by Olivia Black
“He has a cabin on the property. It isn’t too far away. In fact, you could walk there.” Jackson wanted to laugh. It seemed like she was trying to set them up. It was sweet. “You could take over a couple of beers. Or…” She walked over to a cupboard and opened it, moving a few things before pulling out a small bag of marshmallows, graham crackers, and a Hershey’s bar. “S’mores. The perfect evening snack, and Wyatt’s favorite.”
Nibbling his lower lip, Jackson wasn’t sure what to do. Should he go over to Wyatt’s house? The cowboy made it clear that messing around wasn’t a good idea.
“Why don’t you think about it?” She placed the items on the counter, gave him a quick hug, and left him standing in the kitchen.
Jackson started pacing back and forth in front of the delicious dessert items. Should he try to seduce the man? Needing more time to think, he left the kitchen and headed back upstairs to take a shower.
Chapter 5
The beautiful Colorado day gave way to a cool evening. Wyatt pulled on a pair of loose-fitting pajama pants after a long, hot shower. He headed into the living room and knelt in front of the fireplace. He balled up some old newspaper, using it as kindling, and started the fire. He watched as the fire grew and came to life. The flames slowly started dancing, and Wyatt closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth against his cool skin.
There was a soft knock on the door, and Wyatt stood up. He strode toward the door and pulled it open. Jackson stood on his small porch, his arms full—marshmallows, graham crackers, and a couple of Hershey’s bars—his favorite. Stepping back, he smiled, and Jackson looked relieved as he stepped over the threshold.
“I heard that you’re a s’mores fan. I haven’t had them in years,” Jackson told him, his voice a little timid, and Wyatt wasn’t sure why.
“I’m the best marshmallow roaster,” he said, closing the door behind the young man. “Did Mrs. Hunt put you up to this?”
“Susan…” Jackson started.
Wyatt interrupted. “She must like you.”
Jackson chuckled, placing the items on the coffee table. “She gave me a bit of advice. Listen, I’m not sure how long I’m going to be here, but I would really like to spend time with you. I think you’re a nice man and, to be honest, I’m attracted to you. I haven’t had that whole instant attraction thing before.”
“I’d like that,” Wyatt agreed easily. He wanted to spend time with Jackson. “I’m just not sure if I can be more than friends.”
It wasn’t just the fact that Jackson was William’s son. Wyatt didn’t want to become emotionally attached to someone that might be leaving. The last time he cared about someone was before he moved to Colorado from Wyoming. He couldn’t afford to fall in love again only to be left heartbroken and disappointed.
“I’d like to be friends.” Jackson grabbed the bag of marshmallows. “Are you ready to roast?”
“I’ll show you how it’s done.” Wyatt went to the kitchen and opened one of the drawers. He pulled out two long metal skewers, and joined Jackson in the living room.
Jackson was facing the fire when he returned. He looked lost and Wyatt wanted to pull him in his arms and offer comfort, but refrained. Instead he went and stood next to Jackson. He rested his shoulder against the young man’s and they leaned into each other. After a couple of minutes, Jackson looked up at him and bumped into his shoulder.
“I’m ready to try your famous s’mores.” He held up the bag of marshmallows.
“Take a seat.” Together, they sat on the floor and Wyatt held out the skewers, sharp end facing Jackson.
Jackson opened the bag and pushed a marshmallow onto each tip. He raised a brow and Wyatt wondered what he was thinking. The question was on the tip of his tongue, but he knew it would lead them down a slippery slope, past friendship. Instead, he grinned and put the skewers in the fire.
* * * *
When Jackson first arrived, Wyatt was only wearing a pair of thin pants, and he’d done an internal happy dance. He’d arrived at the perfect time. Even better than that, Wyatt didn’t seem to be in any hurry to put more clothing on. Enjoying the view and the conversation, Jackson waited for Wyatt to finish making his famous s’more. Wyatt pulled the skewer out of the fire and put together the graham cracker, chocolate, and of course, the marshmallow.
“Did you grow up in Colorado?” Jackson asked, before sinking his teeth into a delicious looking s’more.
He moaned in delight when the chocolate touched his tongue. Oh, so good. He licked his lips, and Wyatt licked his own lips, mimicking Jackson. The attraction between them was explosive and Jackson wished he could move closer and touch the cowboy. He wanted to kiss the man’s lips and melt into his strong arms and muscular chest.
“No. I lived in Wyoming for most of my life before moving here,” Wyatt told him
“I’ve lived in Southern California all my life. In fact, Colorado is the furthest I’ve been away from home,” he admitted.
“So, what do you think? Could my s’mores be considered world famous?”
“I’m going to need a couple more.” Jackson winked and Wyatt got the skewers ready for another round.
“Do you like being an architect?” Jackson was surprised that Wyatt knew so much about him. “You’re…uh…William told me about you and the other guys. He talked about you often.”
“I love being an architect, or at least the idea. I want to be able to create something magnificent that can last and thrive through time. It’s almost like leaving my mark on society. The building will be around long after I’m gone,” Jackson explained.
He’d always loved the idea of being an architect, but so far, he hadn’t moved out of cubicle hell.
“Why don’t you sound excited? What you just explained sounds amazing.” Wyatt leaned back, lying on his side and supporting his head with one hand.
“I thought I would end up in a large office with clients wanting me to create something. In actuality, I do designs that others get the credit for,” Jackson said.
“Would you consider changing career paths? Moving?” Wyatt asked and Jackson wondered if there was any hidden meaning behind the questions.
“I don’t know. I never really thought about changing my life until the private investigator showed up. Everything changed when I opened that envelope. I had a great childhood, I’m not complaining about my past. My dad, Greg, he’s a nice man. He ignored me, but my mom filled in where he let me down. I guess I just wanted to see if I was like William. If I looked like him or if we had anything in common.”
“I didn’t know him back when he was a rodeo star, but he showed me pictures and talked about the glory days. He had amazing stories. Toward the end of his life, he told me that he had regrets. He’d been so focused on having this ranch that he missed out on other important things. He didn’t have anyone to share his life with. He didn’t know his sons.” Wyatt cleared his throat and sat up and busied himself, making more s’mores.
“I would love to see the pictures and hear some of those stories. Do you think I look like him?” Jackson wanted to know.
What if Wyatt looked at him and saw a younger version of William?
“There are similarities. I’ll show you some pictures and you can decide for yourself.” Wyatt peered over at Jackson and winked.
Standing up, Wyatt walked over to a bookshelf. He picked up an overstuffed photo album and returned to his seated position on the floor, next to Jackson. He handed the album to Jackson and he took a few minutes, thumbing through it, looking at Wyatt’s memories.
Every time he paused on a picture, Wyatt looked over and told him about the people, sharing stories about a man that Jackson would never meet.
* * * *
Jackson ate too many s’mores. He couldn’t help it though. Wyatt really did know how to toast the marshmallows to perfection. Whenever Jackson was in charge, he scorched them and lit them on fire. He didn’t even know that marshmallows were flammable.
Yawning, Jackson rubbed his eyes
. He’d been at Wyatt’s place for hours, the conversation easily flowing between them. It was nice to have someone to talk to.
At home, in Los Angeles, he didn’t go out much. He had a few friends, but he didn’t feel close to anyone, not the way he felt toward Wyatt in such a short period of time. He wondered if other people felt an instant click when they met someone. He’d never been in this sort of situation before.
Was it love at first sight? Or was he just lonely? He hadn’t been in a relationship for years and dating seemed to be a sport. He’d tried the bar scene and it felt like a meat market. He was slowly moving past the Grade-A-beef stage.
Jackson stood up and stretched, his back cracking. The hardwood floor wasn’t comfortable, but he hadn’t wanted to move, afraid he might jinx the amazing conversation.
“It’s getting late,” he finally said.
“I didn’t realize the time.” Wyatt stood as well. “It was nice hanging out with you.”
They stood by the fire facing each other, and the moment of silence stretched out between them. Jackson wanted to reach out and touch Wyatt. His fingers twitched, wanting the firm flesh of Wyatt’s chest and abs. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled loudly, trying to move past his frustration.
He understood Wyatt’s reluctance. The cowboy didn’t want a short love affair with his friend’s son. It was strange, but from the first moment he saw the cowboy there was a spark, and over the short time, it had grown into an inferno.
“Do you think you can make it back to the house?” Wyatt asked, and Jackson hoped the cowboy would make an offer to sleep over. “You might be more comfortable staying instead of trying to find your way back in the dark. You can sleep on the couch, or I could sleep on the couch.”
“Can we both sleep on the couch?” Jackson knew he was pushing his luck, but he couldn’t help it.
Once again he was making an offer to Wyatt and he really hoped the man wouldn’t refuse. The couch was wide enough to fit them both, if they cuddled really close, and that’s exactly what he wanted. He wanted to feel Wyatt’s chest against his back as the cowboy spooned him.
“Uh…sure.” Wyatt shrugged his shoulders and Jackson strode toward the couch, a silly grin on his face. “Let me get a blanket and put a few more logs on the fire. Sunrise is only a few hours away.”
Jackson waited impatiently for Wyatt to return. He couldn’t get the picture of the two of them connected out of his mind. When Wyatt came back into the living room, he was carrying a large comforter. He climbed onto the sofa and moved back, leaving space for Jackson. He eagerly climbed onto the sofa, turning his back toward Wyatt. The cowboy put the blanket over them and then lay down.
Wrap your arm around me. Hold me, he silently begged inside his mind as he closed his eyes. It took Wyatt a couple of minutes to realize that he needed to wrap his left arm around Jackson’s waist to keep them both on the couch, but eventually he did. The heat from the man’s body immediately seeped into Jackson’s and he smiled. This is the perfect end to the day.
Taking a deep breath, Jackson moved back, making sure that they were connected completely. Warm and comfortable, Jackson drifted off.
Chapter 6
Wyatt groaned as his brain woke up. He didn’t want to get up. For the first time in years, he was warm and comfortable. Usually he couldn’t wait to get out on the ranch and start working. He loved being the foreman and working side-by-side with the others.
Today was a different story. He’d had the most amazing night, staying up way past his usual bedtime. It couldn’t be helped, though. The conversation and company was too good to pass up. Jackson really was a wonderful man.
Blinking his eyes open, Wyatt found himself looking at the back of Jackson’s head. The man hadn’t moved an inch since falling asleep. Their bodies were still connected and Wyatt shifted, trying to move his heavy erection away from Jackson’s tight ass. He needed to remember that they were friends. The future was still an unknown factor. He didn’t know if Jackson would follow the will and stay or if he would hightail it out of Colorado. The young man had a life in California, although now Wyatt wasn’t sure if he was all that happy.
As carefully as he could, Wyatt started to move. He slowly sat up sideways and wondered how he was going to get off the couch with Jackson firmly planted against him. He swung his left leg over the back of the sofa and awkwardly pulled himself backward up the cushions. He was glad that Jackson was asleep. He could just imagine how silly he looked. When he was finally off the couch, he looked down at Jackson’s sweet face. He really is beautiful.
Leaning down, Wyatt placed a kiss on Jackson’s forehead. He went into the kitchen and clicked the coffee pot on before heading toward the bathroom. Going through his normal routine, he took a quick shower and got dressed. Once he was awake and ready for the day, Wyatt poured his coffee into a large thermos. He took his hat off one of the hooks by the front door before looking back at Jackson. He hated to leave, but he didn’t want to wake Jackson up.
Deciding the best thing to do was leave Jackson asleep, Wyatt opened the front door and gently closed it behind him. The early morning air greeted him and he smiled, tilting his head toward the rising sun. Even though he should be tired, Wyatt felt rejuvenated as he started walking toward the barn. He was starting to second guess his initial reaction toward Jackson and the attraction he felt.
If he felt this good after only a night of conversation and cuddling, what would it feel like after a night of making love? He wanted to know. Even if the end result was him having a broken heart, he wanted to at least have one night of passion with the man. He was almost positive that the memory alone would keep him warm for years. His ringing cell phone pulled him out of his thoughts.
Pulling it out of his pocket, he saw that it was the pilot, Bruce Eckert. “Morning.”
“Good morning, Wyatt. I just wanted to let you know that Robbie Robertson is a no-show,” Bruce said and Wyatt cringed.
Damn, this isn’t good.
“Shit,” he groaned.
“I’ll stay here for a while longer, just in case. My next pickup is in Oklahoma tomorrow morning. I’m supposed to pick up Easton Baker. If there is any change on Robbie, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Thanks,” Wyatt murmured.
“No problem.” Bruce hung up and Wyatt pocketed his phone.
All five of the men needed to show up in order for William’s plan to work. Wyatt and a few others had invested a lot of time in making sure that William’s last request would happen. He hoped that Robbie was either running late to the airport or decided to drive, either way it would bring the man to the Belt Buckle Ranch.
When he walked into the barn, the other employees were already there, working together. A couple of the work trucks were being loaded with tools for the day. He would be out in the north pasture, checking and mending fences.
“Mornin’, Wyatt,” Cody hollered as he lifted a roll of barbed wire and placed it in the back of the truck.
“Mornin’.” He nodded. “Let’s get this show on the road.” Climbing into the passenger seat, he waited for Cody to join him.
“Mason and I are heading to the south pasture. I’ve got my cell, if you need anything.” Wyatt nodded and Preston climbed into the other work truck and started the engine.
Wyatt pushed his cowboy hat up and rubbed his forehead. He needed to stay focused on the task at hand. Working with barbed wire could be dangerous if his mind kept wandering to Jackson, still asleep on his couch. Or Robbie and the other young men, wondering if they would show up.
Cody opened the driver-side door and climbed in. He started the engine and took off in the opposite direction of Mason and Preston.
* * * *
It was close to six thirty when Wyatt called it quits for the day. His back ached and he wondered how many more years he’d be able to do ranch work. He hadn’t heard from the pilot all day, so he knew that Robbie didn’t catch the flight to Telluride. Walking into
his house, Wyatt started stripping off his dirty, sweaty clothes. It wasn’t quite summertime yet, but the days were hot when the sun was beating down against his back. As much as he wanted to sit down and relax, he needed a shower and food.
Wyatt started the shower and stepped under the cool spray. He soaped his hands and ran them over his body as the water adjusted, getting warm. He was getting older. It was slightly depressing, considering he didn’t have anyone special to share his life with.
He was in excellent shape. At almost fifty, he surpassed a lot of the younger cowboys in strength and speed. The only disappointment was that he was living in a cabin on someone else’s property. He didn’t own his home. He loved the ranch, had since he’d stepped foot on it.
But now, William was gone and things were going to change. He hated change. It scared him.
Shaking his head, he let go of all the what-ifs and let his mind wander to thoughts of Jackson. He’d tried to keep the young man out while he worked, but every once in a while he found himself thinking of him. Closing his eyes, Wyatt ran his hands down his abs to his cock. He pumped his aching shaft, moving his hand slowly from base to tip.
He got lost in the pleasure. He thought about Jackson kneeling in front of him. And then the fantasy changed to Jackson on his hands and knees in the center of his bed, and finally on his back so he could look into his expressive eyes while he pumped his cock into the man’s ass. He moaned, flexing his hips as he pumped his length into his soapy hand.
The shower door opened, and cool air poured into the steamy stall, forcing Wyatt from his thoughts. He jerked his head up and almost slipped in the process, but was able to right himself at the last minute. His heart pounded wildly in his chest and it took him almost about thirty seconds to realize that Jackson was standing in front of him, naked. His mouth dropped open and his eyes wandered appreciatively up and down.