by Olivia Black
“Whatever happens, just know that I’m here for you. Anything you need.” Wyatt kissed the top of his head.
“Thank you.” Lifting his head off Wyatt’s chest, he went up on his toes and connected their lips.
“Mmmm.” Wyatt reluctantly broke the kiss. “Don’t get me started. I have to get to work.” He winked and reached around Jackson, grabbing the bar of soap. He followed the man’s hands as he rubbed his chest, abs, and finally his cock. He followed the soapsuds as they moved down Wyatt’s thick thighs to his feet.
“I don’t usually oversleep, but having you beside me makes it difficult to wake up.” Wyatt took the bar of soap and started washing Jackson’s body. “I wish I could spend weeks in bed with you.”
“Oh yeah.” Jackson moaned. He loved the feel of Wyatt’s hand on his body. “That sounds great. Where can I sign up?”
Wyatt chuckled. “I’ll take some time off from the ranch and lock myself inside the cabin with you. Just let me know when you’re available.”
“Right now?” Jackson asked, and Wyatt smiled, ushering him under the spray and rinsing him off.
“Let’s wait until everyone is here. If you still want to be locked inside the cabin with me, I’ll make it happen.” Wyatt’s voice was sincere.
Jackson wondered if he would have Wyatt for more than a brief vacation in Colorado. Would they have weeks to spend making love and memorizing each other’s bodies? He really liked the man. And the thought of leaving the ranch and Wyatt behind made it hard to breathe. Did they have a future? Would they ever see each other again? He knew Wyatt wouldn’t be leaving the fresh and open countryside for the smog and traffic in the city. Not wanting to think about leaving the Belt Buckle Ranch or Wyatt, Jackson changed the subject.
“Are you going to pick up Easton at the airport?” Jackson asked as Wyatt finished rinsing himself off.
The cowboy shut off the water and stepped out. He grabbed a towel and handed it off to Jackson before getting one for himself.
“If the pilot calls and tells me that Easton made the flight,” Wyatt said, wrapping the towel around his hips.
“Would you mind if I picked him up?” Jackson asked.
This was his opportunity to meet his half brothers. He knew this short visit to Colorado would be ending soon. He would have to leave this place and the cowboy standing in front of him to go back to his job in California. Was his job really worth it? He didn’t have much of a life.
“Yeah, if you want.” Wyatt brushed his lips against Jackson before heading back toward the bedroom. Jackson followed him and watched him get dressed. “You can drive my truck.”
“Thanks. Would you mind showing Robbie around? We didn’t talk much last night, but I did mention William’s passing. Listen, I got the impression that he didn’t have anywhere to go.” Jackson wasn’t sure if he should talk about Robbie or the man’s business.
“What do you mean?” Wyatt asked, pulling his boots on.
“His truck was packed up with boxes and a motorcycle. He didn’t say anything, but it looked like all his possessions were in the back.”
“I’m glad he’s here then. If that’s true, he should stay. I’ll let him know that he’s welcome. I’ll have Cody show him around and give him the lay of the land. We can always use extra help around the ranch. Thanks for telling me. Get dressed, I’ll walk you back to the main house and you can introduce me to Robbie.”
Jackson walked into the living room, Wyatt close to his heels. He dropped his towel and heard a deep growl. Hiding his smile, Jackson bent over slowly, giving Wyatt a little extra show, and his cowboy cursed quietly. He got dressed in his clothing from the night before.
“You’re a really good guy.” Jackson couldn’t help but tell Wyatt exactly what he thought. He didn’t even know Robbie, but he was already welcoming him. He’d never known anyone that kind, especially to a stranger.
“You and Robbie are William’s sons. All of you are welcome here. We want you to stay. This is William’s legacy. His sons should be here to carry it on.” Wyatt strode past him, opening the front door, and Jackson quickly shoved his feet into his tennis shoes.
“Do you really think so? How would that work?” He had so many questions.
Could he start his life over? Did he want to move out of his apartment and into the ranch house? The ranch house, could he live with Wyatt? What the hell are you thinking? Slow down, Jackson. I came here to meet my father.
“Let’s head to the main house. We can figure out all the details later.” Wyatt shut the cabin door behind them just as his cell phone started to ring. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the device and put it to his ear. “Morning.” They started walked toward the house and Jackson listened to his conversation. “Good. That’s good. Someone will be there to pick him up.” He clicked the end button and shoved the phone back into his pocket.
“Easton made the flight. Looks like you’ll be driving into Telluride.” Wyatt wrapped an arm around Jackson’s shoulders and he leaned into his cowboy’s side, enjoying the connection. “Do you think you can manage the drive by yourself? I’d be happy to drive you.”
“It should be fairly easy to find. We only passed through one small town before reaching the ranch.” The drive was a straight shot. It was nothing compared to driving the freeways of LA.
“Will you take your cell phone? Just in case. I don’t want you to get stranded.”
“Of course, I’ll get dressed and put your number in my phone before I head out.” Jackson stepped up onto the porch and opened the front door. “I’m not sure how to tell Easton about William.”
“Just be honest and compassionate. None of you met William, but this is a chance to meet family. He needs to come to the ranch. When you’re all together, Trent will be reading the last will and testament.” Jackson nodded.
He heard voices in the kitchen and headed in that direction. Robbie was seated at the table with Cody, the two men chatting and laughing. Jackson couldn’t help but smile. His half brother looked a lot more approachable when he was relaxed. His mind immediately went to the other men that were coming. He’d been an only child and now he had brothers. He hoped that they were open to having a relationship with him after they all left the Belt Buckle Ranch.
“Morning.” Jackson pulled out a chair across from Robbie and took a seat. “I’m heading to the airport to meet Easton. He’s flying in.”
“One of the half brothers?” Robbie asked, and Jackson nodded.
“I wanted to introduce you to the foreman, this is Wyatt.” The men shook hands and Wyatt sat down next to Jackson, placing his hand on Jackson’s thigh. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to join me to meet Easton or if you wanted to stay here and get a tour.” Jackson didn’t want to seem bossy. He wasn’t sure how to handle this situation.
“I’d like to stay here at the ranch.” Robbie looked at Cody and the cowboy grinned.
“Cody can show you around. Give you a tour and a taste of what our day-to-day life is here at the ranch.” Wyatt squeezed Jackson’s thigh. He’d obviously caught the connection between the two men as well.
“I could use the help. Are you ready to be a cowboy?” Cody asked Robbie, and Jackson caught a spark of interest.
“Lead the way.” The two men stood up, walking their dishes into the kitchen before heading outside. Neither of the men said good-bye and Jackson couldn’t blame them.
Jackson filled his plate with the food Mrs. Hunt spread down the middle of the table. Wyatt’s hand on his thigh was a welcome anchor in a whirlwind of changes. Soon he would be meeting Easton. He didn’t know a thing about the men that were now considered family. Would they even want to stay at the ranch? Would they be interested in having a relationship with him?
“I’d better head out and get started.” Wyatt placed a kiss on his cheek before standing. “Before you leave, stop by William’s office and take a look at the pictures. It will be easier for you to spot Easton. You don’t have to say anything to him about
William’s passing or even about your relation. Just do what feels right. It’s important that everyone is here.”
Chapter 9
Jackson didn’t spend a lot of time in William’s office. He saw the pictures lying on the desk and grabbed the one with Easton’s name on it. As he drove to the airport it felt like butterflies were attacking his stomach, making him feel light-headed and nervous. Now that he was sitting inside the terminal, he tapped his foot and looked over the picture.
The man was a cowboy, sitting on top of a large, old tractor. Jackson didn’t have any doubt that he would fit right in. The blond hair could be seen under the straw-colored cowboy hat. The airport wasn’t overly busy, so he was sure that he wouldn’t have any problem recognizing the other man. His pocket began to ring and Jackson grinned as he fished it out of his pocket. Glancing at the screen, he was disappointed when he saw it was work.
“Hello,” he said, and leaned back into the chair. He rested the picture of Easton on his thigh and stared at the door, waiting for the man to appear.
“Hey,” John, his friend and coworker said, clearing his throat. “Are you coming back to the office?”
“No. I’m using my vacation time. I’m in Colorado…family stuff.” Jackson didn’t want to reveal his family issues. The last thing he wanted was any sort of office gossip. He did his best to keep his personal life separate from his professional persona.
“I just got out of a meeting. Mr. Braxton is using your project outline for the museum,” John told him.
“Oh, my God. Really?” Jackson sat straight up.
He couldn’t believe his luck. This was a life-changing event. His dreams of becoming an architect were officially coming true. The office he’d been dreaming about would actually be his.
“I wish it was good news, man.” There was a pause and the hair on the back of Jackson’s neck stood straight up. “One of the partners took credit for your work.” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Hell, that bitch assistant is packing up your cubicle right now.”
“What!” Jackson jumped up.
His heart dropped and bile started to rise into his throat. He was going to be ill. His idea, the project he’d been working on, someone else claimed it as their own. A partner, no less. Who would believe a cubicle jockey? Was there anything he could do? Pacing around the terminal, he tried to think.
“It was an impromptu meeting. We were called into the big corner conference room. Mr. Braxton started talking about the winning proposal, and I knew it was your work. I tried to say something, but…” He exhaled. “I’m sorry.”
“And now I’ve lost my job?” Jackson was shocked.
Someone was stealing his idea and to top it all off, he was being fired. What the fuck? How could a company do that and get away with it?
“I don’t know. I’m assuming, yes, since your desk is being packed into a cardboard box,” John whispered, and Jackson was at least grateful that someone was on his side.
“I can’t believe this.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I guess I should thank you for calling me.”
He wanted to shout and curse, but taking out his anger and frustration on John wouldn’t change the facts. The company he’d been loyal to, the company he’d worked hard for just fucked him over.
“I’d better hang up. If you need anything, I’m here for you.” John sounded sincere.
“Yeah, thanks.” Jackson clicked the end button.
He held his phone in a tight grip. What the hell am I going to do now? Do I call an attorney? He might not know what his next step should be, but he did know one thing. Jackson didn’t want to work for a company that would screw their employees over. They were packing up his years of loyalty and commitment into a box because they knew they were guilty.
Exhaling loudly, Jackson shoved his phone back into his pocket. He couldn’t think about this dilemma right now. Any minute now Easton would be walking into the terminal. You have to let it go. Think about the ranch and William. The automatic doors opened and Easton strode in, looking lost and nervous. Jackson pushed all thoughts of LA away. Fuck it. I can’t do anything anyway.
Jackson put a welcoming smile on his face and went right to Easton. “Hi, I’m Jackson Murphy, your half brother.” He decided to just tell the other man everything. There was no reason to hold anything back.
“Uh…” He looked a little uncomfortable. “It’s nice to meet you. I guess you know that I’m Easton Baker.” He put one of his bags down and held out his hand, and Jackson immediately took it, pumping his arm.
“It’s good to meet you as well. I wanted to let you know that William Rickett passed away.” The man looked as if Jackson had punched him in the gut and he felt horribly guilty. He’d been a little too blunt in his deliverance. Shit. “I found out when I got here. I’m sorry. I was hoping to meet him as well.”
“Well…uh.” Easton looked as if he had no idea what to say. “I guess I should try to catch a flight back home.”
“No, you should come out to the Belt Buckle Ranch and meet everyone.” Jackson grabbed his bag. He wasn’t going to let Easton leave. “Robbie, he’s one of your half brothers, he showed up last night. And, Jared and Oliver should be arriving over the next couple of days. Once we’re all here, Wyatt—he’s the foreman at the ranch—said the executor of William’s estate will be reading his last will and testament. Why not come out and relax?”
Jackson held his breath, hoping that Easton would agree. He wished that Wyatt would’ve insisted on driving to the airport. The cowboy would’ve been a better choice. He didn’t know what the hell he was doing and he didn’t know William. He’d been so confident before arriving at the airport. What made him think he could convince a stranger into accompanying him to the ranch? He just lost his job—not officially, but he was sure he’d be hearing bad news when he finally returned to LA. His whole world was changing and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.
“Please,” he whispered. “I know this situation isn’t ideal, but we’re related and I’d really like the chance to get to know you. I don’t know about you, but I’m an only child. I always wanted siblings. You won’t regret it. The Belt Buckle Ranch is amazing and the folks there are great. Just give it a chance. If you want to leave after meeting everyone, I’ll drive you back here.”
Jackson knew that he was practically begging. He just hoped it would work. It didn’t take long before Easton nodded his agreement.
“Thank you. I’m just parked right outside.” Jackson led Easton out of the airport terminal to the truck.
The drive out of the airport parking lot was silent. Jackson really didn’t know what to say. The longer they went without conversation, the more awkward he began to feel. He stared out the windshield, hoping the words would magically appear on his tongue.
Clearing his throat, Jackson said the first thing that came to mind. “How old are you?”
“I’m twenty-eight,” Easton answered automatically.
“I’m thirty-six. I was born and raised in Southern California. I found out about William and immediately called my mom. I didn’t know anything about the man. Did you know about him growing up? Did your mom tell you?” Jackson asked. He knew the questions were a bit personal, but he was curious.
“My grandparents raised me. I never really knew my mom and nobody said anything about my father.” Easton sat rigid inside the cab.
Things would’ve been a hell of a lot easier if the conversation would’ve flowed, but it was like pulling teeth. Easton answered his questions, but never said anything more.
“Have you ever been to Colorado?” Jackson rolled his eyes. Why couldn’t he think of something better to talk about other than idle chitchat? Next they would be talking about the weather.
“No.” He shook his head. “I always stayed close to home in Oklahoma.”
Silence settled around them once more. He tapped the steering wheel. As the minutes slowly ticked by, Jackson started feeling awkward.
�
�Listen,” Easton said. “I-I came here to meet William. I thought I was prepared to sit by his bedside. I wanted the chance to meet my father. It’s just taking some time to process everything. He’s dead and now I’ll never know him.”
“I’m sorry. I know you might not believe this, but I completely understand.” Jackson knew their backgrounds were different. He didn’t know anything about Easton, not really, but it was obvious the man had a good heart.
“I know you understand,” he murmured. “I’m not trying to be rude or ignore you. I just need some time to think…you know?”
“Yeah, sure, of course.” Jackson did get it. Everyone handled situations differently.
Focusing on the road, Jackson drove straight toward the Belt Buckle Ranch. He stayed quiet, allowing Easton to think and process.
* * * *
The truck bounced along the gravel driveway as he steered toward the house. He stared out the side window and wondered where Wyatt was. The cowboy wasn’t far from his thoughts. Ever since meeting him, Jackson wanted to know more about the man. He wanted to spend more time with him. And it seemed as though he now had time.
“Wow, this place is amazing.” Easton finally broke his silence and Jackson smiled.
“That was my first thought. From what Wyatt told me, it’s twenty-thousand acres.” Jackson didn’t really know what that meant, but it must’ve been good since Easton whistled.
“It’s so green and lush here, nothing compared to the small farm I’m used to,” Easton murmured, more to himself than to Jackson.
Jackson pulled to a stop in front of the house and stretched his back before climbing out of the truck. He slammed the door and looked over at Easton. The other man remained in his seat, buckle still in place across his chest, as he stared at the house. Jackson could sense his apprehension. It seemed to float off Easton in waves. Jackson’s brows furrowed as he watched Easton. The other man appeared to be more lost than he was when he’d first arrived.