by A. D. Ellis
“You did great. I think your flexibility and rhythm from dance came in very handy. We’ll work on it a bit each day until you’re comfortable with a longer ride.” Walker threw an arm around Reid’s shoulders. “I’ll show you how to brush her down and get her unsaddled.”
Reid stopped at the entry to the barn and patted Buttercup before leaning his forehead against her neck. “Thanks, girl. You’re the best.” The horse nickered. “All the carrots in the world just for you. We’re besties now.”
“You may change your tune when you realize just how sore you’re going to be tomorrow.” Walker snickered.
Reid turned to face him. “First, thank you.”
“For?”
“For teaching me, for being patient, for knowing she was perfect for me.” Reid cupped Walker’s cheek.
“And?”
“And, pretty sure I’ve done enough riding to know about the soreness. I’ll be fine.” Reid winked and brushed a kiss across Walker’s lips.
Walker smirked. “Okay, cowboy. You let me know how that goes for you.”
“Are you okay?” Norma asked with genuine concern that evening. “Did you hurt yourself?”
“Just a little sore,” Reid grimaced as he lowered himself into the seat at the kitchen table.
Walker snorted.
“What happened?” Norma frowned.
“Our boy decided he wanted to learn to ride.” Walker reached over and patted Reid’s hand and tried his best to hide a smile at Reid’s snarl.
Norma beamed. “Really? That’s amazing. So great!” Then she winced. “Ah, so you’re super saddle sore, huh?”
Reid’s brows drew together, and he shifted in his seat. “Yeah, a lot more than I thought I would be. I mean, I’m used to…,” he shot a glance at Walker, “used to dancing and thought I’d be better able to adjust to the saddle.”
“Oh, sugar, the saddle is brutal.” Norma clucked as she loaded the table with dinner. “My Benny had the hardest time. But let me tell you, the right hands with some liniment ointment is just what the doctor ordered.”
Over the table, Reid met Walker’s hot fiery gaze.
When dinner was complete, Norma bustled about cleaning up. “You boys go on out and finish up your evening chores. Walker, you remember where the liniment is?”
Walker swallowed thickly and nodded.
“A hot bath will ease the sore muscles, too.” Norma nodded. “I’ll be hitting the hay on my side of the house. Breakfast duties come early.” She winked.
The dogs bolted into Reid’s room when Walker nudged the door open.
“I’m dying,” Reid groaned from his face-down position on the bed. “My ass and legs have never been this sore, and I didn’t even get off from the experience.”
Walker snorted back a laugh. “Aww, my poor cowboy,” he crooned as he lay a hand on Reid’s back. “How ‘bout a hot bath with some soaking salts then I’ll rub you down.”
“And rub me off?” Reid suggested.
“You’re incorrigible,” Walker scolded. “I thought you were dying?”
“My dying wish is to get off with a hot cowboy.”
“Well, if I see one around, I’ll let you know,” Walker teased.
“Stop, you know I mean you.” Reid rolled to his side. “Whose idea was it for me to learn to ride a damn horse? I can’t even try to seduce you into fucking me because my ass and legs already feel like I got fucked for a week by an angry gorilla going in dry.”
Walker laughed out loud. “Calm down, cowboy. I’ll go start the bath.”
Five minutes later, Walker had the jacuzzi tub filling, bath salts sprinkled in, the lights dimmed, and a towel laid out.
“Want to get in with me?” Reid blushed as he hobbled into the bathroom.
Walker was quiet for a moment too long as if he was going to refuse, but then he bit his bottom lip and nodded before grabbing a towel for himself. He helped Reid into the warm water after the younger man removed his clothes.
“Oh my God, this feels amazing.” Reid leaned back, but his hooded gaze was glued to Walker.
Walker stripped down quickly and climbed into the tub. Once he gently situated himself behind Reid, Walker pulled Reid’s back to his chest.
“Mmm, feels even more amazing now,” Reid moaned, his breath catching in his throat when Walker’s hands grazed over his nipples and down to his abdomen.
“Let the heat of the water loosen your muscles,” Walker murmured at Reid’s ear before trailing light kisses down his jaw.
“Who knew water could act as a little prep and loosening?” Reid chuckled and let his head loll over so Walker could nibble and lick his neck.
“In case I haven’t told you lately, I’m really glad you’re here,” Walker whispered. “You make me laugh and smile more than I can remember in my entire life.”
“Even with Sam?” Reid covered Walker’s hands with his own.
Walker was silent for a moment. “Yes, even with Sam.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t have to talk about him.”
“No, it’s okay.” Walker tightened his arms around Reid and pulled him closer. “Sam was a great guy. I loved him without a doubt. But he wasn’t silly and snarky like you. He was as smart as they came as far as ranchers, and he was an honest and hard worker. But he didn’t light up a room like you do. He didn’t make my heart sing like it sings when I’m with you.”
“You don’t have to compare us,” Reid stated softly. “I know you loved him. You can love us the same or different.” He tensed in Walker’s arms. “I mean, not that I think you love me or anything.”
“Shh, it’s okay, I know what you meant.”
Walker’s words soothed. They were quiet for several heartbeats. Still in the silence, only their breaths and the occasional sound of water splashing filled the steamy air. They simply were. Reid and Walker. Together.
“I do, you know.” Walker entwined his fingers with Reid’s.
“Do what?” Reid sighed.
“Love you,” Walker’s words tickled at Reid’s ear.
Reid turned his head and tipped his chin so he could see Walker’s face. “You do?”
Walker nodded. “You had my interest the moment I saw you walking on that old dirt road. I think you had my heart the moment you dropped to your knees to pet the dogs.”
“Me dropping to my knees gets a lot of people,” Reid teased.
Walker smiled. “I fell for you bit by bit as I watched you with the dogs, with Norma, with Cinnamon. Seeing you settle in and be so warm and welcoming to the employees here and to the townspeople, it just wedged you deeper and deeper into my heart.”
“So now I’m stuck there?”
“Yeah, I think you’re a permanent fixture.” Walker kissed Reid’s head.
“Well, I think I make a great addition to your heart.” Reid reached to pull Walker’s face closer and kissed him. “And same.”
“Same?”
“I love you too, cowboy,” Reid whispered against Walker’s lips. “Never in a million years did I think I’d find love and friendship way out on Pine Ridge Ranch, but I guess that’s what happens when you think you know what your life has planned for you.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes until Walker broke the moment. “As much as I hate to interrupt what we’ve got going here, the water is getting cold. Do you want more hot water, or are you ready to get out?”
“Depends.”
“On?” Walker asked.
“If we get out, will you dance with me?” Reid sat up and turned around.
“Naked dancing?” Walker cocked his brow.
“Well, we could get dressed if you want.” Reid shrugged. “But you promised me a rub down, so staying naked seems like a good plan.”
“How ‘bout I rub in the liniment first then we dance? That way it has time to soak in and hopefully help your pain while the muscles are still loose.” Walker stood and exited the tub, wrapped his towel around his waist, and reached down to hel
p Reid. “How are you feeling?”
Reid stood and accepted the towel Walker handed him. “Better. Still very sore, but the excruciating pain isn’t as bad.”
“Good, liniment and some anti-inflammatory pills before bed and you should be almost back to normal tomorrow.” Walker winced. “Gotta tell you, though, the best way to get your body used to riding is to keep riding.”
Reid whimpered. “Please don’t mention climbing into a saddle right now. At least not a horse saddle.” He wrapped his arms around Walker’s neck and nuzzled. “But I could possibly be persuaded to climb onto a different animal and ride him hard.”
“Duly noted, but I think you should hold off on any vigorous activities for tonight at least.”
Reid pouted. “Fine. But we’re still dancing.”
“Lay down. I’ll work the ointment in.” Walker gestured toward the bed. “But take these ibuprofen first.” He handed Reid the small pills and a disposable cup of water.
Reid threw back the pain relievers before he gingerly climbed onto the bed.
“Roll over first,” Walker instructed. “I’ll put down towels so the liniment doesn’t get on the bed.” He spread two large bath towels and then helped Reid roll to his stomach. Dipping his fingers into the tub of ointment, Walker started at Reid’s calves and worked his way up. “Where’s it hurt the worst?”
Reid moaned. “My upper legs, inner thighs, outer thighs, my ass, all of it.”
Walker scooped more liniment and eased himself onto the bed to straddle Reid’s legs.
“Oh my God,” Reid’s groaned words were muffled into the pillow, but the way he bucked and thrust his hips into the mattress spoke volumes.
“I wanted to straddle you like this the first time I rubbed you down,” Walker’s words were gruff as his hands massaged Reid’s thighs.
“Dang it all to hell, why did I have to choose today to learn to ride?” Reid continued to pulse his hips into the towel. “I’ve never been so sore that I’d turn down a gorgeous cowboy at my ass.”
“Well, you are that sore now, and I’d never even think of trying to take you this way when I know how badly you hurt.” Walker’s words were soft as he continued to work his hands into Reid’s screaming muscles. “But I don’t think a little fun would hurt too much.” He took hold of Reid’s plump ass and worked the fleshy globes in his hands like a baker kneading dough. “Roll over,” Walker commanded.
Reid rolled over, his cock throbbing and hard against his stomach, his hooded gaze locking on Walker’s already leaking dick as it bobbed proudly. “Sit on my chest. If you can’t fuck my ass, I need you to at least fuck my mouth.”
Walker straddled Reid’s waist and then shimmied up Reid’s chest. Before allowing Reid’s hungry mouth to engulf his pulsing cock, Walker cupped Reid’s cheek. “I’ve been tested, haven’t been with anyone since Samuel.”
Reid’s eyes softened. “I know you’d never put me in danger. I’m all good, too,” he murmured before licking his lips and taking Walker’s length deep to the back of his throat.
Walker groaned and rocked his hips forward as Reid’s hands came up to clutch at Walker’s ass. At Reid’s urging, Walker thrust his cock harder and faster into Reid’s mouth. “Baby, I’m gonna come if I do this much longer,” Walker muttered through gritted teeth.
Reid mumbled around a mouth full of cock before releasing Walker long enough to speak. “Do it. Come for me. I want to taste you, swallow you.” Reid licked Walker and sucked on his head before opening for Walker to continue fucking his mouth. Reid moved his hands from Walker’s muscular ass to slightly lower to fondle Walker’s drawn-up balls.
“Ah, God, so good. Your mouth is so damn good,” Walker bit out as he thrust his cock over and over between Reid’s plump pink lips. “You’re gonna swallow me down, and then I’ll make you come like never before. I’ll suck your cock and lick your ass so good, baby.” Walker continued to pump, and Reid whimpered at Walker’s dirty words until Walker gave one last thrust and froze as he poured himself down Reid’s greedy throat.
Reid licked Walker cleaned, and then they shared the bounty in a messy, salty, sticky kiss.
Walker shifted from sitting on Reid’s chest to lay on top of the smaller man, allowing the kiss to continue, deepening and growing hotter as Reid’s cock pulsed between them. Walker moved to sit up and straddle Reid’s knees before grasping Reid’s upper thighs and digging in with gentle, deep motions to loosen the aching muscles.
“Suck me, please,” Reid begged.
Walker bent slowly and took Reid’s cock in his mouth, swirling his tongue around the head before taking it to the back of his throat. Popping off of Reid’s throbbing dick, Walker moved from his position on Reid’s legs. “Do you think you can spread your legs and lift them? Or do you want to roll over?”
Reid wordlessly rolled over and lifted his ass in the air, a beautiful offering just for Walker.
“So fucking gorgeous,” Walker whispered before spreading Reid’s cheeks slightly and licking into his hole.
Reid called out, his garbled words ending in whimpers and sobs as Walker continued to probe his hot tongue in and around Reid’s pucker. When Walker reached to pump Reid’s dick, Reid rolled away. “Wait, stop.”
Walker stopped immediately. “What, baby? Did I do something wrong? Are you hurting?”
Reid panted and held a hand to his cock. “No, but I was about to come, and I want to dance first.” He blushed and glanced shyly at Walker. “Because after I come, I’m going to get sleepy, and I want to curl up in your arms all night. But not before we dance.”
Walker leaned in to kiss him. “Let’s dance then,” he growled.
Reid quickly found a playlist on his phone as Walker dimmed the lights.
“Never danced naked before,” Walker murmured as he took Reid into his arms.
Reid wrapped his arms around Walker’s neck, kissing him as they pressed their bodies together and swayed to the soft music. Reid nuzzled against Walker’s chest, breathing deeply. His lips grazed Walker’s skin. “I love you,” he whispered before his body shuddered as he sobbed.
“Hey,” Walker crooned lifting Reid’s head with a finger under his chin. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
Reid shook his head and sniffled. “Nothing, not a damn thing. I’ve never felt so loved, welcomed, or completely at home. I can’t believe I ever considered leaving this place, leaving you.” He rested his elbows on Walker’s shoulders, his hands behind Walker’s head, and leaned his forehead against Walker’s chin. “If Grandpa Jack hadn’t orchestrated all of this, I would have missed out on true love and happiness. I’m just overwhelmed at how different things could have turned out.”
“Shhh,” Walker kissed the top of Reid’s head and hugged him closer. “Jack, Norma, fate, God, whoever you want to name, they all knew what they were doing.” Walker took Reid’s head in his palms. “I love you as much as I love this ranch life. I’d like to think we would have found each other no matter what, but I’m so very grateful for whatever brought you into my life. I was only going through the motions before you, you gave me reason to love and live and be happy.”
Reid choked back a sob. “I love you. I was drifting through life, not sad, not overly happy. I was helping, but I didn’t feel needed. I didn’t feel a reason to exist. Until I found you and this place.” He lifted his face, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Walker wiped Reid’s tears with his thumbs before capturing Reid’s mouth in a desperate kiss and maneuvering their position to the side of the bed. “Soon, I’m going to lay you down in bed and lick every damn part of you, eat that ass like it’s the last meal I’ll ever have, and make love to you, fuck you, make you mine in every damn sense of the word.”
Reid’s body shivered in Walker’s arms as his lover’s words sunk in. “Yes, please…,” Reid groaned.
Walker lay Reid down on the bed and growled in his ear, “Until then, we’re going to rub against each other like two horny teens until you come all
over me.”
“God, yes,” Reid moaned and rocked his hips into Walker’s.
“I love you, love holding you, love tasting you, love coming for you,” Walker whispered as he thrust his cock against Reid’s again and again. “Want to make you come, want to finger your ass, stretch you, fill your body with my cock.” Walker shuddered, tripping over his words, “Fuck I’m gonna come.”
“Again?” Reid panted, his nails digging into Walker’s ass as he pulled him tighter and pumped their cocks together.
“That’s what you do to me, baby,” Walker bit out. “Come for me, paint me. I want your come mixed with mine, coating our bodies.”
Reid thrust one more time, his body tensing as his release spread between them, his head thrown back, his whimpers filling the air.
Walker bit Reid’s exposed neck and groaned as his own release melded with Reid’s. Walker swirled his finger in the mixture before smearing a drop on Reid’s full bottom lip and swooping in to kiss it from Reid’s mouth, both men moaning at their mixed essence.
Several moments later when their breathing had returned to somewhat normal, Reid shifted. “Grab a washcloth, please.”
Walker wet two cloths with warm water and cleaned them up.
Reid threw the bath towels to the ground and pulled back the covers. “Will you sleep in here tonight?” Reid held out a hand.
Walker took Reid’s hand and crawled into bed. “I’ll sleep wherever you are every night for the rest of my life if you’ll have me.”
Reid smiled through tears and allowed himself to be wrapped in Walker’s arms only moments before sleep overtook him.
13
“Boss, we got a problem.” Wes stuck his head in the office the next morning as Reid and Walker were going over paperwork.
“What’s up?” Walker asked.
“Found two heifers dead out in the pasture.” Wes entered the room and removed his hat, a frown worrying his face.
“Well, shit. Two? That’s not normal.” Walker ran a hand over his face. “Lightning?”