Page 19 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“Oh. You have nothing to worry about. We’re friends, but nothing more.” He hadn’t heard from Liam, so there was no reason to get upset.

“Stone.”

“You’re patronizing me.”

“How well do you know him?” Arthur asked.

“Well enough to understand he drives you crazy,” Stone said. “So?”

“And he’s getting under your skin.” Arthur rolled his shoulders. “What if you found something out about Liam that’s not cool? Or it doesn’t fit with your values?”

“What? He’s done something illegal? He’s married? Jesus, Arthur, why are you doing this? I kissed him. We haven’t had sex and I don’t see it happening. There haven’t been any declarations of love and we’re not getting married.” He groaned. “It was a kiss. What’s the problem?”

“He’s not doing anything illegal.” Arthur flexed his fingers. “Just…use caution. He’s not the guy you think. He’s…never mind.”

“Married?” Wouldn’t be the first time he’d flirted with a married man unknowingly. He hadn’t gone beyond the first flirt, but still.

“No.”

“A perv?” Arthur’s definition of perv wasn’t the same as his. Anyone who dabbled in BDSM was considered a perv in Arthur’s view. Stone saw nothing wrong with a little slap and tickle.

“No.”

“Abuses animals?” Christ. If that was the case, then his radar was totally off. He hadn’t detected anything in Liam to make him think he’d abuse an animal.

“No.” Arthur faced Stone. “Forget I said anything.”

“Right. You drop little comments and I’m supposed to forget them. Nice.” He left the dining room and poured two glasses of water. “The thing is, I like him.”

“You just ended things with Jeff,” Arthur called.

“I know.” He returned to the dining room and placed one glass next to the laptop. He paced the length of the room. Elmore followed at his heels. “With Jeff, I felt trapped. He screamed, yelled, threw things and cheated on me. Plus, the dogs and cats were afraid of him. That was the biggest sign it wasn’t going to work.”

“Well, if Elmore was afraid, then I have to agree. Elmore likes everyone.” Arthur looked up from the screen. “Did he really cheat on you? You never said anything.”

“I knew you’d kill him.” He and Arthur might only be half-brothers, but they’d become close like blood brothers.

“Damn right. I won’t let you have a relationship like I have with Laurence. It sucks. I never know when he’ll be home and for how long. I never know if he’s leaving again and who he’s leaving to see.”

“I know.” Seeing his brother’s heart broken cut him deep, too. Arthur could be an overprotective jerk, but he didn’t deserve to be cheated on or disrespected. “Why do you stay with him?”

“I haven’t been in contact with him enough to know where I stand.”

“Arthur.”

“I know. It’s rough.” Arthur put both hands up. “I see where you goofed. You didn’t add a deposit. Let me do a little more working, but it might be sorted out.”

“Thanks.” He never wanted to be in a loveless relationship again. He couldn’t be sure Liam would be a better choice. He didn’t know him, and if there were secrets, that was a red flag. The secrets could be something or nothing.

“You should leave Liam alone,” Arthur said.

“You told him to stay away from me, didn’t you? For my own good?” Stone asked. “You don’t give me enough credit.”

“I do, but it seemed better in the planning stage to keep you apart. You really hit it off with him, didn’t you?”

“I did.” He sank onto the other kitchen chair. “But it means little if I’m the only one feeling the pull.”

“True.” Arthur looked up. “Got it. You’re balanced. The checking account is now correct.”

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