Page 50 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“They offered me two scripts for my perusal. They’re good scripts.”

“Liam, that’s great.” He held Liam’s hand. “When one door closes…”

“Both filming locations are in Arizona, though.”

“If it’s work and it makes you happy, then do them.” He’d deal.

“It’s not going to work if I’m away from you.”

“I can’t go to Arizona, but I can visit.”

“I know. A visit isn’t the same.”

“Don’t pass this up because of me.” He’d never be able to live with himself if Liam did. “We’ll still be here.”

“I know.”

He wasn’t sure what to say. He rubbed his forehead. “You seem to have your mind made up. Why don’t you tell me how and where you were hurt?”

“I finished the interview and went to the park to visit the gyro truck. I was on my own and wanted to eat, then read the scripts. They sent me copies to my email. Anyway, I’m minding my own business, reading away when a guy shouts ‘Liam Blackwell, you’re gay.’ He pulled a gun on me.”

“Jesus, Liam.” Nausea washed over him. “A gun? Was it the Coalition? A fan?”

“It was Jeff.” Liam held Stone’s fingers tighter. “It was stupid. I never should’ve gone to the park. I was alone and unarmed, but I wanted to think.”

About?“Wait…Jeff? My ex?”

“Yeah.” Liam sighed. “You said you were behind me. You’ve given me so much while I’ve been here.” He stared at Stone. “Then I said I loved you and pushed a lot. You didn’t back down or cave. I published that statement and brought us so much attention, and yet your first instinct was to protect me. I was worried that you’d never say you loved me, too, but you do. You’re not saying it in words, but your actions. But I kept wondering, what if this was all we could do? What if how I felt was all in my head? What if I pushed you away?”

“Liam.” Shit was realer than he’d ever imagined. “Jeff?”

“I over-thought so much.” Liam shook his head.

“We all do.”Why isn’t he talking about Jeff and if the bastard is in custody?

“But I don’t tend to think this hard about relationships,” Liam said. “That’s where I jump right in with both feet and think later. But that’s not you. Jeff, John and the others made you question.”

“Jeff is an asshole.” He knelt in front of Liam. “You’re being vague and I’m scared. Why did Jeff pull a gun on you?”

“Do you love me?” Liam stared at him. “Not my celebrity status or the money I don’t have. Just me?”

“I do. I’ve been fascinated with you since I first met you. Did I think I’d fall for you? I wasn’t sure right away, but I am in love with you. When you said you were at the hospital, you’re right, I wanted to protect you. I want to string Jeff up for hurting you. I can’t see my life without you.” He settled between Liam’s knees. “I want you to stay, but you need to follow your heart.”Even if it hurts like hell, I’ll be here.

Liam sighed. “Jeff shot me.”

“Holy shit.” He didn’t see any visible wounds and if Liam had been hurt too badly, he wouldn’t have left the hospital. “Where are your clothes? Were they destroyed?”

“I changed at the hospital. Jordan gave me the outfit.” Liam shrugged. “Said he keeps extra clothes in his cruiser for a rainy day.”

“You’ve been through a monsoon.” His heart sank. “How are you so calm?”

“I’m not focusing on what happened,” Liam said.

“Wonderful, but what about Jeff?”Christ, the man knows how to string this out.

“Jeff approached me and said I couldn’t stay in Cedarwood. I’m a fag and I don’t belong. I took you from him and I’m not worthy of you.” Liam massaged his forehead. “I knew how he felt. He lost something great and won’t get it back.”

“So he shot you?”

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