“Guitars. I have three.” Pride swelled within him. He loved his instruments. He might not know precisely where he stood with Mick, but he had his guitars.
“Let me help and we’ll take all three of these beauties into the house.” Mick accepted one of the cases, then exited the bus. When Evan joined him, Mick spoke. “You know, if you learn to drive this, we could turn it into our RV, train the cat, get a couple of dogs and we could see the country.”
Evan laughed. Trust Mick to see the bright side of the situation. “We could.” He’d never had a dog. Might be fun.
Mick grinned and walked beside Evan to the house. “We’ll make this work.”
“You bet your ass we will.” Mick swatted Evan’s butt. “I know it.”
His heart soared. He might be down and out, but he was damn lucky to have Mick.
Chapter Eight
Mick headed into the office the next morning, but he hadn’t slept much and looked rougher than if he’d stayed with Evan and worn the same clothes as the day before. He hated leaving Evan, but he needed to work and couldn’t stay without having a change of clothes. Besides, he’d needed the separation.
Loves me.
Evan was going too fast. Hell, he’d been in town for two weeks and was already in love? Why hadn’t Mick been able to get Evan’s declaration out of his head?
Loves me.
Was it possible to love someone that fast? His exes had claimed to love him, then they’d left. Would Evan decide he’d had enough, too?
Bud barged into the office and shut the door. “Guess who I saw kissing Remy Bard? Don’t know? It was Evan Conley. He was all gussied up. Was he there as Evan James? Trying to get some attention? Reignite his career? All I know is they were tangled up in one hell of a kiss.”
“Kissing?” Evan had said they were meeting for an interview. He’d vouched for Remy and built Evan up when he’d been nervous. “Are you sure?” He shouldn’t believe his co-worker. He didn’t trust Bud and doubted Remy would cheat on Bobby, but Evan could be magnetic. He could’ve turned on the charm and worked magic on Remy. Had Evan said he loved Mick out of guilt?
“All I know was that I saw them together at the diner and in an embrace. They kissed and said they needed to get together again.” Bud rested his hands on the desk. “What are you going to do about that? It’s crap. If you’re with him, then he should be just with you.”
None of what Bud said sounded like Evan. “I see.” He’d have to check out the story, but something sounded off.
“I told you. He comes out and uses you because you’re close. Mick, you trust too easily and he’s a crumb. You deserve better,” Bud said. “I know it.”
“I guess, maybe.” He liked Evan. Maybe he did love Evan. Hell, if he wasn’t this drawn to Evan, then he wouldn’t be so hurt thinking Evan could be cheating on him.
“You need to get away and over him. Like now. He’ll hurt you and bring you down again,” Bud said. “You can’t keep doing this.”
“I know.” His stomach ached. He did trust too easily and thought Evan was different. His feelings for Evan were strong. But guys tended to get bored and cheat. Or they wanted something from him. Fuck.
Bud rolled his eyes. “Speaking of trouble…”
“Evan’s here?” He would like to see Evan and sort things out.
“No. The Tates. Good luck. Those women are different.” Bud left his seat and opened the door. “I can hear them coming. I give you props for dealing with them. They’re a pain in the ass, if you ask me.”
“Thanks. I didn’t ask you.” Mick escorted Bud from the room and waved to his clients. “Ladies? Good to see you today.”
Four hours later, Mick managed to get through the meeting and negotiated the split of items in the Tate home. Each sister seemed happy.
He waited for the women to leave, then returned to the quiet of his office. He needed a few moments to think. Time had passed since Bud had brought up Evan and Remy kissing. Mick thought he knew what he wanted to say to his boyfriend, but now he wasn’t so sure.
He wouldn’t get anywhere if he stayed in his office and got lost in his thoughts.
Mick locked his office and headed out to the square. The food trucks would be parked there waiting for the lunch crowd. If nothing else, Mick could use the walk to think. He wanted to get away from Bud and the drama. He needed to regain his center.
Farin Baker strode across the square and waved.
Mick relaxed. Finally, he’d come across someone who wouldn’t spread gossip and might offer to be the voice of reason. He waved. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself.” Farin, co-owner of the bookstore in Cedarwood, fell into step with him. “How are things? I’m sorry to hear about Mrs. Conley. I didn’t have any interactions with her, but I’m told she was a nice person.”
“She was and thank you.” Mick nodded. “How’s sales at the store?”
“Good. We’re picking up now that we’re offering study space and keeping it well-monitored. The sweet shop next door brings a selection of pastries over, and tea. I never thought the high school kids would be into pastries and tea, but they are. Nelson, the guy who owns the bake shop, employs two high schoolers to run the little stand in our store. It keeps them in check, the kids don’t make a mess and they all tend to buy more from us, so it’s a win for everyone,” Farin said. “I hear you and Evan Conley are close.”
“It’s all around town, isn’t it?” He wished everyone didn’t know. He
