Page 6 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Chapter Two

Stone parked behind Colin’s SUV. He wasn’t in the mood to see his half-brother, but he needed the check for the shelter. Only Arthur would write a check to the shelter and not deliver the damn thing. He’d told everyone he’d donated the money, but Arthur had a tendency to forget what he’d said until Stone pushed.

He noticed the extra vehicle in the drive. A rental car packed with junk.Who the hell’s there to see my brother? A new boyfriend?He wasn’t one to snoop on Arthur, but whoever was there had their life crammed into that car.

Arthur strode out of the house. “I know what you want.” He shoved the piece of paper into Stone’s hand. “I’m sorry I forgot. Forgive me.”

“Is the guy hot?” He looked at the check before tucking it into his pocket. “Huh? So hot you don’t want anyone else to see him?”

“What guy?”

“Don’t play stupid. The one with the car packed with his life.” He nodded to the house. “He’s cute, isn’t he?”

“I’m getting him a rental property,” Arthur snapped. “Jesus. We don’t all think with our dick.”

“You do.” He knew his brother. The man had a flair for finding fixer-upper types. The hotter, the better.

“Not this time.”

“Really? What changed?” Stone asked. “You always want the guys for yourself. I’m looked at as the oddball. You steer them away from me. Do I have some raging horn sticking out of my forehead? Green spots I don’t see? Or am I really that much of an asshole?”

“I never said any of those things.”

“You’re a crap liar.”

“He’s only here on a temporary basis.”

“Ah. A one-month guy? Won’t Laurence care?”

“He’d have to be home long enough to care.” Arthur sighed. “Just… he’s not mine, but I’d suggest you leave him alone. It won’t end well.”

“Because you’re chasing him.”

“Because he’s not staying in town. He’ll be here for six months or so, then he’ll be gone.” Arthur glared at him. “You don’t need to be fucked around by another asshole who will use you.”

“Shit.” He hated when his brother was right and brought up his ex-boyfriend, Jeff. The guy still owed Stone money and an apology. He’d been a great boyfriend when they were together and Jeff had needed a place to crash. But Stone hadn’t been good enough for Jeff to stick around. “Fair enough.”

“No, it’s not fair,” Arthur said. “Jesus. I helped pick up the pieces. He treated you like shit and you wanted him back.”

Arthur had him there. He’d thought he was in love with Jeff.

“I gave you the check and I’ll come by the farm later to sort out your checking account. Go before you get a whiff of this guy and do something you’ll regret,” Arthur said.

“Then heishot.”

“Hell yes, he’s hot.” Arthur frowned. “Stone. No.”

“I’m not.” He shrugged. “But if I don’t give you shit, you’d think I was sick.”

“I would.” Arthur gave him a shove. “Go.”

“I’m out.” He patted his back pocket. “Thank you. I hope Laurence comes home and realizes what he’s got.” He climbed behind the wheel of his truck. “Thank you. I love you.”

“You tolerate me.” Arthur waved. “Be good.”

He drove off, leaving his brother behind. Arthur knew him too well. He didn’t need to get involved with anyone. He’d split with Jeff for the last time not four months ago. He had no business being in a relationship. According to Jeff, he wasn’t relationship material. He wanted too much from his partner.

Except he’d thought he was a decent boyfriend. He liked having a warm body in his bed. He missed their conversations over dinner and date night. He missed the noise in the house—noise not made by animals. He drove across Cedarwood to the rescue. He should head to the bank first, but he wanted to make a copy of the check.

---