by A. D. Ellis
“Can we talk?” Reid asked from the doorway.
Walker looked up from the computer. “Sure.” He shut his laptop and reached for waters from the mini refrigerator next to his desk. “What’s up?”
Reid took the offered water and sat down. “I’ve been thinking about some things.”
Walker opened his water, took a sip, and waited.
“I’m going to keep the ranch,” Reid announced and then took a drink from his bottle.
Walker took a deep breath and nodded. “Staying on or just in name?”
“Haven’t decided on that part yet.”
“Well, I gotta say thanks first and foremost.” Walker leaned forward. “You keeping the ranch means I keep a job and life I love, and all the people who choose to work here can continue. That means a lot.”
Reid nodded.
“What’s your thinking about staying or leaving?” Walker leaned back in his chair.
“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk about.” Reid scratched his head. “I feel like I’ve just been an observer in most of the ranch’s day-to-day stuff. If I’m going to stay, I want to know what it’s really like. Not just hanging around and helping here and there, I need to be completely submerged in it all so I can make an informed decision.”
Walker nodded. “That can be arranged. You can continue shadowing me, but instead of observing and helping here and there, I’ll have you do the majority of the work.”
“No horses,” Reid said quickly. “Except Cinnamon and maybe some of the other little ones.”
Walker smirked, but moved on. “I think it’s a great idea. I’m thrilled you want to keep the ranch, and I think making an informed decision about staying or leaving is for the best.”
“Do you want me to stay?” Reid asked abruptly. Why do I want him to want me to stay?
Walker was quiet for a moment. “Honestly, I feel pretty neutral about the situation. I’ve enjoyed having you here, since you bring a nice vibe to the ranch, I think you’re great for Zeke, and Norma adores you. Most importantly, I know Jack would be thrilled to have you here.”
“But?” Reid hedged. Why don’t you just beg him to ask you to stay? You sound pathetic.
“But if you leave, the ranch will go on just as it did before. I’m good at what I do. I love this ranch, it’s my life. I’ll make sure it continues to be the very best.”
“That’s one of the things that makes my decision easier. Knowing the ranch will be in good hands would make it easy to leave.” Would I stay if he asked me? Shit, yeah, I think I would.
“So, we’ll start with your submersion today?” Walker asked and checked his watch. “Almost time for lunch, so let’s plan on after we eat.”
“There’s something else,” Reid blurted.
Walker cocked a brow.
“I want to have a party.” Reid’s cheeks turned pink and he clasped his hands together in his lap.
“A party? Like a wiener roast or potluck?” Walker’s brow furrowed. “We do that quite a bit, no problem to make it happen.”
Reid pursed his lips. “I was thinking a bit bigger, fancier.”
Walker raised his brows and crossed both arms on his chest. “Bigger?”
“So, I think it’s important that I not only get to know the workers and families on the ranch, but some of the townsfolk, as well.” Reid shifted. “I was thinking DJ, dance floor, lights, decorations, catering, the works. Give all the employees a break from their usual work. Tell people to dress up. Make it an event to remember.”
Walker was silent.
“Thoughts?” Reid prompted.
“My first thought is it’s a total waste of money. People would be just as happy with carry-in dishes and hot dogs.” Walker leaned back in his chair and put both hands behind his head. “Second thought is you’re definitely your Grandma Sarah’s relation. I hear tell she was quite the entertainer.”
“So we can have the party?” Reid moved to the edge of his seat.
“You can have the party, yes.” Walker pointed at Reid.
“You’ll be there, right?”
“Parties aren’t really my thing. I’ll help in the set up and all that. But you won’t need me there for the actual event.” Walker shook his head. “Norma will be thrilled to help.”
“No!” Reid exclaimed. “I mean, you’re like the backbone of the ranch. If you’re not there, others may not come. They may think you’re against it and decide it’s not good for them to attend.” Reid put his hands together in a praying gesture. “Please? Pretty please?” Plus, I really want you there.
Walker sighed deeply. “Fine. I’ll be there. But I don’t dance.”
“Thank you! No dancing, got it.” Reid smiled. “But I think dancing should be something I set as my goal to get you to do.”
“I’ll dance when you ride a horse,” Walker drawled.
Reid narrowed his eyes. “Petty.”
Walker just shrugged and laughed. “Come on, it’s time for lunch.”
By the time the evening meal rolled around, Reid wasn’t sure he’d be able to stand from his chair once he got himself lowered down into it.
“Oh, you poor thing.” Norma patted his shoulder. “After a good meal you can take a long, hot shower and you’ll feel better.”
“Just wait ‘til morning.” Walker smirked, his hair damp from the quick shower he’d already taken.
Norma swatted him with a towel.
“It’s just us for dinner tonight, boys,” Norma announced as she carried a casserole dish of enchiladas to the table. “Eat up. There’s chocolate cake for dessert.”
Walker groaned. “This is my favorite meal.” He narrowed his eyes at Norma. “What are you up to?”
Norma, hand to her bosom, gasped. “I’m appalled that you’d think I need an ulterior motive to fix your favorites.”
Walker just grunted and shoveled three enchiladas onto his plate.
When the meal was finished, Reid winced as he pushed himself from the table. “Can I save my chocolate cake until after I shower?”
“Of course, sugar.” Norma waved him away from the table. “Big glass of cold milk or piping hot coffee will be here waiting along with your cake when you’re done.”
Reid stiffly limped from the room and down the hall.
The duck dogs followed.
“What are you up to?” Walker demanded.
“Moi?” Norma batted her lashes.
Walker waited.
“Child, I’ve loved you like my own since the day you came here. My heart broke for you when you lost Samuel, and I swore I’d do everything in my power to bring love to your heart again.” Norma’s eyes welled with tears.
Walker leaned forward on his elbows, face in hands. “I love you, too. But you don’t need to play matchmaker. He’s not interested.”
“Pishaw,” Norma groused. “If that’s the only excuse you’re still holding onto you better prepare to let it go.”
“No, I mean, that’s just one of the reasons…,” Walker sputtered. “He’s young, he doesn’t know if he’s staying, and I can’t go through losing someone again. Plus, what about Samuel?”
“What about him?” Norma patted Walker’s hand. “That man loved you as much as you loved him. But, baby, he’s gone. Samuel would want you happy, just like I know you’d want him happy if he’d been the one left behind.”
“Even if you take the Samuel piece out of the equation, too much still doesn’t add up.” Walker pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Well, now, I never was too good in math, so pardon me while I ignore your equations and adding.” Norma stood and started the coffee pot. “What I know are the facts. Fact: You’ve smiled more and been more alive since Reid came around. Fact: That man brings a sparkle to this ranch that’s been missing for forever. Fact: He is interested. Look at you, how could he not be? But he’s being respectful. He’s got so much going on, I doubt he’s even given one single moment to thinking about your sexuality. Fact: You’re thirty-t
wo. He’s twenty-seven. That is not too much of an age gap. Hell, child, my Benny was seventeen years my senior and we lived a long and happy life together. Fact: He may not have made his decision completely, but he’s already said he’ll keep the ranch. You need to give him reason to stay.” Norma paused her fact spewing and stood with her hands on hips.
“What if I’m not enough reason for him to stay?” Walker mumbled.
Norma walked over and pulled him into a hug. “I don’t see how that could be, but if you’re not reason enough then I’ll eat my words and pack his suitcase for him.”
“I’m scared.” Walker spoke softly with his head against Norma’s waist.
“I know you are, but that’s okay. Feeling scared means you’re feeling and that’s a good thing.” Norma leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “Now, you’re going to take the liniment rub in there and offer to help him with his sore muscles.”
“That’s the cheesiest thing I’ve ever heard.” Walker scoffed.
“He needs to know where you stand if we’re going to move this thing along.” Norma released Walker and moved to pour her coffee. “Liniment is in the medicine cabinet. Cake will be on the counter. I’m going to take a nice long bath and read in my room for the rest of the night.”
Walker watched her leave. “I can’t do this,” he whispered to himself.
“Yes, you can,” Norma shot back before disappearing to the opposite wing of the house.
Walker took a deep shuddering breath and headed for the medicine cabinet.
He stood outside Reid’s door for what seemed like ages.
Was he ready for this?
Could he even do this?
What exactly was this?
He knocked lightly even though he could still hear the shower running. Cracking the door slightly, he peeked into the room. All five dogs lifted their heads and scampered to greet him. Louise yipped and immediately the shower shut off.
Walker’s heart pounded as he stood awkwardly in the middle of Reid’s room with the tin of liniment balm in his hands.
Reid, hair dripping, stuck his head out from the bathroom door. “What’s up?”
“Oh, um, sorry to barge in,” Walker stammered. “It’s just, uh, Norma said I should bring you this liniment since you’re so sore.”
Reid ducked back into the bathroom for a moment before returning, wearing a tank and cut-off sweat shorts and rubbing a towel through his hair. “Liniment?” Reid wrinkled his nose. “What’s that?”
“It’s good for sore muscles. Doesn’t smell too great, but you rub it on and it helps relieve stiffness and soreness.” Walker held up the tin. “If you want, I can get your back and calves and then you can get the rest of whatever hurts.”
Reid narrowed his eyes but shrugged and pulled the tank over his head before easing himself face first onto the bed. “The shower really did help, but I hurt all over. Tomorrow is gonna suck.” His words were muffled into the pillow.
Walker’s jaw clenched and his heart stuttered as he took in the perfect form on the bed before him. He unscrewed the tin and scooped out some of the balm. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Walker gently touched his hand to Reid’s lower leg and began to rub.
“Ah, God, that hurts, but like it feels so good, too.” Reid moaned into the pillow.
Walker moved to the foot of the bed and scooped more liniment from the tin. Using both hands, he massaged the balm into Reid’s calves as Reid groaned beneath his touch.
Holy shit, I’m not going to make it through this. Walker he gritted his teeth and finished Reid’s lower legs and moved to the side of the bed to rub the liniment into Reid’s back and shoulders. Probably be too much to straddle him, huh? Walker snickered to himself at the thought.
Reid turned his head on the pillow which brought his gaze and attention almost directly to Walker’s less than subtle hard-on behind his lounge pants. Reid’s eyes widened before he rolled to his side and gingerly lifted himself from the bed and stood to face Walker.
Reid’s nostrils flared, and he cleared his throat before speaking. “Listen, you’re hot and I’d climb you like a tree, but I don’t get involved with straight guys. I’m not an experiment or someone’s secret to keep on the downlow.”
Walker blinked rapidly, until his brain finally signaled him to speak. “You think I’m hot?”
Reid scoffed. “Have you looked in the mirror? You’re a walkin’ wet dream in a cowboy hat and boots.” Reid winced. “But like I said—”
“I’m flattered you think I’m hot, the feeling is mutual. For the record, maybe you should have your sensors checked, because I’d be more than happy to have you climb me any which way, and I’d most definitely be inclined to return the favor.”
“Wait, what?” Reid frowned and took a step back. “You’re gay?”
“Most definitely.”
“Are you sure?” Reid continued to frown.
“Why do I feel like I’m back explaining to my parents that this isn’t just a phase?” Walker groused.
“I’m sorry. That was a stupid question. Of course you’re sure,” Reid mumbled. “I’m just surprised is all.”
Walker waited.
“I guess I’ve had a lot on my mind and it didn’t even dawn on me that you’re gay. Maybe I was too focused on Zeke? I don’t know, but I’m sorry I didn’t know, and I’m sorry I’m acting dumb.” Reid blushed.
“You’re gorgeous,” Walker blurted and his eyes went wide. “Sorry, I’m so very out of practice with this.”
Reid grabbed his tank and slid it on before sitting on the side of the bed. “It’s okay. Go slow.” He patted the bed, inviting Walker to sit.
“I like you. And I’ve been arguing with my head and heart ever since you showed up.”
“What are they saying?” Reid whispered.
“My head says you’re too young, you’re not my type, you’re not even staying, and I don’t do relationships.” Walker sighed as he sat beside Reid.
“And your heart?” Reid bumped against Walker’s shoulder.
“My heart says it’s been way too long since I’ve felt this way and maybe I should take a chance.” Walker leaned back on his hands.
“So? Which are you siding with?”
“When I lost Samuel,” Walker started but stopped when Reid gasped.
“Were they the father and son who died in the drunk driving accident?”
Walker nodded. “Losing Samuel was devastating. I swore I’d never let myself be that way with anyone else, that way I’d never hurt like that again.”
Reid nodded and placed a hand over Walker’s.
“But then you showed up, and try as I might, I can’t stop feeling drawn to you and happy to have you around. I find myself making excuses just to be in the same area as you.” Walker chuckled. “All those chores today? Any other new person on the ranch would have been assigned to any number of the hands to teach them. But you? I didn’t even give it a second thought, I wanted to be the one teaching you and watching you and spending time with you.”
“Wow, I’m flattered,” Reid said.
“Part of me wants to lock up my heart and never let it out again, keep it safe from you and whatever this might be.” Walker waved a hand between them.
“And the other part?”
“The other part says it’s about time I allow myself to feel something again, allow myself to be happy again.” Walker turned toward Reid. “Maybe you don’t feel the same way. Maybe you do and I’ll be terrible at this. Maybe you’ll leave and I’ll be destroyed. Maybe—”
Reid held a finger to Walker’s lips and hushed him. “Maybe you should just kiss me.”
Walker’s eyes flashed. “Maybe that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.”
He leaned in.
Reid moved forward slightly, his gaze on Walkers lips until the very last moment.
Reid closed his eyes and let Walker’s mouth overtake his own. Walker’s lips were silky soft against Reid’s, but there wa
s no question who was leading.
Walker’s hand came up to hold the back of Reid’s head and deepen the kiss. When Walker’s tongue touched Reid’s lip, Reid opened for him and groaned as their tongues met and mated.
One of the ducks barked.
Walker and Reid pulled apart, both breathing heavily and smiling.
Reid bit his lip and blushed. “I guess they’re tired of being stuck in here.”
“Probably,” Walker agreed. He stood and pulled Reid to stand next to him. “Was that okay?”
Reid nodded and trailed a kiss along Walker’s jawline until he reached Walker’s mouth where he whispered, “That was more than okay, and I hope we can do it again and again.”
“Deal.” Walker chuckled and wrapped Reid in his arms. “How about that chocolate cake?”
“Perfect.”
10
“Are you sure you don’t want to just have a bonfire and roast some hotdogs?” Walker grumped as he ducked to keep from getting knocked in the head by the large board Reid carried to the dance floor’s construction area.
“Oh, I want a bonfire and hotdogs, but a party isn’t a party without a dance floor, lights, and music. You have to set the atmosphere.” Reid grinned and placed the board down with the others. His arms and legs would have been an aching mass of goo a week or so ago, but each day of doing chores with Walker and the other employees had built up his muscles even more than dancing ever did.
Walker laughed and rolled his eyes. “Fine, let’s build some atmosphere.”
While the two men built a wooden base and floor along with four corner posts and connecting boards where lights would hang, they chatted.
“How old were you when you came out?” Reid held a board for Walker to nail.
“Probably about thirteen?” Walker held one nail in his teeth as he swiftly pounded the other one into the board with the hammer.
“Pretty young.” Reid gave a low whistle. “How’d your parents take it?”
Walker stopped working for a moment and adjusted his hat. “That’s probably why I was able to figure things out so young and come out with no issues, my parents were gone. Never knew my dad, but my grandma always said I wasn’t missing out on anything. My mom ran off to Hollywood with some wannabe movie producer when I was two. Never saw her again. Grandma told me when I was much older that Mom had followed that guy straight into drugs and prostitution all while believing she would eventually be a big star. She overdosed on heroin when I was about eight, I think. I didn’t know any of this until I was an adult.”