Cowboy Up

by Shane Allison

  “Picture of you guys.”

  Taking the framed photo, Slim ran a finger over the intact glass. “That was five years ago. My folks had just moved into Bismarck and gave us the farmhouse.”

  “Do they know about you and Mark?”

  “Yeah. Dad was none too happy, but Mom loves everyone. She made Dad treat him like part of our family, and she shot the picture for us. My brothers and sister all like him. His family disowned him, so I’m all he’s got.” He waved to his partner. “Hey, Mark. Come see.”

  The young man looked up from soothing the horses and hurried over. “What’ve you got?”

  “Bob found the picture of us from the mantel.” Slim handed it to him and snaked his arm around Mark’s waist. “I’m glad this survived.” Mark rested his head on Slim’s arm as they stared at the photo.

  Guess they really care for each other. Tearing his eyes away from their affection, Bob resumed pushing through the splintered boards. I’d give anything for someone to care about me like that.

  After a while, Bob and the two cowboys looked over the small pile of recovered items. A few chipped dishes, a couple of frying pans, clothes, boots, and some sheets. Not much left.

  The pain of loss etched into the frown and furrowed brow on Slim’s face. “Well, we’ve got each other, and that’s the most important thing.”

  Bob’s gaze lingered on both men. “Why don’t you guys stay with me until we can build your new place?” He sucked in a breath. What did I just do?

  With eyes wide, Slim and Mark turned together to stare at him.

  No turning back now. He met their gaze. “You need a place to stay, and neighbors stick together in times of trouble.”

  Slim shook his head. “We can’t ask you to do that.”

  “Who’s asking? I’m offering.”

  Mark put his hands on Slim’s shoulders and gazed into his eyes. “Don’t kick up your pride. This is better than we’ll get from anyone else, and we’ll be close to the herd. Besides,” he turned to wink at Bob, “there’s lots of ways we can earn our keep.”

  Bob stifled a gasp as his cock stirred. “What do you mean?”

  “I think you have an idea.” He turned back to his partner. “Okay?”

  The rancher closed his eyes. “Thanks, Bob. We accept your kind invitation.”

  Mark nodded. “We’ll make sure you don’t regret it.”

  Picking up the pile of clothes, Bob nodded toward the truck. “Let’s get your stuff into the truck and head back to the house. You can tie up the horses in my barn.”

  Slim’s gaze lingered on the pasture beyond the remains of his home. “You take the truck. Mark, let’s ride out and check the herd.”

  Bob turned the steaks over on his stove as the two cowboys strode through his door. “Howdy, guys.”

  After kicking off his boots, Slim sank into the rocking chair by the window. “We lost fifteen cows, but the rest of the herd’s fine.”

  Mark stood behind Slim and rubbed his shoulders. “The fence is still in place except in one spot, and the cows are staying away from the hole. You check your crops?”

  Bob sighed. “Lost the corn. The grain is still good, and once I harvest it, Governor Langer’s embargo should get me a good price.” He opened the cabinet door and grabbed three plates. “Steaks are done.”

  Slim perked up. “Steaks? What are we celebrating?”

  “Being alive.” Bob grinned as he flipped the meat onto the plates. He scooped some fried potatoes and onions from the skillet and set the plates on the table. “Dig in.” Mark and Slim joined him, taking the two chairs next to each other.

  After a few bites, Slim leveled his gaze on Bob. “Mighty fine meal.”

  Mark cut into his steak. “We sure appreciate it.”

  Bob shrugged. “Couldn’t let you starve.”

  They ate in comfortable silence. Bob stole glances at both men, his temperature rising at the handsome men seated at his table.

  “How did you guys find each other?”

  Slim shifted his gaze from his steak to his lover. “I met this young cowpoke at the 1926 Fargo rodeo.”

  Finishing a bite of food, Mark grinned. “I was pretty green and couldn’t believe a handsome cowboy took a shine to me.”

  “Mark had just lost his job.”

  “The boss caught me with one of the ranch hands.”

  “We figured out we had a mutual attraction and went for a roll in the hayloft of one of the barns while the stable boy kept lookout for us.” Slim sat back with a grin. “Been together seven years now.”

  Mark squeezed Slim’s shoulder with a beefy hand and stood. “I’ll wash the plates.”

  “Rag’s on the counter.” Bob pushed away his empty plate. “There’s a washcloth and towel in the chest by the front door if either of you want to clean up from the day.”

  Mark nodded and collected their plates and silverware. Bob admired his firm ass as he sauntered toward the door, grabbed the dishrag, and bent over to get a washcloth from the chest.

  Slim gave a whistle.

  With a laugh, Mark straightened. “Hold your horses, buckaroo. You’ll get plenty of tail later.” He hurried outside, the screen banging behind him.

  Bob turned his attention to his other guest. “So, Slim, I’ve got a bed upstairs that we can sleep on, but we’ll have to be cozy.” His cock twitched.

  Slim ran a hand along Bob’s leg. “Not a problem for us.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  Raising an arm, Slim sniffed at his pits. “I stink. Let me clean up and then we can try out our new sleeping arrangements.” Slim rose and strode outside.

  Anxious for another glimpse of the lean rancher’s body, Bob hurried to the window. Slim approached the water pump. He pumped some water into a bucket and then unbuttoned and slipped his shirt from his lean body, hanging it on the metal pump handle. Bob’s cock fully hardened as he raked his eyes over the cowboy washing himself outside.

  Mark stepped inside with the clean plates. “He’s a fine sight, isn’t he?” He set the dishes in the cabinet and the silverware in a small box on the shelf.

  With a nod, Bob continued to watch the cowboy outside. “You’re a lucky man.” His temperature rose the more Slim rubbed the washcloth over his chest.

  Mark moved to stand by Bob. “We appreciate your kindness.” He ran his hand over Bob’s back, making him shudder. Slipping an arm around him, Mark kissed along his neck.

  Stiffening, panic welled up inside him as he caught Slim’s eye. He’s gonna think I’m trying to steal his man.

  “Relax. We talked about this when we were out riding.” He slid his tongue from the collar of Bob’s shirt to his ear and spoke in a whisper. “Slim’ll join us in a minute.”

  With another glance out the window, he gasped, both from the sensations of Mark’s touch and Slim’s grin as he unzipped his jeans. Bob’s worry eased some when Slim pushed the washcloth slowly down his abs and along the open fly, but his nerves overrode his lust.

  He stepped back from the window and away from Mark’s attentions. “Sorry. I haven’t had this kind of kissing and caressing before.”

  Slim pushed open the screen and hurried in, his brow furrowed. “You all right?”

  Taking a deep breath, Bob sat on a chair by the table and met their concerned eyes. “I’ve only had sex with one guy. He was a farmhand at Dad’s place when I was eighteen.”

  Mark stood by his partner. “What happened?”

  The memory swirled in his mind. “He was twenty. Dark wavy hair hanging over deep blue eyes I could’ve lost my way in. I thought he was the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my life. We met behind the barn one summer evening, and he leaned against it with his pants down. No words, no tenderness. I just fucked him. Afterward, he pulled up his jeans and walked away. Next morning, he was gone.”

  Slim shook his head. “Must’ve been scared.”

  “I got the tar beat out of me in Moorhead a few years back, and never pursued any
one else. Too risky and painful. Now I’m a lot older and alone.”

  Mark stepped forward and pulled Bob out of the chair. “How about we head upstairs, and we’ll show you how it’s done.”

  Shaking with excitement, Bob led the two cowboys up the creaking steps and to his bed.

  Slim closed the bedroom door and turned to Bob. “Handsome man, we’re going to make you feel real good.” He slowly unbuttoned Bob’s shirt as Mark slipped behind him and resumed kissing his neck.

  As his fear melted away, he closed his eyes while Slim cupped his face in his hands and pressed their lips together. Bob returned the passion of the kiss, nearly shaking apart at the rush of sensation surging from his feet to the top of his head. Mark tugged on his shirt and it fell to the floor, then shed his own clothes. The younger cowboy pressed his muscular body against Bob’s back, radiating warmth along his over-sensitized skin.

  Breaking the kiss, Slim stepped back and tugged off his jeans to stand naked before them. Bob leaned against the thickness of Mark’s dick nestled against his ass and took in Slim’s lean body, nickel-sized nipples, and smooth chest. The view out the window had been impressive, but paled next to seeing the cowboy up close in all his glory. His eyes widened at the thick cock rising between slender legs.

  Mark wrapped his arms around Bob’s abdomen and pulled him toward the bed. He stepped around Bob and pushed him onto the bedspread. Licking his lips, he knelt and unlaced his farming boots. “I like your smooth chest.” The muscular ranch hand pulled off Bob’s pants. “My turn to get a taste of you.” He pounced and wrapped his lips around Bob’s shaft, sucking it into his throat.

  “Oooh…” Pleasure radiated from Bob’s dick, and he laced his fingers into Mark’s soft hair.

  Slim climbed onto the bed, swung his leg to straddle the farmer’s chest, and pressed his palms against the wall. His thick erection framed in blond hair touched Bob’s lips. “Suck me, sexy farmer.”

  Eager to taste the rancher’s shaft, Bob opened his mouth and licked the head, enjoying the salty flavor of Slim’s dick. He pulled more of Slim’s shaft along his tongue, and his own cock grew harder.

  Allowing Bob’s erection to fall from his mouth, Mark sat up. “I’ve got you too excited. Don’t want this over before it starts. How about we try something else?”

  Slim rolled to Bob’s side and lay down next to him, gazing at his lover. “You gonna ride this farmer?”

  With a jolt, Bob lifted himself to sit on the side of the bed. “I don’t know about that.”

  Mark rubbed a hand across Bob’s chest. “Relax. We’ll try it, and if you don’t like it, I’ll pull out and you can plow me.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Bob settled back on the bedspread. “Well, okay. But you gotta stop if I say so.”

  Mark pushed Bob’s legs up and bent his knees. He spit into his hand and rubbed it against Bob’s ass as Slim planted a kiss on Bob’s lips. The rough stubble grazed across his cheek as the blond rancher’s tongue pressed for entry. Relenting, Bob parted his lips as he deepened the lip-lock, their tongues swiping and tasting each other.

  The kiss broke as the head of Mark’s cock pressed against Bob’s pucker. He stared into the green eyes of the man who was about to fuck him for the first time. Seeking reassurance, he turned to Slim.

  “Don’t worry. It’ll hurt at first, but then feel real good.”

  Mark eased forward. “Push out when I tell you.” He nestled between Bob’s spread legs, lined up his cock, and nodded. “Now.”

  Pushing out as Mark’s cock slid into his hole, pain lashed through his ass. “Aaaahhh…” He shut his eyes tight, amazed the young man he’d fucked all those years ago could take the pounding behind his dad’s barn. His eyes bulged open. “Oh god, it hurts!”

  Mark stopped moving but didn’t pull out.

  Still next to Bob, Slim caressed his face. “It’ll get easier. Just breathe.”

  Bob took in several deep breaths, and the stinging subsided. He watched Mark ease out, spit onto his cock, and slip back inside him. The pain much less this time, Bob shuddered as a sudden wave of pleasure crashed over him.

  Mark rested when his balls pressed against Bob’s ass. “You’ve got all of me.”

  Rotating his hips, Bob arched his back, and Mark slowly eased back and thrust in, establishing an easy rhythm. Mark’s movements were tender and practiced, not rough and urgent as he’d been his first time topping the farmhand.

  “Incredible.” He gasped and moaned as Mark increased his speed, making the springs on the mattress squeak.

  Slim moved around Bob and knelt behind Mark as the dark-haired cowboy paused in his thrusting. “Oh, yeah, take me, Slim.”

  Slamming in, Slim pushed Mark deeper inside Bob. Bob gripped the sheet, the pain and pleasure of the cock ramming him making his own dick pulse. Suddenly, his ass clamped on to Mark’s shaft and his balls pressed against his body. Ropes of come sprayed across his chest as his toes curled and he let out a loud yell.

  Mark roared as he unloaded inside Bob. He fell forward, and Bob wrapped his arms around Mark’s back. Mark stiffened and yelped, then relaxed in Bob’s embrace as his cock softened and slipped out.

  Bob sighed at the emptiness in his ass. Mark rolled off, but before Bob could put his legs down, Slim moved between them.

  “May I?”

  Bob nodded. “Be careful. I’m a might sore.”

  With a wink, Slim pushed forward and slowly entered Bob’s hole. The sting returned as the thicker shaft stretched him. The cowboy gave him a moment to adjust, but then established a rapid thrusting.

  Bob’s toes curled again and he grabbed on to Slim’s hips.

  Slim’s smooth chest flexed. He leaned forward, and slammed harder, rocking Bob’s body.

  Running his hands along Slim’s erect nipples, Bob clamped his fingers around the nubs and tugged at them. Slim’s eyes bulged, and he rammed all the way in. “Damn!” His body trembled as he erupted inside Bob’s ass.

  After Slim collapsed forward, his body quivering as he took deep breaths, Mark jumped off the bed and opened the bedroom door. “Be right back.”

  Slim’s softening cock slipped from Bob’s pucker, and he rolled to the side. “You’re ours, now. We both left our brand in you.”

  An ache emanated from his battered hole, but the sensations had been incredible. “You can have me anytime.”

  Mark returned with the washcloth Slim had earlier. He wiped off Bob’s chest and Slim’s body and cock, then tossed the cloth on the floor and joined the two men on the bed.

  Laying his head on Mark’s chest, Bob sighed as a slow warmth settled over him. Slim rested on Mark’s other side, and Mark wrapped an arm each around them.

  The ranch hand also sighed. “Guys, this is the start of something beautiful.”

  Bob pounded the last nail into the shelves in Mark and Slim’s new kitchen. I can’t believe it’s been a year since the tornado. He wiped an arm across his sweaty brow and slid the hammer into the loop on his work pants. With a critical eye, he assessed his handiwork. Perfect.

  The hinge on the door creaked as Slim stepped into the house. “Mark’s made dinner.”

  He gave Slim a hug. The smell of sweat and horse assaulted his nostrils, and he wrinkled his nose. “Whew! You’ve been out riding.” Despite the strong odor, a surge of excitement shot through him and his cock stirred.

  Slim pressed his hand onto Bob’s crotch, and his fingers closed over the hardening shaft. “You don’t mind too much.”

  Pleasure radiated in waves throughout his body. “It’s likely to mean I’ll get a good ride later.”

  With a chuckle, Slim gave him one more squeeze. “You can bet on it.” He scanned the room. “Nice work.”

  “That’s the last to do on the house.” Sadness settled over him. “I guess that means you’ll be moving soon.”

  Slim nodded. “Let’s go before dinner gets cold.”

  Bob followed Slim out to the dusty Ford pickup, admiring the V of his
back and his firm ass pressing against his tight jeans. Maybe they’ll invite me over once in a while.

  After shoving the gearshift into place, Slim gave Bob’s leg an affectionate pat, then gripped the wheel and drove out of the yard. Bob hung his arm out the open window and gazed at the passing rows of cornstalks.

  A few minutes later, Slim turned into the driveway of the old farmhouse and pulled up to the front of the barn. Bob climbed out of the truck and strode to the front door with Slim trailing behind him. The scent of fried beef hung in the air, and his stomach rumbled.

  He pulled open the screen door and stepped inside. “We’re back.”

  Three plates loaded with steak and potatoes with some corn sat on the table, and Mark grinned. “I saw you coming and figured you guys might be hungry.”

  Bob’s stomach gave another loud gurgle.

  “I guess that’s my answer.” Mark laughed. “Come and get it.”

  Slapping an arm around Bob’s shoulders, Slim steered him to the table and they settled into their seats.

  Bob savored his first bite of the beef. “Mighty tasty.”

  Slim smiled. “This is our celebration dinner since the house is done.”

  The thought of their leaving made Bob suddenly lose interest in eating. He stared at his plate, pushing at the potatoes with his fork.

  Furrowing his brow, Mark stared across the table at him. “What’s wrong?”

  Slim cleared his throat. “From the hangdog expression, I’d say he don’t want us to go.”

  A wave of sadness crashed over Bob. He lifted his head to meet Slim’s blue-eyed stare and nodded.

  “Thought so. That makes the timing of our proposition perfect.”

  Bob looked from one cowboy to the other. “What do you mean?”

  Mark laid down his knife and fork on the table and sat back. “We talked it over on the trail today. With times so tough, we thought that pooling our resources more long term would be good for all three of us.” He glanced at Slim, and then back to Bob. “And we got used to sharing your bed.”

  Finishing his bite of steak, Slim also placed his fork on the table. “Rent out your place. We built the new house bigger in case you decided to bunk with us.”