“Good, good.” Ned took some notes. “It needs some polishing here and there and a little work on them evolving from more than a physical relationship. Right now it sounds like they’re basically in it for the sex, and I’m not sure how that’s going to work with your readers.” He peered over his glasses. “I’m sensing this is more true to life than fiction. You don’t have to answer.”
From his burning cheeks, Colson knew he didn’t need to. Ned knew already.
“Now, tell me about this new guy. A detective, huh?” Ned’s smile broadened. “Nothing like a man in uniform. Or someone who has a big…gun.”
Groaning, this time he buried his burning face in his arms. “I can’t believe you said that.”
Ned laughed. “Yes, you can.”
Colson raised his gaze to the ceiling. “God, you’re right. I’ve forgotten your sense of humor. The crazy thing is, he thought I was planning a murder and almost arrested me for trying to kill my neighbor.”
“You’ve got to be shitting me.”
“Nope.” As he relayed the story of his first meeting with Harper, Ned’s face ran the gamut of expressions, from shocked to incredulous and finally amused.
“That is one hell of a story, and it belongs in a book, because no one would believe it in real life.”
Colson could joke about it now. “You’re telling me. And every time we’ve met since then, there’s been this strange…attraction. At first I didn’t let myself think too much about it.”
“But eventually you did, andboom, huh?” Ned snickered.
He and Ned had always talked freely. They were of a similar age, and Ned had grown up in the neighboring town of Westport, Connecticut. He understood how Colson had grown up and why he’d run away from that life.
“Yeah, well, whatever. We hit it off. But like I said, we’re not in a relationship. We see each other when we can.”
Ned shrugged. “It’s okay to experiment and step outside your comfort zone. If this booty-call arrangement works for you, don’t sweat it.”
“Okay, well, getting back to the book,” he said, steering the conversation away from his personal life, “I’m hoping to have it finished within a few months. I have someone giving it a thorough read-through chapter by chapter.”
Ned nodded his approval. “Sounds good. When it’s ready, send it to me, and I’ll give you my take.” He seemed to hesitate, and Colson braced himself. “I’m happy you’re writing again. I’ve missed working with you. I have plenty of other authors who can write and have great sales, but you were my first. You’ll always be special to me.”
“Damn you for being so nice,” Colson pretend-grumbled. “And thanks. It’s been a hard road of return, but I think I’m finally on my way.” Knowing Ned had always been straight with him, Colson was curious to get his opinion on Harper. “Can I ask you something?”
“Fire away.” Ned checked his notes.
“It’s not about the book. It’s personal. About my situation with the detective.” He couldn’t help it. Harper not spending the night bugged him, and Colson wanted a second opinion.
Ned set the computer mouse aside. “I’m all yours. What’s up?”
“What would you think if you were with someone and they said they couldn’t spend the night, ever?”
“I’d say they were married,” Ned answered promptly and frowned at the implication. “Is that what’s happening with you and the detective?”
“Yeah, but he swears he’s not married, not in a relationship, and has no children. All he says is that it’s complicated.”
“Sounds fishy to me. And you believe him when he says he’s not married?”
“I don’t know why, but I do. Am I a fool?”
Ned sighed. “No, of course not. But you might be willing to give him more of the benefit of the doubt because he’s the first person you’ve been with since Evan and you’re lonely.”
Colson’s smile was wry. “You mean I’m a sucker.”
Ned didn’t laugh. “No. And there’s obviously something there that you find worth pursuing. But you’ve always been too trusting. That’s why you have me, to run interference for you, at least when it comes to your books.” Colson could see Ned’s mind spinning. “Does he only want to see you directly after work? That’s a dead giveaway.”
“No, that’s the thing. We’ve seen each other on the weekendsandduring the week. One time he stayed until around two in the morning, then left.”
None of it made sense to Colson, and he knew there was something Harper deliberately wasn’t telling him. The little hedid know of Harper, if he pushed too hard, Harper wouldn’t push back. He’d simply walk away.
