by J. P. Bowie
“Try to relax,” Jordan said, giving Blake’s hip a pat. “Sit up a bit straighter. That’s it. Feel the rhythm of Midnight’s body under you and go with it. Good, Blake, you’re doin’ well.”
And it did feel better, once Blake had calmed down. They went around a few more times, then Jordan and Andy brought the horses to a halt. “Good, lads.” Andy appeared to be pleased with their progress. “Think you’re ready for the pasture. Jordan’ll get his horse and go with you till you get the hang of open spaces. It’s a different feel, but you’ll get used to it in no time, I’m sure. I’ll go over some more details of horse care till he gets back.”
Blake couldn’t help but watch Jordan stride away back to the stable. The cowboy swagger was there all right, those narrow hips and muscular butt a sight for sore eyes. It was going to be difficult keeping his hands to himself, and he had an inkling that Jordan was more or less in the same dilemma. Maybe one night before he and Duncan had to leave, when no one else was around, they could bend the rules a little…or a lot.
* * * *
“So, you enjoying it so far?” Blake asked Duncan once they’d got back to the room they were sharing.
“Oh, yeah.” Duncan’s eyes were shining. “I mean, after I got over that initial dweebness. Andy’s so patient, and Jordan…” He whistled softly. “A total hunk…and I think he likes you. I saw him sneaking peeks at your ass several times.”
Blake chuckled. “No more than I was scoping out his. He’s a stud all right, but I get the feeling he’s not the happiest of men.”
“What makes you say that?”
“He gets a look sometimes…far away, like he’s remembering stuff he’d rather not.”
“Don’t we all?” Duncan grimaced. “I still have nightmares that Carey will show up at my door one day, begging for forgiveness. Huh, like I’d forgive him, ever.”
Blake didn’t comment. He was not about to get into a conversation about Duncan’s ex-boyfriend. However much his friend might deny it, Blake knew he’d forgive Carey, should the opportunity arise.
“And what about you?” Duncan continued. “Don’t you still get mad when you remember that shitty kid Peter Hamilton accusing you of inappropriate touching? He almost cost you your job, the evil little bitch. God, I so wanted to punch him in the face.”
“I don’t get mad, Duncan. When I think of him, which I rarely do these days—thanks for bringing it up, by the way—I feel kinda sorry for him. What kind of life is he going to have after being expelled from school and ostracized online by his so-called friends?”
“Because he was a liar,” Duncan huffed. “If you’re sorry for him then you’re a helluva better man than I am, Gunga Din.”
Blake laughed. “You have to stop misquoting Kipling. And another by the way, what’s going on with you and that John guy in the next-door cabin?” They had met Wesley and John the night before at the guests’ diner. John had seemed an okay guy, but as far as Blake was concerned, Wesley was a total ass.
“He’s nice, but he and Wesley are going back to Texas tomorrow, so that’s it.” He gave Blake a puppy-dog look. “He wants to get together with me tonight, and I was wondering if you’d keep Wesley company. That way I could have John over here.”
Blake leveled a stern look at him. “Two things, Duncan, no and no. I can’t stand Wesley if you must know, and you are not taking John into our bed. I don’t mind sharing space with you—we’ve shared before—but you don’t know where John’s been.”
Duncan stared at him in amazement. “Where he’s been? What does that even mean?”
“It means you don’t know anything about him. You met him last night and you said he kissed you. Now you want to fuck him?”
Duncan snickered. “Such language, Blake. Couldn’t you have said sleep with him?”
“No, because sleeping with him is the last thing you’ll be doing. Sorry, I don’t want to be a kill-joy, but I draw the line at you having a stranger in our bed. Oh…” Blake held up the itinerary for the day. “Don’t forget, there’s a barbecue tonight. Maybe you and John could sneak off to his and Wesley’s place…or behind the stables or something.”
“Hmm…” Duncan smirked. “Behind the stables does have a hint of adventure. Well, I’ll see if it even comes to that, pardon the pun.”
Blake rolled his eyes. “I’m going to shower then maybe catch a nap. Have to admit my butt’s a bit tender from all that saddle time.”
“Maybe you could get Jordan to kiss it better.”
“Shut up, Duncan. Rules are rules, and besides, I hardly know the guy.”
“Well, you have four more days to get to know him better,” Duncan said, grinning at him.
* * * *
When they arrived at the barbecue, it was already in full swing. Royce greeted them warmly. Blake envied the man’s natural charm. He was no wallflower himself, but he’d never had the ability to ingratiate himself quickly with others, especially strangers. Royce seemed to have no qualms about that, quickly drawing them into the group of trainers and guests, introducing them to some they hadn’t met. He led them over to the bar.
“Blake and Duncan, this is Seth, and his husband Mike. Mike’s our veterinarian.”
They shook hands with the tall, blond cowboy and the shorter, bespectacled vet. An unlikely combination, Blake thought, but they appeared very much the couple, Seth’s arm around Mike’s waist in an almost proprietary manner.
“How’d your first day go?” Seth asked.
Blake laughed. “If you ask us, we’ll say it went well, but Jordan and Andy might have different opinions. But we enjoyed ourselves.”
“I still remember my first lesson,” Mike said, grinning. “It took a lot of Seth’s convincing for me to get up on a horse. It was Bonney, and I’d been treating her for an infected hoof, so I had some kind of rapport with her, but even then I was nervous. Seth was great, though, very patient.”
“Is that how you met?” Duncan asked.
“Uh, well, we’d been getting to know each other before that,” Seth replied, his cheeks pinking slightly. “On Mike’s first day here, he said he hadn’t treated horses before, so I kinda hovered around in case he had problems. He did real good, but that didn’t stop me from staying close.”
“He was very pushy,” Mike said, giving Seth an affectionate smile. “But I liked it.”
“Gosh, that’s so romantic,” Duncan gushed.
They were joined that moment by Andy and a lady he introduced as his wife, Sheila. Before long, they had met more people and Blake hoped he could remember their names. Clint, another too-handsome-to-be-real cowboy, and Sherry, his fiancée. Tim Barrett and Stu Reynolds, both attractive trainers with ready smiles, and three guests who’d just arrived that day from Canada. It was a high-energy group and the country music playing in the background added to the warm ambience. Blake looked around for Jordan, but there was no sign of him so far. Blake had been trying to avoid eye contact with Wesley, unsuccessfully it seemed, as he and John approached them, drinks in hand. Wesley was already tipsy and his gauzy shirt, open to below his navel, was a clear indication that he was on the prowl.
“Hey, you guys!” Wesley threw an arm around Blake’s shoulders and planted a wet kiss on his cheek.
Blake shrugged him off. “Think I need a drink,” he muttered. “Get you something, Duncan?”
“Just a beer.”
Blake nodded and made for the bar, hearing Wesley say, not at all quietly, “He’s kinda high and mighty, isn’t he?” Blake sighed. He wasn’t high and mighty, he just didn’t like the man. Their interaction the night before had been painful. Wesley’s over-the-top renditions of how many men he’d screwed and left begging for more had been cringe-worthy, to say the least. His friend, John, was the nicer of the two, but it puzzled Blake that he’d put up with an ass like Wesley, let alone go on a trip with him.
Parker met him at the bar. “How’d it go today?”
“Good. Jordan and Andy were very patient with us.�
�� He ordered two beers from the bartender then turned back to Parker. “Jordan not coming to the barbecue?”
“He’ll be here. Think he was meeting up with an old friend first…Jed. He’s the foreman over at the Double R Ranch. They knew each other years ago during their rodeo days.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” Jesus, he hoped Parker hadn’t detected that trace of jealousy in his tone. He’d certainly heard it and he could kick himself for being so stupid.
Parker grinned. Yep, he’d noticed, dammit. “Uh, Jed’s married to Royce’s business partner, Charles.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” Shit, now you’re repeating yourself and sounding like an idiot. “I mean, that they’re married. Seth and Mike, they’re married too…” Oh my fucking God. “Well, I-I better get Duncan’s drink over to him or he’ll throw a fit.” It just keeps getting worse. He could swear he heard Parker chuckling softy behind him as he fled from the bar.
“What’s wrong?” Duncan had to ask. “You’re red in the face.”
“Am not. It’s just a little warm tonight.” He handed Duncan his beer. Wesley must have wandered off, but John was there standing very close to Duncan. Blake sighed. They were definitely going to do it sooner or later.
“Hi, guys.” The deep voice at Blake’s shoulder startled him for a moment. When he turned and met Jordan’s smile, his heart did that fluttery thing again.
“H-hi, Jordan,” was all he could manage before Wesley was suddenly back in their midst. He must have come charging over when he’d seen Jordan join them. He stepped in front of Blake and in a flash was hanging all over Jordan, much to the cowboy’s annoyance, if his expression was anything to go by. It took all Blake’s self-control not to drag the simpering twit off Jordan, but he was saved from making a scene by Royce who appeared out of nowhere.
“Wesley, had a little too much?” Royce joked, keeping his voice low. “Come over here and have a coffee with me and Parker. He’s just brewed some fresh over by the grill.” He took Wesley’s arm and led him away.
“God, I am so over him.” This from John who was watching Wesley leaning on Royce while they walked over to where Parker stood at the grill. “He is such a sleaze. This is the last time I go anywhere with him.”
“He’ll be okay once he’s slept it off,” Jordan said, looking at John. “You guys are leaving tomorrow, aren’t you?” Is that relief in Jordan’s voice? Blake wondered.
John nodded. “Yeah. I’ve enjoyed most of it, but Wesley’s a pain up the rear end when he’s had too much to drink, which is a lot of the time.” He tugged on Duncan’s hand. “Why don’t we go get a bite to eat? That steak smells amazing.”
Duncan happily agreed and Blake couldn’t deny he was glad to see them go, leaving him alone with Jordan. “You don’t have a drink,” he said. “Can I get you one?”
“Sure.” Jordan walked with him to the bar where he ordered a beer and Blake asked for another. Blake was aware of Parker’s gaze on them and although he thought Parker might just turn a blind eye to them getting cozy, he told himself to tread lightly. The last thing he wanted was to cause trouble for Jordan.
Jordan cleared his throat. “Uh, we should eat, too…” His hand lightly on Blake’s arm, he steered him toward the grill area. There was a short line, and up ahead Wesley was slumped in a chair with Royce alongside him, talking to him quietly. Wesley seemed to be taking notice of what Royce was saying.
“My friend Jed told me Royce is good with people,” Jordan murmured. “Reckon he has to be, running a law office and this place. One thing I’ve learned in the short time I’ve been here is that the hands and the other staff all love working for them. And that’s from the horses’ mouths.”
“Literally?” Blake asked, laughing.
Jordan laughed too. “If they could talk, I’m sure they’d say the same thing.” They’d reached Parker at the grill. Seth was helping, handing out plates and joshing with the hands and guests alike. There was such an air of conviviality that Blake suddenly felt sorry for Wesley, still sitting there, dazed, unaware that people all around him were having a good time. As they talked with Seth, Royce took Wesley by the arm again and Blake overheard him tell Parker that he was taking him to his cabin.
Well, that put the kybosh on John taking Duncan back there later and he was sure Duncan wouldn’t dare violate their agreement to not have John in their bed. So, guess it’s the back of the stable for them. He wished Duncan wouldn’t go that far, but ever since his break-up with Carey, he’d been a bit of a slut. A careful slut, but a slut nevertheless, and Blake worried about him.
“You’re deep in thought,” Jordan remarked as they took their full plates over to a corner table.
“A fault of mine. I tend to think too much, overthink at times.”
“Not a bad thing.” They took seats opposite each other. “Maybe if I’d thought things through with a bit more care, I’d be ahead of the game today.”
“What game is that?”
“The rodeo game.”
“Why’d you give it up?” Blake asked.
Chapter Four
Jordan held Blake’s gaze as he replied, “It kinda gave me up, but when I reflect on it, it was my doing in a way.”
“Wow, that’s a loaded statement.”
Jordan nodded and cut into the tender steak on his plate. He knew Blake would want to hear more, and he wasn’t sure he could talk about it to a veritable stranger. But maybe better a stranger than a close friend. Jed had said he should talk about it, get it off his chest and out of his head. If only it were that easy. And could be that Blake would be grossed out when he heard about some of things he’d endured through the three-year span of time when Grant had controlled him…or rather when he’d allowed Grant to control him.
Goddamn fool…
The steak in his mouth suddenly tasted less appetizing and he put his fork down. Blake’s warm hand on his startled him for a moment. He shivered as their eyes met and Jordan thought he could see a wealth of understanding in Blake’s gentle gaze.
“You don’t have to tell me anything if you’d rather not. If it helps, I’m here to listen, but only if that’s what you want.”
Blake’s hand felt so good and he wanted to turn his palm upward and interlock their fingers, but that might be seen as getting too cozy with a guest. Parker and Royce were nice guys, but they had emphasized that part of the contract. He slowly withdrew his hand, trying not to see the hurt in Blake’s expression.
It was Blake who apologized. “Sorry, I know we’re not supposed to get too intimate with you guys, and I think I was pushing the envelope there. But…” He gave Jordan a sultry smile. “It felt really good.”
“Yes, it did. What’s that old country song? Maybe in Another Place, Another Time.”
Blake chuckled. “It must be really old. I don’t know that one.”
The tension inside Jordan relaxed a little and he tried another slice of steak, watching when Blake chewed slowly on his. He even found Blake’s chewing sexy. The way those full lips moved, then when the tip of his tongue slid out to lick the corner of his mouth. He grew hard inside his jeans and almost groaned from the friction. No doubt this man could most certainly get him in a load of trouble.
“I-I’d like to talk to you some more about my rodeo days, but maybe another night.”
“Sure.” Blake smiled. “I have four more, nights that is.”
“And you and Duncan will be with me tomorrow. You did so well today. I think I’ll take you out on the trail in the morning. It’s not rough terrain so you’ll be fine.” Oh, so fine…
“Sounds like fun,” Blake said. “I’m glad Duncan is enjoying himself. He has been looking forward to this for weeks. He told me his dream when he was a little boy was to be a cowboy. His parents had a fit, but now at least he’s getting to live a part of the dream.”
“He’s a nice guy. You two been friends a long time?”
“Since we started teaching at the same school seven years ago. We just hit it of
f right away. Duncan was a bit of a shy boy, then he met this guy called Carey and they were in a relationship for a few years till Carey cheated on Duncan. He’s still a sweet guy, but there’s a harder edge to him these days. Probably a good thing. He won’t be taken in by some sweet-talking s.o.b. again.”
“How about you?” Jordan asked. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
“Nope, nor have I been interested in tying myself down. Of course…” Jordan didn’t miss the mischief in his eyes when he added, “If the right guy comes along, I might be persuaded to change my mind.”
Anything else on that topic was stilled when Seth came to pick up their plates and asked if he and Mike could join them.
Just as well, Jordan thought. Maybe he and Blake were getting into too-personal territory, and that could lead to all kinds of problems that he just couldn’t afford at the moment. In four days, Blake would be gone, and even if he didn’t like that idea, it was inevitable, and probably for the best.
* * * *
Blake woke the next morning alone in the bed. Duncan must’ve stayed out all night…hope he’s all right. He rolled off the bed, went to the bathroom to relieve himself then slipped on a pair of shorts. He wondered if should go knock on John’s door to see if Duncan was there, but maybe that would be embarrassing, especially if they were still…
The door was suddenly swung open, revealing a rumpled Duncan, holding his sneakers in one hand, his shirt in the other. “Oh, you’re up already.”
“Yeah. You have a good time?”
“Weird.”
“How so?”
“I went back to John’s place with him and Wesley was there lying on the floor passed out. Guess he must’ve fallen out of bed. John said to leave him there and we’d use the bed. So we did…”
Blake hooted. “You guys had sex with Wesley lying there on the floor?”
“Yeah.” Duncan gave him a shame-faced look. “That’s not all. At some point during the night, Wesley woke up and climbed back into the bed and started trying to fuck me. I was out of there so fast, I scared John to death, I think, when I almost knocked him onto the floor climbing over him to get away from Wesley.”