Page 45 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

“I didn’t until you said something,” Penn replied. “Well, when you’re ready, the plan’s all set. I’ve got your security in place around the farm and Nic will be with you at the house when it’s time.”

“Okay.” Meeting Nic had been a stroke of luck. “Dix and my parents aren’t the wiser right now?” A kitten clawed its way onto the bed and sniffed at Cain. He held his hand out to the feline. When the kitten approached, he petted its head.

“Not entirely. They know something’s happening since you’ve disappeared again,” Penn said. “They’re not stupid.”

“No, they aren’t.” He continued to pet the tiny fuzzball, soothed by its presence. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s still scary.”

“It is, but you need this, Cain. They stole a lot of money and time from you,” Penn said. “You should be in control of your life.”

“Yeah.” He snuggled the kitten. “Thanks.” He put the phone down and focused on the animal. “I haven’t met you yet. You’re adorable.”

Another orange cat hopped onto the bed. He didn’t know this one either, but both seemed friendly and accepting of him. He petted both cats and wondered about the dog. Gabby was probably out with Andrew.

“Hi, kids.” Cain rolled onto his side and scratched the bigger cat behind the ears. “I love your master and I hope you’ll let me live here. I’m drawn to him. He makes me happy and whole. Am I allowed to stay?”

The smaller cat tucked up to him and purred as it fell asleep. The larger cat stared at him and batted Cain’s hand when he stopped petting it.

“Persistent. I like that.” Cain resumed scratching the bigger feline and stroked the smaller one’s fur. The kitties soothed him. He’d never had pets before. Sure, animals were probably messy and noisy, but they were therapeutic.

He noted the clunk of footfalls in the corridor. Neither cat left the bed, but the larger cat curled up and proceeded to clean itself.

Andrew strolled into the bedroom. He grinned. “I see I’ve been replaced.”

Gabby trotted into the room and plopped onto her dog bed.

“Not replaced.” Cain continued to pet the kitten. “This one has claws like razors. He climbed right up here and fell asleep. That one just started his bath. I think we’re interrupting him.”

“Ollie, the baby, is a cuddler. Maddie named them both. The bigger one is Roger.” Andrew sat on the armchair and removed his socks. “They’ll snuggle you to death if given the chance.” He tossed the socks into the clothes basket. “What’s the plan for today? You’ve run away, and I’m guessing someone’s on the hunt for you. I noticed there are guards posted at each corner of the property and a few at the edges of the fields. That’s your version of keeping us all safe?”

“Protected, yes.” Cain propped himself up on his elbow and kept petting Ollie. “It’s so you don’t have a visitor in the barn.”

“Unless it’s you.” Andrew crooked his eyebrow, then removed his watch.

“True.” Cain nodded once and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I still want a quickie in the barn.”

“You’ll get straw in your ass.” Andrew removed his ballcap. “But I want to do that, too. Not the straw in your ass. The quickie.”

“See?” Cain sighed. “I want to be here with you. I know it’s fast and there’s a chance we won’t make it, but I want what we have.”

“I do, too.” Andrew rested his elbows on his knees. “I found you and I’m not letting go.”

Love swelled in his heart. Being with Andrew was cozy and perfect. The cats, dog, the house, the land…he had a home with this man. He belonged.

“I’m being protected from kids trespassing?” Andrew asked and stood.

“That and the media,” Cain said. “And my parents. Dixon. They don’t want me to do what I’ve done, but I don’t care.”

“What else did you do?” Andrew asked and wrestled out of his shirt.

“The interview with Cape for one, the photos for another, then I put the pictures and my confession on social media… Everyone knows about me coming out, my having a boyfriend and my taking a turn in my career. I’m out,” Cain said. “Just like I told you. I’m not trying to find acceptance or get hired on a film. I did it all for me—me and you.”

Andrew said nothing.

“My fans didn’t leave me like my parents suggested. I’m more popular than ever,” Cain said. “Which is why I wanted this farm to be safe. I want you to know I can be here with you and our family without being chased.” He had to make Andrew understand.

“I suppose you’re right.” Andrew unzipped. “I need to shower.”

And Cain needed to watch—from within the shower. He ensured the kitten had a snuggly yet visible spot on the bedding, then hurried nude into the bathroom.

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