“What?” Mick tipped his head. “I see the wheels turning.”
“Nothing.” He’d have to give up his career. He hadn’t gone anywhere with his music—not really. He’d languished in the small-club scene. If he wanted to be a star, his time was almost gone. Why not stay in Cedarwood and work the land like his grandparents had done? Cedarwood wasn’t the same place he’d left and it wasn’t bad. Maybe he could have a future in the last place he’d ever thought possible.
Chapter Three
Mick stayed with Evan for the remainder of the afternoon. Part of him wanted to go and give Evan a rest, but the rest of him enjoyed Evan’s company. Once he got Evan to talk, they laughed a lot. It’d been so long since Mick had spent time with a decent single guy. He could see being friends with Evan. What was Evan? The last single guy in Cedarwood? And he was gay, too.
All the good guys were taken. Evan wasn’t. The good ones were gone because they’d found their happy endings. Great for them, but terrible for Mick. He wanted a happy ending of his own.
Mick wasn’t fond of sappy movies, but he sat with Evan as they watched two so-so movies featuring country music stars.
Evan rested his head on Mick’s shoulder. “I knew that guy.”
“Which one?” He should move Evan away, but he didn’t. He enjoyed having Evan close. He smelled good and felt even better against his skin.
“The one trying to get the girl. I was on his tour five years ago.” Evan brushed Mick’s hand as he reached for the popcorn. “He’s a son of a bitch.”
Mick had loved holding Evan’s hand earlier in the day. He didn’t want to take advantage of Evan, but the electricity every time they touched was too much to ignore. “Maybe that guy had a rough year?” Or he’s truly an asshole.
“The tour sucked. It wasn’t his fault—not entirely. He kept coming on to my bassist and when Daryl said no, Deke tried to kiss me,” Evan said. “He’s bisexual, confused and struggling with the same issues I’ve struggled with. If he comes out as being anything but straight, he’ll be massacred in the press.”
“Did you like him?” A twinge of jealousy hit. He didn’t want to think of Evan with someone else. “He’s handsome.”
“No, I didn’t have feelings for him. I’m not wild about slobby people. I can handle picking up after someone, but not being a maid,” Evan said. “He thought the sweaty look worked for him. It does, when it’s baby oil for photos or he’s done work. When he’s being lazy, it’s not sexy.”
“That makes sense.” At least the guy on television wasn’t competition.
Evan yawned. “I’m tired.”
“Get some sleep.” He should do the same.
“The house is so quiet. I doubt I will.” Evan sat up. His hair stood out in wild tangles. “Did she still play music at night?”
“She did.” He missed her leaving the radio on when he left. “Evan, you’re exhausted. You’ll fall right to sleep. Your body won’t let you stay awake much longer.” He stood and stretched. “I’ll put this away.” He picked up the bowl and carried it to the sink.
“Do you want to stay?” Evan asked.
Mick froze. He hadn’t expected Evan to ask that. “I don’t know.”
“If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”
He turned on his heel. Evan stood in the doorway to the kitchen. With his bare feet showing, the jeans contoured to his legs and the T-shirt clinging to his upper body like a second skin, he struck a sexy pose without trying. Every cell in Mick’s body screamed for him to stay. “I should go.”
“I’m repellant still?”
“You’re mourning.” He crossed the room to Evan. “And I’m your grandmother’s lawyer. You don’t want me to stay.” You hated me in school and we’re only getting along now because we’re both lonely.
“I want you to stay.”
“It won’t look right.”
“I’ve never cared how things looked,” Evan said.
“Whoa.” He paused. He knew Evan better than this. “Yeah, you do care. If you didn’t, then you’d be out to everyone.” He wasn’t about to be push-pulled by a guy not ready to come out. So the man was sexy. So what?
“True.” Evan kept his distance. “Then I’ll consider you a lawyer.”
“Evan.” Mick groaned. He hated pushy men, but he hated whiny ones even more. Yet he wanted to spend time with Evan. “Why don’t we get the will sorted out, get through the funeral and let things settle, then explore this?” He’d said the words faster than he could take them back. He wasn’t sure he wanted to get involved with Evan. Then again, he wasn’t sure he wanted to push him away, either.
Evan rubbed his forehead. “Okay.”
“I’ll be right beside you through the funeral and help in whatever ways I can,” Mick said. Christ. He kept digging himself in deeper.
Evan nodded. “She said she’d made plans.”
“She did. All you have to do is call Kubach Funeral Home. If you want, I can let them know you’re ready to discuss the details. They have her body.” He should’ve disclosed that detail earlier. Damn it. He was losing his edge.
“I called them yesterday while she slept. She’d insisted and said she wouldn’t rest until I did, so I complied.” Evan hooked his fingers in his belt loops. “Thanks, though.”
“Not a problem,” Mick said. “Then I’ll speak to them in the morning to ensure things are going along smoothly.” He patted his pockets for his keys and phone. “See you tomorrow?”
“I’ll be here.”
“Call if you need me.” Part of him wanted Evan to need him. The rest of him needed time to sort out his feelings.
“Will do.” Evan walked Mick to the door. “Feel free to drop by whenever. My door is always open.”
“I will.” Shit. He’d led Evan on. Being so forthright wasn’t his style, but he couldn’t help himself.
“Good night.” Evan stood in the doorway to the porch. “Want me to walk you
