Page 17 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

“You were so excited to see him.”

“I knew him from California, sort of. But we’re slated to do an LGBTQ movie together.” Cain balled his hands to keep from reaching for Andrew.

“Oh.”

Fuck it.“I’m gay. I’ve hidden it all this time because I was told it wasn’t bankable, but I don’t care. I have to be true to myself. I’m gay.” He wanted to touch Andrew and feel his body against him again. He smoothed the wrinkles in Andrew’s shirt. “I’ll get that money. I promise.”

“It’s not a big deal.”

He hated owing people anything. Besides, he wanted a reason to see Andrew again. He’d have to talk to his manager and risk his family coming to visit, but Andrew was worth the trouble.

“I’m not worried about the money. I trust you.” Andrew smiled. “I should get the rest of the chores done. You’re welcome to stay, but it’s boring and you’re not wearing work clothes. Plus, it’s getting dark.”

“Call me?” Hope blossomed in his chest. Andrew wanted him around. He’d have to figure out what work clothes he’d need, but he’d do it.

“I will.” Andrew leaned in close. “I will.” He brushed his mouth over Cain’s, then inched back.

The kiss, if that was what it was, happened so fast that Cain thought it a figment of his imagination. He wanted Andrew to kiss him properly. Instead, Andrew trailed his fingers down Cain’s arm.

“Next time, wear something you don’t mind getting dirty and you can help me,” Andrew murmured.

“Yeah?” His excitement grew. “I will.”

Andrew swept his gaze over Cain. Cows mooed in the distance, and the dog barked. Andrew adjusted his ballcap and grinned. “See you. I need to get those chores done.”

“Yeah.” Cain slid behind the wheel of his car. He’d rather stay, but he couldn’t help and didn’t want to sit alone on the porch. He had no idea how to do the chores Andrew mentioned, but he wanted to learn. He’d rather be here than at the apartment by himself.

Still, he needed a momentary breather. He waved and left the farm. As he drove, his thoughts filled with Andrew. He’d made headway. The independence of finding his own partner and admitting his attraction to Andrew pleased him.

He’d made his first steps in his life to being his own man.

Perfect.

Andrew watched Cain drive away and a piece of his heart went with him. He still couldn’t quite parse out Cain’s story, but whatever. He should see if that website he’d been shown was legitimate. Cain looked like the guy from the photos, but he could just be a doppelganger.

He headed into the barn to finish his chores and close up for the night. He needed to think about something other than Cain.

Maddie parked in front of the barn, in the space Cain had vacated. She left the vehicle. “You will never believe what I heard.”

Andrew wiped his brow, then swatted at an errant fly. “Shouldn’t you be climbing Nic right now, not here?”

“We’re taking things slow.” She strode up to him. “Seriously, you’ll never believe it.”

He stepped onto the porch and poured water from the hose into the glass Cain had abandoned. “I’ll bite. What’d your boyfriend say?”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Yet.” He finished the water. “You’ve had a crush on him since we were in school. You’re in love with him and it’s pretty damn obvious.”

“So?”

“So stay out with him. Why take things slow?” He wound up the hose. “I got the cat food. Chores are done.”

“I heard about the cat food.” She leaned against the railing along the porch and crossed her ankles. “I heard you played the knight in shining armor. You bought someone groceries.”

“I did. He misplaced his card. Big deal.” Andrew picked up the broom and swept dirt from the porch. “He needed help and I could lend it, so I did.”

“Thehein question is a celebrity.”

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