Page 8 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

“I guess.” He’d rather be known for helping animals, instead of Cedarwood being the home of some celebrity.

“I heard the renter is an actor. I don’t know who, but it’ll be nice to have some class in Cedarwood.” Ari nodded. “We need new blood in this town.”

“No, you want them to visit your store and spend money.” Stone sighed. “I need to go. I promised Amy I’d get her a gyro.”

“Ah.” Ari’s eyes lit up. “Are you two an item?”

“No.” He’d been through this a hundred times with Ari. The man knew the truth. “I’m gay and Amy isn’t looking for a boyfriend.” Not that she’d told him anyway.

“She’d be a wonderful partner. You already run the shelter together.”

“I’m gay.”

“Keep your voice down.” Ari sneered. “No one wants to hear about that.”

He groaned. “Fine, but I am. I’m not interested in Amy as a dating partner.” He sighed again. “I should go. Enjoy your afternoon.”

“I will.” Ari nodded and smiled before walking away.

Stone kept the smile on his face, despite his desire to scream. He forced himself to be nice to everyone. He made the hard decisions concerning adoptions, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t act pleasant. He always strived to maintain a positive relationship with the community for the sake of the animal shelter. But people like Ari tried his patience.

He made his way to the gyro truck. At least there was a short line and he wouldn’t have to wait long. He queued up. His ex-boyfriend, Jeff, was at the head of the line.Shit.He prayed Jeff couldn’t see him. Things were so messy between them and he wasn’t in the mood to listen to his ex rant.

“Stone?”

Too late.He met Jeff’s gaze. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Jeff grinned. “Funny seeing you here.”

“In town? I do leave the shelter.” He had to measure his words to not incite Jeff.

“Not much. I thought maybe you’d marry the place.”

There was the jab he expected. “The animals need me.”

“I needed you.” Jeff stepped aside as Stone ordered. “You’re getting two? Got a new stud in the pasture?”

“Amy.”

“Oh.” Jeff hesitated. “Want to grab a beer? We should reconnect.”

“I quit drinking.” Drinking only ever got him into trouble.

“Why?”

“I have no real need to do it.” He’d increased his drinking when Jeff stressed him out and he didn’t like himself when he was drunk.

“Are you kidding? A hot summer day is best capped with a cold brew.”

“Or an iced tea.”Time to shut this down.“My order is up. I should go.”

“You’re getting dull in your old age,” Jeff said.

The sizzle wasn’t there. The desire to kiss Jeff had gone a long time ago. Now, when he looked at his ex, he only felt sad. “Old? I’m six months younger than you.” He folded the top of the bag. “I need to go. Amy is probably hungry and she won’t want cold food.”

Jeff shrugged. “My hot bod is waiting when you’re ready.”

“Don’t keep it idling on my account.”

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