His Reluctant Cowboy

by A. D. Ellis

  “Wow, that’s a lot. I’m sorry for all that awfulness. So, your grandma was pretty great, huh?” Reid went back to holding the board as Walker returned to his task.

  “The greatest. I’m likely bias, but she was always there, always supportive. She had my mom pretty young, so she wasn’t an older grandma. She was in her thirties when I was born.” Walker removed his hat and scratched his head.

  “Were you nervous to tell her you were gay?”

  “Not really. We had a great relationship, and I never feared she wouldn’t support me. When I told her, she just smiled and gave me a hug. She never made a big deal about girls to me before, so maybe she knew or suspected? But after I told her, she would point out cute guys all the time on movies and television and in magazines.”

  “That sounds really nice. Sounds like you had a good friend in her.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t call her my friend. She made it clear from the very beginning that she was my parent figure and that there were rules and expectations and consequences. But she was supportive and helpful and loving along the way.” Walker chuckled.

  “Do you still get to see her?”

  “She’s got a tiny little apartment a few towns over, and I try to go see her every other week or so.” Walker hefted another board from the pile and placed it on the foundation. “I’d really like to move her here. She’s getting to a point where living on her own is just starting to get hard, and I know she’s not going to want to go to an assisted living facility. I think living on the ranch would be good for her. Plus, she really loves it here. Part of me thinks she’d like to ask to move here but thinks she’d be a bother.” Walker positioned the board so it was lined up and waited for Reid to hold it in place before securing it with two nails. “Honestly, I think it would be great for Grandma and Norma and the kids to have her here.”

  “You should ask her.” Reid shrugged. “Can’t hurt.”

  “You’re right. Maybe next time I go visit.” Walker glanced at Reid, his eyes aglow. “Maybe you could go with me.”

  Reid smirked. “Maybe.”

  “What about you? When did you come out?” Walker stood after attaching the last board to the frame and walked to the cooler. He grabbed two waters and tossed one to Reid before opening his own and taking a long swig.

  Reid grimaced. “Well, I probably knew I was gay from about age ten. I hadn’t named it, but I knew I was different.” He opened his water and took a drink. “I didn’t finally admit to myself I was gay until about fifteen. And I didn’t come out until I was in college.”

  “Because you knew your parents wouldn’t be supportive?”

  Reid walked over to Bert and hopped up to sit on the tailgate. “You need some background on Father Jack because he’s very unlike Grandpa Jack.”

  Walker joined Reid on the truck’s tailgate.

  “My father pretty much wanted nothing to do with me until I was old enough to possibly be his little protégé. By that time, he was a complete stranger, and I didn’t want to be around him. He tried forcing me to go to the office with him, but I begged my mom to not make me. Jack got angry and decided I wasn’t worthy of his teaching and guidance and told me to never ask him for business advice or assistance.”

  “Sounds like a prick.” Walker swung his legs from the truck.

  “Complete and total prick.” Reid nodded. “I always wondered how my mom ended up with him because she was pretty cool. I asked her when I was older. Said she fell for his charm when she was very young and naïve. I told her she should leave him. She shrugged and said she never really saw him so she didn’t have to deal with him much. And the money she had access to because of him was being used to fund charities and non-profits and scholarships. She said she had no interest in marrying again, had tons of friends, a happy life, and staying married to him allowed her funds to do what she loved most which is helping others.”

  “That’s sort of awesome and sort of sad all at the same time, ya know?”

  “Agreed.” Reid took another drink. “I told my mom I was gay the summer after freshman year of college. She was pretty great. Said she loved me no matter what and then went on to make several large donations to PFLAG and GLAAD and some local LGBTQ organizations.” Reid chuckled. “Jack would have died to know where that money was going, but it was hers to do with what she wanted and he never checked.”

  “I take it Father Jack wasn’t as accepting?” Walker shifted again so his shoulder and thigh were in contact with Reid’s.

  “Understatement.” Reid leaned into Walker. “It was a whole year after I told my mom before I told Jack. I didn’t plan on it, but he happened to be home and was going on and on about something in the news regarding the LGBTQ community and I just sat listening to him with this ball of anger and sadness growing in me until I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I don’t even remember the exact words that made me snap, but he’d been spewing such hateful words that I finally blew up.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I screamed, ‘Shut up!’ and when he looked at me as if I’d grown three heads, so I said, ‘I’m gay, Dad.’” Reid leaned more heavily into Walker. “He laughed at first as if I was telling a joke. I tried to calm myself and told him again, ‘I’m gay. Always have been, always will be.’”

  “What did he do?”

  “His face turned so red I seriously thought he was going to have a stroke. He screamed and hollered and slammed things all while saying no son of his was going to embarrass his good name by being a faggot. I watched as he threw his fit and when his tirade finally came to a slowing point, he slumped down in a chair.”

  “Was your mom there?”

  “No, she was at a charity event. I don’t even know how Dad and I ended up in the house at the same time as that almost never happened. But once he sat down, he sputtered nonsense about it being a phase, how I’d grow out of it, how I’d come around, and I just needed to find the right girl.” Reid snorted.

  “What did you do?”

  “I stood up, leaned my hands on the table and said, ‘Dad, I’m gay. The right girl will be a guy. Sorry. I take dick in the ass and enjoy it. Immensely.’ The look on his face was priceless. Like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to kill me or barf. I left the room before he could decide to do either. Had almost zero contact with him from that point on, which was perfect, until the reading of the will after Grandpa Jack died.”

  Walker threw his head back and laughed. “You did not say that, seriously?”

  Reid joined the laughter. “I did. I mean, it was crude, but he needed to hear it.”

  Walker put his arm behind Reid on the truck bed and leaned in close. “I guess that answers the question of top or bottom.”

  Reid laughed. “Oh, there’s never been a question. I can be vers if needed, but I’m a bottom boy at heart.”

  “Good to know,” Walker whispered in Reid’s ear before trailing a kiss along his jaw.

  Reid moaned and lifted his head to allow Walker access to his neck. When Walker’s hand gripped Reid’s thigh and moved higher, Reid pulled back abruptly. “Wait, we’re in broad daylight. Does everyone know you’re gay?”

  “Mostly.” Walker nodded. “Many of the people here at the ranch were here before I came. Jack never made a big deal over my sexuality. When Samuel and I started dating, I knew there were two guys who weren’t okay with it. One left and Jack fired the other because of his treatment of Samuel and me. It’s never really been a problem.”

  Reid smiled and leaned back into Walker’s space. “Mmm, that works perfectly. Everyone knows you’re gay, everyone knows I’m gay.”

  “Well, don’t most straight people think the gay guys they know should automatically hook up and fall in love?” Walker teased and nuzzled against Reid’s neck before freezing and pulling back quickly. “I mean, like dating, I don’t mean fall in love love,” he stammered.

  Reid laughed. “No worries. I knew what you meant.” He kissed at the corner of Walker’s mouth. “And of course two gay
guys on a ranch are required to be attracted to each other and get together.”

  “Maybe you should think about Ezekiel? Is he more your type?” Walker was the one to pull back this time.

  “What?” Reid chuckled. “First, he’s way too young. Second, he’s like a baby gay who hasn’t even discovered himself yet.” Reid began kissing Walker again and didn’t stop even as he spoke again. “And I’m not interested in corrupting the youngin’ with a threesome.”

  Walker laughed against Reid’s lips. “Agreed.”

  Reid deepened the kiss.

  Walker let himself enjoy the kiss for a few moments before pulling back. “We need to keep working if this fancy dance floor is going to get finished.”

  “Okay, okay,” Reid whined but smiled and hopped off the truck. “Let’s get busy.”

  The day of the party dawned sunny and absolutely perfect. Not too hot. Not too cold.

  Walker bumped Reid’s hip as they entered the kitchen. The two had shared many kisses and soft touches recently. I tried not to develop feelings, damn it, I really tried. But now I’m stuck between wanting more and being scared to death he’ll rip my heart to shreds if he leaves. Walker’s hand brushed against Reid’s before taking it in his own. Reid returned the gesture with a squeeze and light caress.

  “Caterers will be here around three o’clock to start setting up and cooking,” Norma checked off something on a list. “I can’t believe you didn’t want me to cook.”

  “Reid wanted you to have the day and night off cooking duties.” Walker put an arm around her shoulders.

  “You deserve a break! We’ve got dancing to do,” Reid crowed. “The DJ will be here at five o’clock to get his area ready.”

  “All the ranch employees are attending, and the few townspeople you invited are coming, as well.” Walker flipped through his phone as he checked the RSVP’s.

  “I still feel bad that I couldn’t invite the whole town.” Reid pouted.

  “Sugar, stop.” Norma patted his shoulder. “You can invite more next time.”

  Reid beamed. “Hear that? Norma has given permission for a next time because she already knows it’s going to be the best party this ranch has ever seen.”

  “Norma, don’t fill his head. You’ll create a monster,” Walker groused but pulled Reid into a hug and kissed him. “I’m sure the party is going to be fabulous.”

  11

  The party was fabulous.

  Walker had a hard time keeping his eyes off Reid as the party went on. Reid’s face had been filled with a huge smile from the moment the first guests started to arrive, and he hadn’t stopped smiling as he visited with ranch families and the visitors from in town.

  Walker made note to ask Reid just what Doctor Phips had said to him that had him throwing his head back in laughter and shooting a warm smiled Walker’s way.

  The food was beyond delicious, and Walker enjoyed seeing Norma able to just visit and have fun. Although, he could tell she was a bit bent as people raved about food that wasn’t made by her. The DJ played a wide variety of songs that allowed everyone, young and old and in between, to enjoy the music and dancing. Reid’s suggestion of lighting gave the absolute perfect atmosphere to the dance floor and surrounding area.

  But the highlight of Walker’s night was watching Reid teach eager party-goers how to dance. Nothing brought people to the dance floor like a good group line dance, and Reid proved that to be true as he taught the steps to Cupid Shuffle and Wobble. The more adventurous dancers stayed on the floor to glean dance moves from Reid as other songs played. Reid was happy, patient, and made every single person on the dance floor feel special. Walker’s chest was warm and his smile bright as he watched Reid in his element.

  When Reid walked over to the DJ and made a request, Walker narrowed his eyes in curiosity. But then a slow song started playing and Walker knew what Reid was up to. He watched as Reid pulled ranch hands and their wives to the floor. Youngsters, not ready to be off the stage, swayed to the slower beat in a cute way that only kids can pull off. Norma laughed as Dr. Phips pulled her to the floor, and they began a classic box-step in keeping with the tune.

  “May I have this dance?” Reid tapped Walker on the shoulder.

  “I told you, I don’t dance,” Walker grumbled.

  “It’s painless, I promise.” Reid clasped his hands in front of him. “This is me begging. Please dance with me? I at least went near a horse. That has the earn me at least a little something.”

  Walker rolled his eyes but grinned and stepped to the dance floor with Reid. They mimicked the box-step Norma and the doctor were enjoying.

  “Perfect party,” Walker stated as he squeezed Reid’s hand in his own.

  “Yeah, it really did turn out amazingly well.” Reid nodded as his fingers toyed at the back of Walker’s neck.

  “What did Doc Phips say that had you laughing so hard?”

  “The first time I met her, she was all cryptic and shit about how I should keep my mind and my heart open, how I’d be good for the ranch and the ranch would be good for me.”

  Walker cocked a brow and waited.

  “So tonight she told me I looked good, and she could tell the ranch was doing wonders for me. She added she’d never seen you looking so happy.” Reid shrugged but smirked. “She said a little bird had told her that perhaps we were good for each other. And then she told me to never question her fortune telling skills again.”

  Walker laughed. “Doc is something else, for sure.”

  Reid sobered for a moment. “Do you think it’s weird that we’re together?”

  “How’s that?”

  “I mean, you’re beyond attractive, and I enjoy spending time with you,” Reid began.

  “Same, so what’s the issue?” Walker pressed.

  “Would we have found each other attractive and enjoyable if we’d met in a city full of a thousand gay men? Or are we just settling because we’re the only choices?” Reid worried his lip between his teeth.

  Walker was quiet for a bit.

  Another slow song came on. Some couples exchanged partners. Reid and Walker stayed together.

  “I think, no. I know I’d find you attractive no matter where I see you.” Walker stroked Reid’s knuckles with his thumb. “I swore I’d never get in another relationship after losing Samuel, but then you came along. I fought it, but finally admitted I couldn’t fight it any longer and really didn’t even want to. But if you feel like you’re just settling for me, I can understand and respect that.”

  Reid gasped. “No, that’s not at all what I meant.” He glanced around the dance floor. “Can we go somewhere more private?”

  Walker led Reid from the floor, and they made their way up to the small incline to the dark side of the house. “Better?”

  Reid nodded. “I didn’t mean I was settling for you.” He sighed. “I overheard some people talking about how quickly we became an item, and how you were probably thrilled I showed up so you’d have someone to fuck.”

  Walker’s rage was palpable even in the dark. “Who the hell said that?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know who they were. The voices were behind me while I was talking to the caterer; they must not have realized I was standing so close. By the time I turned around, there was a large group of people and no way to tell who had spoken.” Reid sighed. “It’s really not important who said it, as long as it’s not true.”

  “First, you’d been here a fairly long time before we were anything more than friends.” Walker cupped Reid’s cheek. “Second, it’s no one’s damn business. Third, I wasn’t pining for someone to fuck. You just snuck your way into my heart. Fourth,” Walker kissed at the corner of Reid’s mouth, “I have no plans to just fuck you.” He captured Reid’s lips in a warm kiss that quickly became hot, fiery, and passionate.

  Reid moaned, wrapped his arms around Walker’s neck, and returned the kiss with everything he had.

  Walker maneuvered Reid toward the house and pressed him against the wal
l. He took hold of Reid’s hips. Walker’s kisses stuttered when their jean-clad cocks met and rubbed together.

  “It would be wrong to leave my own party, right?” Reid panted against Walker’s ear as the two thrust their hips.

  Walker gripped Reid’s ass and picked him up.

  Reid wrapped his legs around Walker’s waist.

  “Yeah, probably wouldn’t be the best move for the host.” Walker rocked his cock hard into Reid’s. “But we can always make sure to pick up right where we are after the party.”

  Reid whimpered as Walker nipped at his collarbone. “Promise?”

  “Definitely,” Walker growled attacking Reid’s lips with a hungry, wet kiss.

  The moment was interrupted as the night filled with the sounds of explosions.

  “What the fuck is that?” Walker released Reid and the two men ran toward the party.

  The sound of frightened horses neighing and kicking in the barn caught their attention.

  “Shit, you go to the party, see what happened. I’ll go check on the horses.” Walker let go of Reid’s hand and sprinted toward the barn just as several ranch hands ran toward the barn, as well.

  Reid reached the party, breathless and concerned. “What happened?”

  “Fire crackers,” someone said. “Some kids from town must have made their way out here and set off some Black Cats as their way of having fun.”

  “Dr. Phips tried to catch them, but they ran off before she could see their faces. They were right beside the barn, spooked the horses a lot more than it spooked the people I’m afraid.” Norma frowned and held a hand to her chest. “I pray those horses stay put. A spooked horse is an injury waiting to happen.”