Page 9 of Greedy Grizzly
Since I’d been a little boy, I’d known I wasn’t straight. I liked boys and felt a strong connection to them. Everything about them appealed to me more than women. Their broad chest. Masculine scent. Hairy body and scruffy chin. I’d spent most of my youth longing to confirm my thoughts, but my foster parents had been determined to make me straight.
“Well, that didn’t last long,” Libby said, grabbing my hand and jerking me out of my thoughts.
“What?”
“You not thinking about Toby. You’re lucky I’m not a jealous woman.”
“I’m not sure if I should worry about younotbeing jealous.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why should I be jealous when I know how much you love me? It’s not like I have to compete with Tobyfor your affection. There’s enough of you to go around, just as there’s enough of me.” She made her point very well.
“If you told me why he was coming, I wouldn’t have to obsess over all the possibilities.”
“I told him you’d do this.” She led me toward the clubhouse. “But that stubborn goat didn’t believe me.”
“Maybe I should go out of town on a run.” The idea was appealing. Then I wouldn’t have to face Toby and hear whatever it was he wanted to tell me. And this was why I hated secrets. It felt like a betrayal not only from Toby but also from my beauty Libby, because she knew all the details pertaining to his visit.
“I won’t let you.”
I snorted. “You couldn’t stop me, babe.”
She whirled on me. “You’re not being serious, are you?”
I shrugged.
“You’d leave just because you know he’s coming?”
I shrugged again.
“Grizz, trust me. You want to be here for his visit.”
“So the reason he’s coming is good?”
She twisted her pink lips. “Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
“I can’t tell you anything. I promised him.”
“Fine.” I moved past her and went toward the front of the building. I’d never force her into betraying someone’s confidence.
“Where are you going?”
“To the front entrance. Don’t want to see any of the ladies after Lynx went in laughing.” I was confident he’d talked in code to let the women know Libby and I were screwing around. I didn’t want to see their amused faces.
My mind went back to Toby as I breathed in the fresh air. Being in his presence would make my desires rush back. Whenhe wasn’t around, I didn’t think about him constantly. I could keep myself busy with club business.
Sure, I always knew I’d eventually have to face him. If he had good news, like he was bringing someone with him, someone he was in love with, I’d have to accept he would never be mine.
I could stop pining over him.
I could wipe him out of my mind like every other guy I’d fallen for.
Well, except for Monty. I had never forgotten him and I’d never forget Toby…
2
GRIZZLY
