by A. D. Ellis
“No, that’s the most troubling part,” Wes answered. “Definitely not an accident; their throats were slit.”
“The hell?” Walker shot out of his chair. “Animal attack?”
“No way.” Wes shook his head. “These cuts were way too neat and clean.”
“Then what?”
“Looks like a knife or something similar.” Wes winced. “Gruesome sight. Zeke and I found them when we noticed we didn’t have the whole herd.”
“Who the hell would cut the neck of a couple cows? That’s fuckin’ insane,” Walker grumbled and shoved a hand through his hair.
Reid lay a hand on Walker’s shoulder. “I think we may have a pretty good guess of where to start.”
Walker turned with wide eyes. “Shit, you don’t think he had something to do with it?”
Reid shrugged. “Probably not first-hand, but I’d bet he’s involved somewhere down the chain of command.”
Walker was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath and crossing his arms across his chest. “Well, with the geothermal company making noise and now this, I guess it would make sense.”
“What do we do?” Reid asked.
“Okay Wes, first, let’s call the cops. I want a detailed report filed. Then take the men out and get the animals cleaned up. Step up the perimeter runs and be sure everyone is keeping an eye out for anything or anyone out of the ordinary.” Walker reached for his hat. “We need to make sure Norma and the rest of the crew knows to use extra precaution. Wes you’ll be in charge until we get back.”
“Where are we going?” Reid asked.
“Looks like we’ll be moving up our meeting with the geothermal company.” Walker followed Wes and Reid out of the office. “I’ll have the truck gassed up and fill in Norma. You pack a bag. Once I throw some things together, I’ll let my grandmother know the new plan and we’ll head out.”
“Think we should call the company and let them know we’re coming?” Reid slowed to fall in step beside Walker.
“Nah, no reason to give them time to prepare.” Walker paused to shake Wes’s hand and slap him on the shoulder before continuing to the house with Reid. “Throw them off guard, and see if we can catch them in some lies or if they’re up to no good. Plus, we don’t want to tip your dad off. If he’s part of this, we need to do what we can to keep the upper hand.”
Within an hour, the ranch was informed and stepped up security measures were set into motion. Walker or Reid threw their bags in the truck and hit the road.
“Does any of this seem…I don’t know, just fucking surreal?” Reid asked as they traveled down the long expanse of highway.
“Surreal? Yeah, I can see that.” Walker nodded.
“It’s just, I had no desire to own a ranch, visit a ranch, hell, even step foot on a ranch.” Reid shifted in his seat and faced Walker. “It’s not like I had my whole future mapped out. I wanted to dance, help people, and get the hell away from my father. Not necessarily in that order. But now I’m the owner of a ranch, in love with the foreman, learning to ride fucking horses, and preparing for a battle with an unknown threat who is very likely my own father.” Reid shook his head. “So damn surreal. My life has taken paths I didn’t even know existed.”
“Guess we can’t plan our lives down to the minute details.” Walker shrugged. “Never thought I’d be praying some city boy with a flair for fashion would want to own the ranch. Never planned to fall in love again; didn’t think I needed or wanted love again. Definitely never planned to be facing off with a disgruntled man throwing a dangerous hissy fit and messing with the lives of my animals and employees.” Walker patted the seat next to him, and Reid scooted over. “Jack never wanted the ranch to be sold. Not to the bank, a geothermal company, not to anyone. I plan to stick to what Jack would have wanted for Pine Ridge.”
“I mean, isn’t it just as easy as saying ‘No’ to the geothermal people?” Reid lay his head on Walker’s shoulder.
“Yes and no.” Walker shifted to put his right arm around Reid and his left hand on the wheel. “We can tell them no. They can continue pursuing us if they choose. Some companies are ruthless. We aren’t on that large of a geothermal pocket, not sure why they’d be that set on getting our land. But if Daddy Jack has his hand in the pot, he may be stirring up their interest and providing incentive to land the deal. The company and Jack could start digging up history on the land and ranch and find even the smallest iota of a detail that could put us in a bad spot.”
“The ranch has been run spotlessly for decades ever since Grandpa Jack took over, you said so yourself.” Reid reached to adjust the air conditioning vent. “PS…I’m glad we brought the newer truck. A road trip in Bert would have been a hot mess.”
Walker chuckled. “Agreed. That’s why Bert is a ranch truck only. And you’re right, the ranch has been in tiptop condition since Jack took over, but before that it may have had some issues. Maybe some bad business deals, late loan payments, and bad experiences for employees. The company could dig any and all of that up and use it to drag the Pine Ridge name through the mud and get us stuck in legal proceedings for years.”
“That was decades ago and the ranch runs on the up and up now. Who would care?”
“Most people wouldn’t give two shits. But if your dad and the company are determined enough, they could make it into a bigger issue than what it really is.” Walker drew in a deep breath. “I’d really like to think the company isn’t in a desperate position and will eventually tell your dad to take a hike.”
“Yeah, let’s hope.” Reid sighed. “But my dad doesn’t give up super easily. His tenacity and aggressiveness is mostly why he’s such a mogul in the in the business world. He attacks hard, chews them up, and then spits them out.”
“And doesn’t give a damn who he hurts in the process,” Walker grumbled.
“Not for a single nanosecond,” Reid replied. “And he’s likely embarrassed by the fact his father bucked such a long-standing tradition and slighted him by handing the ranch to me. So he’s got to save face along with landing a big deal.”
“Great. Can’t wait for the meeting.”
Reid was silent for about a mile. “Maybe I should just sell to him?” he whispered.
“What?” Walker boomed. “No way. Why would you even think that?”
“Just a passing thought, never mind.” Reid kissed Walker on the cheek.
“Well, be sure any thoughts like that keep right on passin’ on,” Walker stated gruffly.
“So, what’s our plan with this whole trip?” Reid changed the subject, he didn’t want to dwell on his father and the option to sell.
“We’ll stay at a hotel tonight, and try to prep ourselves for the meeting. Visit with my grandma after we meet with the company. Do one more night in the hotel then head home.” Walker kissed the top of Reid’s head. “Sound okay to you?”
“Sounds delightful. Minus the part about meeting with the company.”
“You’ll be able to wear one of the fancier outfits you bought,” Walker offered. “I hope you packed something dressy.”
“Oh…” Reid clasped his hands together. “That’s definitely a positive. And of course I packed something fancy. I have been wanting to wear something a little more fashionable than jeans and boots.”
“You’re the most fashionable that ranch has ever seen,” Walker assured.
“Why, thank you very much,” Reid gushed. “It’s nice to have my sense of fashion appreciated.”
“I definitely appreciate it, but I’d love looking at you in absolutely anything.” Walker paused and cocked his head. “Better yet, in nothing at all,” he teased. “And I’m sure the horses look forward to your outfit choices on a daily basis. The rest of the ranch, I’m not so sure about.”
Reid laughed. “Wrong. Norma likes to see my clothes. So do some of the wives. Pretty sure Zeke likes them too but he’d never admit it.”
“At least not yet.” Walker sighed. “I worry about that kid. He’s got
so much bottled up, he’s going to explode.”
“Agreed. He seems like an intelligent and good-hearted kid, but he’s dealing with a lot right now. I think he’s questioning his sexuality, he feels stuck between two races, he’s not the same age as most the people on the ranch.” Reid sat up and stretched a bit. “I think he’ll feel so much more at home in his own skin if and when he’s able to accept the real him. But until then, it’s a hard road. He’s young, it’s normal to question. But I feel like he’s so far in the closet that he may never find his way out. And forcing a person to admit something they aren’t ready to admit or accept is never a good idea.”
“Yeah, I can’t decide if I think he’ll eventually come around or if he’ll just keep hiding it from himself and the world.” Walker switched hands on the steering wheel and leaned his left arm on the door. “Having you around is probably the best thing that could have happened to him. Maybe seeing you happy and successful and in a relationship will make it easier for him.”
“You think he’ll stay on the ranch or bolt as soon as he’s able?” Reid mused.
“I think he’d bolt in a heartbeat except he’s so attached to Shay, Elise, and the upcoming baby that he probably feels somewhat tied to the ranch. Even if he ever left, I think his family would pull him back.” Walker pointed toward a road sign. “Says we’ve got about five miles to our exit. We’ll find a hotel, get settled, find something to eat, and then explore the town.”
“Can we go dancing?”
Walker’s eyeroll could practically be heard in the truck cab. “We’ll see if we can find a gay bar with dancing.”
“Sweetie, the words gay bar pretty much guarantee dancing.” Reid shoulder bumped Walker. “And it doesn’t have to be a gay bar. Just find me some drinks and dancing, and I’ll be a happy homo.”
“I’d feel safer with a gay bar. Not all places are as accepting as Pine Ridge.”
“Don’t I know it,” Reid whispered. “We can search once we get Wi-Fi. Dear God, please tell me the hotel will have Wi-Fi.”
Walker laughed. “It should. You’ll be able to use your actual phone rather than one of the ranch phones.”
Reid pulled his phone from his pocket. “Yes, yes, my sweet baby. I know, Daddy’s missed you too. Soon, baby girl, we’ll be reconnected soon.”
Walker shook his head.
14
“It’s not up to LA standards, but I think it’s a pretty nice room.” Walker tossed his duffel bag on the chair and opened the curtain.
“Eh, LA standards are overrated.” Reid threw his overnight bag next to Walker’s and walked up behind his cowboy. Wrapping his arms around Walker’s waist, Reid snuggled into his back. “Besides, in a LA hotel I would be there alone or with some pointless, shallow hookup. Here I’m with you and that makes it a thousand times better.”
“Aww, such a sweet talker.” Walker turned in Reid’s arms and held him close. “We’ve got free Wi-Fi, a king-sized bed, and a very large shower, plus a great view of the city. I’m not sure what else two visiting gay men could ask for.” Walker kissed Reid softly at first and then applied more pressure and probed Reid’s mouth with his tongue.
Reid reached up and tangled his arms around Walker’s neck. “Maybe some showtunes? A Broadway musical? Mimosas by the pool and a champagne brunch?”
“You’re very good.” Walker teased and nibbled at Reid’s lips. “You just fit four stereotypes into one sentence.”
Reid chuckled. “I’m damn good. And it’s about time you found out just how damn good I am.” He rocked his hips into Walker’s and kissed him deeply.
Walker maneuvered them closer to the bed and gave Reid a little shove. “Agreed. Show me whatcha got.”
“Strip,” Reid commanded before pulling off his own clothes without ever taking his eyes from Walker. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and lay back.
When Walker was naked, he climbed onto the bed, straddling Reid’s hips.
Reid gripped Walker’s ass and pulled him forward. Not taking his gaze from Walker’s, Reid licked his lips before slowly taking Walker’s cock into his mouth. Walker leaned his arms on the headboard and fucked long and slow into Reid’s greedy mouth several times before pulling out and rolling from his position to lay on the bed.
“Come here, baby. Sit that pretty ass right here,” Walker commanded as he patted his chest.
Reid climbed on Walker’s chest, his ass facing Walker’s head, and leaned forward to suck Walker’s dick while fondling his balls.
The first lick of Walker’s tongue against Reid’s ass brought a low groan from both men.
Walker tongued Reid’s hole and stroked Reid’s cock.
Reid took each thrust of Walker’s hard length deep to the back of his throat.
With a slight shift, the men turned to their sides and continued to feast upon each other.
Walker slicked his finger alongside Reid’s cock before moving to tease Reid’s ass.
Both men rocked their hips forward, thrusting hard and fast.
As Walker’s finger breached Reid’s hole, the younger man tensed and spilled his release a moment before Walker roared and exploded with his own.
The men dozed for an hour or so before rousing themselves to wash and get ready to go out.
“Save water and shower with me?” Reid waggled his brows as he turned on the nozzle.
“Conservation is important,” Walker teased and followed Reid into the large walk-in shower.
“Oh my God, I love the double showerheads. It’s like being under a warm waterfall.” Reid let one of the showers of water soak his face and head.
Walker did the same at the other spray before turning to wrap his arms around Reid’s waist. “Mmmm, I love the double shower head, too. I’m thinking our bathrooms at the ranch need them installed.” He kissed Reid’s neck and licked at the water rivulets before nibbling at Reid’s ear. “I like that I can kiss you, lick you, suck you, and never be out of the water. We can stand like this and my back isn’t freezing because you’re hogging the water.”
“You forgot one thing you can do.” Reid reached up, wrapping his arms over his head to grasp Walker’s head, and rubbed his ass against Walker’s steely length. He gasped when Walker wrapped one hand around Reid’s cock and used the other hand to tease his nipples.
“What did I forget?” Walker’s words rumbled at Reid’s ear.
“Fuck me…you can shove me against the wall and fuck me until my knees give out and the water runs cold.” Reid panted as he fisted a hand in Walker’s hair and pumped his cock in Walker’s hand.
“Silly me, how could I forget that part?” Walker whispered. “But I have no plans to fuck you in the shower.”
Reid whimpered and thrust his hips in frustration.
“Shhh, it’s okay, baby. I want that beautiful ass just as badly as you want me there. But I’ll take you for the first time in a bed, like a gentleman.” Walker moved his hand from Reid’s nipples and cupped his balls while continuing to stroke his cock.
“I don’t need a gentleman. Feel free to ravage me,” Reid whined.
“Oh, I will.” Walker kept up a slow pumping with his fist. “But the first time I own your ass will be in a bed.”
“So old fashioned,” Reid sassed. “You going to demand our love making be slow and gentle too?”
“Every time I touch you, whether soft and slow or hard and fast, in bed or in a shower, on the bed of a truck or the ground under the stars, rest assured that I’ll be making love to you.” Walker squeezed Reid’s cock gently and ran a wet finger between Reid’s ass cheeks. “Come for me, baby. I can tell you’re close. Let it go.”
Reid reached out to steady himself with one arm and held tight to Walker’s arm across his chest with the other before rocking his hips once, twice, three times and coming in his lover’s hand with a soft moan.
“Something tells me we’re using up more water showering together than if we had showered separately,” Walker teased.
�
��Then I better get you off quickly before we lose hot water.” Reid turned and began to drop to his knees, but Walker stopped him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. But I’m good.” Walker pulled him in for a kiss. “Good things come to those who wait.”
Reid pouted.
“I’ll be all the more ready to get you back here tonight and pound your ass until you’re walking funny,” Walker cooed.
Reid brightened. “True that. Okay, let’s finish this up. Dinner, drinks, and dancing await us and those aren’t even the best of the four D’s.”
“Four D’s?”
“Dinner, drinks, dancing, and dick. That last one is my favorite. I’ve always been fond of all four, but until you, dancing and dick were in a pretty tight race, but now that I have your dick in my life, it’s definitely coming out on top,” Reid explained.
“Mmm, coming out on top, sounds like a plan to me.” Walker kissed Reid once more and slapped his ass. “Come on, cowboy, let’s head ‘em up and move ‘em out.”
Reid looked to the ceiling. “I tried to head him, but noooo.”
Walker rolled his eyes and reached for the shampoo.
In a small booth at the edge of the bar’s dance floor, Reid scooted as close to Walker as possible. “Oh my God, I still can’t stop laughing about our server at dinner.”
“She was something else, huh?” Walker chuckled.
“It was bad enough when she was all giggly and making googly eyes at you,” Reid said. “But when she asked if we wanted to wait for our girlfriends before we ordered, I thought I would fall out of my seat.” Reid laughed. “The look on her face when you grabbed my hand and told her we were ready to order was absolutely priceless.”
“Welcome to the norm for this area.” Walker shrugged. “Members of the LGBT+ community aren’t often welcomed or accepted. I’d be willing to bet we were the first ‘real-life’ gay couple that girl had ever seen. She’ll probably tell the story to all her friends.”