Love Is Always Write Volume 4

had found a boyfriend and moved in with him. One of his partners at work had married the love of his life and was expecting a baby. Dan had decided to stop living in the shadows and denying himself a chance at happiness. That decision had ruined his connection with his family. He wanted a chance to be who he was, to be honest with everyone, but honesty hurt too damn much, maybe worse than being alone.
    "It's okay. It's none of my business. I was just…." Parker looked uneasy.
    "Being friendly?" Dan asked, ashamed of his outburst.
    "Yeah." Parker looked over and smiled.
    Dan smiled back. "Thanks."
    "I'm always curious about the people who stay in the campground," Parker said, looking down at the chopped cabbage rather than at Dan. "I make up stories about who they are and why they're up here. Sometimes it's obvious, just a family on vacation or a couple having a getaway. But there are others, like you, who are more of a mystery."
    Dan laughed at the idea of his being mysterious. "I'm just a clumsy guy who has no idea what he's doing in the wilderness."
    Parker grinned. Then his expression turned more serious. "I see more than that."
    Dan's heart pounded. "What story would you make up for me?"
    Parker's cheeks turned red. He wet his fingers at the sink and flicked water droplets into the frying pan to test the heat of the oil before he spoke. "I think you're lonely, and you need a friend."
    Dan scowled. "Did you invite me up here because you feel sorry for me?"
    "No." Parker shook his head. "I don't get much chance to talk to folks up here unless I'm scolding them for breaking National Forest regulations. When I get a rare day off, I'm working on my house, alone."
    "You're lonely too?" Dan looked at Parker. Something passed between them that tightened his chest. His imagination running wild again? What would happen if he leaned over and kissed Parker?
    "Yeah." Parker cleared his throat and looked away. "I'd better get the fish going."
    "That sounds good. I'm starving." Dan was glad not to have to continue the awkward conversation.
    "Me too." The oil sizzled as Parker dropped the fish fillets into it.
    ****
    Later when they'd both stuffed themselves on fish, baked potatoes, and slaw, Parker grabbed two more beers and gestured toward the door. "You want to sit outside?"
    Dan groaned. "I'm so full I don't know if I can get up. That was the best fish I ever tasted."
    Parker laughed. "Come on. There's a great breeze, and I can start a fire if you want."
    Dan gave a dramatic sigh.
    "I've got beer too." Parker held up the bottles and wiggled them.
    Dan laughed. "I'm coming." He should refuse the beer. He was already buzzed. If he drank much more, there was no telling what he might say or do to Parker. Maybe he'd try for that kiss after all.
    The temperature had dropped rapidly as the sun started to go down. Dan shivered as he settled on a large flat rock and watched Parker stoke a fire in his backyard fire pit. When the flames were high enough to give off some warmth, Parker stood up and rubbed his arms. "I'm going to go in and grab a shirt. I'll be right back."
    "Do you have to?" Dan froze. He hadn't meant to say that out loud. He must be more drunk than he thought. The last thing he needed was Parker guessing how much he enjoyed ogling the ranger's gorgeous chest.
    Parker tilted his head and studied Dan. "Are you afraid some wild beasts will gobble you up without me here to protect you?"
    Dan shook his head. "No. I don't know why I said that. I must be getting tipsy."
    Parker grinned. "No problem. It's not like you've got to drive home."
    He wished he didn't have to go back to his camper at all.
    Parker returned a few minutes later and sat on the rock next to Dan. Dan's arm itched to go around Parker's shoulders, but he wouldn't, couldn't make a move. He'd rather be friends with the man than risk pissing him off and having to move on before he was ready.
    The two men sat in silence for awhile, staring at the fire. But Dan couldn't keep his eyes off Parker for long. Parker's face was a contrast of perfectly formed beauty and rugged masculinity that worked together to make him heart-stoppingly beautiful. Dan was surprised there weren't women from the camp at Parker's cabin every night. Surely there would be if that's what Parker wanted.
    Tell him. Tell him what you want. A devilish voice urged Dan on.
    He shook his head. "No."
    Parker turned to him. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
    "No. Nothing. But I should probably head