Page 18 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“You want me to keep trying? I made a fool of myself.”

“I want you to keep trying, yes, but I doubt you look as foolish as you feel. I bet it wasn’t that bad,” Colin said.

“You’re nuts.”

“Oh, probably. Jordan would agree with you, too.”

He sighed. Although he wasn’t sure about Colin, he trusted his friend. He had no choice but to be the best person he could be. Turning his back on Liam, even if they didn’t end up together, would be irresponsible. His pride wasn’t important. If Liam was an actor, then fine. If not and he was conflicted, then Stone would be there to listen. “Thanks.”

“I’m always here for you.” Colin smiled and stood. “Plus, I think your friend is heading this way.”

“Liam?” His breath turned ragged. He rose to his feet. “Let me introduce you.” He turned to Liam. “Hey. I want you to meet my friend Colin. He owns the bookstore. Colin, this is Liam. He’s living at your old…”Shit. They probably already know each other.“Duplex.”

Liam approached. “Hi. Nice to see you again, Colin.” He stopped beside Stone. “I wondered where you’d gone.”

“We were chatting.” Colin shook hands with Liam. “I was just telling Stone to come to one of our support group meetings. We welcome everyone.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.” Liam nodded once. “Thank you.”

“Ask Stone for the info—he’s got it.” Colin waved. “Heck, bring him along. See you later.”

Stone massaged the bridge of his nose between his eyes. “That went better than I thought it would,” he said. “Colin’s a great guy, but he wants everyone to visit that group.” Sometimes he pushed too much.

“It might be worth the visit.” Liam elbowed Stone. “It’d give me another chance to meet people.”

“It would.” Stone frowned, then dropped his voice low. “You’re gay, right?” He needed to know. The chemistry with Liam was too strong. If it was all in his head, then he wanted to stop now. “If you’re not, it’s cool.”

Liam averted his gaze. “I don’t talk about it.”

“Oh.” He was confused and not wanting to be chatty.Fine.“Okay. Well, I’m gay—as you could tell by my argument with my ex.” He was too obvious, but whatever. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you.”

“No, you’re fine.” Liam leaned in close to Stone. “I’m gay. I just don’t advertise.”

“Understood.” He wanted to ask more questions, but didn’t. “Well, we’ll keep things quiet.” He paused. “If I haven’t jacked this all up, will you call me?”

“I will.” Liam grinned. “I need to shop for some extra workout clothes and should probably invest in a bike or something instead of driving everywhere. Know where I can get a bike?”

“Hunter’s Bike Shop. Tell him Colin or Stone sent you and he’ll give you a deal.” Stone exhaled. “Look, I’m sorry my ex got so pushy. He’s history.”

“Okay.”

Right. Not necessarily interested.“I wanted you to know. I don’t cheat.” Christ. He sounded like he had to sell himself. “Never mind. I’ll see you.” He walked away before he said something else. He’d disclosed too much. If Liam wasn’t telling everyone about his sexuality, then he would only do damage by being forthright.

He drove home and replayed the kiss in his mind. He loved the way Liam had seemed to get into the kiss. The reaction had been wonderful, too. The attraction couldn’t be all in his head. Boy, he was in trouble. He liked a guy who didn’t seem to want him.

Lovely.

* * * *

Stone spend the next two days at the shelter during daylight hours and at the farm at night. He’d hoped Liam would call, but he’d heard nothing. He wished he’d asked for Liam’s number. It would’ve made trying to contact him easier. Then again, he hoped he hadn’t scared Liam away with his ability to talk too much.

He turned his attention to his brother. Numbers weren’t Stone’s forte. He rested his hands on the back of the dining room chair. “Well? How bad is it?”

“Not too bad,” Arthur said. “I think it’s just a missing deposit.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Did you consider what I said?”

“No.” He couldn’t remember what Arthur had given him advice about…this time. “Remind me?”

“Liam.”

---