Page 37 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

He gritted his teeth. Part of him wanted to believe Penn, but he’d been burned too many times. People wanted dirt and Penn, among others, seemed happy to share. He sighed. He wanted Andrew, not this headache. He couldn’t think straight without his other half.

“Your parents can’t keep you here. They can’t restrain you.” Penn folded his arms. “You should have protection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself. You should have a life.”

He sighed again. He agreed with Penn, but he still didn’t trust him.

“Look, you want to be with Andrew, right? You want to come out, yes?” Penn asked. “You gave your story through photos to Larkin and you’re supposed to talk to the tabloids tonight. When you’re loose and talking to them, maybe you could get a phone call in to Cape and one to Andrew? I’ll help you. I’m tired of seeing people destroyed because they can’t be themselves. The fans will be happy that you’re happy. They’ll follow you.”

“I wish I could be so positive.” Cain massaged his temples. “Mother has my phone and probably has it tracked. I’m surprised she didn’t have it tracked before now.”

“She’s not tracking mine.” Penn nodded. “Use the numbers on yours to make the calls on mine. Text Andrew and tell him what’s going on.”

“Why are you doing this again?” Cain asked.

“Because I want to stay here in Cedarwood and be with Shayne. If you’re staying here, then maybe you can use me. Why not? We’ll help each other and have the happy endings we deserve.”

Ah.There was the payoff for Penn. A job. Cain debated his next move. He didn’t have much choice, and Penn was offering a lifeline. “I’ll get cleaned up for the tabloid shit. You just stay on the level with me and maybe we can work something out. I want that happy ending.”

“Me, too.” Penn nodded. “We deserve it.”

He needed something to believe in and Penn could be slime, but he could also be just what Cain wanted for business. “Let’s do this.”

* * * *

Andrew got through the chores, but everywhere he looked something reminded him of Cain. He’d spent the last week alone, save for Maddie and the animals. Life wasn’t so much fun without Cain around. He’d sunk so deep, but he’d fallen hard for Cain.

One night he looked Cain up on the internet. His boyfriend had so many credits to his name. So many stories, too. He’d never been linked to any one person for more than a few weeks, and never men. When Cain and Andrew had made love, it had sure seemed like Cain had experience with other guys.

In the dark of night, Andrew couldn’t shake the feeling he’d been used. He didn’t want to think Cain could be so callous, but he’d been wrong before.

He parked the tractor in the barn Thursday afternoon, then checked on the kittens. He picked up the lone orange one and cuddled the feline against his chin.So small and fluffy.The little thing seemed to like him.

“Andrew?” Maddie made her way into the barn. “Hey.” She joined him by the kitten pen. “Awe. You found Ollie.”

“Ollie?” He stroked the kitten’s fur. The little ball of puff rumbled like an engine.

“I think he likes you.” She scratched Ollie behind the ears.

“He does. Once he’s fixed, I’ll probably take him to the house to hang with Roger.” He’d become rather fond of the kitten. “Roger needs a friend, and Gabby likes having kitties to care for.”

“She does.” Maddie folded her arms. “Did you see you’re on the web?”

“I am?”

She withdrew her phone from her pocket. “You took pictures with Cain, didn’t you?”

“I did.” He spied the images and the caption.

Actor Comes Clean—I’m Gay and In Love

In love?He hadn’t told Andrew he was in love. Andrew resumed petting Ollie. “I guess I did.”

“Are you okay? It’s been a week since he left.” She picked up another of the kittens and cuddled it.

“I’ll survive.” He’d rather not do it without Cain there, but he had to be patient.

“I know.” She hesitated beside him. “I heard from Dad.”

Oh God.What did their father want? The man had been more of a cheat than a hippie and never honest with anyone. The hippie act hid his proclivity for sneaking around on whatever partner he had at the time. “Yeah?” He didn’t keep in touch with his father. “Did he and one of our mothers save a whale or clean up a beach?”

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