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But the fact that people keep jumping to conclusions about the two of us makes me angry. We hang out. I don’t want rumors to start that could impact whatever is happening between us, and I sure as heck don’t want to scare Dare away by him finding out there are rumors that something is happening with us. That’s the last thing I want to happen right now.

Thankfully, my thoughts are interrupted by Caleb’s loud-ass voice and a sudden howl. Garrett shakes his head, a small smile on his lips, and walks away as Caleb comes up behind me and gives me a bear hug from behind.

“What’s uuuupppppppp!?” he yells, drawing the attention of the few patrons who are in the bar. He joins me and quickly orders some food with the bartender.

I’m not hungry anymore, so I push my food to the inner edge of the bar and turn toward Caleb. “How have you been?” I ask. “It’s been hard to catch up with you because when we’re here, it’s always with everyone else or it’s freakin’ loud. So, tell me! What’s up?”

“You know, I’m okay,” he says. “Things are going okay. I’m . . .”

“Just okay?” I ask, a rumble of a laugh coming out of me.

Caleb laughs loudly and puts his hand on my shoulder. He gives it a squeeze and goes back to take a bite of his burger. “No, man. I’m good. I’m working in construction. Got in with M&L. It’s been good.”

“That’s great. M&L is a great company. Congrats.” M&L is a well-known construction company in Glenrock and surrounding towns. They build a lot of the commercial buildings and hotels in the area and have a great reputation. Anyone I know who has been associated with them has been happy and done well.

“Yeah,” he responds. “I can’t complain, that’s for sure.” Caleb looks at me as he puts a french fry in his mouth. “So you’re back? How was it in Sheltonville for real?” he asks.

Caleb and I talked very little while I was gone, and he was always a little distant with me after Nate died. I know he felt guilty for everything that happened. We still kept in touch, but it was definitely more strained between us than the other guys.

“It was okay,” I tell him. “I worked at a motorcycle shop, specifically in the service department. One of my buddies there hooked me up with the job when I . . . when I left. I did a lot of fixing and diagnosing and riding. It was good.”

“That’s good, man. Good. Of course you got in with a bike shop. That was always your thing. I’m glad you got away. I know . . .” Caleb pauses. “I know it was hard. I’m so fucking sorry, Lev. It was hard for all of us, but I know it was hardest on you.”

“I’m not sure about that,” I acknowledge, thinking of how difficult it’s been for Dare. “But, yeah. I had to. But it’s good to be back.” I lift my glass, and he joins me in a “cheers.” Then we fall silent. Thankfully, it’s getting busier, and Chris and his wife show up and start setting up to play. That’s distracting enough to keep the awkwardness between me and Caleb to a minimum.

As the evening goes on, I keep an eye on the door. Every time it opens, my heart races in anticipation of Dare showing up. However, by the time Murky Soup is through their first set, there’s still no sign of him. His friends, Ryan and Katie, come in and make their way to the back corner where the comfortable chairs are. They join a few people already settled there, hugging and giving everyone high fives.

I turn back to the bar and order a drink. Then Caleb grabs a table, and I throw some money on the bar to pay for my dinner and join him. Nolan and his fiancée arrive shortly after, and the lights dim more in the bar as Chris starts to play his second set. I still don’t see Dare, and I’m beginning to think he’s not going to show.

Just as disappointment is about to engulf me, the door opens, and he walks through. My breath catches in my chest, and the hair on my arms stands up.

He’s absolutely gorgeous.

His dark hair is a styled mess on his head, and he’s wearing a fishnet shirt under his leather jacket. No man should look that good in fishnet. His black, ripped jeans hug his legs and groin perfectly, and he’s wearing black knee-high boots to finish the look. I swallow hard. The guy is a walking wet dream.

I only notice I’m staring at him when Caleb shoves my shoulder.

“Dude, you’re drooling,” he laughs, mimicking my face.

I make eye contact with Nolan, who has a smile on his face.

“Lev, your eyes locked on him when he walked in,” Nolan says.

I shake my head. “You’re both fuckers.” I take a drink and then a deep breath.

Caleb chuckles. “I thought something was up with you guys. I’ve heard things.”

I shoot him a dirty look. “There’s nothing—”

Caleb interrupts me. “It’s cool, though! You two are so different. His, like, dark goth look, and you have this, like, buff ‘Just Ken’ hotness about you. I know whatever’s going on makes Dare happy, because everyone knows that he had it bad for you when we were younger.”

Nolan sucks his lips into his mouth. His fiancée excuses herself to go to the bathroom. She’s smart.

“What’s that mean?” I snap.

“Easy, man,” Caleb puts a hand on my shoulder. “You can’t help who you fall for.”

“I haven’t fallen for him,” I lie.