Page 3 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“It is. Half has been rented, but the other half is empty. Would you like to see it?” Arthur asked. “I can take you there now.”

“As long as it’s not the purple monster behind you, I’m very interested,” Liam said. He shouldn’t have mentioned the house being overwhelming…Oh well.

“This is my home.” Arthur frowned. “You don’t like violet?”

“Not for the color of a house.”Shit.He’d been catty. “I’m sure it’s very lovely inside.”

“It is. I had Cary Grant decorate it. He does splendid work.”

Cary Grant? Oh, brother.“I see.”

“But you want to see the duplex.” Arthur waggled his fingers. “It’s down the block. We can take a stroll over there.”

“Walk?”Is this guy serious?“I don’t walk anywhere.” He used his scooter instead.

“You’re in Cedarwood, not Hollywood.” Arthur nodded. “This way.” He strolled down the path to the sidewalk.

They were doing this. Walking. Liam shoved his keys into his pocket. He had no problem getting his steps in. Hell, he ran five miles each morning on the treadmill. But he didn’t want to walk. Tanner’s words came back to him. He needed to be more like Liam and less like the Hollywood Liam. He fell into step beside Arthur.

“I knew you’d change your mind.” Arthur chuckled. “What do you want to know about the house?”

“You’re not the average real estate agent, are you?” Liam asked. “I’m not trying to be a dick. I’ve just never encountered anyone like you.”

“I’m original. Things are slower here and we tend to trust more—unless you’re here to use us.” Arthur stopped short. “We see through bullshit pretty well.”

“And you know I’m bullshitting you?” He wasn’t about to back down. He might be the calmer version of himself, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to stand his ground.

“Yeah. You’re trying to hide and learn about the town because you need it for a role. Fine. I’ll help you get the duplex. Just don’t get attached to anyone here. I would really hate to see a friend hurt because you dicked with his heart.” Arthur walked off, leaving Liam alone a few steps behind.

Wait.Hisheart?Arthur knew? Liam frowned, then caught up to Arthur.What a crock of shit…“Wait.” He strode next to Arthur. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.”

“You were hurt by someone, weren’t you?”Probably Cary Grant.

“Don’t psychoanalyze me.”

“I’m not.” He held up his hands. “Here’s the thing. I trust you to help me get the house. I trust you’ll keep my secret, too.”

“It’s my job to get you the house,” Arthur said. “It’s not mine to tell why you’re here.”

“Right.” He exhaled. “How’d you know about…things?”

“What things?”

“I’m gay.”Jesus.“You could tell.”

Arthur stopped again and stared at him. “Honey, everyone can tell. You wear it on your sleeve without realizing it.”

“I do?”

“Uh-huh.”

Well, shit. So much for my acting ability.“Just…don’t say anything. I’m not ready.”

“Like I said, it’s not mine to tell and I’d never step on your moment.” Arthur waved. “The duplex is right up here. It features three bedrooms and a connected two-car garage. The back yard is communal and the mailbox is attached to the front of the building. All appliances are included. The rent is six seventy-five a month with six seventy-five for the security. I need first, last and the security deposit when you sign the contract. There’s new tile in the bathrooms and laminate throughout the first floor.” Arthur strode up to the front door. “It’s a quiet neighborhood.” He gestured to the home. “I will mention one snag.”

“Snag?”

---