Page 44 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

“I am?” He wouldn’t have described himself that way. “I’m just me.”

“You didn’t put on airs when you met me and you opened my eyes,” Cain said. “I had a narrow view of the world, life and farms. I now know how I want to live my life, who I want to love and where I should be. I know how to take care of myself and that’s huge. Anyone else might have catered to my celebrity status. They’d have used me, but you didn’t.”

“You’ve always had it in you to handle your own life.” Andrew appreciated Cain’s words because he believed those exact same things about Cain. “So you’ve been looking for a regular guy?”

“I guess I was, but not just any regular guy.” Cain grinned. “I needed to find you.Youmade the difference.”

Andrew reached over and turned off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. “Is your entourage still here?” Andrew asked. “It’s dark out. I’m guessing they left, but if they didn’t, they just got one hell of a show.”

“They took off when Liam exited. But you’re right, they’d have gotten a show. It’d be in the papers, too, so I’m glad they didn’t know,” Cain said. “The only one still hanging around is Penn, and that’s because he’s in an RV at the end of the driveway. He’s with his boyfriend and I don’t want to think about what they’re doing out there.”

“Penn?” He frowned. “Who is Penn?”

“He’s now my personal assistant.” Cain toyed with the thin wisp of hair between Andrew’s pecs. “I needed someone to handle my affairs and work with Nic since it won’t be up to Dixon and my parents. I know it’s complicated.” He tangled up tighter with Andrew. “Penn met someone here in Cedarwood, so he’s got incentive to help me. He wants to stay here with him. I can’t blame him. Cedarwood has some mighty fine men.”

“And your family?”Mighty fine men?Andrew bit back a snort. He wasn’t that great-looking.

“Starting with Liam’s movie, I’m being paid directly—not through the machine.”

“Will they accept it?”

“My being out is all over the media,” Cain said. “I’ve already lined up security staff to protect the farm and critters here. I can’t be totally on my own without some sort of protection because of my celebrity status, but I’m in control of what I’m doing.”

“I respect that.”

“Good, because I’m basing myself here with you.”

Holy shit.Cainwasserious. “Your mother will burn down the farm.”

“She might, but she’ll want money first, so I doubt she’ll actually commit arson.” Cain shrugged. “Babe, we’ll figure it out tomorrow. Trust me.”

He had everything he’d ever wanted in Cain. If Cain wanted his trust, then fine. He had it.

“Do you trust me?” Cain asked. “Andrew?”

“I do.”

* * * *

Saturday morning, Cain woke to an empty bed. He should have been concerned but wasn’t because he heard the rumble of the tractor. Andrew was out doing chores. He grinned to himself and tucked his hands behind his head. He had his plans in place for the next part of his life and finally felt in control.

His phone buzzed. He wanted to laze in bed longer, but the ringer didn’t stop making noise.

He rolled over long enough to dig the device out of his pants.Penn.

“Yes?” Cain asked as he answered the call.

“It’s all set up,” Penn said. “I thought I’d get your voicemail. Good weekend so far?”

“It has been. Why aren’t you with your boyfriend?” He couldn’t remember the guy’s name. “Shayne?”

“He’s at work. He does PR for the baseball team and they’ve got a game today. It’s sexy. He’s in a button-down and tie. I love men in business wear,” Penn said. “So hot.”

“Ah.” He sighed. He had no desire to get up yet. Andrew’s bed was too comfy.

“Where is yours? Sleeping?” Penn laughed. “I hope you’ve worn each other out.”

“He’s doing chores. Hear the tractor?” He probably should’ve offered to help Andrew, but he didn’t even know when Andrew had woken to start the chores.

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