“Seems like.” She clapped him on the back. “Focus on being with Cain tonight. I’m willing to be his beard if it allows him to stay here longer. He loves you, and I think you love him, too.”

“Maddie?” It was too much to ask of her.

“I’m still a romantic and I want you to be with the man you love. Nic’s even in on this. He agreed to be your lawyer.” She grinned. “Things will work out.”

“Thanks.”

“Welcome.” She squeezed his biceps. “I’m sorry I was wrong about Cain, but I’m not sorry about being protective. You deserve the best.”

“I try.”

“You do.” She stuffed her hands into her pockets. “They’ll be here at six, so get cleaned up and I’ll finish the rest of the chores. While you’re at it, he’s litter trained, so take Ollie in.”

“Thanks.”

“Any time.” She winked. “Make that boy drool.”

“I will.” He carried Ollie to the house. Gabby raced after him. His heart lightened and his spirits lifted. He just might have a future with Cain after all.Hot damn.

* * * *

At six-thirty, he paced the length of the living room. Andrew couldn’t look too eager—not with Cain traipsing all over the farm with Maddie, Liam and three other guys. Maddie had told him to stay inside with Nic until Cain could leave the group.

Waiting was so hard.

“It’s going to be okay.” Nic glanced out of the window. “If it’s any consolation, I’m not wild about seeing Mads with another guy. It’s strange.”

“I know.” He stopped pacing. “You really like her.”

“I have since school.” Nic shrugged. “She’s been the one I can’t forget. Is that how you feel about Cain?”

“It is.” He spied Cain on the lawn and talking to Maddie. They had to pretend they were falling for each other. Seeing them paired up hurt his heart, even if he knew it was all a farce. He wanted to be the one holding Cain, not watching him.

“It won’t be much longer,” Nic said. “By the way, I talked to Cain. He’s going to need a lawyer once he breaks away and I volunteered. I’m working on how to get him out of his contracts and allow him to get paid while he lives here. I’m on your side.”

“I know,” Andrew said. He knew about Nic being a good lawyer and being on his side, but nothing about contracts. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.” Nic balled his hands and grinned. “The guys are leaving, and Liam’s coming in. Won’t be long now.”

Liam ventured into the house. “Hey, guys. Nic, you’re welcome to head out.”

Andrew waited for Nic to vacate the room before he spoke. “I hate subterfuge. I know why this is such a big deal, but that doesn’t help much.”

“Cain’s been the poster boy for good behavior in Hollywood. Everyone likes him, he plays well with others, doesn’t make waves or grab his costars and gets the job done in relatively few takes. I’ve never known him or heard of him being a prima donna.”

“He’s a good worker and pleasant.” Andrew turned away from the window. “He came out. Why isn’t that enough?”

“Because his parents are pieces of work… You’ve met them. That’s why he’s been careful. They seem to think he’ll lose fans, which means he’ll lose jobs.” Liam shrugged. “Having fans is good because it draws people to the theaters and eyeballs watching the television or whatever, but it’s not everything.”

“They’re worried they’ll lose money,” Andrew said.

“That’s it.” Liam tucked his hands into his pockets and sighed. “I’m trying to help as much as I can because I know how he feels. When I met Stone, I wanted to spend every second with him. It killed me to leave town, even for a little while.”

“How did you work it out?” He saw no good coming from lying to people.

“I had faith in Stone, for one. I also had a good support system,” Liam said. “But I also believed that Stone and I could make it. I knew I loved him, and he loved me. How do you feel about Cain?”

“I love him.” He exhaled to settle his nerves. “I can’t look outside at him with Maddie. I know she’s not a threat and I know I’m attached to Cain, but I’m scared he’ll see someone better looking who doesn’t own a farm and can handle his situation. He’ll find that person and leave me. We’re from different worlds, but I see us having a future. Whether we will is another question. He might want someone better suited to him.” He was rambling and he knew it.