“I see you had the trash removed,” Mason said. “Good.”

  “Stop.” He couldn’t look at his best friend. “He meant a lot to me.” Still did, truth be told. He’d put space between them and pushed Matt away, but he’d never gotten over the first love of his life.

  “The dog means a lot to you,” Mason said. “It’s loyal. I am loyal to you.”

  He glared at Mason. “Excuse me?”

  “You love the dog, but when the time came, you replaced her. Same with Matt. The time came and see, you’re better off without him.” Mason half-shrugged. “You’ve got me.”

  “Mason.” He wanted to wring his friend’s neck. “We need to get out of here.” He marched across the park to the lot. He wasn’t in the mood to discuss the situation.

  “Well, it’s true. He brought you down.” Mason hurried to keep up with Colin. “He messed with your head.”

  Colin rolled his eyes. “He didn’t mess with my head.”

  “He’s not on your level.”

  Colin stopped by the car and tugged his keys from his pocket. He put Judy in her carrier in the back seat. “What are you talking about?”

  “You need to date up. A teacher isn’t the up I mean.” Mason clicked his tongue. “You should be with someone on your level. Someone who is a mover and shaker. Someone handsome—hell, more handsome than you.”

  He walked around the vehicle and rolled the windows down, then stared at his friend. “If I remember right, there isn’t a hierarchy of dating. It’s a matter of attraction.”

  “Beauty attracts beauty.”

  “Matt is gorgeous.” He had a sexy body and knew how to use it.

  “If you like the earthy look, then fine, but he’s beneath you.”

  “Whatever.” He opened the driver’s-side door. “We should go. I have to finish a pitch for a bakery.”

  “Still?” Mason rounded the car and climbed onto the passenger seat. “I thought you’d finished it.”

  “They asked for changes.” He settled behind the wheel. “Nothing big, but I want to focus.”

  Mason snorted. “Well, let’s go.”

  “I don’t need help tonight,” Colin said. “I’ll be fine. It’s my project. You don’t have to stay up with me.”

  Mason grasped Colin’s hand. “Oh? I don’t mind.”

  He tensed. He and Mason weren’t dating. They were friends. “I need to do this on my own.” He wanted a night without Mason around. No, he needed it. He wanted a night to be on his own without Mason as his wingman.

  “One look at your ex and you’re inspired?” Mason laughed. “That’s rich.”

  “What’s wrong with him inspiring me?”

  “Don’t be a fool.”

  “I won’t.” He backed out of the spot, then sped away from the park. He drove in silence to Mason’s townhouse. A thousand thoughts filled his mind. He’d need more than a night to process the events of the day. He parked in front of Mason’s place. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Sure.” Mason hesitated. “Just keep your head on. Don’t let your heart and old feelings get the better of you.”

  “I know.” He waited for Mason to leave before he pulled away from the curb. He had too much to think about and Mason’s words weren’t helping. He’d seen Matt a bunch of times since the split. Matt hadn’t known Colin had seen him. This was the first time he’d tried to speak to Matt though. He understood why Matt had been averse to dogs—the first Judy had bitten, scratched, barked at and plain hated Matt. If Colin had had a dog who didn’t like Matt, Matt might have been against dogs too. She could be so protective. He never understood why she didn’t come around concerning Matt. He hadn’t abused, hurt or yelled at her. Matt hadn’t cheated on him—not that Colin knew about. So, Judy’s hatred made no sense.

  He glanced back at the dog carrier. “You like Willie, don’t you?”

  Judy II poked her head up and barked. He’d take that as a yes.

  Colin had seen the connection between Judy II and Willie. His highly strung, nervous dog had a playmate in the calm and collected mutt. She had balance. How could they not be a pair? He snorted. “Do you want to see Willie again?”

  Christ. He’d talked to the dog like she’d actually answer him. No wonder the guys at his advertising firm thought he’d lost his mind. Oh, well.

  He drove home to his townhouse. The project ahead wasn’t concerning a bakery. He’d finished that one and turned it in ages ago. No, he had to concoct a plan to see Matt again. Willie and Judy II deserved a happy time—even if he and Matt wouldn’t have good times together. One of them should be happy.

  He parked in his driveway and let Judy out of the carrier. He needed a plan. Running into Matt had been easy when Matt didn’t realize it wasn’t a coincidence. He had to know Matt would even listen to him.

  If he got the plan to work, he couldn’t bring Mason along for the next meeting. Handling the rampant jealousy drove him crazy. He took Judy II inside. He locked the car, then closed the front door. He tossed his keys, wallet and phone onto the table inside the door.

  Colin paused. He withdrew a photo from the drawer in the desk. He’d hidden the photo shortly after he moved into the townhome. If Mason had seen the image, he hadn’t said anything about it. He touched the edge of the photo. He’d been happy when the photo had been taken. Yes, Judy I hadn’t liked Matt, but he’d tried to win her over. Matt had put up with her shenanigans. He’d been a champ. Yet Matt hadn’t been honest with Colin. Matt hadn’t been happy. Colin sank onto the wooden chair. How could Matt have been happy? He and Colin had been tight, but Colin had kept choosing his dog over his boyfriend. It hadn’t been fair to Matt.

  Matt’s words came to mind. Back during their relationship, Matt hadn’t been a dog person. That made sense. Colin knew damn well Matt hadn’t grown up with pets—like he’d said. But Colin had adopted Judy I before he’d met Matt. Judy I had been attached to him and probably saw Matt as an interloper. He’d come between them.

  Colin had refused to get rid of the dog over a guy, but he could’ve been more understanding. He should’ve seen Matt had been trying to make things work and Judy had put up serious barriers.

  Colin left the photo on the table. He missed being in Matt’s arms, the way Matt held him when they slept, Matt’s ability to make him smile after a bad day and his tendency to keep Colin’s ego in check. Matt had been loyal, smart and was still handsome. He’d been an ideal boyfriend.

  “I never should’ve let you go,” Colin murmured.

  He spotted Judy II on her pillow. “If you like Matt and Willie, then it’s a sign I need to get my head out of my ass. Time to get the guys we want, right?”

  Judy barked, then turned around on the pillow. He shook his head and chuckled. He’d take her response as a yes. Time make a move. He’d have to wait for Matt to come around, but if he kept nudging, maybe he’d con Matt into giving him a second chance. He never should’ve abandoned Matt—not when the relationship was so raw. He’d make amends. Even if he had to crawl, he’d get his boyfriend back.

  Chapter Two

  The next afternoon, Matt left the junior high and headed to the parking lot. Josh McDowell waited by Cameron Johnson’s car. Cameron crossed the lot and held his arms open for Josh. Matt tried not to watch, but the scene riveted him. He liked Cameron and Josh. They were nice, decent guys. Their relationship seemed solid. He shouldn’t hate them for having a decent twosome. Jesus, though. Matt couldn’t hide his jealousy. He wanted a love like theirs.

  “Hey, Matt.” Cameron waved. “Have you ever been to Niagara Falls?”

  “Twice. Are you planning a trip there?” He leaned against his car. “It’s nice this time of year.” The fall in Canada was pretty. Not too hot, not too cold. The falls were gorgeous and the place was romantic. Well, it had been when he’d visited with Colin.

  “In a couple of weeks, after we get married,” Josh said. “I wondered if you could recommend a hotel.” He grinned. “We’re thinking that’s where we want to go for our honeymoon.”

  Of course. Why did life want to keep kicking him while he was down? Sure, let me give you the name of a couple nice hotels. Have a romantic time. Christ. He forced a smile. “I’ll give you the list we looked at.” Back when he’d been with Colin and life was good. He bit back a groan. “The rates won’t be the same, but it’ll give you a general idea.”

  “That would be great,” Cameron said. He grinned then frowned. “Are you okay?”

  “Me?” What a silly question. Who else does Cameron mean?

  “Well, yeah, you.” Cameron stared at him.

  “Sorry.” He wasn’t super close to Cameron or Josh, but they seemed to care.

  “You haven’t been yourself,” Josh said. “I heard you’ve been in a fog for the last couple of weeks.”

  “Sadie asked me if you’d been dumped,” Cameron said. “I told her it wasn’t her business, but I had no idea.”

  “Cameron.” Why do the staff care about my love life?

  “Hey, I set her straight and went to bat for you.” Cameron tucked his bag into the trunk of his car. “Even if you had split from your boyfriend, it’s not hers to know.”

  “Thanks.” Matt sighed. “I’m not seeing anyone and haven’t had a split.” He paused. “Do you remember Colin?”

  “Sure.” Cameron closed the trunk. “You were cute together.”

  Josh tipped his head. “Is he back in the picture?”

  Matt sighed again. He needed to stop doing that. “Remember how you both told me to go to the dog park? I did and Willie loves it, but Colin keeps showing up with his boyfriend. The guy hates me almost as much as Colin’s first dog did.”

  “Colin?” Josh asked.

  “The boyfriend.” Matt crossed his ankles. He taught his students not to fold their arms or legs when having a conversation because the body language suggested the speaker had closed themselves off, but he wasn’t sure what else to do with himself.

  “Ah,” Cameron said. “So, you can’t even be cordial because the boyfriend gets irked?”

  “Yeah.” He thought Mason was Colin’s boyfriend. Maybe he was wrong, but he got the boyfriend vibe from Mason.

  “So, you want to be around Colin?” Josh asked.

  “Kind of.” Matt shook his head. He wasn’t sure what to think. “I’m probably torturing myself. I can’t have him, but I want to be friends. Isn’t that ridiculous?”

  “No.” Cameron rubbed his forehead. “This boyfriend won’t come around and see you’re not a threat?”

  “I doubt it. He thinks I’m trying to steal Colin away.” His heart ached all over again. He’d love a second chance with Colin, but he knew the truth. Their second chapter wasn’t possible.

  “Are you?” Josh asked.

  “He’s not mine to steal,” Matt said. “He’s taken and I respect that.”

  “You’re still attracted to him,” Cameron said.

  “Yes.” Guilt racked him. He shouldn’t still crave his ex-boyfriend. Damn it.

  “Then tell him. We thought we’d be toast, but we’ve been honest with each other and things worked out,” Josh said. “You never know what the future will bring.”

  “He has a boyfriend.” Hadn’t they heard him when he said that? “I’m not going to break them up. I’m not that kind of guy. I’ll ignore my feelings. He’s with Mason and seems happy.” It wasn’t enough, but he’d deal.

  “You’re giving up? What if he’s your destiny?” Josh asked. “You might be missing out on what you deserve because you’re being a gentleman.”

  Jesus. Josh didn’t understand. “He’s not my destiny.” Not if Colin had Mason around.

  “You have to do what you think is the right thing,” Cameron said. He half-smiled. “But don’t be surprised if fate kicks you into submission. Fate’s a tricky thing. You can think you know what’s going on, then find out you were way off course.”

  “I’ve already been kicked.” Matt should’ve kept his mouth shut, but he couldn’t. He bowed his head. Cameron and Josh meant well and wanted to get him into a relationship like theirs. He craved one, but still. They didn’t know Colin or Mason and couldn’t be sure Colin was his future.

  Josh shrugged and rounded Cameron’s car. Cameron remained where he was. He nodded. “If Colin is smart, he’ll realize he missed out when you split and he will want you back.”

  “If you say so.” He wasn’t convinced but saw no point in arguing with Cameron.

  Cameron offered a wry smile. “I hope it works out. You deserve for things to go your way for a change.”

  “Thanks.”

  Cameron waved, then joined Josh in the car.

  Matt waited for Josh and Cameron to leave the parking lot before he settled behind the wheel of his vehicle. Cameron was right. He deserved a break or two. Getting custody of Willie had been good. He’d found his heart again. But Willie didn’t warm his lonely nights.

  He drove home and retrieved his dog.

  When he walked in the door, Willie stood on the rug, waiting for him.

  “Hi.” He ushered Willie to the car. “I know I’m late. I’ll make it up to you. We’ll stay at the park longer and get a sandwich on the way home.”

  Willie barked, then sat on the bench seat.

  Matt locked up before he climbed behind the wheel of the car again. He loved living in a small town. Everything was close enough that he could either drive or walk to most places. Tonight, though, he was too tired to walk to the park. He gripped the steering wheel. Jesus. He’d reverted to talking to his dog like a best friend. He needed to get out more. Oh, well. At least the dog is loyal.

  He drove to the dog park and tried to calm his mind. The men he knew weren’t loyal. Since he’d split from Colin, he hadn’t found a decent guy who wouldn’t cheat. First, Scott had come along with his wandering eyes, then Tom had followed suit. Tom had felt the need to spread himself around. Maybe Matt had been too choosy? Maybe he wasn’t pushy enough? Maybe he’d set himself up for failure? No one understood him the way Colin had. Would anyone else?

  Matt parked in the lot. He had to face his ex. Even if Colin wasn’t there, eventually, he’d have to see him again. He might as well brace himself. He clicked Willie’s leash on his collar, then led him over to the fenced-in area. Once inside the park, he let Willie run. His head hurt. He hated being lonely, but he wasn’t ready to open his heart—not again.

  Willie darted by with a white puff. Matt recognized the two pink bows in the dog’s fur. “Judy?” Damn it. He’d hoped that by running late, he’d miss Colin.

  “Hi, you.” Colin strode up to Matt. “Seems those two have a radar set for each other.”

  “Yeah.” He tensed. Seeing Colin brought up too many tough memories and too much hurt. He’d have to resign himself to being around his ex and his heart being broken each time.

  “I brought you coffee.” Colin held up a paper cup. “I thought you might like a drink.”

  He tossed the ball for Willie, then turned to Colin. “Thanks, I think.” He didn’t take the cup. “Won’t Mason be upset with you? Bringing me coffee…that’s awfully chummy.”

  “No.” Colin offered the cup again. “Here. Take it.”

  He complied but glanced about. “Where is Mason?”

  “Probably at work.” Colin tipped his head. “I don’t care where he is. He’s not my problem.”

  “What?” He knew Colin better than he’d thought and this wasn’t Colin. His ex wasn’t a cheater. “Do you and Mason have an open relationship?”

  “Wow,” Colin said. “I didn’t expect you to ask that.”

  “Why not? If I were your…person…and you brought coffee to your ex while I knew nothing, I’d be hurt. Won’t Mason be upset?” Matt asked.

  “I don’t doubt he’ll be mad.” Colin stepped in close to Matt. “He hates your fucking guts.” His eyes flashed. “For real.”

  Matt bit back a groan. He’d guessed Mason wasn’t his biggest fan, but to hate his guts? Lovely. Yet, here was Colin, close to him and grinning. No wonder Mason wasn’t thrilled. He didn’t have a rein on Colin. Matt hated himself. The closer Colin got, the more he wanted to kiss him. Now isn’t that fucked up?

  Colin stared at his ex. Getting Matt to loosen up wasn’t working. Instead of relaxing or laughing at the foolishness of Mason hating him, Matt paled.

  He’d screwed this up.

  “Why don’t you take the coffee?” Matt pushed the cup back to Colin. “Willie and I should go.” He shook his head. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t step in on other guys’ relationships.”

  “Mason is my friend, but we’re not dating.”

  “No? You sure acted like a couple.” Matt knelt to retrieve the ball from Willie.

  Colin chuckled. “He’s protective.” Well, damn. Now he understood why Matt was so upset.

  “So, you found a human version of Judy, eh?” Matt laughed, but there wasn’t any joy in his voice.

  “Kind of.” He’d rather have Matt. “Mason would like to be more than friends, but I’m not interested in that kind of relationship.” Not with Mason anyway.

  “Got another guy?” Matt stood and stretched. “I’m sure there’s a queue.”

  “No, I’m single.” He nodded to the closest bench. “Sit with me.”

  “I shouldn’t.”

  “It wasn’t a question.” He gave Matt the cup, then grasped Matt’s free hand. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Colin.” Matt complied but kept some distance between them. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Sitting?” He settled on the bench. “Or something else?”

  “Opening old wounds. I thought I’d gotten them to close, but I was wrong.” Matt didn’t sit beside him. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

  “Slow down.” Although it was good to know Matt wasn’t over him either, he didn’t want to push too hard. “Please?” He pointed to the bench. “Before you give in to the urge to walk away. There are things that should be said.”

 

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