Cedarwood Cowboy

by Megan Slayer

  “Oh?” He didn’t get the impression Lawrence hated much of anything concerning him, except losing the income.

  “I’m sorry you’re going through this. You have talent and you’re electric on the stage. Those live shows are special, but fans won’t get behind you now,” Lawrence said. “Unless you can somehow put out a new record that’s above your ability, you’re finished.”

  “I beg to differ.” Even if he had no idea how he was going to get anything recorded, much less written, while he lived on the farm.

  “Then prove it,” Lawrence said. “You won’t get help. If you thought it was hard before to make it, then you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

  “I’ll take my chances.” He saw no point in arguing with Lawrence. He wasn’t going to change his former manager’s mind. The best Evan could do was prove him wrong. He’d never be top tier, but he could be famous again.

  “Good luck.” Lawrence clapped Evan on the shoulder. “As I said, your things are in the bus and it’s paid for. Good luck in your future endeavors. I hope you get another chart topper.”

  “Thanks.” He watched Lawrence and Arnold climb into the back seat of the taxi. He hoped he wasn’t footing the bill for their ride, but he wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.

  Evan swept his gaze over the bus. He’d spent so many hours in the vehicle. It’d been his home and served him better than any apartment or house at the time. He never had to move his shit or pick it up because it went with him everywhere. He ran his fingers over the letters of his name. He’d been someone once.

  He stepped into the bus and breathed in the stuffy scent—dirty socks and too many bodies in a small space. He should open the windows and air the thing out. His things were put away and his three guitars waited on the spare bunk, tucked into their cases. The photo collage over the couch remained. His jewelry and hats were in the drawers. He picked up his favorite guitar and took it from its case. He’d missed the simple instrument. It had been his connection to Cedarwood, home and his family. Mostly his grandmother.

  “What’s this?” Mick joined Evan in the bus. “When did this arrive and where are we going?”

  “Just now.” Evan blinked back tears and held up his guitar. “My former manager dropped my stuff off, so I’m officially on my own, but I can make music again.”

  “You’re not on your own.” Mick grinned. “You’ve got me.”

  “True, but I don’t have my career.” He fiddled with the neck of the guitar. “I’ll have to move the bus beside the shed. It can’t sit in front of the house.”

  “You’ll get your music going again and we’ll figure out how to move this behemoth.” Mick laughed. “It might be worth filming so we can laugh at ourselves later, but we’ll do it. Want me to help you carry your stuff inside?”

  “I’ll get most of it later.” Evan froze. Shit. He wanted Mick to think he was strong, but he felt weak when he dealt with Lawrence. “Did you hear the exchange with my manager?”

  “I heard some.” Mick toyed with the knob on one of the cabinets. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’m embarrassed.” It wasn’t every day a man had his tour bus delivered to his house and his manager insulting him in his front yard. “I’m surprised you’re back. You acted so strange when I admitted I love you.”

  “First, you’re in a unique situation. You’ve done nothing wrong and if those two can’t accept you, then it’s on them. Second, I wasn’t expecting you to say those words. It’s taking some time to process,” Mick said. “Why don’t you take your guitar inside?”

  “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 a
nd 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 liked having the quiet moments with Evan. They had a private haven at the farm.

  “How’s he doing? It’s got to be tough on him right now.”

  “It’s not the best. He’s not working, he’s missing his grandmother, he’s running the farm…yeah, he’s a little overwhelmed.” Mick paused. “Do you have thoughts on the situation with Evan? That I’m close to him?”

  “Nope.”

  Mick stopped short. “Wait. You don’t?” Farin was the most opinionated person he knew. “Be serious.”

  “I am. I don’t have thoughts on this. You do what you need to do and be happy. I want you to be loved. That’s my thoughts,” Farin said. “If Evan makes you happy, then cool.”

  “But you’re the same guy who laughed at relationships.” Farin confused him. “You said you weren’t ever going to fall in love. Had no desire to.”

  “I lied. I fell hard for Steve.” Farin shrugged and started walking. “Love comes when you’re not looking. Be open to embracing it.”

  “You’re deep.” He strode beside his friend and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I’m glad you found Steve, but I really thought the relationship would wither because you were so anti-love.”

  “When you find the right person, it’s magic.” Farin snorted. “God, I’m so cliched, but whatever. It’s true.” He stopped on the square and folded his arms. “Look at things this way. Does Evan make you happy? Not for the short term or for right now…but are you all the way around happy?”

  “Yes.” He didn’t have to think about the answer. Being with Evan made him a better person. He was calmer and smoother.

  “Do you look forward to seeing him?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Does he flow in your blood?” Farin asked. “It’s quick, right? You haven’t been together long, but does he?”

  “You’re being poetic and deep, but yes.” Evan was his other half. He’d fallen a little for him in school, thought he’d gotten over Evan, and now that they were together, he’d tumbled head over heels.

  “Then you’re in love.” Farin nodded to the taco truck. “What do you want?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it.” He’d been too busy escaping Bud. He wasn’t sure he’d brought his wallet. “Tacos are fine. Why don’t I buy?” Smart. He should’ve checked he had cash first.

  “Nah. You need a good time. You look like you’re going to fall apart,” Farin said. “You look tired.”

  “It’s that bad?” Well, shit.

  “You seem depressed.” Farin stood in front of the menu. “Order whatever you want, then tell me what’s got you in knots.”

  Mick placed his order and accepted a ticket. He waited for Farin to order and join him in line before he spoke. “I got together with Evan because we were both upset. It’s been very organic, but while I’m in over my head and happy, I’m worried.”

  “Do you think he’ll be like Linc? Or Aldus?” Farin asked.

  “Yes. I’m not positive, but I thought I loved Linc and what’d he do? He cheated and wanted me to get him out of a DUI charge. Aldus slept around, too.” Mick shook his head. “Their behavior still stings.”

  “Does Evan strike you as the cheating type?”

  “No.” Maybe. If the right person came along, anything was possible. “I’m not sure.”

  “Wow.” Farin accepted the two paper trays. “You’re in so deep.”

  “Huh?” He took his tray. “Farin.”

  “I’m serious. You like him so much you’re trying to find ways to tear this relationship apart.”

  “No.” Duh.

  “Mick, Linc was an asshole. I knew you’d get your heart broken because he couldn’t keep it in his pants. I knew he’d do something stupid like drinking and driving. Him asking you to get him out of trouble… I can’t even. That said, I could see it in his eyes. He wasn’t invested in the same way you were. He only wanted the next big thing.” Farin strode over to one of the benches. “Sit.”

  “I wish you’d have said something before now.” He sat beside Farin. “Would’ve saved me a lot of pain and headaches. He only wanted me for money.”

  “I hate to say it, I’m not shocked.” Farin bit into his burrito. He didn’t say anything right away. “You’re a good guy. Evan is a great man. I remember him from school, too. He hasn’t had any big scandals since he went off to Nashville. He never knocked someone up or ran out on anyone—at least not that’s been mentioned in the news. That’s rare. I don’t think he’s the bad guy you’re expecting to show up. Give him and you a chance. You’re in love. It’s scary, it’s overwhelming and it’s great. Accept it.”

  “So sayeth Farin?”

  “And provable in a court of law.” Farin laughed. “Take my advice. Relax. Don’t look for the pitfalls, and enjoy the ride.”

  He laughed with Farin. “I will.” Being able to talk and vent helped. He felt better about his choices. Evan was a worthy man.

  “That’s a good boy.” Farin continued eating.

  Mick relaxed. The problems he’d perceived melted away. Remy wasn’t the cheating type and neither was Evan. Mick stayed in the park with Farin and ate his lunch. He still needed time to let the conversation saturate his brain, but his life was clearer and he had direction.

  “Mick Ryan is in love. Who would’ve thought it?” Farin balled up his paper, then folded the tray. “I’m glad.”

  “I’m in love and I’m happy—even when I’m overthinking.” He finished his first taco. “I’m a mess, but I’m in love.”

  “Better tell Evan.”

  “He told me he loves me.” He hadn’t disclosed that information to anyone yet.

  “He did?” Farin tossed his refuse into the can. “You’re a lucky guy, but let me guess. You freaked out when he said it.”

  “I did.”

  “Honey.” Farin sighed. “I’ve been there and it’s scary, but you have to tell him how you feel.”

  “I know.” Mick finished his second taco. “But I’m ready to tell him now. Thanks for listening to me and thanks for buying. I owe you.”

  “You’re welcome. We all need that kick in the pants. Colin kicked me. He’s good at it.” Farin stood and stretched. “Go home to your man and tell him you can’t live without him. You’re in love.”

  “I will.” Mick tossed his trash into the basket, then hugged Farin. “Thanks.”

  “Any time.” Farin started away, then stopped. “Next time, bring that man of yours and you’re buying.”

  “Deal.” He waved and headed back to the office. For the first time since he’d hooked up with Evan, he felt lighter. When he crossed the street to the office parking lot, he spotted Linc. Shit. The last person he wanted to see was his ex-boyfriend.

  Linc stood next to Mick’s car. He crossed his ankles and reclined against the fender. “Hey, sexy.”

  “Linc.” He’d never expected to see Linc again. “What are you doing here?” He kept space between him and Linc. “I thought you ne
ver wanted to see me again.” Jesus. He’d just brought up Linc and there he was. Creepy.

  “Minds can change.” Linc shrugged. “I missed you.”

  “You do?” Impossible. He couldn’t give Linc the life he’d wanted and his ex had walked out. Linc cheated and expected free legal advice. Mick didn’t want him back.

  “I want to come home. To you. To us.” Linc crossed the expanse to Mick. “I’m not me without you.”

  Oh Jesus. He knew this line. Linc wanted something and Mick wasn’t it. “Do you?” But he’d play along for a moment to get his ex to fess up to the truth. Linc couldn’t keep secrets well and bragged too much. “Why’d you go?”

  “You told me to.” Linc sucked on his bottom lip, then pursed his lips. “You’ve wounded me, but I still love you.”

  Now he was using the word love. Nice. “You told me you loved shoes, clothes and things. People weren’t enough for you.”

  Linc stood before him and fixed the wrinkles in Mick’s shirt. “I’ve matured.”

  “I can’t let you waltz back into my life.” He wasn’t lying. He didn’t need Linc’s complications.

  “Because of Evan James, the hack cowboy singer?” Linc snapped.

  There was the kernel of truth. “Do you know Evan?”

  “Sure. We had a thing a couple years ago before I met you,” Linc said. “We kept it very quiet.”

  Ah, now Linc was lying, too. “He didn’t mention you when we had our big heart to heart.” How far would Linc take the lies?

  “He wanted to keep it lowkey. We went to the clubs and had to play as friends.” Linc shrugged, then reached for Mick. “He’s not like you. He didn’t want to bring me out on stage or talk about me in public.”

  “Why would he and I be alike? He’s in the music business and I’m a lawyer.” Mick backed up. “I doubt Evan’s ever been with you.”

  “Mick.” Linc tried to reach for him again, but swiped air instead. “Come here.”

  “No. I’m good. It’s kind of stuffy today.” He leveled his gaze at his ex. “I can’t live with your lies and cheating. I can’t give you the life you want. I’m not made of money and I won’t support you. I can’t afford it, so go.”