by Olivia Black
Home.
Robbie’s mouth dropped open and he let out a deep moan as Cody’s ass wrapped tight around his shaft. Pulling his hips back, he thrust back in and Cody gripped his forearms, digging his blunt nails into his skin.
“No slow…fast…hard…need you…need to come.”
Robbie grinned down at his cowboy and turned up his pace. He rammed into Cody’s ass at a punishing rate. Swerving his hips, he changed his angle and pegged Cody’s gland on each stroke. The sexy little sounds and noises coming out of Cody’s mouth spurred him on, until his cowboy’s muscles flexed.
“I–I’m coming!” Cody shouted out, shooting between them.
“Oh, fuck!” Robbie cried out as he buried his cock to the hilt and followed Cody over the edge.
He rested his forehead against Cody’s, trying to catch his breath, as his body slowly relaxed.
Robbie stared down at Cody’s smiling face, sparking eyes, and flushed cheeks. He couldn’t believe how much he loved his cowboy. What would his mom think if she were still alive? She would love him, too. Kissing Cody’s forehead, he rolled to his side, taking Cody with him so that they were lying comfortably.
His cock slowly eased from Cody’s opening. “I’d better go take care of this.” Robbie grinned as he went into the bathroom.
“I’m serious about the no condom thing. We should go see Doc Perry and get tested together. What do you think?” Cody spoke as Robbie strode into the bathroom.
“Yeah, let’s do it,” he called back over his shoulder as he threw the latex in the trash and splashed some cool water on his face.
Returning to the bedroom, he climbed back into bed and pulled his cowboy into his arms.
Nuzzling the man’s neck, Robbie whispered, “Will you marry me?”
His question was met with stunned silence and he held Cody tighter, waiting to hear what the man would say. He was scared to let go, to see the other man’s face.
“Wow.” The warmth of Cody’s breath touched his ear. “Yeah.” He nodded and Robbie pulled back to look at him.
Cody’s lips were trembling with emotion and he couldn’t help but place a kiss on his lips.
“I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know everything about you and working by your side on the ranch.”
“God, you always know exactly what to say.” Cody shook his head, a huge grin on his face. “And I wouldn’t want you any other way. You’re my romantic, sexy stud. I’m a lucky man.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
THE END
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Belt Buckle Ranch 3
Jared
Jared Carter spends his days working in a coffee shop and his nights on stage playing music. Growing up in a boys home, he never had the love he desperately craves. When a private investigator shows up with a manila envelope, Jared’s life instantly changes. Reading over the documents, he soon realizes that he has a dad in Colorado. When he arrives at the ranch, Jared finds out that he’s too late…his dad passed away.
As Jared struggles to work with his four half-brothers, his guilt grows over leaving his best friend behind.
Jacob Monroe owns a bar called Marilyn’s, right outside of Telluride, Colorado. He likes the peace and quiet. His life is flipped upside down when a gorgeous man walks into his bar. As the two start a relationship, Jacob realizes that Jared is struggling with his past.
Can Jared let go of his past to have a future with Jacob? Can Jacob be everything Jared needs?
Genre: Alternative (M/M or F/F), Contemporary, Western/Cowboys
Length: 32,084 words
JARED
Belt Buckle Ranch 3
OLIVIA BLACK
Copyright © 2014
Prologue
Jared Carter sat in his apartment, strumming his guitar, his fingers walking across the strings. He closed his eyes, gently swaying his head to the beat and tapping his foot. It was always the early morning hour that inspired him. Inhaling, he grinned. The coffee shop under his apartment was just opening, the fresh grounds brewing. He loved his life—in the mornings he wrote songs, the afternoons were spent working behind the counter at the coffee shop, and the nights he was on stage, performing in front of an audience.
There was a light knock before his bedroom door opened and his best friend, Gabe Austin, strolled in with a coffee cup in his hand.
“Good morning, pretty man. It’s fresh.” Gabe grinned, holding out a full cup of Jared’s favorite blend.
He stopped playing, placing his guitar behind him on the bed, and reached for the mug. Although he didn’t mind the endearment, he really hated being referred to as pretty. With his long hair, most men and women alike thought he was pretty or beautiful. It was a little irritating, but he didn’t mention that to Gabe.
“Mmmm…thanks.” He inhaled the familiar scent before taking a sip. “You’re so good to me.”
“Yeah, well, don’t forget it.” Gabe winked.
“I never do.” Jared took a sip of the hot coffee as Gabe leaned down, placing a kiss on his forehead.
The two men had been close ever since being placed in the same group home when they were barely fifteen. They’d been best friends and, eventually, became lovers. Gabe was one of the sweetest, kindest souls Jared had ever met. The day Gabe walked into his life, Jared made it his mission to be the young man’s protector.
Over time, though, the dynamic of their relationship changed. They became adults and Jared felt a deep need to go out into the world on his own. He just didn’t know how to bring up the conversation with Gabe. He didn’t want his friend feeling as though Jared had abandoned him.
“What time are you coming down to the coffee shop?” Gabe asked, taking a seat next to Jared, cuddling close to his side.
It felt good in a familiar way, but the heat and passion between them was missing. Jared didn’t have the heart to tell Gabe. So he just wrapped an arm around the other man and held him. When Gabe’s hands started to wander, Jared stopped him.
“I’d better get ready for work.” He handed the coffee mug to Gabe before standing and heading toward the bathroom.
Clicking the lock, Jared sighed as he started the shower. It was getting harder and harder to keep his thoughts and feelings from Gabe. How was he supposed to tell the man that he wasn’t in love with him? How could he break the sweet guy’s heart?
I’m such an asshole. He deserves the truth. If you don’t tell him now, you’re going to hurt him more in the long run.
He gave himself the same speech every day, and each time he built up enough courage to open up and tell Gabe everything, he couldn’t do it. Gabe’s puppy-dog eyes prevented him from being honest. He didn’t want to see his beautiful green eyes fill with moisture. He didn’t want to see tears leak down his cheeks. He couldn’t take that, not after all they had endured together, not after years of having the man by his side.
Jared climbed under the spray and took care of business, washing, soaping, and conditioning. When he was done, he shut the water off and used two towels—one for his long hair and the other for his body. He wrapped the towel around his hips and grabbed the doorknob, hoping that Gabe wouldn’t still be inside his bedroom. Opening the door, his eyes swept across the small space and he hated the relief he felt when he noticed Gabe’s absence.
I’m such a fucking jerk.
Pulling the towel off, he threw it to the ground and quickly got dressed. He put his hair into a low ponytail before heading downstairs to his day job. When he spotted Gabe behind the counter, he gave a little wave and a smile. He would always love Gabe, but the two didn’t have a future.
I should probably just leave Portland. If I can’t tell Gabe the truth, that’s the next best thing, right?
Rolling his eyes heavenward, Jared headed to work.
The morning slowly ticked by. Jared stayed busy, serving coffee, wiping tables, and sweeping the floor.
“Jared Carter?” A man asked and Jared turned ar
ound, looking the man up and down.
“Yeah.” He nodded to the suit. “How can I help you?”
“My name is Thomas Creed and I’m a private investigator. I was hired by William Rickett to track you down. Here…” He held out a large manila envelope and Jared took it. “The information in there is time sensitive. I hope you have a nice day.”
The suit turned on his heel and walked out, leaving Jared standing in the middle of the coffee shop, bewildered.
“What did that guy want?” Gabe asked, coming up beside him.
“I don’t know.” Jared turned the large envelope and tore a small strip off the top.
Looking inside, he pulled out the contents and started reading. Oh my God. I have a dad in Colorado? I’m not an orphan?
Jared swallowed the lump of emotion that formed in his throat. He couldn’t believe that, after all the years hoping and praying someone would claim him, this man, William Rickett, was finally stepping forward.
There was a plane ticket and cash. It seemed that his father was a very sick man and wanted to meet him before it was too late.
“I have a dad and he wants to meet me. He sent me an airplane ticket to Colorado so that I could meet him. He’s sick.” Jared pulled out a chair and sat down.
“Wow.” Gabe put his hand on Jared’s shoulder, giving him the support he needed. “I’m sorry he’s sick.”
“I should probably go pack.” Jared looked up at Gabe and noticed the young man worrying his lower lip.
He looked lost and scared, two things Jared hated seeing. Gabe had always been dependent on him, and over the years, he’d stayed glued to Jared’s side. They hadn’t been separated since meeting at the boy’s home. They worked together at the coffee shop and shared an apartment upstairs. He needed the space, even though he would never say those words out loud to Gabe. They both would benefit from time apart. He hoped that Gabe would realize he could make it on his own without Jared.
“When will you be coming back?” he finally asked.
“I’m not sure. I should probably stay for a little while.” Jared took Gabe’s hands and held them, hoping to comfort him. “If you need anything, you can call me.”
“I’m…We’ve never…I can’t…” He started to voice his concerns.
“You’re going to be fine.” Jared added some strength to his voice, hoping that it would convince Gabe.
“I’m worried about you,” Gabe told him and Jared pulled his friend in for a comforting hug. “Why don’t you hold me like this more often? Why are you pushing me away? You used to need me…want me, but now…” He shook his head against Jared’s shirt. “You don’t want me around anymore, I can feel it.”
“I’m sorry.” Jared closed his eyes, wishing he had the courage to be honest.
I’m a horrid human being. I don’t deserve any happiness for the way I treat you. I’m sorry. Please, try to understand.
“As soon as I meet William, I’ll call you with an update. He probably won’t even want me around.”
“I don’t want you to go. I don’t want you to leave me. I need you.” Gabe sniffled and managed to break Jared’s heart even more.
Before Jared could utter a single word in response, Gabe dropped his arms and walked away. He hid his face so that Jared couldn’t see the tears and red-rimmed eyes. It broke his heart to watch the man that had been by his side since he was fifteen walk away. Taking a deep breath, he abandoned his job and jogged up the stairs leading to their apartment.
He found an old duffle bag hiding in the closet and packed his clothing and toiletries. Picking up his guitar, Jared strummed his fingers along the cords, wishing he could rewind time and make things better with Gabe. He missed the easy camaraderie with his friend. When they started a relationship years prior, he had no idea that things would eventually end or that his feelings would change.
The plane wouldn’t be arriving at the Portland airport for a couple days, but that didn’t stop him from packing. It was time for a fresh start, or to at least give Gabe some time without Jared by his side. He didn’t know what the future held for him, but he hoped that with a change of scenery, things would go into a different direction.
He loved his life. It was easy, but it was also routine.
Chapter 1
Jared Carter hadn’t stepped foot off the Belt Buckle Ranch since the day he arrived. He hadn’t done much of anything, really. His former life was full of coffee shops and bars, not wide-open spaces. If he were to be completely honest, he was getting a little bored.
When the opportunity to go out presented itself, he volunteered to buy the first round of drinks for everyone. He’d spend every last dime he had if it meant being able to leave the ranch for a little while.
Stretching out his legs in the back cab of Wyatt’s truck, he couldn’t help but grin. He was looking forward to having a few beers with his brothers, and if he was lucky, finding a dance partner. He didn’t have any doubt that Marilyn’s was gay friendly, since most of the men heading toward the bar were gay.
It didn’t take them long to reach Marilyn’s. The small parking lot was overflowing when they arrived. Rubbing his hands against his black jeans, Jared jumped out of the truck and followed the group inside. Country music blared from the speaker and he swayed to the music, looking around the establishment. Cowboys filled the small space—tight denim covering even tighter asses.
Hot damn!
Jared stepped around the huge ranch foreman, Wyatt, and immediately made eye contact with the hottest man he’d ever seen.
“Fuck me,” he whispered.
The man serving drinks behind the bar was everything he’d always fantasized about. The bartender could easily star in all of Jared’s kinky daddy dreams. Wearing a skintight black tank top, his muscular chest and arms were on display. There was a tattoo peeking out from the top of the shirt and Jared was desperate to see more of the ink.
Swallowing hard, he looked over at Robbie. “Hey.” He touched the man’s forearm, getting his attention. “Grab that big table. I’ll go to the bar and order the first round.”
“Yeah, no problem,” Robbie said, making a beeline toward a large wooden table located near the dance floor.
Licking his lips, Jared strode to the bar and the man standing strong behind the high counter. When he spotted Cody sitting in the corner of the bar all by himself, he changed directions and went over to the cowboy. He felt sorry for him, since it was obvious there were feelings growing between him and Robbie. Sidling up to Cody, Jared could see the hurt in the man’s eyes.
“Are you going to join us or are you planning on sitting here all night?” Jared asked over the loud music.
“I was going to sit here,” Cody admitted, taking a sip of his beer.
Jared made a disbelieving noise in the back of his throat and shook his head. He couldn’t believe Cody was acting like the wounded party. Robbie had been physically injured stringing up barbed wire. Why wasn’t Cody over there by Robbie’s side? It didn’t make a damn bit of sense.
Putting Cody out of his mind for a moment, he waved to the bartender. The gorgeous stud made eye contact, his lips kicking up in a wicked grin as he strode over. Damn it! A series of dirty pictures flashed through Jared’s mind, all of them starring him and the bartender.
“Can I get six beers, please?” Jared asked, licking his bottom lip.
“Please?” The bartender winked, arousal glittering in his eyes. “I do like a man with manners.”
The bartender didn’t take his eyes off Jared as he reached into the cooler with big, callused hands and pulled out the beers. He lined them up on the bar. Heat and sexual energy sparked in the air around them and Jared leaned forward, as his surroundings melted away.
He forgot he was inside a bar until someone elbowed him in an effort to order a drink. Shaking his head, reality crashed in around him and Jared reluctantly took his eyes off the man.
“Do you want to live with regret?” Jared asked, and Cody shook his head.
/>
Neither do I. Fuck, I don’t want to have any regrets in my life either.
He glanced at the bartender and gave a nod of thanks. He hoped that maybe he’d build up enough courage to talk with the older man later.
“Good. It’s about damn time. Grab a couple of these beers. It’s time to talk to Robbie.”
With Cody on his heels, Jared walked through the crowd of people toward the table. He placed the four beers on the table and turned, grabbing the other two from Cody.
“I found Cody at the bar and invited him to join us.” Jared said, and was met with silence. “Cody, take a seat.”
Jared sat down and took a sip of his beer. He tried to pay attention to the conversations taking place around him, but it was impossible. His eyes kept seeking out the bartender. He watched the man move around the bar, serving drinks and chatting with the patrons. Every once in a while, their eyes met and held, but someone always interrupted the moment.
“Hey, man.” Easton tapped his beer bottle against Jared’s. “Thank you.”
Jared gave a nod and grinned. “No problem.”
He looked back over at the bar, checking out the gorgeous bartender. Damn it. Why was he sitting at the table when he wanted to be back at the bar?
Just go over there and start a conversation.
“This was such a good idea.”
“Hmm?” He pulled his eyes back to Easton. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, man.” Easton chuckled. “Go talk to him.”
Go talk to him.
Jared tried to build up his confidence to approach the bar once more. He didn’t want to leave the establishment, not until he at least offered the older man his phone number.
* * * *
Jacob Monroe worked behind the bar, serving drinks at his pride and joy, Marilyn’s. He’d been the owner of the place for years and had even turned the upstairs into a nice little home. Every night was a party with a new treat. Staring out at the view before him, Jacob wondered which man would be his for the night.