“Well?” Ryan clasped his hands together. “I’ve got to head to the farm and help with chores. There’s gotta be at least three loads of straw to bale and store, but what if we meet around say, six o’clock? Jones and I use the dirt track worn into his folks’ hayfield. We can work there. Jones won’t mind, but I’ll ask when he comes over—if he’s not here already—and make sure. What do you say?”
“Sounds like a plan. Thanks.” Gage hesitated then picked up his can. “I can’t waste this.”
“I know the feeling.” Ryan grinned. “Growing up on a farm made me realize how thin it can get. If the crops sucked, winter was lean pickins.” He stuck out his hand. “See you at six then.”
“You bet.” He shook hands with Ryan and suppressed the shiver. Just touching Ryan made him warm inside and out and did other exciting things. He hoped the evidence of his excitement wasn’t obvious. He held up the can then headed out of the house.
Christ. He had a not-quite date with the man he’d crushed on for six years. Now, he had to figure out how to get the not-quite out of the way and move on to a real date. First, he had to find out if Ryan was indeed gay.
He climbed behind the wheel of his truck and downed half the can of soda. The sweet liquid burned in his throat. He wanted to do more than meet up for practice. Hell, he wanted more than dinner, too. Speaking of which, he’d have to remember to bring something to feed Ryan; he couldn’t show up empty handed.
His heart hammered as he put the truck into gear and drove down the gravel driveway. Tonight, he had a date with a hot man who knew how to drive fast and make his heart race. Now, he had to not screw things up with Ryan Dane.
Chapter Three
Eight hours later, Ryan finished the last of the water in his cooler jug and then draped the jug on the handlebars of the all-terrain vehicle. Everything within him ached. Christ, he’d helped bale and put away six loads of straw. He scratched his belly and winced. The jagged ends of the straw had dug into his skin as he moved the bales from the baler to the wagon and then from the elevator to the stack in the barn in the hay mow.
His oldest brother, Keith, spit sunflower seed hulls onto the ground and crossed his ankles as he leaned against the hay wagon. “When is your next race?”
“Thursday at the fairgrounds track.” He cracked his back as he stretched. More than likely, he’d be racing against Blaine Haeferle, the reigning track champion and one of his racing idols. “Why? Are you thinking about coming? I can get you pit passes.”
“I haven’t decided. Coral wanted to see you race, but we’ll see.” Keith spit more hulls onto the ground. “You know how she hates getting dirty.”
Ryan nodded. His sister-in-law wasn’t big on spending time outside, sweating or messing up her perfectly coordinated outfits. He doubted he’d see his brother or sister-in-law at the race.
His brother-in-law, Dennis, strode up to the pair. “It’s boring. Those races are nothing but cars driving in circles. Big deal.”
Ben, Ryan’s other brother, shrugged. “Then don’t go. Pretty simple.”
Ryan’s father and grandfather lingered by the tractor and said nothing. Not that he’d expected either elder man to speak. His father hated him for being gay, and his grandfather only wanted Ryan around when there was work to be done.
“Are you eating with us?” Ben asked. Of Ryan’s two brothers, Ben always came across happier and seemed to care more about Ryan.
“No, I’m meeting with someone at six.” Ryan glanced at his watch. According to the display, it was 5:45. Shit. He’d never be ready in time. He wanted to look good for Gage. He might not know where he stood with the fellow racer, but damn it, he wanted to knock the man off his feet.
“A girl?” Dennis asked. His eyes widened. “No, wait. I forgot. Never mind. You’re not into girls.”
Ben made a slashing motion across his throat. “Shut up.”
Ryan sighed. “It’s fine, Ben.” He’d come out to Ben first, then Keith and eventually his sister, Lucia, and their parents. Neither of his brothers seemed to care about his sexuality, but Dennis, Lucia and his folks cared too much. His grandfather more or less disowned him, and his mother expected him to come to the realization he wasn’t gay. Fat chance.
Then, there was Dennis’ means of coping with Ryan’s sexuality. He preferred to make jokes that were instead insults. No one laughed at the jokes, but that didn’t prevent Dennis from speaking.
“It’s a shame,” Ryan’s father said. “A real god damn shame.” He shook his head and strode away from the tractor. Ryan’s grandfather said nothing and followed his son.
“What are you going to do?” Ben stepped between the elder men and his brother. “Big plans?”
Ryan gripped the handle bars of the ATV. “I’m giving Gage Bell racing tips. Figured we’d grab a burger in town. Nothing big.”
“Is that what they call it these days—giving racing tips?” Dennis laughed.
Ryan grunted and revved the ATV engine. He’d had enough of his brother-in-law’s humor. “Denny, look, You’re not funny. Shut up.”
“They don’t agree with you.” Dennis folded his arms. A smug smile curled on his lips.
“Jesus,” Ryan muttered. He straightened his shoulders and addressed Dennis. “I’m gay. Wherever I want to stick my dick is my business. If you don’t like it, tough. I don’t insult or make fun of you. Lay off.”
“Touchy, touchy,” Dennis snapped.
So he’d struck a nerve with his brother-in-law? Good.
Ben shook his head then punched Dennis in the shoulder. “You heard him. Lay off.”
“Assholes,” Dennis growled then stormed off.
Keith suppressed a smile as he strolled away from his brothers.
Ben lingered behind until the others were gone. “Hey. Whatever makes you happy is fine by me as long as it’s not illegal.” He hesitated. “But Gage Bell was a dick in high school. I’ve seen him race. He’s got an attitude still.”
“Very true, but even assholes need help sometimes,” Ryan said. “I also never said we were dating. I’m giving him tips. Promise.”
Ben clapped Ryan on the shoulder. “Then cool.” He smiled. “Thanks for helping out today. I know Dad and Grandpa don’t look thrilled, but you were invaluable. Hell, I wouldn’t have wanted to take care of six wagonloads with only the five of us.”
“You’re welcome.” He nodded to his brother. “We’re done until the third cutting, so that’s a plus. I’ll be around tomorrow morning to help with chores.”
“Good deal.” Ben waved as Ryan pulled away.
Living in his grandmother’s home on the far end of the two-hundred-acre property was initially intended on being a punishment. He was on the property and close when a body was needed for chores or to help with other duties on the farm. His parents kept saying he wasn’t ready to live on his own—wasn’t ready until he admitted he wasn’t gay. How was he supposed to lie about who he was?
The joke was on them, though. He didn’t mind living on the farm, even if he was out on the edge. He had the privacy to have a life while also having a rent-free place to live. He could work on the farm during his non-racing hours and not have to work a second or third job to make ends meet.
He zipped down the dirt road leading to the far side of the property. The yellowing corn stalks waved in the wind, and the dried-out soybean plants rattled as he drove past. He spotted a doe in the distance, probably feasting on some of the spilled corn.
He pulled to a stop in front of his garage and climbed off the vehicle long enough to open the garage door. He stowed the now-silent ATV and then headed into the house.
He noted the time on the stove as he strode into the kitchen. 5:55. Shit. He’d never be ready in time. Part of him hoped Gage would be late. The rest of him wanted Gage to get there now.
Ryan stripped out of his clothes enroute to the shower. He switched on the spray and then stepped beneath the searing water. The prickly
hot water stung his aching muscles and the tiny cuts all over his body. As much as he wanted to linger in the shower and soak up the wonderful heat from the water, he needed to keep moving. He soaped up the washcloth then cleaned his body, wincing as the soap seeped into the cuts.
He thought about the conversation with his brothers. How did Ben manage to figure out he had a thing for Gage? Was he that obvious? He hadn’t talked about Gage other than to mention he was helping the fellow racer work on his game. The only time he’d brought up racing was when Keith asked the questions.
He rinsed and wiped his hands down his belly. He imagined Gage’s hands on his body. He rested his forehead against the chilly wall of the shower stall until relief came. The water, now cold, helped to cool his fever and forced him to leave the shower. He’d never make it to the track by six, but at this rate, he wouldn’t be there by quarter after.
Ryan switched off the water and stepped out of the stall. He wiped his body down with the towel then wrapped the towel around his hips. He headed into the living room and switched on the television for noise. When he turned to head back to the bedroom, he noticed a shadow moving beyond the frosted glass of the front door.
What the hell? He clutched the towel in one hand and headed to the door. He peeked through one of the slivers of non-frosted glass and relaxed. Gage.
For a split second, he drank in the image of the other racer on his porch. The jeans hugged the curve of Gage’s ass like a second skin, and the tight T-shirt accentuated the muscles of his torso and chest. Damn, the man is built.
“Hi,” Ryan said and opened the door. He couldn’t ogle too much. Not yet anyway.
“Hi. Sorry. I’m right on time, but I didn’t know where the track was.” Gage grinned. “Looks like you’re running behind, so it’s all good, huh?”
“I had to work in the fields, so yeah, I’m running late. Come on in.” He stepped out of the way, giving Gage room to enter the house. Gage’s cologne wafted around Ryan, spicy and so hot. Ryan bit back a whimper. “Let me get dressed and we’ll go. I should grab a sandwich in town if you don’t mind.”
He hurried into the bedroom and dropped the towel. He grabbed boxer briefs from the drawer and donned the underwear. Once he’d put his jeans and a T-shirt on, he strolled back into the living room to put on his socks.
“I brought food,” Gage said. He held out his arm for Ryan to balance on as Ryan put on his sock.
“You did?” Ryan stumbled forward, collapsing into Gage’s embrace. “Sorry.” He managed to get himself upright. The tips of his ears burned. “I’m glad you thought ahead. I haven’t had time to think about much of anything today.”
“I saw you putting up straw. It was hard to miss the wagon going back and forth in the field.” Gage perched on the arm of the sofa. “It takes a lot of concentration to keep the bales on the wagon and not all over the ground. How many loads did you put up?”
“Six.” He managed to get his other sock on and planted both feet on the floor.
“Shit.” Gage’s eyes widened. “You’re lucky to be upright. If you want to wait until you’ve had some rest, I’m fine with that.”
“Nah. I hit the wall somewhere between loads five and six.” He picked up his running shoes. “Once I get these on and grab my wallet and keys, I’m ready.” He donned his shoes and tied the laces. “Let me lock up quick.”
“Take your time. I’ll drive... since I have the food. Plus, it helps us save some gas.” Gage strode out onto the porch and waited for him.
“Sure.” Ryan bit back a snort. The humor of Gage’s words weren’t lost on him. Two racers who burned gas for a living were sharing a ride in order to save gas? Har. He locked the door and followed Gage out to the beater truck. How he’d thought he’d get through the night without saying something stupid and coming on to Gage, he wasn’t sure. He’d never make it. He slid onto the bench seat beside Gage and sighed.
He was so screwed.
Chapter Four
Fifteen minutes later, Gage settled on the tailgate of the truck and opened the cooler. Being alone with Ryan held so many possibilities, but damn it if he knew what he wanted to do. He’d stopped at the sub shop his mother owned before he’d driven out to Ryan’s place.
“Mom made these. She says hi.” Gage offered up one of the sub sandwiches. “I hope it’s right. Ham and cheese?”
“It’s great.” Ryan took the sandwich. “I appreciate it. If you hadn’t thought ahead, we’d be stopping there right now.”
“Have some chips, too.” Gage slid the second bag of plain chips across the tailgate. “I wasn’t sure which of these you liked.”
“Any works.” Ryan bit into the sandwich and moaned. “This is really good.”
“It’s nothing that exciting.” Gage liked the sounds coming from Ryan. He squeezed his knees together to hide his reaction to the moans. “Just a sub sammie.” He handed over a bottle of soda then twisted the lid off his own bottle.
“It’s a good one. I could eat a whole horse, though. We didn’t stop for lunch. I happened to tuck a few protein bars in the pack on the ATV or I’d be in a real world of hurt.” Ryan took another bite, chewed and swallowed. “So, what about racing are you stuck on? You’ve got the slide job in the corners just fine. You power off the turns pretty well and nail the restarts. You’re every bit as good as I am... and I don’t say that lightly.” He grinned. “So come clean. What’s the scam here?”
“Scam?” That was Ryan. He could sort people out in an instant. Gage crossed his ankles and stared out at the dirt track. He wasn’t sure how to say the words on his heart.
“Come on. I know you. You didn’t need any help on track. What’s her name?”
“Her?” He damn near swallowed his tongue. “Ryan, I’m not straight.” He snorted. “Haven’t been since I was seventeen.”
“Oh.” Ryan frowned. “Huh. I could’ve sworn you were going to tell me you wanted to ask out one of the flag girls.”
“No.” Gage dropped his sandwich onto his lap. His leg trembled and his tongue felt fifteen sizes too large for his mouth. Put him on a dirt track and he didn’t give a shit what anyone thought about him, but being alone with Ryan messed with his head. He couldn’t hide the fear or uneasiness.
“Then what?” Ryan bit into his sandwich. Some of the mayo squirted onto the side of his mouth.
The look was sexy, endearing and mischievous at the same time. Gage doubted Ryan even knew he had the mess at the corner of his mouth. God, the urge to lick that bit of mayo was strong.
Gage licked his lips. He could do this. If he could pass in the turn with cars three wide, he could tell Ryan how he felt and ask him out.
“Have you ever liked someone, but you weren’t sure how to tell them?” Christ, he sounded so juvenile. “Like, you knew they were out of your league?”
“I doubt there’s anyone in town out of your league. Just be yourself and ask.” Ryan licked the mayo off his fingers.
Again, the man probably wasn’t trying to turn him on, but damn it, Ryan had Gage on a hair-trigger.
“So you’d consider it?” Gage held his breath and sagged against the side of the truck bed. Asking the question took a lot out of him.
“Sure, I’d consider it. I mean, I doubt anyone in town wants to date me. They all still think I’m either a freak or trying to get attention.” Ryan shrugged. The wind caught a lock of his hair and swept it in front of his eyes. “Most of our class at Gilead High hated me when they found out I’d come out.”
“I didn’t.” No, he’d fantasized about being just as brave as Ryan to come out and to be holding Ryan in his arms.
“Since when? You used to stand back and watch while the others insulted me. I seem to recall the senior squad of the football team pranking my house and my car at the time.”
Gage closed his eyes. He remembered the prank quite well. At the time, he’d only watched and kept his mouth shut. He hadn’t participated, but that probably
meant little to Ryan.
“Anyway, if there’s someone you’ve got your eye on, just tell them. Lots of women are very interested in racers. Hell, watch the pits in one of the races where you’ve been knocked out early or there’s a couple of different divisions going. Women come out of the woodwork. I’ve had them come on to me plenty of times.” Ryan held up his sandwich. “Here’s to finding you a date.”
He gritted his teeth. Ryan had missed the point of what he was asking, but then, he hadn’t exactly been forthcoming. He had to take the chance and risk losing his burgeoning friendship with Ryan as well as his pride.
“So? Who is it?” Ryan sipped the soda and smacked his lips. “Do I know them? Or her? Whatever.”
“Yes. You know them.” His heart hammered and blood thrummed in his ears. He gulped air and attempted to harness his bravery. “It’s you.”
Gage stared at Ryan for what seemed like an eternity. He’d just admitted the second biggest secret of his life to the man he wanted to kiss. He could only imagine what went on in Ryan’s mind.
Ryan frowned then placed the sandwich on his lap. He looked away from Gage’s gaze for a moment and continued to frown.
The longer Ryan remained silent, the more worried Gage became. He had to say something and smooth things over. “Sorry. Forget I said anything.” Gage laughed, albeit a thin laugh. “This conversation never happened.”
“Yes, it did.” Ryan leaned back on his hands. The frown still marred his handsome face. “I thought you said you weren’t gay.” He sat up straight and looked Gage in the eye. “Dude, I’m not here for you to experiment, okay? If you’re not sure about your sexuality, then find someone else.”
“What?” He scooted off the bed of the truck and kicked at the dirt path leading back to the practice track. “Fuck. I knew I’d screw this up.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Look, okay. I’m going to be as honest as I know how.” He faced Ryan. “I didn’t really need any help with my racing technique. I just need more practice, and I’ll only get that by getting into more events. This getting you out here was partially because I wanted to get advice, sure, but most of it was because I wanted to get you alone. You’re like a god to me.”
Romancing the Sweet Side Page 22