Stetsons and Stakeouts

by BA Tortuga

  Oh God. God, he was going to run.

  “Be back for dessert. Maria made cannoli.” Gianni was an unholy bastard.

  “We will. Wash, wash, wash.” He was going to die. Miz Jerilyn sounded like a movie madam congratulating one of her girls on a good night.

  He was never going to show his face in this house again.

  “Here, caro. Wash up. There’s nothing to be so red in the face about.” Gianni pecked a kiss on his nose.

  He cleaned himself quickly. No reason to be red? Jesus, he’d just….

  Oh God.

  “They’re not even in there. Come eat. By the time dessert is served, you will be fine.” They buttoned all up, and Gianni gave him no choice, one arm wrapped around him, hard as steel.

  They made their way back to the dining room, where Jerilyn and Micah were not, and fresh entrees were.

  “Sit, caro. Eat with me.”

  “I feel so weird.” He sat, and the steak and baked potato smelled so damn good. He felt like… like he was in a play, a dream.

  Gianni had to remember. Had to. So what? Oh God, everyone thought he was married and expecting twins.

  He blinked, suddenly as shamed as if he’d taken vows. God.

  “Bonner.” That very firm, very authoritative voice made him jump. “It will be all right. Just breathe.”

  “Just breathe. Right. Lord.” He looked over to Gianni. “You remember me, don’t you?”

  Gianni smiled. “Of course I do. How could I forget you?”

  God, that was the most erotic thing anyone had ever said to him. Ever.

  “I couldn’t believe it when I saw you.”

  “I know.” Gianni studied him, gaze heated and pleased. “I know.”

  What did that mean? What was he going to do? He stared at his steak, pondering packing up Bri and Micah and running. Tonight.

  That meant moving fast and leaving the best job he’d ever had.

  He could stay. Bonner was a smart dog. He could avoid the—

  “Bonner. I promise you, it will all be all right. Do you understand?”

  “I’m pretty sure sucking the boss’s nephew in the powder room is a little not all right.”

  “Oh, caro, make no mistake. I’m the boss. Just know that it will all be well. Eat. I know you’re hungry.”

  “Uh-huh.” He did his best, the steak utterly perfect. The potato was great too, and there was crusty bread. Oh, bread.

  Gianni ate as well, but those touches came constantly, trying to make him crazy.

  When dessert and coffee arrived, so did Jerilyn and Micah, and Bonner was all hot and bothered again. Still. Whatever.

  Micah looked shell-shocked, and Miz Jerilyn was beaming ear to ear.

  He wondered if Miz Jerilyn had offered to keep Micah as a boy toy or something. He hoped not. Micah was queer as a three-dollar bill.

  He gave Micah the side eye, and got a smile. Shaky but fine.

  Bonner smiled back, going for comforting. God, they were going to have to talk.

  Dessert looked so amazing, and it made up for a lot of weirdness. Chocolate chip cannoli with a raspberry sauce and cream…. Uhn.

  He ate quietly, letting himself enjoy the goodie. When he looked up, Gianni’s black eyes were on him, staring hard.

  Lord. Hot-cheeked, he sipped his coffee, loving how strong it was.

  “Going to put cannoli on the menu every night,” Gianni muttered under his breath.

  Micah was looking at him too. Staring. Oh. Oops. Had he been moaning?

  He blinked, his cheeks going pink.

  “Every. Fucking. Night.”

  Miz Jerilyn chuckled. “All right, boys. I got to go finish the books. That was why I needed a drink. Thanks for the supper, Gianni.”

  “Grazie, Zia.” Gianni stood up, hugged her, and she kissed his cheek.

  “Love you, sweet boy.”

  “Ti voglio bene.” He blew her a kiss on the way out. Then he looked at Micah and Bonner. “Oh, who wants another beer?”

  Micah looked at him, wide-eyed. “Uh, I’ll take one more. We’re not driving, right?”

  “No, indeed. I’ll call for Greg to bring you one.” Gianni got up and then moved away.

  Bonner leaned over. “You okay?” he asked Micah.

  “What? Huh? Yeah.” Micah looked to one side, clearly making sure Gianni wasn’t listening. “I don’t know what it is about Miz Jerilyn, but I ended up telling her all about the ex and going home and all that.”

  “You did?” Was Micah insane? That was his boss. “And?”

  “She offered me a job. In her horse barn. There’s an apartment upstairs.”

  “No shit?” He couldn’t believe it. “What did you say?”

  “I said yes. Is that okay? I mean, I can go.”

  “Of course, man. You’re my bud. I’m just shocked.”

  “Not as shocked as I was to see you disappear with your boss into the bathroom.”

  “Shut up.” Bonner said it with a half grin, though. “That was—crazy.”

  “You think? Dude, I have a job. Like, a real job.”

  “I know, right? I feel the same way.” He shook his head, eyes wide.

  “Whoa, huh?” Micah straightened up as Gianni came back over.

  “Whoa,” he whispered, nodding.

  Gianni smiled. “Shall we go sit in the family room?”

  “The….” They were being invited in deeper.

  “It’s much less formal, no?” Gianni helped him push his chair back.

  “Yeah. Yes, sir. It is.” Gianni led the way, and Greg met them at the family room, which was… wow. Beat-up as they were, the couches were leather, while the tile floor was cool underfoot. A giant TV and an impressive pool table rounded out the amazing room.

  It felt real, easy, like somewhere a man could relax.

  In fact, Bonner’s shoulders came down from around his ears. This was a place a cowboy could drink a beer.

  They all sat, sprawling out on the couches, manspreading wildly. No one was there to glare or tease, so boom.

  Gianni turned on the TV, some ballgame or other on ESPN. No one was really paying attention to it, but the noise was nice. They drank their beers, not talking much. To his surprise, he relaxed. This was so normal. So much like what he and Micah had done just last night. Albeit with a smaller TV. Much smaller.

  Were they hanging out?

  Seriously?

  He shook his head, breathed, and drank his beer. Why would Gianni want to hang out with a couple of rodeo cowboys?

  “So, Micah. Did you have a good walk with my zia?” Gianni asked out of the blue.

  “I did. She offered me a job with the horses.” Micah still looked stunned.

  “Did she? How good! She does love her horses, so you must have impressed her.” Gianni looked genuinely pleased. That probably shouldn’t surprise Bonner, but it kinda did.

  “I guess? I just told her about my roping horse. She passed away three months ago.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Now Gianni really did look concerned. “There are many here that need exercise until you find your next love.”

  “I’m ready. I love to ride. I was at the roping pen a couple of days ago.”

  “I need to ride tomorrow. You should both join me and the cowboy, uh, Colt. He has offered to go to my aunt.”

  “Sure,” Micah said immediately. “I’d love to. I love to ride.”

  Little shit.

  “Excellent.” Gianni nodded as if that was that.

  He wasn’t sure if he could spend a day in the saddle with a raging hard-on. He might have to beg off.

  Micah winked at him, so Bonner rolled his eyes. There was no way Micah was going to let him get out of this. Shit Marthy. A not-so-little part of him was looking forward to a day out in the sun, playing rancher. He loved the idea of riding out with the owner, letting them both see the whole of the operation.

  He looked up, Gianni watching him like a hungry hawk.

  Bonner shivered, his nipples goi
ng hard again. One corner of Gianni’s lips quirked like he knew.

  He probably did.

  Him and Micah finished up with their beer, so Bonner stood. “Well, I ought to go do some rounds, make sure the boys have done their work. I reckon we’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Gianni grinned at him, the look calling him out. “Tomorrow, then.”

  “Yessir. Micah, you coming?”

  “Yep. Night, Mr. Cesare.”

  “Gianni, please. Good night.”

  “Night, sir.” He nodded, and they headed out together for the long walk to the house. Micah made it out of the circle before the teasing started.

  “You horndog.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Right there in the powder room. With his auntie in the other room!”

  “Micah, shut up.”

  “I mean seriously. Did you get off?”

  Bonner was going to kill him. Kill him. He thought about popping Micah in the nose, but they did have to ride out with Gianni tomorrow, so he held off.

  “It was pretty hot, huh? You looked like you were flying when I came back.”

  “I was.” He grinned a little, because Jesus. “I’m not sure I can get over that he thinks I’m married.”

  “Yeah. That’s weird. Like incredibly weird.” Micah nudged his arm. “You’re going to tell the truth, right?”

  “I dunno.” He had no idea. Bonner had to protect Bri. More than that, he had to protect those babies.

  “Well, I know you’ll both do the right thing.”

  “Yeah. You know me.” He sighed, letting it go. It was out of his hands right this second. “You excited about your new job?”

  “I am. I need to call California, huh?” Micah said it wryly.

  “At least you’re among friends, cowboy.” He nodded, though. Micah needed to tell his momma he wasn’t showing up.

  “I am. I can’t thank you enough, bud. Not enough to stop teasing.”

  “It’ll be good, having you here.” They’d been friends for a while.

  “It will? Awesome. I don’t want to step on toes.”

  “It will.” He was in over his head; he needed a support system.

  “Cool.” They got to his house, and Micah headed off to the guest room. “Later, man.”

  “Night.” He grabbed a couple beers and headed to the little office, the couch there. Bri was probably in bed watching TV, and he didn’t want to bother her. Once Micah moved to his apartment, he’d go back to the guest room.

  He sat, feeling shell-shocked as hell. He’d…. Whoa.

  He’d sucked Gianni off in the bathroom.

  Of the main house. At supper. What the hell was he thinking? Oh, who was he kidding? He hadn’t been thinking at all. He’d been madly in lust. He’d been fantasizing about Gianni at the beach.

  It was still fucking amazing. Gianni made him feel like he was right back there, caught in a sweaty sexual frenzy. Fuck, he needed to stop thinking with his little head.

  “Asshole. The boss is off-limits.” He sucked back half his beer, knowing he had to stop with this one. He wasn’t much of a drinker, and tomorrow was Monday. Monday. Christ. He needed to make schedules, a plan. Something.

  Anything.

  He got up and moved to the computer. Time to do his damn job.

  Chapter Fourteen

  GIANNI WAS ready to play lord of the manor.

  He got up Monday morning and had breakfast with most of his team. After he let them have breakfast and coffee, he glared impartially at all of them. “Any news?”

  “We’re waiting for your local to infiltrate. I’m meeting with him today to get him equipment to wire the bar.” Colt grinned at him. “I’ve been running background checks. Some of these guys are tough dudes, boss. Not your everyday biker types.”

  “Yeah, I was afraid of that. Anyone get the lay of the local land?”

  “Kody and I have been out quite a bit. The bikers have a bad reputation, and people talk.” Harrison sighed. “That little diner on this bit of highway? Damn, the old man that owns it is scared.”

  “I’ll get Chris to have some of his guys stop in more often.”

  “Yeah. I’m eating there for breakfast every day. Les is a good guy.” Harrison grinned. “You don’t eat with the cowboys?”

  Kody snorted. “They have cereal. We get box lunches for midday, and Maria feeds us at supper, but breakfast we’re on our own.”

  “And their coffee sucks, man.” Harrison did love his daily joe.

  “God, yes. Never let a cowboy make the coffee,” Kody murmured.

  “I have a Keurig in my apartment.” Colt shrugged when they all stared. “You’re welcome anytime.”

  “You are a fuck,” Kody growled.

  “Uh-huh. You want a hazelnut latte?”

  “Yes. As soon as we’re done here.”

  “I’m on it.” Colt beamed.

  He rolled his eyes. “Alison? Anything to add?”

  “All the ladies at the hair salon are very excited you’re in town.” Alison’s grin was vicious. “Luanne wants to know if you’re coming in for highlights.”

  “I will. It will make them all crazy.” He winked, thinking how long he’d known Luanne. “Well, let’s get out there this week and learn shit.”

  “We’ve got a lot riding on your local buddy,” Luis pointed out. “You’re sure about him?”

  “Positive. He’ll do us right.” No matter what Chris said.

  “If he can’t get in, what’s our second option?” Alison asked. “I can’t pull off biker bitch.”

  “No way.” Greg gave her an admiring look.

  Gianni smiled his best shark smile. “Then I put out the word I’m looking to invest.” That had Colt bouncing.

  “I’ll set it up, just so it’s a matter of pushing buttons, boss.”

  “Don’t go too soon, though.” He gave Colt the lizard stare and got a huge grin in return. Everyone around the table shook their heads.

  “I just want you to be set up. I like to play; I don’t want you dead.” At least he knew that Colt meant it.

  “Good man.”

  Alison sighed sorrowfully. “I could handle him dead.”

  “You would miss me.” Alison adored him.

  “For a few minutes.” She batted her lashes at him.

  “Yeah, yeah. Fuck off, bitch.” He leaned over and blew her a kiss.

  “Such a happy couple,” Colt said. “We done?”

  “Yeah, but Tom will want results soon. Go forth and get me names and shit.”

  “I’m on it.” Colt just disappeared.

  “If he thinks I’m not getting my latte….” Kody took off after him.

  They all watched Kody go. “Huh.” Greg snorted. “I’m going to the MMA gym. See what I can find out.”

  “Oh, good idea. Those biker types love to fight.”

  Greg nodded. “And the MMA guys have some crossover but a lot more resentment. Thanks for breakfast.”

  “You have your phone so Colt can find you?”

  “Always, boss.”

  “Good deal. Okay, you guys linger. I’ll be out riding my domain.” Gianni hopped up so he could head to the kitchen. “Maria, my love. You did beautifully.”

  She patted his cheek. “I love having family to cook for. Love it. Do you need sack lunches since you’re riding?”

  “I was just about to ask. Something to make those two pretty boys smile for me?” He winked, and she snorted.

  There was a lot of snorting today.

  Sounded a little like a barn.

  “At least with two you’ll keep your dick in your pants.” Alison popped him in the butt. “Colt told me everything.”

  “Little bastard. He has this whole place wired, you know.”

  Maria shook her head. “All I do is sing and cook.”

  “I need to go change, Ali. You need me?”

  “No. I’m going to be on the phone doing backgrounds. Make sure people see you out there.”

  “Okay. Have a
ball.” He scooted up the stairs to change out of his wool slacks and silk shirt and into jeans and a button-down. He had to meet Micah and Bonner in fifteen.

  There were three bags waiting for him—along with six big bottles of water. He peeked in one of the bags and found neatly packed sammies, fruit, chips, and something in a little cold bag that had to be his impressive dessert. Maria was good to him. He grabbed it all up, stuffing it all in a set of saddlebags he’d had brought up last night.

  Now to see if Bonner had managed to come up with a reason not to show for this. He was totally willing to demand Bonner’s presence, but he hoped that sweet ass would show up.

  Maybe with the new-new guy being an under-the-bus victim if he didn’t come, Bonner would be more likely to show. He got to the barn to find the hands on duty mucking stalls and Bonner saddling Buck.

  “Buon giorno,” Gianni said.

  “Morning, boss. How goes it?”

  “Good. Good.” In fact, it was faboo. “How are you?”

  “Fine. Fine. Micah got called up to Miz Jerilyn’s.”

  “Did he now?” He wanted to dance and cheer. “What horse are you taking out?”

  “Her name is Stormy. She’s the gray cross-tied down there.” Bonner gave Buck a shoulder so he would stop holding his breath. Gianni was impressed. Buck would let that saddle slip and run a man right off on a fence. Butthead horse.

  “Did you want to wait for Micah to get back? He didn’t know how long he would be gone.”

  “No, he can still join us later, if he wants.” Jerilyn would keep him busy forever.

  “Sure. You need help up?”

  “No, I think I remember how.” He took Buck’s reins. “Hey, old boy.”

  Buck nudged him, hard, and he imagined it was part greeting, part admonishment for being gone too long.

  He chuckled, scratching under Buck’s mane like he liked, waiting for Bonner to saddle up. He’d never seen the dapple gray mare before. She was a rawboned quarter horse. Lovely. Bonner moved like a dream, the pocket cowboy sure and confident. Stormy stood patiently until she was saddled up. Then they led their mounts outside to vault into the saddle. Bonner waited until he was up, and he wasn’t sure if that was fear that he’d face-plant or respect.

  Probably the latter. That was okay. Gianni didn’t make an ass out of himself. He got in the saddle and all was well. “Not bad.” Bonner swung up, moving like he was born to ride.