by Lynn Lorenz
“Okay.” Sammi sat up as Edward slipped out of the door for some water for him. But he needed it as much as Sammi. Massaging was thirsty work. He drank his down in one long thirsty gulp, then tossed it in the trash.
He waited outside with a bottle of cold water. Sammi opened the door and spotted him.
“Here. You’ll need to hydrate.” Edward held out the bottle.
Together, they walked to the front desk.
“I hope you enjoyed your spa day.” Edward gave Sammi a kiss on the cheek. “I know I did.” He winked.
“It was fantastic!” Sammi finished off the water and Beth stood to take it from him and throw it away. “Thank you. It was a thoughtful gift. I’ll never forget it.”
“I’ll see you at the ranch tonight.” Edward waved as Sammi left.
Nothing would have made him happier than knowing Sammi had been spoiled rotten. Of all his friends, Sammi needed pampering the most. Edward loved his gentle soul and his kindness despite all he’d been through. Knowing Sammi had found Mitchell and a new life, well, it warmed his heart.
And the relief he felt knowing Sammi was healthy? Priceless.
He’d use his power if he had to, to save a friend like Sammi, but he didn’t want to be in that position ever again.
He wasn’t sure if he was brave enough.
* * * *
Estaban couldn’t get out of work fast enough. He took a deep breath of fresh, cool air as he strode to his truck, letting it wash out the smells of the garage. Some days, he just about drowned in the mixture of oil, sweat, rubber and metal.
Tonight, he was going to pick up Phillip and take him to dinner. A real date. First one he’d had in years, if he didn’t count trolling gay bars in San Antonio. Looking for love in all the wrong places. He hadn’t met a man he’d wanted to see more than once or twice. Most guys hooked up on those online apps. Swipe left. Swipe right.
Most of the time he wanted to toss his phone into the garbage.
Whatever happened to meeting some guy, flirting, getting to know them? Have a few drinks, coffee, dinner?
If he thought about it, that was what had happened between him and Phillip. They’d met at the garage. Shared stories about family and their weekends over the shop’s cheap coffee, and, as of late, done a little flirting. Now, a date. Dinner. Talk. Maybe if he played his cards right, a kiss good night.
He knew nothing could happen between them tonight. He lived with his mom in her house. With all his spare money going to keeping her bills current and the mortgage paid, it didn’t leave him enough to rent a place of his own.
And from what he got out of Phillip, he was staying at the ranch with friends. No way could he bring a man there—it would be rude to say the least. And Phillip was not that guy.
Estaban had watched Phillip for nearly a year, how he’d interacted with everyone, from Flynn, to Jimmy, to him and the customers. Phillip was kind, level-headed and knew his manners. It amazed Estaban how Phillip always seemed to de-escalate problems, get people to see the reasonable side to any conflicts that arose around work or prices.
He had a way about him with people. He could probably sweet talk a miser from his money, if he wanted to, Estaban supposed.
But he’d never do that. Phillip was as honest as the day was long. A man with principles and honor. If he’d seen what Flynn had tried to pull padding that bill, he’d have flipped out. Probably reported him to Joe Smith right then and there.
Estaban smiled. Deep inside, a pride in Phillip filled him. To Estaban, honor and reputation meant everything. He’d grown up with everyone thinking he was something he wasn’t, a lowlife, an illegal immigrant, just because his last name was Martinez, or his skin was brown, not white.
His parents had been born in Texas—second generation. No one in his family had much of an accent, although they could sure make it thick if they wanted to. Mostly they had a Texas drawl. Hell, his nephews and nieces barely spoke Spanish, and the little bit of the language he knew was mostly dirty words.
Phillip had never treated him like a second-class person. Never looked down on him. Had treated him just like everyone else he met, courteous and respectful.
That was the kind of man he could build a life with, could give his heart to.
He pulled into the driveway of his house and parked. He grabbed his lunch cooler and slid out of the seat, slamming the door. Instead of going in the front door, he went farther down the drive, to the back door, where the kitchen was located. His mom would be working there, baking or cooking something.
Estaban pulled open the screen door and pushed into the kitchen.
His mom looked up from the table where she was peeling the husks from a dozen or so ears of corn. “Estaban! How was work?”
“Hi, Mom! Just fine.” He bent over to kiss her cheek, then put his cooler on the counter. “What are you fixin’?”
“Thought I’d do some roasted corn for the kids. They love eating it.”
“You’ll spoil them.” He shook his head, but remembered how much he loved it too. “Save some for me, okay?”
“Of course. What do you want for dinner?”
Estaban bit his lip. He’d dragged his feet about telling his mom about the date, but it was now or never. And he’d never lie to her. His family knew he was gay, but since he never acted on it they just never mentioned it. But it hurt, having that piece of him ignored.
He pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. “Mom, I’ve got a date tonight.” He watched her for any signs of disapproval, hurt or anger.
Her face lit up with a huge grin. “Wonderful!” She put down the ear of corn and clapped her hands. “Finally! You’ve found someone!”
He made a motion with his hands to calm her down. “It’s just a first date, Mom. Dinner. That’s all.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, giving him the ‘mom’ stare. “Don’t give me that crap. This is the first date I’ve heard about in years. Tell me everything! Where did you meet him? I want details!”
Estaban laughed. “Okay. Okay.” He exhaled and leaned back in his chair. “You know that guy from the shop?”
“Jimmy?” she screeched, and the look of horror on her face made him laugh.
“Hell, no! Why would you think of him?” He shook his head. “It’s Phillip.” He bit his lip and waited for her to say something.
“Phillip. That nice boy you talk about all the time?” She frowned. “Didn’t you say he was younger than you? Like ten years younger?”
“Yes, he is. But he’s very mature.”
“What is Joe Smith going to say about you two dating?” She picked up the corn and finished stripping the husk from it. Then she dropped it into a basket with the others. “How’s that going to fit in with his so-called Christian values?” She snorted.
“Won’t be a problem. Flynn fired Phillip right before Christmas. For being gay.” Estaban growled deep in his throat.
“Stupid man.” She shook her head, then froze. “Did he find out about you?” She gave him a sidelong glance as she picked up another ear of corn and handed it to him. Her subtle way of saying ‘get to work’.
“No. So it don’t matter if we date or not. And if he fires me, he’ll have to shut down the garage. No mechanic. No fixin’ cars.” He stripped off the husk with an easy, practiced technique.
They worked on a few more ears, until Estaban cleared his throat.
“Mom. I think Phillip might be worth something. Worth giving him a chance.”
She reached out and put her hand on his. “Son, if he makes you happy, I say go for it. Life’s not easy round here for a man like you and if you can find someone who loves you, someone to build a life with, you’re damn lucky. You have nothing to lose trying, son.” She patted him then got back to work.
“Nothing but my heart.” Estaban put his cleaned ear in the basket. “I’ve got to get ready if I want to pick him up at seven. He’s staying out at the Double T Ranch.”
“The Weston ranch?” She nodded her approval.
“Is he friends with them? Working there?”
“A little of both. He got invited there for Christmas, and they asked him to hire on. He’s always wanted to be a cowboy, work on a ranch.” He rose and kissed her on the top of her head.
“Dress nice, but not too nice,” she called to him as he headed down the hall to his room. “And I see that swagger in your step, son!”
He laughed as he went into his room, shutting the door behind him. Now to find the perfect outfit for dinner. Nothing too fancy or too casual. Something that showed off his eyes, maybe his broad shoulders.
Or his tight ass.
Chapter Twenty-One
Phillip sat on the porch steps of the ranch house and waited as Rush pulled his truck up to park. Sammi hopped out of the passenger side and Rush got out of the driver’s.
“Hi!” Sammi waved to him.
“You ready for your first lesson?” Phillip stood and brushed off the seat of his jeans.
“I know I said I wanted to ride, but, to tell you the truth, after my day at Edward’s spa, all I want to do is continue relaxing. Can we put it off until tomorrow?” Sammi bit his lip and smiled at Rush. “Do you think you can spare him?”
Rush laughed. “I can spare him. Y’all get a time set up and I’ll work around it. Maybe you can ride with us out to one of the pastures in the afternoon? Think you’d like that, Sammi?”
“Well, yes! That sounds awesome! Thanks! And thank you again for picking me up from Edward’s.” Sammi gave a big grin to Rush.
“Hell, it’s not a bother. Anything for Brian’s best friend’s boyfriend.” He laughed and headed up the steps. “Phillip, maybe this afternoon you could introduce Sammi to his horse.” He ducked inside the house.
“Good idea.” Phillip glanced over at Sammi. “Can your relaxing wait for a bit?”
“Sure. I can’t wait to meet my horse. Which one will I ride?” He bounced on his feet like a kid getting his Christmas wish—which, in a way, he was, Phillip figured.
“I’ve got a couple in mind for you, but I thought I’d let you do the final pick. Come on.” Phillip jerked his head toward the stable. “Let’s go pick one out.”
Sammi clapped his hands and followed him. Once they reached the stables, Phillip led the way to a stall.
“I thought one of the ladies would be good for you. This is Star.” He clicked his tongue to get the horse’s attention. She ambled over and stuck her head over the stall door. “I’m new here, so I’ve only met a few of the horses.”
Sammi’s eyes grew as big as a full moon at midnight. “She’s beautiful, just like I imagined. Damn, I wanted to feed her a treat.” He pouted.
She snorted and tossed her head, as if telling of her disappointment.
“You can bring her a treat tomorrow, or whichever horse you pick.” Phillip stroked her muzzle. “Here, feel how soft.”
Sammi reached out and touched her. “Oh, she’s so soft. I’ve never seen a horse up close before.” His wide eyes, huge grin and tentative touch spoke of his wonder at the horse. “And she’s got those incredible eyes!”
Phillip chuckled. “Yep. She’s a sweet lady. Like I said, I haven’t ridden many of the horses, but Manuel says she’ll be gentle and not give you any trouble.”
Sammi stepped closer. “Can I pet her?”
“Sure. Most horses like to have their necks scratched. Here.” He took Sammi’s hand and guided it to Star’s neck. “Just take it easy.”
Sammi petted her neck and Phillip let go. “Want to see the next one?”
Sammi bit his lip. “I suppose so, but I really like Star. She looks just like the horse in my daydreams. She’s even got that strip of white down her face.”
She nuzzled at his shoulder and he giggled.
“I think she likes you, too.” He motioned with his head. “Let’s check out Bart.”
They walked down to another stall on the other side of the aisle. A big roan stuck his head out, nickering for a treat.
“Bart?” Sammi held out his hand. “I don’t have anything for you, sorry.” Bart lipped his hand, then tossed his head.
“Manuel says Bart’s a good old boy. Gentle. He’ll do whatever you tell him to.”
“He’s pretty. Sort of reddish and all marbled.” Sammi glanced back down the stable to Star’s stall.
“But you like Star better?”
“Yeah. She’s what I think of when I dream about a horse.”
Phillip followed his gaze. Star stuck her head out again and whinnied, as if calling to Sammi.
“Hey, you can’t read their minds, can you?” The idea just came to him. “’Cause if you can, that would be an awesome power.”
Sammi shook his head. “Nope. Just people. But it would be cool, especially if you had a horse.”
“It would be great for a cowboy.”
Sammi might not have been aware of it, but his body canted toward Star’s stall. Looked as if they’d made some sort of connection.
“Well, I think there’s no reason to check out the other horse. You seem to have your heart set on Star.”
Sammi gave Bart a last pet. “Sorry, Bart. But there’s something about Star. It doesn’t mean you’re not a good horse, just not the horse for me.” He sighed.
“How about I give you your first lesson before lunch tomorrow? Show you how to saddle her, mount up and we’ll do some turns around the corral. Then, if you feel up to it, you can ride out with us.” Phillip suggested.
“Sounds perfect.” Sammi gave Bart a last pet.
“I have a date tonight.” Phillip scuffed his boot in the dirt as he walked back to Star’s stall.
“With Estaban.” Sammi nodded. “I don’t have to read your mind to see how excited you are about it.”
Heat burned Phillip’s cheeks. “Hell, I’ve been dreaming of him for so long.” When they reached the stall, Star hung her head over to get Sammi’s attention.
“I understand, I think. Well, I understand wanting something for a long time.”
“You do? Did you want Mitchell for a long time?”
Sammi giggled. “Mitchell? No. I picked him up in a bar and we’ve been together ever since.”
“Really? Like love at first sight?”
“Something like that. You know I read minds, but…” He bit his lip. “If I tell you about my past, will you promise not to hate me?”
“Hate you? Why would I do that? I think you’re pretty great.” Phillip scratched Star’s nose while, on the other side of her, Sammi petted her neck.
“Everyone here, Rush and all, they know about me. About my past.” He cleared his throat. “I used to be a sex slave. I had a rough time growing up, eventually ran away from the foster home system and I landed in the wrong hands. This guy found out about my power and grabbed me, held me prisoner.” He lowered his voice to a near whisper so Phillip had to lean closer to hear. “At first, I thought he liked me, but before I knew it, he wouldn’t let me go. I had no one, no friends, not like now. He sold my body to wealthy clients and kept me locked up in a penthouse in Houston.”
“So how did you meet Mitchell?” Phillip whispered back.
Sammi leaned into Star’s neck, as if seeking comfort. “I escaped, slipped past his guards and went on the run. I used my power to seduce men to take me home and get me off the street, because I knew the guy…Donovan…was looking for me. I went into a bar, listened for a mark and heard Mitchell. It was so loud and clear, like his voice spoke to mine, cut through all the music and chatter and homed in on me.” His eyes closed. “I think I fell for him right then. I knew he was the one for me, the one who could hear me as well as I can hear him.”
“But you can hear others? Like you did with me?” Phillip blinked at the story Sammi told. A sex slave? How did that even happen? He’d heard stories on the news channels about the cops busting sex rings, but he’d never met anyone involved in it before.
“Yes. Sometimes it’s clear, but most of the time I have to work really hard to hear it. And no one h
as been able to talk back to me, in their mind. Mitchell can hear me and speak to me in his mind.” Sammi gave Star a kiss on her muzzle and a final pat.
Phillip pushed off the stall and led the way out of the stables as they talked.
“So, when you talked about longing for something, you meant your freedom?”
“Yes, but I think I just wanted someone to love me, not my power or my sexuality or what I could do for them. I ached for security and stability. Someone who would take care of me.” He smiled and cut Phillip a side glance. “Mitchell is my daddy and I’m his boy.”
Phillip halted. “Daddy?”
Sammi looped his arm through Phillip’s. “Do you have time to chat more or do you have to get ready for your date?”
“Well”—he glanced at his watch—“I could spare about ten minutes.” Maybe what Sammi needed to talk about would help get something off his chest. And that’s what friends do, right?
They sat on the porch swing. Phillip kicked off and set the swing moving.
“Did what I tell you about myself change what you think of me?” Sammi stared out at the ranch.
Phillip snorted. “Sammi, if you knew my past, you wouldn’t ask. I’m the last person to judge anyone or look down my nose at a person. Especially someone who was just doing what they had to do to survive.” He leaned his head back and exhaled. “Been there.”
Sammi put his hand on Phillip’s knee. “Is your leg still good?”
“Better than it’s been in years.”
“How’d it happen?”
Phillip hadn’t told anyone, at least not around Spring Lake, what had happened to his knee, but Sammi had been so truthful with his past, and didn’t friends share stuff like this?
“So, you know my power. I discovered it when I was about ten. I guess I had it all along, but only knew what it was, used it, I mean, around then. But I was so excited about it, I told my mom.” He gripped the chain holding up the swing. “Big mistake.”
“Why?” Sammi shifted in the swing, tilting his body away from Phillip, and brought his gaze to meet Phillip’s.
“Because my mom was as crooked as a snake. She never did an honest day’s work in her life, and once she found out I could influence people, well, she did what came natural to her…she used me to steal from people.”