Page 8 of Rocking Cedarwood

He knew what she was thinking and he’d have to put an end to it now. “He’s not gay, so don’t think about it.”

“He’s not? I could swear he is and he’s looking at you,” she murmured.

“Nah, he’s not. We’re just friends.” He turned his back on Michael and the twins. “If he is gay, then I’d hate for him to suffer the insults I get, but I don’t think he’s gay. He hasn’t said he’s not, but I don’t get the homosexual vibe.”

“Insults?” Tonya asked. Her eyes widened. “From whom?”

“Don’t worry about it.” He shouldn’t have mentioned anything about the nasty comments.

“I will worry. I like you and want you to stay in our school. Whoever is being rotten to you can answer to me,” she said. “But I was going to say you and Michael make a good couple.”

Did they? They had attraction but nothing more. “He’s not gay.”

“That stinks,” she said. “Well, I hope you don’t let the haters win. The boys and I love you.”

“Thanks.” The tips of his ears burned and not from the sun.

Michael joined them. “Hey, I hear there are awards. Should we attend?”

“Nah. I wasn’t fast enough to medal,” Niall said. “I’m probably in the middle of my age group.”

Brian darted over to Niall. “You gotta stay, Mr. G.”

“Why? Did you plan a party?” Niall laughed. He wanted to drape his arms around Michael. He’d grown too comfortable with his friend. Besides, the kids were watching.

“You’re getting an award,” Brian said. “I saw the list.”

Jacob pointed. “I did, too. You had a two.”

Michael shrugged. “You were quick, my friend.” He jerked then whipped his phone from his armband. He frowned. “I’ll be right back.”

Niall tensed. His brain hurt. The attraction wasn’t imagined, but Michael wasn’t interested. Compound that with Tonya’s nudges and his desire to be loved and he sure looked like a mess. Michael acted almost jealous over the medal. Niall didn’t want to see the results. He knew he’d run well and that was enough. “Thanks, guys, but I’ll look at the list when I get home. There are runners still finishing.”

Brian and Jacob tugged their mother to the board, leaving Niall with Michael.

Niall inched up to his friend. “Congrats. You did it.”

“I’ve run these before.” Michael put space between them. He held up his phone then resumed texting. “You looked great.” He paused. “I’ll be right back. I need to call someone.”

“Sure.” Niall left Michael and wandered over to the results board.

Jacob pointed again. “Right there, Mr. G. See it?”

He looked at his name and the rank he’d earned. He’d finished second in his age group. “Well, what do you know?” He hadn’t expected any awards. Competing was enough.

“See?” Tonya asked. She bumped shoulders with him. “The boys are thrilled. I doubt it’ll take more than an hour for the rest of the class to find out how you did.”

“Probably,” he said. “They’re more tech savvy than I’ll ever be.”

“Do you mind if the boys bring cupcakes on Monday? They want to celebrate,” she said.

“That’d be great.” He chuckled. “We can all party.”

“What’s with Mr. Jepsen?” she asked. “He finished then got right on the phone. Is he talking to his girlfriend?”

“I don’t know.” He tried to be cool, despite the rising bit of jealousy within him. “Whatever it is, the call seemed important.”

“I see. Here he comes,” she said. “He’d better congratulate you.” She snagged the twins. “Guys, we’ll watch the awards from over there.” She winked then left him alone with Michael again.

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