Page 30 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“I know, right? She insists on two trailers for every picture, five assistants and requires visits from her husband every day. I don’t mind him, but I have to get the husband’s approval before I can kiss her.”

“That makes portraying attraction rather tough.”

“It does.”

“Is he demanding?”

“He can be. I’ll bet he’d be happier about me kissing her if he knew I was gay.”

“Would you?” Stone asked.

“Be happier?”

“By being you? Yes.”

“I would.” He paused. “I should come out. Just get it over with and do it. Carrying this around is heavy. It’s tiring. Hell, I don’t recognize who I see when I look in the mirror.”

“Do what’s right for you. Don’t let anyone make you do what you’re not ready to do.” He admired Liam’s decision to be bare. Knowing when to come out wasn’t an easy decision to make. “But whatever you do, I’m behind you a hundred percent.” He placed his hand on Liam’s thigh. The sparks returned and he wanted to spend more time with Liam. The connection was real. Had to be.

Liam drove through the line at the coffee shop and ordered two tall coffees. Stone offered money, but Liam insisted he pay. Ten minutes later, Liam pulled to a stop in front of the shelter. “I’ve been thinking about this long and hard. I’m not ready to tell everyone, but I’ve come to terms with me in my own head. I can be two people if I’m playing a role, but not in my personal life. I can only be me.” He turned off the SUV and faced Stone. “I’m gay.”

“Congratulations.” He hugged Liam and breathed in the scent of his friend. “I’m proud of you.”

Liam clung to him. “I wouldn’t have been able to come out without you.” He kissed Stone. “I’m not out to everyone, but you. I’m working up to being fully out.”

“You’ll get there.” He cupped Liam’s jaw. “I know you will.”

Liam’s eyes flashed and he brushed his nose along Stone’s. “I know.” He toyed with the wrinkles in Stone’s shirt, then curled his fingers under Stone’s chin. “Would you want to get together to go over my lines? Help me get into character?”

“I’d love to.” Should he kiss Liam again?Oh, what the hell.He nipped Liam’s bottom lip, then suppressed a whimper. “Promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” Liam asked. “Your name in the credits as my acting coach? Your name somewhere in the objects on the set?”

“No.” Why would Liam think those things? Because he was an actor and he thought differently than Stone. “I’ll help. I’m honored to do so. All I ask is that you don’t use me. I’m attracted to you—as if you can’t tell. I want to be around you. But if you don’t like me in the way I’m drawn to you and are doing this to get into character, then tell me now.”

“I’m not that kind of guy.”

He wanted to believe Liam, but he had to be sure. “If you’re honest with me, I’ll be honest with you.” He kissed Liam once more. “See you. Thanks for the coffee and last night. I’ll keep you posted on Champ.”

“Thanks,” Liam said. “I’m calling you.”

“I hope you do.” He watched Liam back up, then leave the lot. He enjoyed his time with Liam. He didn’t care if Liam was an actor or famous. He liked the man beneath the façade. Was he setting up for a heartbreak? He’d never know unless he put himself out there.

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