Chapter 9

Ryder hadn't meant to be rude, but hearing that Nolan had lived in the same city as him at around the same time was weird. Back then, he would have been busy with work and his new wife. His friend group had been tied to his or Amy's work. They weren't into going out. Instead, they hosted dinner and game nights with their friends. Because his work schedule depended on field rehab during the season, he didn't work a regular schedule. There wasn't any way he would have ever run into Nolan back then.

Now, he was living next door to someone who came from a large city. It was different living in a place like Atlanta. His neighbors in Atlanta had been Asian, and another couple had grown up in Kenya. There was a lesbian couple who lived across the street and a gay couple down the block. He knew people from all walks of life. Here in this small town, everyone was basically the same. Some people went to the Baptist church while others attended the Methodist, but they were all cut from the same cloth.

"So, do you miss living in a big city?" Nolan asked.

Ryder shrugged. "I miss being able to pick up really good sushi or Mediterranean food. I also miss having a good massage therapist. I'm not sure there's anyone above board here. At least I haven't heard of anyone."

“Yeah, stuff like that was good.”

“What about you?” Ryan asked. “Why did you move here?”

Nolan shrugged and then sighed. "I needed a change, and the money was good enough. Plus, my mortgage on this place is one-quarter the cost of what I was paying for rent in Virginia. I'll be able to save money so when I move, I'll be able to buy a nice house or condo in a big city."

“Oh, so you’re planning on moving?”

Nolan shrugged. “Maybe. The contract is for a certain number of years. Then I’ll have to determine what I want to do.”

Ryder had a feeling there was more to Nolan’s answer, but he wasn’t going to press for information. He feared if he pressed for more, he would have to reveal how he’d broken down about twelve months ago.

He'd tried to stay in Atlanta, but too many people treated him like he was about to fall apart, or they wanted to set him up with their friends. It was just all too much with Amy's death, the insurance stuff, and people who felt sorry for him. Then he'd have to drive past the place where the wreck happened, and it would all come back, the nights sitting by her bed in the ICU, the number of times they told him she wouldn't last through the night, and then she would. Hope would rise but then be dashed again. He hated reliving that time of his life over and over again.

When Nolan dropped the subject, he'd felt grateful. They'd both been hungry and didn't talk much while they ate. He was almost done with everything on his plate when he glanced up and saw Nolan glance away quickly. Did he have food on his face?

"So, what is working at the clinic like?" Ryder asked after he finished chewing.

Nolan's forehead wrinkled, and his eyebrows pinched together. "Um, it's interesting. It's not too busy. I like the people I work with. Everyone seems nice. I did get a good signing bonus, so I have to stay for two years. Which isn't bad because the people are good. At least everyone who works there now is nice."

Ryder shrugged. “I guess two years isn’t that long.”

“No, not in the grand scheme of things. The town isn’t bad, so I could see myself staying here for a while, maybe.”

“There is no nightlife and few single women. I mean, you’re still young. And I haven’t seen anyone at your place, so I assume you’re single.” He watched Nolan, trying to figure out what the look on his face meant. Was he single? Why did it matter so much?

Nolan shrugged as he took a huge gulp of wine. “I don’t want to date anyone. I’m happy with my life just as it is.”

For some reason, Ryder felt like Nolan was lying. Maybe it was the way his gaze shifted to the left or how his lips thinned. He didn't know Nolan, so he couldn't spot the man's tell if he had one at all.

They finished their meal, and Nolan helped him clean the dishes. Nolan put the rest of the Shiner in his refrigerator, and he was about to tell him to take it home when Nolan flashed a smile.

“I really don’t drink beer. I’d rather you drink it because if it’s at my house, it won’t get consumed.”

Ryder nodded, all of a sudden feeling awkward, like he would after a date. This hadn't been a date. What was wrong with him?

“I guess I’d better go,” Nolan said. “Thank you for having me over. It was nice to get to know you a little better.”

"Sure. Maybe we could do this at your place next time." Ryder wanted to kick himself for bringing up next time and practically throwing himself at Nolan. He just liked spending time with the guy, that was all.

Nolan smiled, and Ryder swore his heart sped up. "Sure, that would be great."

He stayed outside, watching as Nolan walked back to his house, his half-empty bottle of wine tucked under his arm. Ryder had to force himself to turn away. He didn't want Nolan to see him watching. The guy would probably take it the wrong way and be insulted.

Ryder changed clothes and took care of the few chores in the barn. He had a habit of talking to the animals, but he didn't want to talk too loudly and have Nolan hear him. At one point he glanced over but couldn't see Nolan in the windows. Disappointment filtered through. He had no idea why, though. He needed to find a woman to take the edge off—but not someone his mom would set him up with. The desire pumping through his veins was because of a lack of sex. Certainly nothing else, especially not his new neighbor.