Matt locked up before he climbed behind the wheel of the car again. He loved living in a small town. Everything was close enough that he could either drive or walk to most places. Tonight, though, he was too tired to walk to the park. He gripped the steering wheel. Jesus. He’d reverted to talking to his dog like a best friend. He needed to get out more. Oh, well. At least the dog is loyal.

He drove to the dog park and tried to calm his mind. The men he knew weren’t loyal. Since he’d split from Colin, he hadn’t found a decent guy who wouldn’t cheat. First, Scott had come along with his wandering eyes, then Tom had followed suit. Tom had felt the need to spread himself around. Maybe Matt had been too choosy? Maybe he wasn’t pushy enough? Maybe he’d set himself up for failure? No one understood him the way Colin had. Would anyone else?

Matt parked in the lot. He had to face his ex. Even if Colin wasn’t there, eventually, he’d have to see him again. He might as well brace himself. He clicked Willie’s leash on his collar, then led him over to the fenced-in area. Once inside the park, he let Willie run. His head hurt. He hated being lonely, but he wasn’t ready to open his heart—not again.

Willie darted by with a white puff. Matt recognized the two pink bows in the dog’s fur. “Judy?” Damn it. He’d hoped that by running late, he’d miss Colin.

“Hi, you.” Colin strode up to Matt. “Seems those two have a radar set for each other.”

“Yeah.” He tensed. Seeing Colin brought up too many tough memories and too much hurt. He’d have to resign himself to being around his ex and his heart being broken each time.

“I brought you coffee.” Colin held up a paper cup. “I thought you might like a drink.”

He tossed the ball for Willie, then turned to Colin. “Thanks, I think.” He didn’t take the cup. “Won’t Mason be upset with you? Bringing me coffee…that’s awfully chummy.”

“No.” Colin offered the cup again. “Here. Take it.”

He complied but glanced about. “Where is Mason?”

“Probably at work.” Colin tipped his head. “I don’t care where he is. He’s not my problem.”

“What?” He knew Colin better than he’d thought and this wasn’t Colin. His ex wasn’t a cheater. “Do you and Mason have an open relationship?”

“Wow,” Colin said. “I didn’t expect you to ask that.”

“Why not? If I were your…person…and you brought coffee to your ex while I knew nothing, I’d be hurt. Won’t Mason be upset?” Matt asked.

“I don’t doubt he’ll be mad.” Colin stepped in close to Matt. “He hates your fucking guts.” His eyes flashed. “For real.”

Matt bit back a groan. He’d guessed Mason wasn’t his biggest fan, but to hate his guts? Lovely. Yet, here was Colin, close to him and grinning. No wonder Mason wasn’t thrilled. He didn’t have a rein on Colin. Matt hated himself. The closer Colin got, the more he wanted to kiss him. Now isn’t that fucked up?