by Lynn Lorenz
Phillip followed his soon-to-be new boss back to the ranch house. When they stepped through the door, he saw Mitchell and Jack seated at the kitchen table with coffee. They looked up and waved to him and Rush. He gave them a nod back. Even Winston sat on a little dog bed in the corner, his eyes fixed on the activity in the kitchen.
Everyone appeared happy, relaxed and content. And for the first time in ages, Phillip felt that too in his heart.
Brian, Sammi and Edward crowded the kitchen, working on breakfast. The smell of frying bacon, sausage and eggs, melded with biscuits baking, filled the air, along with their chatter as they worked. He’d ask to help, but not one more person could fit in there, so he got some coffee and took a seat, with Rush sitting next to him.
This time, Phillip felt like he belonged at the table.
Chapter Sixteen
Just as Phillip had finished his breakfast, his phone chimed. Everyone glanced up with raised eyebrows.
“My phone.” He pulled it out. Estaban. He waved it and stood, nearly knocking over his chair. “I got to answer this.” Heat filled his face as he tried not to act as if he had a crush on someone. Which he kind of did. Fuck.
Edward and Sammi shared an eyeroll, then Edward giggled. “Who in the world could make him blush like that?”
“I remember that expression.” Mitchell snorted. “It’s a guy.”
“Got to be a man.” Edward nodded. “Oh, honey, he’s got it bad.”
Sammi sighed. “He’s in love.”
Jack gave Rush a sympathetic nod. “Oh, Lord. Better you get to deal with the drama. I’ve had my share with you and Brian.” Jack chortled and tossed a crumpled napkin at Rush, who groaned.
“It’s no one.” Phillip rolled his eyes, but the burn in his cheeks worsened. God, he’d burst into flames if the looks around the table got any more…teasing.
“Tell no one we said hi!” Edward sang out as Phillip backed away.
He stalked over to the one of the chairs in the living room, fell into it and opened the text messenger.
Merry Christmas! Were you a good boy? Did Santa give you everything you hoped for?
Phillip nearly fell out of the chair. Estaban was killing him.
Merry Christmas! How’s the family?
Phillip wanted to share the job offer so bad, but he waited to see what Estaban had to say.
Everyone’s great. Kids are tearing the place apart. It’s like a war zone.
Good. Phillip frowned. Had he been so wrong about Estaban being gay? Whose kids?
My sister’s two and my brother’s little one. Cute, but glad they’re not mine.
I hear you. So, what did Santa bring you?
Oh no. I asked first.
Phillip curled his legs under him and got settled. The time had come to step up, stop being a beggar. He’d done it with Rush and look what he’d got—his dream job.
Rush offered me a job as a ranch hand. Starting after the holiday.
Awesome! So this means you’re staying in Spring Lake?
Yep. Going to make it home.
I’m happy for you, Phil. Really. So glad you’re staying.
Are you?
I am. When can I see you?
The tone of the texting changed with that one line, and Phillip could feel it over the…ethernet or airwaves, or whatever it was that make a cell phone work.
How about tomorrow? You free or got to work?
Working. Dinner?
Phillip gulped. Dinner sounds great. Where?
The steak place at seven? Should I come out there and pick you up?
Phillip chewed on his bottom lip. Estaban knew he didn’t drive. Picking him up at the ranch made it sound like a real date.
Sure. That’d be nice.
Okay. See you tomorrow at seven. Text me the address.
It’s the Double T ranch, south of town.
I’ll find it. I’ll call if I get lost, okay?
Great.
Great.
The text stopped. Holy shit! He had a date!
Phillip jumped up, spun around, did a fist pump and a leap, then landed facing the guys, who were all staring at him.
“Uh,” he cleared his throat. “That was…Estaban. My friend from the garage.”
“He’s in love…told you.” Sammi grinned and held up his hand. Edward slapped it in a high-five, then got up and came over to Phillip.
He snapped his fingers. “Hand it over. I need to see the texts. Got to make sure you’re not messing this up. Sexting is an art, you know.”
“God, if you want lessons in phone sex, ask Sammi. I lost my job over his.” Mitchell snorted.
Brian opened his mouth to say something, but a hard glare from Rush and a ‘Don’t even’ growl had him shutting his mouth fast.
Phillip pulled his phone away. “Wait a minute! This is kind of personal, you know.” These guys just thought they could barge into his life, as if they were…his friends? He smiled and held out the phone. “What do you think?” He stepped closer so he could look over Edward’s shoulder as Edward started scrolling through the text message thread. “See, it starts here. He’s just being nice, right?”
Edward read the texts, giving little aahs and oohs, and an occasional tsk. He stopped, sighed and handed back the phone.
“So?” Phillip held his breath.
“Oh, he so wants you. Bad. This is a date. Definitely. A sexy time date.”
Sammi clapped his hands. “Go, Phillip!”
Rush, Mitchell and Jack groaned. “Young love,” Rush commented.
Phillip froze. “That’s okay, right? I can have dinner tomorrow? It’s after work.”
Rush exhaled. “Phillip. You’re going to work here. I don’t own you. Your life is your own.” He took a sip of coffee. “And good luck on your date. I hope you have plenty of sexy time. Just keep it safe. By the way, I keep condoms stocked in all the bathrooms.”
Brian sprayed coffee out of his mouth. “Babe!”
Edward laughed. “He does.”
Sammi nodded. “I saw that. Don’t need them anymore.” He gazed at Mitchell with adoration.
“TMI!” Mitchell called out.
Phillip laughed. “I’ve never met so many…uh…sharers.”
“Over-sharers.” Jack shook his finger at the younger men. “It’s killing me.”
Edward slinked his way to Jack and climbed onto his lap, straddling him in the kitchen chair. “I’ll kill you, Sheriff.” He didn’t wait for Jack to say anything, he just kissed him, hot and dirty, mouths open and tongues tangling. Jack groaned under the onslaught.
As did everyone else in the room. Rush called out, “Get a room!” and they all laughed—even Jack and Edward broke their lip-lock to snicker.
Brian and Rush started clearing the table. “Let’s get this straightened up, then everyone can go to the living room. I have an announcement to make.”
Rush gave him a questioning look. “Okay. Come on, guys.”
Everyone headed to the kitchen and started clearing plates, glasses and serving platters. There wasn’t much left, so putting the food away took no time. Sammi insisted on getting the dishwasher filled and running so he’d have space in the kitchen to prepare the afternoon’s meal.
Once the last counter had been wiped down, they headed to the living room and took seats, spreading out on the comfy furniture. Phillip figured he could get used to this, and wondered how the bunkhouse was furnished.
Would his room there be as well done as the room here? Would the heater keep him warm? It didn’t matter. He’d love it anyway.
He settled into a chair, sinking deep and enjoying the lights on the tree and the warmth of the fire in the hearth.
Now what in the world did Brian have to say?
“Got to use the facilities. Be right back,” Brian whispered to Rush, then he ran down the hall to their room as the others put the finishing touches to the kitchen. He only had a few minutes before Rush would come looking.
He went straight t
o the dresser, opened it, dug around a bit, then pulled out the little box. He opened it and stared down at the two matching platinum bands. Rush didn’t know, but he’d found them a month ago. It’d shocked the hell out of him at first, but he knew Rush’s insecurity about their relationship. He got it, he did. The last thing he wanted to do was make Rush feel insecure, or fearful of him leaving.
But, was he ready to get married? Just a few years ago, it wouldn’t have been possible. Then things had changed and he’d always thought it would be in his future, but just…in his future. Not now. Marriage was a big step, but he’d thought it over, spent most of his waking time over the last few months deciding what to do about Rush’s proposal.
And now he knew a solution to both of their problems.
He shoved the box into the front pocket of his jeans, pulling his shirt over it to hide the bulge, and left the room. He tried to swallow past the lump in his throat. This could be wonderful or a disaster, but it was time to make a move, take a chance on him and Rush.
Brian strolled into the living room. Rush knelt at the hearth, adding another log to the fire. Brian halted in his tracks and memorized what he saw. The look of happiness on Rush’s face, the domesticity of the scene. He swallowed again, trying to get some moisture to his dry mouth.
His heart thudded, each beat banging against his ribcage. This is it.
Brian cleared his throat. “I just want to say, on Rush’s and my part, we’re so happy to spend this Christmas with each of you, new friends and old. And I couldn’t think of any other people I’d rather share this moment with.”
Rush nodded and moved to take a seat, but Brian held out his hand to him. “Rush. Can you come over here?”
Rush came over to stand beside him, a puzzled look on his face. “Babe? What’s up?”
Brian took his hand. “Y’all don’t know this, but something big happened to me and Rush a couple months ago. Rush asked me to marry him.”
Everyone gasped. Edward clapped.
“But I told him no. I wasn’t ready.”
And just like that the room deflated. Rush frowned, then a rash of red bloomed on his cheeks. “Brian, what the hell are you doing?” He tried to pull away, but Brian wouldn’t let him go.
“Hear me out, Weston.” Brian stared into Rush’s eyes. “I’ve thought long and hard over this.” He turned to the room. “I wasn’t ready to get married. I wanted more time to grow our relationship. Rush wanted security. To know I wasn’t going anywhere.”
Rush groaned. “Fuck, Brian. Telling our business…”
“I think I’ve come up with a solution, babe.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out the box.
Sammi squealed and squeezed Mitchell’s neck so hard his eyes bulged. Edward sucked in his breath and grabbed Jack’s hand. And Phillip sat there, eyes wide and mouth open.
Brian opened the box and took out the rings. “Rush Weston, will you accept this ring as a symbol of our engagement for one year? All I’m asking is for you to wait until next Christmas for the ceremony to make it official. Can you do that, babe, give me…us that time?” His eyes filled with tears and he fought to hold them back. If Rush refused him…he’d die. Dig a hole outside and crawl into it and die.
Rush chewed his lip. “Damn, Brian.” He blinked hard, then ran his hand over his face. “One year? That’s a long time.” He sniffed and took one of the rings from Brian. “Here, put it on me, you bastard.” He broke down, tears spilled. “Oh fuck. Don’t anyone tell anybody I cried like a baby.” Rush glared at the guys through his tears, but there was no heat in it.
Brian slipped the ring onto Rush’s left finger. “I know some say to wear it on the right hand until the deed is done, but I want everyone to know you’re taken. You’re mine.” He held out the other ring to Rush. “Here.”
Rush took it, kissed it then slid it onto Brian. “I’ll be your fiancé. For a year.” He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “You’re all invited to a wedding, right here, next Christmas.”
Everyone applauded and whooped.
Brian pulled Rush into a tight embrace, then sealed their engagement with a kiss. Edward and Jack could get hot and heavy, but they hadn’t seen nothing yet. Brian bent Rush over backward as he plundered his fiancé’s mouth.
When they finally came up for air, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Even their new ranch hand, Phillip, cried.
Now that he’d done it, took the plunge, he wondered what the hell he’d been afraid of.
He belonged to Rush. Always had since the moment they’d met in a dark, stinking alley behind a gay bar in Houston.
“I love you, Rush Weston.” He gazed into the wet eyes of the man he loved.
“Love you too, Brian Russell.”
“So, whose name is going first? Weston-Russell or Russell-Weston?” Edward called out above the noise.
Rush laughed as he held Brian around the waist. “Hey, we’ve got a whole year to decide. Don’t push us.”
Brian shook his head. “Now, wait a minute. I like the sound of Russell-Weston.”
Chapter Seventeen
Day after Christmas
Phillip, Manuel, Rush and a teenager named Joey rode the fences, looking for damage. They found a spot that Manuel declared weak, and marked it off with a hot orange ribbon to come back to with the tools to fix it. Either Joey or Manuel would drive the truck back and make repairs.
The air was cold and dry, making it hurt to breathe through his nostrils, but the scenery couldn’t be finer. Rolling hills as far as he could see. Black Angus grazing in the pastures. Even the turning windmill next to a cattail-fringed pond made a fine picture.
And Rush had made Phillip’s day by introducing him as his new hire to Joey. Joey shook his hand and welcomed him to the ranch. Although he’d turned eighteen a month before, he was still in high school, planning on going to Texas State next fall.
Which explained why Rush was ready to hire someone new.
And Manuel? He’d just nodded, as if he’d known it. He probably had. Phillip figured nothing happened on the ranch that Manuel didn’t know about. If he shadowed the foreman, learned from him, maybe in time he really would be able to replace him.
Well not replace. Neither Rush nor Manuel would go for that, but maybe try to step into those big boots. Phillip didn’t think he could do better.
And tonight?
He had a date. A real, live, true date. An eat-dinner-and-get-to-know-you date.
Phillip grinned. He’d done it. Broken the curse. He wasn’t a beggar anymore. He’d managed to change his life, without using his influence on anyone. He’d done it. By himself. And he was damned proud of himself right now.
They headed back to the house for lunch. Life was good. And it was going to get better. They trotted up to the corral at the back of the horse barn and dismounted.
“We just turn them out in the corral while we eat. No reason to unsaddle them.” Joey grinned as he opened the gate. Phillip took the reins of the other horses and led them inside, while Rush and Manuel made a beeline to the house to wash up.
“So, this is your first ranch job?” Joey asked as they walked back. He matched Phillip’s limp, not rushing past him, but keeping steady with him. Phillip liked that bit of kindness. Joey seemed like a good kid.
’Course, he was only a few years older than Joey, but Joey had tons of ranch experience on him.
“Sort of. When I was younger, my grandfather had a farm. I spent most every summer with him. If you want to know how to grow beans, okra and watermelon, I’m your guy.” He chuckled. “But I’ve always dreamed of being a cowboy.”
“Well, I’ve always dreamed of being a math teacher. I’m going to get my degree and come back here and teach elementary school.” He rolled his eyes. “I know, it sounds lame, teaching, but I love it. This job is just to earn money for school.”
“Rush and Manuel know that?”
“Sure. Rush even told me if I get on the Dean’s list, he’d pay my next semester.
Calls it the Weston Scholarship.” He shook his head. “He’s a great guy. You’re going to really like it here.”
“I know. He’s been good to me too.”
They reached the porch and went up the steps. After kicking off the trail dust on their boots, they stepped inside. The guys were still there, lounging about watching sports on the big screen television, snacking on leftovers from the fabulous meal Sammi, Rush and Brian had cooked up for Christmas dinner.
The table was set, ready for lunch for the hands. Phillip and Joey washed up at the kitchen sink as Sammi and Edward dealt with making sandwiches.
“Where’s Brian, Mitchell and Jack?” Phillip looked over his shoulder as he dried his hands off on a towel, then passed it to Joey.
Edward turned. “Jack and Brian had to go to work today. They left after breakfast. Jack said to say goodbye and he’ll see you around. I’m here for today, then going back to the spa tomorrow.”
“Mitchell had to work, too. He’s coming back for me on Saturday. In the meantime, I’m going to Edward’s spa for a day of beauty!” Sammi grinned. “Can’t wait!”
“Nice.” Phillip came to the table and eased his way down with a grunt. His knee had been acting up all morning. Sitting cross-legged on the floor untangling strings of lights and pushing that wheelbarrow filled with oats hadn’t helped. But if he meant to work here, he’d have to get used to it.
Edward frowned. “You okay, honey?” He took a seat next to Phillip. “I noticed your limp is worse today.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. An old injury, that’s all.” He rubbed his knee then smiled. “Bothers me now and then.”
Edward touched his arm. “I can fix that, Phillip. If you’ll let me.”