by Olivia Black
“I was wondering if you’d allow me to bring all of my brothers and maybe even a couple of ranch hands out to help you. We could work together and get this place open sooner rather than later.”
Jacob surveyed the mess and nodded. “The more the merrier.”
“Great.” Robbie held out his hand and Jacob took it. “I’ll head to the ranch and bring some backup. We’ll have this place put back together in no time.”
Turning on his heel, Robbie weaved through the mess back toward the entrance.
“Hey,” Jacob called out, stopping him. “Did Jared make it home safely?”
“Yeah, he’s good.”
“Good,” was all Jacob said before going back to work and dismissing Robbie in the process.
Walking outside, Robbie noticed the look of concern written all over Jared’s face. He knew something had happened between the men, but he wasn’t sure of the details. It was obvious that Jared had some sort of connection to his friend back home, but meeting Jacob Monroe changed him.
Instead of the outgoing, talkative rocker, Jared became withdrawn. Hell, the man shaved his head for god’s sake.
Climbing back into his truck, Robbie started the engine and hit the gas pedal, and headed to the ranch. He needed to talk to the others and get them back to town.
“How did it go? Was Jacob inside?” Jared asked.
“Yeah, he was cleaning up the mess. Shit, that place was torn up. I asked him if we could all help and he agreed. When we get back to the ranch, we need to gather the others and some tools. We don’t want him to lose money by keeping the place closed too long.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Yeah, well, I have them every once in a while.” Robbie chuckled.
“You know what I mean.” Jared lightly punched his shoulder.
“I know. I just figured since we’re all living here now, it’s the least we can do. We need friends in this small town, not enemies.”
It didn’t take them long to reach the gravel road leading to the ranch.
* * * *
When Cody woke up alone in Robbie’s bed, he’d been disappointed. Working on a ranch, he was usually up before the sun, but somehow he slept in. He wanted to be by Robbie’s side, offering his support, when the man went into town to pick up Oliver. Instead of moping around, he took a shower, ate breakfast, and worked near the main house, waiting for Robbie to drive up.
The truck finally came into view and he grinned. Walking out of the barn, Cody met Robbie as he parked the truck in front of the main house.
“Hey, lover.” Robbie stepped out of his truck and pulled Cody into his arms, taking possession of his lips before he could say a single word.
Cody melted into Robbie’s thick chest, surrendering completely. When Robbie pulled back, Cody let out a sigh and stared into the big man’s deep brown eyes. He shook himself out of the temporary daze and smiled.
“You should probably go to town without me more often,” Cody teased.
Robbie chuckled. “I’m sorry I left you sleeping, but I needed to get Oliver. I hope you’re not upset with me for not waking you.”
“No, I’m not mad at all.” He shook his head. “I’m glad that you took care of Oliver. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Robbie nodded. “Everything is going to be fine. Oliver needs to help Jacob get the bar cleaned up so I stopped by Marilyn’s before coming here and spoke with Jacob.”
“What do you need me to do?” Cody asked, ready to follow and lend a hand.
“The bar was trashed. Jacob’s gonna need a lot of help. Can you help me gather some tools and find the others? I told him we would all help clean and fix everything.”
“Hey,” Jackson called, jogging toward them. “Oliver asked if we could all go to Marilyn’s. Wyatt’s grabbing one of the work trucks. Mason and Preston are coming up from the back pasture to help.”
“Wow.” Robbie grunted. “He moved fast.”
“Well.” Jackson shrugged. “He’s motivated.”
Wyatt pulled the work truck behind Robbie’s pickup and honked. “You all ready to go!” he shouted out the passenger window, raising his voice over the loud engine.
“Yeah.” Robbie turned, hollering back. “Should I wait for Mason and Preston?”
“Sure. I’ll take Oliver, Jackson, and Easton. We’ll meet you there,” Wyatt said. Easton and Oliver walked out of the house, the screen door slamming behind them. As they made their way over to Robbie’s truck, Wyatt called to them. “Come on, guys, you’re with me.”
“See you at Marilyn’s,” Robbie called out, waving as the four men drove off. “It’s good to see everyone pitching in,” he murmured after they were out of sight.
“You’re such a softie.” Cody cuddled close to Robbie’s side.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of a big family. When my mom passed away, I never thought I’d have anyone. Coming to Colorado, living here, and meeting everyone.” Robbie sighed, wrapping his arms around Cody, holding him tight once more. “I’m glad to be here.”
“I love you,” Cody dared to admit once more.
He wasn’t expecting a response from Robbie, but he couldn’t hold back how he felt.
Robbie kept surprising him with how kindhearted he was. The big tattooed man was always sweet, loving, and caring. He thought about others before himself. Family really was his priority. He proved that by helping Oliver and working the ranch that William loved.
“I love you, too.” Robbie cupped Cody’s face and pulled him close, taking his breath away with another passionate kiss.
Cody’s toes curled inside his boots as Robbie took his mouth in a deep kiss, thrusting his tongue inside. Robbie moved his hands down from his waist to his ass, cupping his bubble butt and massaging the flesh. Cody’s heart soared as he repeated Robbie’s words inside his mind.
He loves me.
Cody grabbed ahold of Robbie’s belt loops, pulling him closer so that their jean-covered cocks rubbed against one another. They both moaned, moving together in a sensual rhythm. Fuck, his man was sexy. He wanted to spend hours, days even, licking every square inch of the man’s golden skin from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.
A series of not-so-subtle coughs pulled Cody back to the present. He dropped his arms and stepped back. Looking at Robbie, they stared at each other, both breathing heavily, and Cody couldn’t help but grin.
“Mmmm…That was fucking hot.” Preston interrupted their moment.
“If you would’ve let them continue we might’ve seen a lot more.” Mason chuckled.
“I had no idea that the two of you were voyeurs,” Robbie said, looking at the other two men.
“A live sex show with two hot fuckers. Who wouldn’t want to watch?” Preston raised a brow, looking at Robbie as if he’d lost his mind.
“I’m down to watch,” Mason volunteered.
“No thanks, guys. I don’t like an audience.” Robbie leaned over and placed a quick kiss on Cody’s lips. “Are you ready to go clean up the bar?”
“Yeah.” Mason and Preston both answered at the same time and then grinned. Before another word was said, Mason grabbed Preston around the back of the neck and dragged him up against his chest, planting a kiss on Preston’s lips.
Cody glanced up at Robbie and the man was staring down at him. “Let’s go.” He tilted his head toward the truck and Cody climbed in.
Crawling across the bench seat, Cody sat in the middle. Robbie got in behind him and honked the horn before starting the engine.
* * * *
Jared held the blinds open, staring out the window, watching as Robbie left with the other men. He wanted to go. He wanted to help his brothers, but he wasn’t ready to face Jacob. Dropping his arm, Jared walked up the stairs and went into his bedroom. He closed the door, clicking the lock into place before taking off Jacob’s leather jacket. Holding it with care, Jared hung up the jacket in the closet.
He touched the leather, running his fingers o
ver the soft worn material. His mind was focused on Jacob and the amazing night they shared. His phone beeped and Jared cringed. He’d left his cell phone at home before going to Marilyn’s. He didn’t want the distraction. At least, that’s what he told himself when in reality he just couldn’t see all the text messages from Gabe.
Grabbing his phone, Jared typed the four-digit code and checked his messages. The number fourteen was in bright red, mocking him. Jared exhaled loudly and sat on the edge of the bed. He opened the message app and read through all of Gabe’s text messages.
I hope you’re having a good day working on the ranch. I miss you.
I just checked the schedule at the coffee shop. I’ll be able to come out and see you soon.
I love you.
Just got off work. Sitting in the apartment. This place is so quiet without you. I miss hearing you play the guitar.
I’m going to bed now. I just wanted to say good-night.
I can’t sleep. I’m worried about you. Are you there?
The messages continued on and on throughout the night and into the early morning hours. Jared quickly dialed Gabe’s number. He didn’t want his friend to be worried. Even though Gabe loved him, Jared really needed to be careful not to hurt his feelings.
The phone only rang once. “Hey, I’ve been really worried about you.”
“I’m sorry. I went out to a bar with my brothers last night. I left my phone here at the ranch. Is everything okay?”
“You tell me.” There was a long pause and then Gabe continued. “Do you want me to come out there to visit you?”
“I don’t know,” Jared whispered as he closed his eyes. “I’m sorry, Gabe.”
Chapter 13
They had all been working together for hours when there was a tap on his shoulder. Cody glanced up from his position on the ground and grinned at Robbie’s sweet face covered in dirt.
“Hey there, good-lookin’.” He winked. “I’m going to head to Telluride to pick up some lumber. I’ll be back in a bit. Do you need anything while I’m gone?”
“No, I’m good.” Cody stood up, stretching his back. “Have you eaten lunch?”
“I might stop and get some junk food in town.” Robbie rubbed his flat belly.
“Lucky,” he moaned in complaint. “I would kill for a burger and fries.”
“No need to kill for it. I’ll bring you something.”
“I’ll pay you back.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Robbie palmed his ass cheek and gave him a quick kiss. Cody chuckled as he watched Robbie go.
Cody went back to work, humming and smiling, his mind on Robbie.
A loud crash and the sound of crunching metal cut through the chatter and work, making everyone stop. Cody dropped everything and ran toward the exit. He knew something bad had happened and that Robbie was involved before he even saw the accident. His heart stopped when he spotted his man’s truck had indeed been involved in the crash.
Instead of freezing from the fear that consumed him, he ran at full speed, yelling, “No! Robbie!”
Struck from behind, Robbie’s truck didn’t appear to be in bad shape. Not compared to the vehicle that had hit him. Cody reached the truck within seconds and Robbie’s brothers came up behind him. He yanked open the door, needing to touch Robbie. He needed to make sure his man was okay. Staring at Robbie, he breathed out his relief. The man didn’t appear to have any external injuries.
“Jesus, are you okay?” Cody reached out a shaky hand and touched Robbie’s shoulder. He didn’t want to jostle the man just in case he really was injured.
“I’m fine. It sounded bad, but this truck is tough.” Robbie slowly eased out of the truck and Cody watched him closely, looking for any sign of pain.
Robbie pulled Cody into his arms. In that moment, he realized he was shaking as the adrenaline associated with fear raced through his body.
“You scared years off my life.” He choked, wrapping his arms around Robbie and holding on for dear life.
“I’m sorry, baby.” Robbie kissed the top of his head, rubbing his back in calming circles.
“Why are you apologizing?” Cody pressed his forehead against Robbie’s neck, inhaling the man’s cologne.
Robbie chuckled lightly. “I don’t know.”
“Are you really okay? Do you want me to take you to see Doc Perry? Or should we go into Telluride to the hospital? You might need an X-ray or a CAT scan.” The more he talked, the more he wanted to put Robbie in the passenger seat and drive him to the hospital.
“Honey, I’m fine. It was only a fender bender,” Robbie explained patiently.
“Yeah, yeah, okay.” Cody took a few deep breaths, relaxing into Robbie’s strong, capable arms.
He wanted to believe Robbie, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something worse could’ve happened. Instead of a little fender bender, Robbie could’ve been killed. He could’ve lost the only man he’d ever loved.
“I love you. I love you so much,” Cody told him.
“I love you, too.”
They stood in the middle of the street holding one another for a few minutes. When Cody felt calm enough, he let go and surveyed the scene a little closer.
“Is the other driver okay?” Robbie asked.
Jackson nodded. “Yeah, just a little shaken up. She’s sitting on the curb.”
“The truck’s still drivable, should I head to Telluride?”
“You should give Wyatt the list. He can take the work truck to the lumberyard. Why don’t you head back to the ranch and take it easy? We can finish here without you and Cody,” Jackson suggested, and Cody silently agreed.
He didn’t want Robbie out of his sight or leaving his side. Cody stuck close to Robbie for the rest of the day, watching him for any signs of injury.
* * * *
Robbie yawned and stretched as the morning sun broke through the blinds inside his bedroom, casting a warm glow over his face.
It’s another beautiful day at the Belt Buckle Ranch.
Opening his eyes, he saw Cody facing him, a look of concern on the cowboy’s face, and his smile dropped.
“Hey.” Robbie moved closer so that their bodies were touching. “Are you okay?”
Cody shook his head, looking away as if he were embarrassed.
“When I heard that sound of metal against metal, I knew in my heart it was you.” His eyes filled with moisture and Robbie lifted a hand, wiping away a stray tear. “Every time I close my eyes, I see you, except in my dreams you don’t just walk away.” He stopped, clamping his mouth shut.
“Cody, I’m not going anywhere, I promise. The barbed wire was a freak accident and the car crash was random. It can happen to anyone. I’m here with you and you are here with me. That’s all that matters.”
“What if…” he started and Robbie covered his mouth with his hand.
“There will be a lot of ‘what if’ situations, Cody. You can’t let that rule your life, not if we’re going to have a future. People get hurt, people get sick, and sometimes, people die before you’re ready to let them go.”
Cody pressed his lips against Robbie’s palm, planting a sweet kiss before Robbie pulled his hand away.
“You’re right.” He sighed. “I love you and I definitely want a future. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Robbie rolled on top of him, pressing Cody into the soft mattress. Cody immediately wrapped his arms around his neck and brought Robbie down for a kiss. Robbie poured everything he felt into that kiss. He hoped that Cody could feel all his love. There would be accidents and disagreements along the way, but as long as the two stuck together, they could weather any storm. Cody broke the kiss, panting.
“I need to feel you inside me.” He spread his legs and Robbie slipped between the V of his thighs.
Robbie groaned, his cock twitching with excitement at the offer. Reaching toward the bedside table, he fumbled around until he found what he was looking for—a bottle of lube and a condom.<
br />
“What would you think about not using condoms?”
“Damn,” Robbie whispered.
The image alone was enough to make him shoot his load all over Cody’s stomach. Gripping the base of his cock, he tightened his grip, barely holding his release back.
“I guess you like the idea.” Cody gave him a wicked grin, staring down at his shaft.
“More than you know.” Robbie leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cowboy’s lips.
Robbie used his thumb to flick the lid of the lube open. He drizzled the slick liquid on his fingers before circling Cody’s hole. With one finger, Robbie slowly pushed inside.
Hot, moist pressure surrounded his finger and he groaned. “You’re always so tight, baby.”
“Hurry up.” Cody moved his hips, fucking Robbie’s finger. “I want your cock inside of me.”
Robbie added a second digit, scissoring his fingers and adding more lube. He didn’t want to rush through to the finish line. He wanted to take his time and love his man. So he slowed his pace. Kissing Cody’s neck, Robbie moved down the man’s body, licking and sucking his way to Cody’s nipples. He gently gnawed on the tender buds, and Cody’s back arched off the bed and he let out a series of curse words.
Music to my ears.
Moving further down his lover’s hard body, Robbie engulfed Cody’s hard, leaking cock. He made love to Cody’s beautiful dick, moving his mouth up and down in a slow, steady rhythm.
“Oh, God. Oh, God. Your mouth,” Cody panted out.
Robbie swirled his tongue around the head and into the slit, sucking pre-cum into his mouth. He pulled back and rubbed Cody’s shaft against his jaw before licking up and down the full length. He took Cody all the way to the back of his throat before allowing his lover’s cock to slide in and out of his mouth. Cody started moving his hips, fucking Robbie’s mouth.
The erratic thrusting motions combined with the groans and moans of pleasure let Robbie know that Cody was getting close.
Robbie pulled his fingers free and rolled a condom into place. Lifting Cody’s legs over his forearms, he lined up his aching cock and slowly pushed into Cody’s welcoming body.