by A. D. Ellis
“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re going on about,” Jack answered. “But I’ve called with an offer I think you’ll find very profitable.”
“I’m not interested.”
“Hear me out,” Jack continued.
Reid was silent.
“Sell the ranch to me. I’ll make sure your little boyfriend is able to find a job at another ranch. When I sell the property, I’ll give you half.” Jack paused for a moment. “That’s enough money to do whatever you want. You and that faggot won’t have a single moment of worry about money. You can do whatever you’d like with the money, and you won’t have to hear from me ever again.”
Reid pinched the bridge of his nose and clenched his jaw. “All of this because you’re bent out of shape that Grandpa Jack gave me the ranch instead of you? I don’t get it. What’s in it for you?”
“I’m a business man. I know a good business deal when I see one. A ranch like that isn’t going to be profitable forever. Best to sell now and move on.” Jack’s words were smooth. “And selling to me will net you at least ten percent more than any other buyer. As my son, I’m willing to share the profits with you when I sell the land.”
“Grandpa Jack wanted Pine Ridge to stay in the family. This place was his life. He didn’t give it to you because he knew you’d sell it.” Reid paused and waited for his father’s answer.
“My dad was good at what he did, but he wasn’t a business man. He was a rancher through-and-through,” Jack began. “He was too close to the ranch, and I fear you’ve developed too much of a sentimental attachment to it, as well. Let me do what I do best, and you’ll never have to worry about money again.”
“Pardon my lack of trust, Father,” Reid sneered into the phone. “You’ve never in your life done anything out of the goodness of your heart, so this offer is sending up red flags left and right.”
“You’re going to regret it if you don’t sell to me. When that ranch goes belly-up, you’ll wish you had taken the deal,” Jack growled.
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s just the truth.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Reid quipped. “You seem much too interested in this land. You’re not wanting to keep it in the family. It’s not going to net you a super high sale price even with the geothermal heat pocket. There’s something else going on, I just can’t figure it out yet. You’ve never offered such a generous deal to me, in fact, you’ve never offered any deal to me. Something’s up.”
“You’ve always been too dramatic for your own good,” Jack huffed back at his son. “It’s a good deal. If you don’t take it now, you’ll end up taking a massive cut when you have to sell a bankrupt and dead ranch in a few years.”
“Again with the threats, I’ll be sure to have the police add that in their notes,” Reid shot back. “Thanks for the call, thanks for the offer, but ‘it’s a no from me, dawg,’” Reid purred into the phone. “And feel free to never contact me again.”
After ending the call, Reid stood staring at the phone screen for several moments. “What the hell? Why in the world is he so damn interested in this land?” Reid mumbled aloud to the nothingness around him.
“What’s up? You seem distracted,” Walker asked as they and the five dogs walked from the main house to Wes and Shay’s home just on the west side of the property.
The duck squad was busy sniffing every single plant, rock, and twig they could find while simultaneously marking their territory every three steps.
“My dad called today,” Reid murmured.
“What?” Walker stopped in his tracks. “What did he say?”
Reid grabbed Walker’s hand and pulled him along as he spoke. “Had a deal to offer me. Said he’d pay ten percent more for the ranch than any other buyer then he’d give me half the profits when he sells the land.”
Walker was silent for a moment. “That’s a really good deal. What did you tell him?”
Reid snorted. “Good deal? Maybe. But I don’t trust him. He’s up to something. Never once has he done anything good without an ulterior motive. And he’s never offered any type of deal to me. I call bullshit. There’s a reason he wants the ranch so badly.”
“So you don’t want the money?” Walker whispered.
“I mean, we all want money. But I told him to shove his deal up his ass.” Reid squeezed Walker’s hand as they neared Wes and Shay’s. “And I told him I would tell the police about his call and thinly veiled threats, plus look into why he might be so determined to own Pine Ridge before selling it.”
“What threats? What did he say?” Walker growled.
Reid shrugged as they waited for the dogs to catch up. “Just some remarks about how I’ll regret not selling now when the ranch is belly-up and I have to take a massive cut in selling a bankrupt and dead ranch later.”
Walker took a deep breath. “I’d like to think he’s just blowing smoke, but he has the power to wreck us if we’re being honest.”
“Even if I wasn’t in love with you and the ranch and the people, at this point I’m willing to call his bluff.” Reid knelt down to pet Huey and Louise. “We’re going to report the call and all the details to Toweler. Connect my dad to all of the shit going on at the ranch. And then figure out why he’s so damn insistent on buying. He has no sentimental attachment to the land or the ranch; he’s got something else going on, some other reason to be so interested.” Reid stood and pulled Walker into a hug before kissing him softly. “And now we’re going to spend an evening enjoying pizza, movies, singing, dancing, and babysitting.”
Walker melted into Reid’s kiss before pulling back and smiling. “Okay, sounds like a good plan.”
After several hours of pizza, ice cream, singing, dancing, giggles, and Elise doing hair and makeup on all three men, they finally marched her off to bed.
“Can the puppies sleep on my bed?” Elise yawned as she crawled into bed with all five dogs jumping up onto the bed and settling in.
“Sure,” Reid answered with a wink.
Walker laughed. “It’s a good thing you want them here, since I think they already had plans for where they wanted to sleep.”
“Can we have another sleepover soon?” Elise’s eyes were closed and her words were thick with sleep.
“Definitely,” Walker whispered as he tucked her in. “Sleep tight, sweet girl.”
The child was asleep with the duck dogs curled up around her before Reid and Walker even reached the hallway.
Zeke watched from the recliner as Walker and Reid settled on the couch and curled into each other.
“You guys must really like each other, huh?” Zeke cocked his head.
Reid snorted as he snuggled under Walker’s arm. “What gave it away?”
Zeke smiled and shook his head. “It’s just that you seem to not give a fuck what anyone thinks about who you’re with.”
Walker glanced down at Reid’s upturned face and gave him a quick kiss. “I used to be. Used to worry I’d never get a job or have friends or be safe if anyone knew I liked men.”
“What changed for you?” Zeke asked.
Walker shrugged. “No one specific event. I simply learned to love and value myself. I realized I had to be true to myself. I didn’t want any job or friend that couldn’t accept me as the real me.”
“What about being safe? Don’t you worry about gay bashing and shit like that?” Zeke leaned forward to put his elbows on his knees. “I can’t even go anywhere without at least one comment about being mixed. A mixed gay kid? Isn’t that just asking for it?”
“Can I ask you something?” Reid interjected quietly.
Zeke nodded.
“Are you trying to figure out if you’re gay? Or are you trying to figure out whether or not you want to come out?” Reid fixed a stare on the younger man.
Zeke took a deep breath. “I’m gay.” He shivered violently and held his head. “Wow, that’s the first time I’ve said those words to anyone other than myself in the mirror.”
�
��When did you know?” Reid asked.
“Middle school, I guess. All the guys were going on and on about boobs and short skirts, and all I could think about was the way a dick looked in sweats and what it would be like to be held in a guy’s arms.” Zeke sighed heavily. “I don’t think I finally accepted it until you showed up and called me out.”
“Sorry about that,” Reid offered.
“Don’t be.” Zeke shook his head. “When you came here all out and proud it made me want to be that. Watching you two together made me think I could have that someday.”
“You can.” Walker nodded.
“I’m just not sure how to go about it,” Zeke murmured.
“There’s no right or wrong. No special timeline,” Walker offered.
“I don’t even know how to meet guys.” Zeke threw himself against the back of the recliner. “Like some hot gay guy my age is just going to show up on a remote horse ranch in North Dakota and fall for me.”
Walker and Reid looked at each other and busted out laughing.
“Never say never.” Reid chuckled.
Zeke rolled his eyes. “Maybe I’ll be lucky like you two. But until then, do I just sit around and beat off to gay porn?”
Walker and Reid exploded into laughter again.
“Nothing wrong with beating off to gay porn,” Walker stated. “Some of the online dating apps may be helpful, but please check with us or take a friend if you’re meeting someone. Meeting strangers can be scary and dangerous.”
“We can check out some gay bars or at least gay-friendly bars if you’d like,” Reid offered.
“Yeah, that would be good.” Zeke nodded. “I’m not ready to just announce it to the world yet, so can you keep it quiet?”
“No worries. And you may never be ready to tell everyone. Sometimes it’s easier to tell a few people at a time and work your way up to telling others,” Walker said.
“And the notion of coming out is different for everyone,” Reid piped up. “Even once you’ve told most of your family and friends, assuming you choose to, there will always be situations where you’re put in the position of deciding to come out or not.”
“What do you mean?” Zeke cocked his head.
“Someone asks if your wife or girlfriend will be joining you, and you have to decide how to answer. It’s assumed your partner is your brother or best friend, do you correct the assumption or let it go? A distasteful joke is made about a faggot or fairy, do you laugh it off or speak up?” Reid shrugged. “It’s ongoing.”
“Gee, that’s inspirational.” Zeke frowned and rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks.”
“Baby steps. No need to deal with everything all at once,” Walker assured Zeke and elbowed Reid.
The men spent the rest of the night looking up bars and nightclubs and making plans to visit them over the next few weeks. By the time Reid and Walker left, Zeke was ready for bed and promised to bring the dogs back to the main house in the morning.
“Thanks for trusting us enough to come out to us,” Reid gave Zeke a hug. “We’re here, always. You’re not alone.”
“Thanks,” Zeke whispered.
They heard the door lock behind them as they headed home.
“Wow, that was quite the night, huh?” Walker whistled.
“Definitely,” Reid agreed. “I feel honored he told us. Makes me feel that our love for each other helped him in some way.”
“Yeah, that’s a nice way to look at it.” Walker squeezed Reid’s hand. “It’s not going to be easy. He’ll have his ups and downs. This isn’t the greatest area to be a baby gay.”
“But he’s got us with him and on his side. We’ll help him through it,” Reid insisted.
“True,” Walker agreed.
“I want to go check on Buttercup and Cinnamon, okay?” Reid headed toward the barn.
“It’s late,” Walker whined.
“Go on in.” Reid waved toward the house. “I’ll be there in a second. I just want to say hi to them and make sure they’re tucked in tight.”
“I’m sure the guys took care of them, but whatever.” Walker chuckled. “Look at you all gaga over your horse babies.”
Reid rolled his eyes. “You’ll need the time I’m gone to wash off all that makeup. Elise has a heavy hand.”
Walker pulled Reid close and rocked their hips together. “Mmmm, you can leave your makeup on if you want. Makes you look all kinds of sexy.”
“Noted. Who knew you were into the femme look,” Reid teased.
“I’m into whatever look you want to wear. Masculine, feminine, and anything in between. You know why?” Walker gripped Reid’s ass and nibbled at his jawline.
“Why?” Reid breathed and threw his head back so Walker could kiss his neck.
“Because I.” Kiss. “Love.” Kiss. “You.” Kiss. “For.” Kiss. “You.” Kiss. “Period.” Kiss. “Always.” Kiss.
“Mmmm, I like that answer,” Reid moaned. “Go shower. I’ll be right behind you.”
Reid turned to the barn and yelped when Walker smacked his ass.
“Hurry up,” Walker demanded. “I have every intention of being right behind you.”
Reid’s laughter could be heard as he neared the barn.
Walker shook his head and climbed the steps to the house.
“Put your legs around my waist and hold on tight,” Walker commanded as he lifted Reid off his feet and pressed his back against the shower wall. “I want to remember this moment forever,” Walker growled as his rock-hard cock pressed into Reid’s body.
Reid moaned as he sank onto Walker’s steely length. “Why?” he gasped.
“Because you’re absolutely fucking perfectly gorgeous with your makeup running, mascara rings under your eyes, your hair wet and messy, and that perfect mouth,” Walker kissed him, “making those breathy little sounds as my cock owns your ass.”
“Take me to bed,” Reid demanded. “I want to be pinned under you.”
Rinsing quickly and grabbing towels, the two all but ran to the bed.
“Lay flat on your stomach,” Walker commanded. He slicked his finger and pressed it between the fleshy globes of Reid’s ass to tease at Reid’s hole.
“I’m stretched, damn it. I was just impaled on your cock,” Reid panted, “get back inside me.”
Walker pushed his cock between Reid’s cheeks and slid easily into Reid’s waiting hole. Stretching his body over Reid’s, Walker pumped slowly in and out while snaking his arms under Reid’s chest and holding him tight and close. “Damn, you’re beyond tight this way,” Walker grunted. Within moments, his larger body tensed on top of Reid’s and he groaned his release.
“Fuck, baby, I’m sorry,” Walker grumbled as he rested on Reid’s back. “I didn’t mean to get off before you.”
“It’s okay. That was good, I loved being trapped under you like that,” Reid mumbled. “Having you lose control was hot.”
Walker pulled from Reid’s body slowly. “Roll over,” he demanded.
“Seriously, I’m good,” Reid tried to argue, but he was rolled to his back and his aching cock sucked into Walker’s mouth. “Oh God, that’s so fucking good,” Reid whispered.
Walker swallowed Reid’s length while fingering Reid’s used hole. “Come for me, baby,” Walker demanded. “I want to taste you on my tongue, in my throat.” He inserted another finger into Reid’s ass.
Reid’s body tightened, his balls drew up, and his ass clenched around Walker’s fingers while he pumped himself into Walker’s greedy mouth.
Once they’d cleaned up, Walker pulled Reid close and covered them with the quilt. “I love you,” he whispered as he kissed Reid’s head.
“I love you, too, cowboy,” Reid replied and snuggled into Walker’s arms.
The men had been asleep for barely an hour when they were jerked awake by Norma bursting through the door to Walker’s room.
“The barn’s on fire!” Norma yelled before running from the room.
Reid and Walker launched them
selves from bed and threw on pants while grabbing shirts and running from the room. Shoving their feet into boots at the door, they ran toward the barn within two minutes of Norma’s arrival.
“The animals are all out,” Norma hollered. “Get buckets and soak the exterior. We’ve got the hose spraying on the hay and flammable items in here.”
By the time the volunteer fire department arrived with the police hot on their heels, the barn fire was completely out thanks to teamwork and precision on the part of the ranch employees.
Thirty minutes later, Reid and Walker sat at the kitchen table with Norma and Officer Toweler. The ragged group rubbed at stinging eyes and cleared their burning throats.
Toweler flipped through his notes as Norma refilled coffee cups. “I just want to go through these notes once more to make sure I’ve got everything.” The officer took a sip of coffee. “Reid and Walker, you were with Zeke babysitting Elise until late.”
The two men nodded wearily.
“Norma, you fell asleep on the couch and woke when one of the hands banged on the door yelling about the fire?”
“Yes, sir,” Norma stated. “Dusty was on a late-night patrol and smelled smoke. Said he went to check the animals and the smoke was stronger. When he walked into the barn, he saw the hay bales were smoldering.”
“From what the firemen can tell, a couple bales burned fairly quickly, but the fire slowed down when it hit some green hay.” Toweler scribbled on the page as he spoke.
“Damn good luck those new bales were put up too soon,” Walker mumbled.
“You two notice anything when you walked back from Wes’s?” Officer Toweler asked.
“No,” Reid shook his head. “I checked on the horses, and there wasn’t anything out of place or different. The animals would have been stirred up if someone was in the barn.”
“How long were you in the barn?” Toweler asked.
Reid frowned. “Fifteen minutes?”
“And you went straight to the house after?” Officer Toweler continued.
“I was still in the shower when he came in,” Walker interrupted, “so he couldn’t have been gone much longer than ten to fifteen minutes. And I really don’t like where it feels like you’re going with these questions.”