Tending Tyler

by Jodi Payne

  Matthew’s kiss was what he’d been holding on to, what he craved most after Noah’s accident forced Matthew to go home early. And Matthew had made sure he couldn’t forget, calling every day, texting goodnight, sending pictures. He was here because the cowboy didn’t let go of him. And he needed someone that wasn’t going to let go.

  Matthew groaned, the sound tearing from the barrel chest. “Want you.”

  There was something primal about those words, about the deep rumble they were spoken in.

  “Take me to bed.” He reached out and shut the water off. “Take me to bed, baby. Now.”

  “Now.” Oh, yum. Cave cowboy. Matthew muscled him out of the shower and wrapped him in a towel, all the while walking to the bed.

  They toweled off a little more once they got there, but he wouldn’t swear they were totally dry before Matthew lifted him off his feet and set him in the sheets. He was burning up and they were cool against his skin. He reached out and took Matthew’s hand, giving it a tug. “I want this. I want all of you.”

  “I got you.” Matthew covered him, one leg pressing between his to nudge his sac and spread him. “Gonna help you fly.”

  Tyler believed it, unable to stop his moan or the way he spread wide open for Matthew, offering him everything. He was so hard every nudge, every accidental touch made him gasp and stoked a fire deep in his gut. He drew trembling fingers up Matthew’s arms and down his back, everywhere he could reach. “Please.”

  “Anything.” Matthew rocked them together, beard so fucking soft on his throat. “Tell me what you want, honey.”

  “I want you to touch me. I want you inside me. I want everything to go away except this. Except us.” It was an easy answer to a complicated question. He wanted his whole world to be Matthew.

  Matthew pressed an indentation in the headboard, exposing a little secret drawer, and he pulled out a condom and a little bottle of lube. He set them down, and then went back to touching Tyler with a focus that made him dizzy. His nipples were stroked, made hard and stiff while Matthew rubbed against him.

  This was unreal. He arched into Matthew’s hand and moaned and hooked his heels over Matthew’s ass. Secret fucking drawer. He reached between them and pushed his fingers through the fuzz over that broad chest, finding the spots that made Matthew shiver.

  Matthew cupped his ass, humped him for a second, like he’d lost control of his hips, then he eased back, kneeling up tall and letting him see all that strength, the lean hips, the broad shoulders, the thick, needy cock.

  He dragged his gaze from Matthew’s cock all the way up to those pretty gray eyes. Breath catching, making him gasp. “You’re so beautiful.”

  Matthew grinned, the look surprisingly sweet. “Listen to you.”

  Matthew grabbed the lube, slicking his fingers. “I haven’t done this in a long time, honey. I want to make it good for you.”

  He wasn’t worried. He was surprised, but he understood what Matthew was telling him. He smiled. “Take your time, baby. I’m pretty sure you’ve got this.”

  “I think I remember how it goes.” Those thick fingers traced along his cock, held his sac for a second, and then slowly circled his hole.

  “Yeah.” His hips rolled up off the bed. “That’s…that’s how it goes.”

  “Jesus, you’re burning up.” Matthew pressed, but didn’t penetrate him. Not that pass. Or the next.

  Tyler might have to kill him.

  But when Matthew pressed in, one hand wrapping around his dick, he thought he might not.

  “Good.” Tyler nodded, sucking in a rough breath. It was good, but it wasn’t enough. He arched into Matthew’s fingers and covered the hand on his cock with his own, squeezing slightly. “More.”

  Matthew grunted, and one finger became two, and he began to stroke, pulling hard on Tyler’s prick.

  Yes! The word stuck in his throat and disappeared, replaced with a low groan. He let go, both hands reaching for Matthew. When they didn’t make contact, he dropped them to the bed, balling the sheets into his fists. He bucked, not sure whether to ride Matthew’s fingers or thrust up into his grip.

  “So tight.” Matthew leaned down, losing the grip on his cock to suck the tip in and taste him.

  “Fuck.” He was going to short-circuit. Maybe he was tight, maybe Matthew’s fingers were just huge. Either way, everything the cowboy was doing felt amazing. “Matt… Matthew.”

  “Mmhmm…”

  Fuck, he felt that all the way down his shaft. He reached for Matthew again and combed his fingers into that thick, dark hair. “Baby” He tipped his head back, shoulders twisting in the pillows, and tried not to roll his hips up too hard, but he just couldn’t stay still. His goosebumps gave way to little beads of sweat, cooling his hot skin. He tugged hard on Matt’s hair. “I… I need…”

  “Me too.” Matthew pulled away and grabbed the condom, getting it on with shaky fingers. He watched impatiently, gaze alternating between the look on Matt’s face and those busy fingers. Once the rubber was on, he reached for Matt, pulling him down for a kiss.

  “It’s good, Matt. Just breathe, baby. It’s so good.”

  “Hell, yeah. You’re going to feel like heaven around me.” Matthew slicked himself up, hand moving in short, almost brutal strokes. Then Matt leaned down to press against him, that heavy cock nudging his hole.

  He spread again, knees going wide, eyes locked on Matthew’s. He knew what he was in for, he’d had that thick, beautiful cock in his mouth already. He gave a little nod and rocked up to meet Matthew halfway.

  The mushroom head popped in, and they both gasped and stilled, their eyes meeting.

  “Oh fuck.” Okay, knowing was different than experiencing. Matthew was fucking huge. He took a deep breath and relaxed as he exhaled letting Matthew slide in farther. They both moaned and he hauled his knees up higher.

  “Fuck, honey. Heaven.” Matthew’s hips moved in the tiniest little thrusts, easing himself in deeper and deeper.

  He was so…full. Matthew was everywhere—inside, all around him. He hooked his fingers at Matthew’s nape as they rocked together. “Heaven. Yes.”

  “Kiss me.” Matthew began to move, thrusting nice and slow, driving into him and dragging over his gland.

  “Oh! Oh, God.” He shivered and hauled on Matt’s neck, pulling their mouths together, tangling their tongues as Matt stole his breath. They found a rhythm and went with it, and Matthew gave him every inch, gray eyes staring into his.

  He tried to hold that gaze but sometimes it was too much, too big…he’d get too close, and he’d have to close his eyes for a second. But every time he looked up again, Matthew’s eyes were on him. Focused, steady.

  He didn’t really want control though, he wanted to lose it, for Matthew to have it. It didn’t take long, Matthew hit just the right spot just the right way, and Tyler rocked up hard, body begging for more.

  “Yes.” Matthew nodded and began to slam into him, just hitting that perfect spot, over and over.

  That was it; he was gone. He couldn’t breathe. His ears filled with their sounds, his vision narrowed to Matthew’s face, and he came so hard he saw stars, balls emptying in an aching rush, his climax tearing through him like Matthew had shot him with lightning.

  “Oh honey.” Matthew watched him, then those gorgeous eyes closed, and Matthew took him, driving into him with short, hard thrusts, filling him up.

  He held on, blinking his eyes clear even as his body was still trembling and his lungs fought for air, so he could watch too. “Yes,” he managed to say, willing Matthew to take everything he needed. “Beautiful.”

  “Need you.” Matthew’s body went tight, lips drawn back in a grimace as he shot.

  Matthew didn’t have to say it for him to know it was true, he could see it in that look, feel it in the way Matthew had held him. “Baby. So beautiful.” Tyler stroked Matthew’s face, combed fingers through his beard and his hair, panting along with him and talking him back to the room.

  “
Damn.” That was so sweet, how that single word grew syllables when Matt was melted.

  “Mmm.” He pulled Matt down into the sheets and did the honors, touching gently as he removed the condom. He slipped out of bed to toss it and clean up a little, then crawled right back into Matthew’s arms. That was about the end of his energy too, he was suddenly exhausted.

  “Mmm…” Matthew wrapped around him, holding on and keeping him close. “Sleep good, honey. I got you.”

  “You’re amazing. That was…everything.” He felt heavy and already half asleep. He hoped Matt understood, he was just so tired.

  10

  Matthew’s phone rang with Sister’s picture at seven in the morning. He’d already taken Sophia to breakfast, picked up feed and shingles, and was heading to the grocery. “It’s your Aunt Rachel. Go ahead and answer it.”

  “Auntie Rache! I got to come with Daddy! We had breakfast at the diner, and I had pancakes!” She did love to get up and go.

  “Well aren’t you a lucky girl.” Rachel’s voice came over the speaker. “Are you being helpful?”

  “The feed was too heavy, but I stayed by the car like Daddy said.” Sophia bounced. “Daddy got us a playhouse for the backyard! Like a big one!”

  “Did he?”

  “I did.” It was on sale—it was really a big shed, so he could use it after. “How’s it going, lady?”

  “I’m fine. Noah’s doing well. Momma called to tell me she met your…friend.” Oh. Look at Rachel being discreet. “She said she was disappointed you didn’t stay.”

  “Tyler was exhausted. He needed a quiet night.” Momma was a turd, but he wasn’t surprised she was telling stories on his happy ass.

  “Ha. I’m sure it was very quiet.” She snorted. “So she says you’re bringing poppers on Saturday? I’m doing desserts. What does Tyler like? Chocolate? Berries?”

  “He likes chocolate. I like berries…” he teased. “I’m over to the grocery. You need anything? I can drop it off on my way home.”

  “I think I’m all right, thank you. Are you going by the house to pick up Emma? Alan went over to help Daddy with the Wi-Fi.”

  “Emma stayed in bed. Tyler said he’d keep an eye on her, and Lisa’s home for a week. Krissy said she’d be there in the pool all day.”

  “Nice of you to let Tyler sleep in. City boys probably aren’t used to rancher’s hours. How long is he staying?”

  Three sentences, so much subtext. Rachel could be so much like Momma.

  “He’s used to working the night shift. Six a.m. isn’t his thing.” He shook his head and rolled his eyes at Sophia, making her giggle. “He’s welcome here for as long as he wants to stay.”

  “Well, I look forward to meeting him on Saturday. Momma says she bought sunscreen…” Rachel laughed. “She really said that.”

  “Yeah. There must not be much sunshine up there. He’s lilywhite. I’m going to buy more at the store.” He chuckled. Sunscreen, hamburgers, chips. Lord, he needed to get home and fire up the grill. “I’m cooking burgers for lunch. I’ll let them know at the house.”

  “Might as well tell my boys then. Momma will call them. I swear she thinks I starve them both.”

  “Noah!” Sophie liked her cousins. They were older and interesting.

  Rachel laughed. “I better get to it. Call me when you have a minute to yourself.”

  He had to grin. He knew she’d called him in his truck at seven in the morning because she thought he’d be alone. At least he knew she was calling to ask real questions too, not just the ones she’d asked for Momma.

  Sophia looked at him as Rachel hung up. “She wants to know if y’all are boyfriends.”

  “Does she?”

  “Uh-huh. If you want to date him, you can. He seems nice, even if he sounds like a TV show.”

  Oh, that was a good one. He had kind of been worried Tyler wouldn’t understand either of the girls at all. “A TV show?”

  “Uh-huh.” She nodded. “Like the ones with lots of policemen and stuff. It’s cool.”

  Well okay then. “Do you think he’ll like it here?”

  “Well, duh. It’s like the best home ever! And we can go everywhere.” There was no doubt in her voice whatsoever. None. And didn’t that make him feel ten thousand feet tall? “Don’t miss your turn, Daddy.”

  “No, ma’am. No missing.” He made the turn into the little store and parked. “Come on, chica. Let’s grab some stuff. We’ll get some kolaches while we’re here.”

  “Emma likes those.”

  “She does.” He grabbed his hat and laughed as she followed him out the driver’s side. “Monkey.”

  “Ook ook ook. Come on, silly Daddy. We got to make a million burgers for all the hungry cowboys.”

  “Yes, ma’am. We do.” All the hungry cowboys and one beautiful Yankee.

  11

  Okay. Tyler didn’t know ranches, but he knew how to be a house guest. He showered, cleaned up the bathroom, made the bed, got dressed and then tucked everything neatly back into his suitcase. He stashed it in a corner with his backpack where it wouldn’t be ugly and in the way.

  Now he needed some coffee.

  He padded barefoot out to the kitchen, thinking he should probably check on Emma. It wasn’t late, his eyes had popped open about eight, and he’d made himself get up. He’d promised Matt they’d be okay. He could nap by the pool later or something.

  He hadn’t seen eight o’clock in the morning in eons. Well, not sober anyway. Jesus, the sun was bright.

  He hadn’t been this perfectly sore in ages either. Every step he took reminded him of Matthew.

  There was a coffee cup in the sink, a carafe and a clean cup on the counter along with two notes.

  The one for ‘Emma’ said—Good morning, baby. Be good. You cannot get in the pool unless Tyler or Lisa are out there. I will bring you breakfast. Love you. Daddy.

  His note was folded, written in a blocky, masculine cursive. Hey, honey. Hope you slept well. Don’t forget I cleaned out that one dresser for you and there’s room in the closet. Make yourself at home. Coffee is in the carafe. I’ll bring doughnuts and kolaches. Making burgers for the crew for lunch. Text if you need anything from the store. Last night was amazing. Love, M.

  “I had totally forgotten,” he said out loud as he reread the note, grinning stupidly. Last night had been better than amazing. All it was missing was a good morning kiss, and he knew without a doubt that was coming. The third time through the note he ran his thumb over the “Love, M” part, folded it back up and stuck the note in his pocket. His fast-moving cowboy.

  No sign of Emma yet, so he poured himself some coffee and googled “kolaches” on his phone. Yum. No bad there.

  He wandered over to the window and peered out at the pool and that neat outdoor grilling space. He hadn’t even heard Matt get up. He must have been dead to the world. That was the best night’s sleep he’d had in forever.

  Matthew had held him, all night.

  Two women came up onto the patio—one in jeans and boots opened the cabinet under the grill, shaking the propane bottle, the other in a one-piece swimsuit that started checking pool chemicals.

  Damn, Matt had a busy house. He’d met more people in the last day than he knew in New York. Well, he hadn’t met these two, but he had a feeling he knew who they were. Must be nice to just have people taking care of things for you. Not that Matthew didn’t do things, he was up and out of the house by some disgustingly early hour after all.

  Okay, so go out and introduce himself or run up and peek in on Emma? Maybe it was weird for a grown man to go peek into a little girl’s room? He didn’t know. He didn’t know about kids.

  He bet they knew though, so that settled it. Matt said to make himself at home, right? He’d just take his coffee out to the pool.

  “Good morning!” The woman in the bathing suit called out when she saw him.

  He picked up the pace, stopping on the other side of the pool. “Good morning.”

  “Ar
e you Tyler?”

  Okay, that was still weird. Everyone knew about him already. “Yes, hi.”

  The lady in the baseball cap nodded to him. “I’m Krissy, the foreman. This is my girl, Lisa. She’s home for the next week. Bossman said I could borrow a cup of coffee, I’m out. You mind?”

  Did he mind? It wasn’t his house. Or his coffee. “Please, help yourself.” She took a couple of steps toward the house and he got an idea. “Hey, um. Krissy? Can you peek in on Emma for me? I didn’t know if… I’m supposed to be watching her this morning, but I didn’t know if that would be weird, you know?”

  “Not weird, but sure. She’s probably in the family room sleeping on the sofa. She gets scared when it’s too quiet.” She glanced at Lisa. “You want a cup of coffee?”

  “No, babe. Grab me a Coke?”

  “Sure, what kind?”

  “Diet Dr Pepper.”

  He chuckled. Something he didn’t have to learn. He made a mental note…not weird and check the sofa if Emma’s not in bed. Also, what did too quiet mean? This was the quietest place he’d ever been.

  He pulled a chair up and sat, watching Lisa. “You drive a truck, Matt said?”

  “Yes, sir. I drive two weeks on, one week off. Love it. Been doing it for almost ten years now. Paid off my rig and everything.” Lisa grinned and winked at him. “And this was a great idea on Matthew’s part. He’s the best boss ever. Just ask Krissy.”

  He didn’t doubt it. “I believe that. He’s a good man. I know he was excited about the pool, for the kids. And hanging out here is pretty sweet, huh? Could do worse for vacation. This whole place is beautiful.”

  “It’s amazing. Krissy says he talked about you constantly. It’s nice to know you’re wanted.” Lisa’s face lit up when Krissy came out the door. “How’s my Emma?”

  “Sound asleep with the TV on, her elephant in one hand, Sophia’s ostrich in the other.” She put the can of soda on the pool coping, then stood. “Bossman says he’s heading back with shingles, feed, and a goddamn shed that Sophia talked him into. I’m going to wrangle men and get them moving, I guess. Lord have mercy, that man spoils those girls something awful.”