate mail and kids have been pulled from my class because their parents thought I might teach them to be gay. It’s crap, but it happens, and if it’s affecting you, then I want to know.”

“So you can put space between us?” Relief washed over him. The chatter wasn’t about Bandit or the Blackhearts. Good. He wasn’t ready for everyone to know his other life. But he couldn’t help but be irritated by what Niall was going through. They didn’t have to be shitty to him. “The gal at the registration table told me to stay away from you because you’re homosexual. Her daughter was probably one of the ones pulled out of your class.”

Niall growled. “It’s getting old.”

“Well, today we’ll be better than the hate by crushing it on the course.” He elbowed Niall. “I like you the way you are and I’m scared I won’t be able to keep up.”

He couldn’t read Niall’s expression and the glasses hid his eyes.

“I’m serious. Let your running do the talking. Fuck ’em.” He nodded then clapped Niall on the shoulder. “Yes?”

“Okay.” Niall shook out his arms then legs. “On the track.”

“Yes. Stomp the hate with each footstep.” He tapped Niall again, not wanting to stop touching him. The added excitement of the race combined with his desire to show off for the crowd. The electricity within him reminded him of the feeling just as he stepped onto the stage. He wanted Niall to be proud of him. “Let’s warm up so we can kick some butt and show your kids they read those books for a good reason.”

This time Niall grinned. “Yeah.”

“That’s the smile I love,” Michael said. One day he’d be honest with Niall and tell him his truth, but not today. What he did over the summer wasn’t important right now. Running and overcoming the hate was paramount. They had each other—which was more than Michael deserved.

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