Page 40 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“You said you’d respect me for being honest. I’m doing that you want.”

“Do you want it?” Stone asked.

“Yes.” No question. He liked the man he’d become when he was with Stone. He was happy.

“His name was John. He went to college with me and ran track. Hurdles. I thought he was gorgeous. I knew I was gay. I’d been out since high school and I asked him out. He wasn’t out yet, but it was a co-ed building we lived in, so no one was the wiser if we were together.” Stone tensed and closed his eyes. He continued to pet Champ. “He was my first.”

Stone’s honesty stunned him. He loved that Stone could be so bare with him. He’d probably never shared this story with anyone else.

“A rumor went around that we weren’t just friends. I was in love—or what I thought was love. He was experimenting.” The sadness in Stone’s voice resonated in his eyes. “We fucked and I thought we were close. Two months, we were tight. Then he stopped talking to me when I told him how I felt. He turned the track team against me and I ended up leaving college at the end of the semester. I finished my degree at the community college over in Springdale. I never saw John again.”

He faced Stone and stroked the back of Stone’s head. “He lost out.”

“I don’t know.” Stone shrugged a third time, but pushed into Liam’s hand. “He wouldn’t have been happy with a man who has too many animals running around and rescues even more. He’d want to live in the city and go clubbing. I’m not a club kid.” He met Liam’s gaze. “You say you’re falling for me.”

“I am.”

“Then know what you’re getting into. I’m not leaving Cedarwood. This is my home and my life. I’m not hiding and I know who I am. I don’t need popularity. I want to be loved and cherished. If you can do that, and accept me, then we’ll be fine. If you have any doubts, then tell me now.”

He petted Champ and stroked Stone’s hair with his other hand. “I can accept that.” He scooted closer to Stone. “I’m falling hard for you. I don’t care who knows.”

The heat of passion and love shimmered in Stone’s eyes. “Liam.”

“I’m not changing my mind.” He kissed Stone. “This is more important than anything.”

Stone smiled, then closed his eyes. “Katie,” he murmured.

“Hi, boss.” She strolled into the room. “Oh my God. I’m sorry.”

“You’re okay,” Stone said.

The tips of Liam’s ears burned and he pulled back. “No, really.” Although he wanted more time alone with Stone.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve knocked first.” She blushed. “Wow.”

“Katie?” Stone scooted forward in his seat and handed Champ to Liam. “What’s wrong?”

She stared at him for a second, then blinked. “Oh, yeah.” She waved her hands. “Right. First, I’m done. Everyone’s been fed and Daisy’s in the barn. Kevin finished the lawn.”

“Great,” Stone said. “Anything else?”

“We need our paperwork completed for the vo-ed. I’ve got mine and Kevin says his is in his truck.” She crinkled her forehead and frowned.

“No problem. I’ll sign it right now.” Stone stood and hooked his fingers in his pockets. “Anything else? You’re tense.”

“Well…yeah.” She sighed. “There’s like ten cars and a bunch of people at the gate. We can’t get out. Kevin says they want to see if Liam’s here.”

So the media had found him.Lovely.“Shit.”

“I just want to go home.” Katie stayed in the doorway. “Can we use the access road? We’ll close the gate there, too.”

“Sure. Until further notice, use it.” Stone nodded. “Kevin’s still here, right?”

She nodded.

“Fine. I’ll sign your stuff then talk to him.” He followed her out of the room, leaving Liam with the pets.

Liam held Champ. The little guy had his eyes open and seemed to be taking in the world around him. He purred, too. “Hi, baby. You brought us together. Thank you. You’re a fighter and I love an underdog…er, cat.” He tucked the kitten under his chin. “I love your master. I’m worried I’ll hurt him, though. The crap with the media will follow me. It’s not going to die because I’m here. I’m not sure what to do. Going to the set in Georgia will be rough. I want him around and I don’t know if I can live without him.” He had to do something. He was a celebrity, but low on the scale of fame. In Cedarwood, he wasn’t more than a wanderer.

---