by Jake Mactire
“Jeffy, I was thinkin’. Remember how I told you I never finished high school?”
“I do.”
“I want to get my GED.”
“That’s great! I think that’s a really smart move.”
“I started thinkin’ about it when you were talkin’ about me bein’ your right-hand man with the dudes and the runnin’ of the ranch. I reckon that I could be a lot more help with a few more skills under my belt.”
“Buddy, I like what ya got under your belt just fine. All kiddin’ aside though, I really think that is a great idea. There’s never anythin’ wrong with wantin’ to better yourself.”
“Thanks, I really appreciate the support. I was thinkin’ of goin’ on afterwards and takin’ some classes at Wenatchee Community College. I’ve always been interested in photography, and I thought of takin’ some hotel and restaurant management-type classes. Then I could really contribute to the ranch.”
“You already contribute. I just hope you’re doin’ this for you and not because you think it makes a difference to me.”
“It makes a difference to me. You keep tellin’ me I’m somethin’ special and all that, and maybe if I felt a bit better about myself, it would be easier for me to believe. I know I can do well in school, I just never had the chance.”
“I reckon that’s a great idea, Mike.”
“I also reckon that since we’re in this for the long haul, I wanna have some skills that complement yours. Nothin’ wrong with makin’ a good team stronger.”
“You really are somethin’, you know that, bud? I reckon they broke the mold when they made you.” I realized once again just how lucky I was to have this man curled up beside me and with me every day.
“Mike, it’s really good you think on stuff like gettin’ ahead, and all that. It’s a time of big changes for ya, bustin’ outta the closet, gettin’ a partner, you’re bound to want to spread your wings a bit.”
“It’s not only bein’ out and havin’ a partner, Jeffy, it’s havin’ a real good friend, a best friend. I ain’t never had a good friend before.”
“I’m honored I’m the first; you about ready to get some coffee and breakfast?”
“Yeah, is oatmeal okay? It sounds good to me now.”
“Fine by me.” We jumped outta bed and pulled on our socks and long handles. It was cold in the house. I reckoned it had been below freezin’ last night. As Mike headed for the stairs, I stopped him.
“Hey, gimme a hug.” He did. As his head rested against mine, I whispered in his ear, “You’re the best thing ever to happen to me. Don’t ever forget I said that.” We headed on downstairs and got the coffee and oatmeal on. Just as we were sittin’ down to eat, there was a knock on the door. It was Smitty and Josh.
“Are you guys up for a workout today? I’d like to join you if you are, and so would Josh.” Josh didn’t look too enthused.
“You sure about this, Josh?”
“Renee’s been pushin’ me pretty hard.”
“Just try it for a month. If ya still don’t like it, tell her; can’t hurt to go along with her once in a while.”
“Reckon not.”
Smitty turned to him. “You were right.” Josh smirked.
“Right about what?”
“About the two of you runnin’ around half-dressed all the time.”
“Hey, this is a lot less revealin’ than that costume from last night.”
“You’re spot on there.” We made plans for a workout at ten; that would give us a bit of time to let breakfast settle.
“Hey, buddy, don’t forget, Mark, the ranger from Winslett, is supposed to come over this evenin’. We invited him over for dinner.”
“Any ideas on what to make?”
“I was thinking about puttin’ a chuck roast in the slow cooker and makin’ shredded beef. We can add some chiles and spices, and have it for taco meat. Then we can put out tortillas, taco and burrito fixins, and rice and beans, and we should be all set.”
“Okay, and he’s bringin’ the beer, so we’re fine.”
“SMITTY, do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“What’s that, Mike?” The three of us were sittin’ in the hot tub after a long workout. I’d suggested to Josh that he join us, but he and Renee were going out for an early dinner, and then she was headin’ back to Seattle. I had been kinda surprised when Smitty had asked if he could join us in the hot tub. I always think that straight guys are uncomfortable around gay guys, but I reckon it really depends on the guy. Smitty was nothing if not self-assured.
“I’ve heard that straight guys are always checkin’ each other out below the belt. Is that true?”
Smitty laughed. “There’s some truth to it. But I think it’s kinda like checkin’ out the competition or maybe assuring yourself, I’m normal, or I’m bigger, or whatever.”
“Well then, do you notice if another guy is good lookin’?”
“Lemme answer that this way, Mike. Do you notice if women you see are good looking?”
“Of course I do. There’s just no sexual feelings, so sometimes I’ll think a girl with a nice smile or pleasant face is real good lookin’, even if she’s real skinny, or chunky, or whatever.”
“It’s the same with guys noticing other guys.”
“You don’t mind me askin’ this stuff, do ya?”
“Not at all. I know the answers ’cause my little brother asked me a lot of the same questions.”
“That’s right, I remember you tellin’ us your brother is gay.” I looked at Smitty.
“Yep. We were always close, and it didn’t bother me. Our parents had some issues with it, but they try their best to be understanding.”
“He’s out and okay though?”
“For the most part he is, Jeff. But he does have some issues. He sleeps around a lot because he has some self-esteem problems. Like a lotta folks, he confuses sex and love.”
“That’s not uncommon.”
“No, it’s not. It just seems to me like a shallow way to try and deal with it.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Are you from a small town, Smitty?” I asked.
“Yep, a fairly small town in Texas.”
“Well, both Mike and I can tell ya, it’s not easy growin’ up gay in a small town. I was lucky. I had support from family and friends, Mike didn’t.”
“Mike, you didn’t turn into the whore of Babylon though, did ya?”
“No, but when I did do anything, it was always anonymous, and I’d feel guilty for weeks afterward.”
“What happened to make you so well-adjusted then?”
“Jeffy; he’s still workin’ on me, though.”
“Hell, I should have my brother meet you two. I can try to be there for him, and listen to him, and help him, but bein’ straight, it only goes so far. Maybe he needs some good gay role models.”
“Well, invite him over anytime.”
“I’ll have to do that. He’s livin’ in Seattle. Maybe I’ll invite him for the holidays or somethin’.”
“Did ya have a good workout, Smitty?”
“I did; I bet I’m gonna be pretty sore tomorrow though.”
“Maybe. I really feel for Josh, though. He insisted he try and do the same weight as me and Mike. He’s not gonna be able to move tomorrow.”
“I wonder if he’s gonna keep it up.”
“Ya never know. With Renee pullin’ his chain, maybe.”
“Hey, Smitty, how’d you get into cowboyin’? Did you do it in Texas?”
“We had a small ranch, so I did some. Mostly what I’m doin’ is tryin’ to put my fancy journalism degree to work and write a book about the modern American cowboy.”
“Really? That’s interestin’. I don’t use my degree all too much other than doin’ the books and taxes for the ranch.”
“It actually is interesting, Jeff. Did you know that historically about a third of cowboys were black, and another third Latino? Still have a fair amount of Latino cowboys, but other than that, it’s
changed a lot. Now it’s mostly kids outta college for a few years or during the summer that cowboy. Hell, as you two know, there are open and out gay cowboys. That never coulda happened a hundred and twenty years ago.”
“I’ve heard lots of gay authors claim that quite a few cowboys were gay.”
“Really, Jeffy?”
“Really, Mike. Granted it’s mostly gay authors sayin’ that.”
“Do you reckon it’s true?”
“I dunno. Part of me would like to think it is. Another part of me thinks it was just a different world back then. Folks just didn’t think about others bein’ gay then, and most gay men got married and played on the side. Old-time cowboys used to sleep together to keep warm, or dance together since there were few women. I reckon some of ’em did fool around; in some cases I bet they were gay, and in others I bet it was just because it was available. What do you think, Smitty?”
“From the research I done, I’d agree with you.”
“That’s real interestin’. Jeffy, Smitty, do you guys have anythin’ I can read about gay men and women in the old West?”
“I don’t, but you could do a search on Amazon.com.”
“That’s a good idea, Jeff; I don’t have any of my books with me,” Smitty said. “Not to change the subject or anything, but you guys gonna work out tomorrow?”
“I reckon so. Mike and I are tryin’ to get ready for cross country skiin’ this winter. Ain’t that right, buddy?”
“It sure is. Remember though, tomorrow Sandy said we’re havin’ a party here.”
“Thanks for remindin’ me. We gotta make Sandy real happy, right Smitty?”
“She’s a real nice lady.” He was gettin’ a bit red.
“What should we make to eat?”
“How about I do the cookin’, Jeffy? I could make chicken and sausage gumbo; we could get some French bread to have with it, rice and potato salad.”
“Potato salad?”
“You gotta have potato salad with gumbo. Sometimes we even serve the gumbo over it.”
“I’ll leave that to the authentic Cajuns then.”
“Do you guys mind if I work out with ya tomorrow again?”
“No problem, Smitty.”
“Well then, I’m off. Mind if I borrow the towel?” He had just stepped outta the hot tub and dried off. The towel was now around his waist.
“Sure.”
“Okay, see ya later. I think I’m gonna have dinner at One Eyed Jack’s.”
“That wouldn’t have anythin’ to do with the fact that Sandy’s workin’ tonight, would it?”
“She’s a real nice lady, guys.”
“That she is. Enjoy your dinner.” He walked out carrying his gym clothes and wrapped in the towel. Mike looked at me after Smitty left.
“He’s a real nice guy, Jeff. He didn’t seem freaked out to work out with us or even be nekkid in the hot tub with us.”
“He’s secure in himself. I really believe that guys who are scared of gays either are big closet cases themselves, are so insecure in their masculinity that someone who expresses who they are differently is a threat, or they’re so small-minded they are afraid of stuff they can’t understand.”
“Makes sense.”
“Mike, I was wonderin’, you like to travel?”
“Ain’t had much of a chance. I’ve never even been on an airplane.”
“After the costume party, I was thinkin’ it might be fun to go to Mardi Gras next year in New Orleans. We could wear our X-men costumes.”
“I heard it’s a great city. My old man was always carryin’ on about it bein’ sin city and Sodom in the swamp. I reckon with that kind of recommendation from him, it’s gotta be good.”
“That’s right, your background is from that area.”
“Yeah, it would be nice to see it. So, Jeffy, is this like a honeymoon?” He was smiling at me, but I could tell he was serious.
“Hell, Mike, you proposin’ to me?” All of a sudden, he got a sheepish look on his face. I decided to continue. “If ya are, the answer is yes. If not, I reckon I’m askin’ you.”
“You already know the answer.”
“Let’s get outta the hot tub, bud. I’m gonna melt.” We stepped out of the hot tub and toweled off.
Mike grinned at me as we headed upstairs. “Jeffy?”
“What, bud?”
“Can I suck your dick? I just was thinkin’ about you kickin’ back and me doin’ the work. I wanna make you feel good.”
“Well, ya made me feel real good this mornin’, but I ain’t gonna say no to a blowjob from the handsomest man on earth.” My cock was already startin’ to rise. He reached over and fondled my balls. He gave me a deep kiss.
“How about you lay down on the bed with your hands behind your head and your legs spread apart, just like you say you like to see me.” I did as he asked. By this time, we were both stiff as a couple of boards.
“I see why you like lookin’ at me when I’m spread out like that. I like lookin’ at you lie that way too.” He crawled on top of me, and we began to neck. He felt good on top of me. He moved down and began licking the hair under my arm.
“You smell good, Jeff. You, clean sweat, and a bit of musk.” He had his face buried in my armpit. I’d never thought of that as an especially erotic zone, but what he was doing felt good, and his gettin’ off on it was gettin’ me even more horned up. He moved down my treasure trail, licking gently and teasing me with his tongue. He kept workin’ my balls with one hand. It felt great. He pulled back and knelt between my knees.
“You have just an incredible body, Jeffy. I love the way I can see all the cut in your muscles, and the way the hair is thick on your chest, under your arms, on your legs, and above your dick, but not so heavy everywhere else. You gotta be the handsomest man I ever seen.”
“I think you’re a bit biased there, buddy. You know I think the exact same thing about you.”
“I never imagined I’d be turned on by the way a guy smells, but I smell you, and it’s like a drug that gets me hard and horny all at once.” With that, he pushed his face in the hair on my lower belly and crotch. He was sniffing, licking, and tugging on my balls. He was obviously having a great time. It was turning me on to watch him. I just let him take his time. Finally, he licked the tip of my cock. A strand of precum stretched from the slit to his tongue as he backed off. He looked at it for a few seconds, smiled up at me, and all of a sudden engulfed my prick in his mouth. It felt incredible sliding in. His mouth was warm, wet, and soft. I could feel his tongue explorin’ every bit of my cock. It felt so good when he started moving his tongue around the back of the head that I began to buck up and fuck his face.
“Let me do the work, Jeffy. Just lay there and enjoy. I wanna take care of you.”
He slid my cock back into his mouth and began that gentle tongue massage that felt so good.
“Hot damn, buddy, you suck cock like a pro.” His tongue began to work even harder. He’d begun stroking himself with one hand while the other remained firmly on my balls. He began moving his head up and down the shaft, all the while working it with his tongue.
“That’s awesome, buddy. You’re makin’ me feel real good.” He looked up at me. “You look great with my cock in your mouth. You really like that big dick don’t ya. Tastes good does it?” He moaned around it. I was feeling that stiffening down there and the tightening that meant I was getting close.
“You want your Jeffy to shoot down your throat, buddy? You gonna eat my cum? Wanna drain your Jeffy’s balls, bud? You’re gonna get it.” He began to suck even harder. It felt incredible. I began to breathe a lot heavier and could feel my muscles contracting; I was right on the edge.
“Yeah, buddy, keep it up, show me how much you love suckin’ my cock. Fuck, that feels good. Yeah, use your tongue, just like that. I’m gonna cum. Here it comes!” I tightened and started pumping. He kept gently working me until he drained every last drop. Even then he didn’t let my dick out of his mouth. He w
as jerking off hard, and I could feel him tensing. He shot a salvo, which ended up on his chest and my leg. After a few seconds, he crawled up and lay beside me. We kissed and I could taste myself in him. We lay in each other’s arms for a few minutes.
“Thanks, buddy. You really do suck dick like a pro.”
“I just like makin’ you feel good.”
“Ya do, just holdin’ you like this feels real good. I think tonight I’m gonna make you feel good. How about if I eat that sweet ass of yours out and then fuck it?”
“I love it when you rim me.”
“I reckon you like anythin’ I do to your ass.”
“Ain’t that the truth? So, Jeffy, what time is Mark comin’ over?”
“He said five-thirty.”
“We got some time to just cuddle and snuggle then, don’t we?”
“If you want.”
“I want.” We spent the next hour or so just talking, nothing important, but just chitchat. Finally, we got up and got dressed. The meat in the slow cooker was done, so I took it out, shredded it, and added some chile, cumin, and oregano. Mike chopped up lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos. We set out a couple of bottles of salsa and some cheese. I had put a pot of beans on earlier, and now made a pan of red rice. We were all ready for company. About quarter to six, Mark drove up. He had changed from his uniform into jeans and a hoodie.
“Hey, Mark, c’mon in.”
“Hi, Jeff, Mike, here’s the beer I promised.” He held out two six-packs of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Mike took them and put them in the fridge, setting aside three.
“Thanks, Mark, this is good stuff!” Mike handed us each an opened bottle.
“Cheers.” I raised my beer.
“Cheers,” they echoed.
“Before I forget, Jeff, here’s your Christmas tree permit.”
“Thanks, Mark. I reckon we’ll cut it the day after Thanksgivin’. The dudes will all be here then, so I’d bet they’ll like that. We can decorate it that night, and then for the kids watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.”