by A. M. Arthur
“Thank you. It’s a never-ending battle, but thank you.” George rested his hand on Levi’s thigh, needing the physical contact while his mind sorted through all this new information. “Since we’re bleeding our souls all over the place tonight, I have a confession to make.”
Levi covered George’s hand with his own. “Okay.”
“I called up Arthur Garrett’s horse rescue to inquire about working there. Working with horses. In Garrett.”
“You did?”
“Yes, and I’m honestly not sure why I did it. I mean, I love the ranch and being around those horses, and I love the work they do. Saving those beautiful animals and giving them a better life. They don’t have any job openings right now, and I don’t have any experience other than some YouTube videos I’ve been watching, but I also don’t want to close-caption porn forever. I mean, sure, it’s something I can do anywhere as long as I have Wi-Fi, but I also want to be part of something bigger.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes.” George closed the rest of the distance between them and pressed his shoulder to Levi’s. “I’m still upset with you for not telling me about the Lucky’s offer sooner, but I understand why you didn’t. And thank you for telling me what happened to you.”
“We both shared our truths tonight. Thank you for trusting me with yours, too.”
“You’re welcome.” They shared a single, tender kiss. “I guess you still don’t know what you want to do about Lucky’s, huh?”
“I really don’t. Like I said, I love livin’ on Garrett land. I love workin’ at the ghost town with Robin, seeing my brother every day. But the rodeo life is in my blood, and I hate the idea of Dad selling it off to someone else. I also hate the idea of being on the road for months at a time and not seeing you. Not holding you. Kissing you. Makin’ love to you.”
“Then let’s keep talking about it. Not necessarily tonight but going forward. I don’t want you to ever resent me for the choice you make about it.”
“I don’t think I could ever resent you, and I adore how supportive you’re being when you have every right to still be pissed.”
“There’s no point in staying mad. You weren’t being deliberately cruel. That’s not who you are. We talked. Maybe a little late, but we did talk. Honestly talked. And I think we’re in a really good place to move forward. To create a life unique to us as a committed couple.”
“So do I.” Levi leaned in and nuzzled his nose against George’s. “Forgive me for keeping my secret?”
“As long as you forgive me for already knowing it.”
They sealed that with a long, tender kiss George didn’t want to break. But he also didn’t want to end up humping his boyfriend on the futon when Orry could come back at any moment. George sent Orry a text that the coast was clear, then dragged Levi into his bedroom for a proper make-out session. They moved together in bed in a familiar way, worshiping each other’s body with hands and mouths and tongues.
Creating something wholly unique to them and their relationship. No one else’s. Perhaps they’d both stumbled a bit along the way, but George fell asleep that night positive they’d finally made all the right moves. They were on a united path toward a future that would make them both happy.
And George had never been more joyful in his life than with Levi by his side.
Epilogue
Nine Months Later
Levi brought two mugs of steaming hot cocoa to the sofa where George sat, Ginger already curled up on his lap. George’s laptop rested on a small C-shaped table he’d bought for ease of use in the tiny home’s limited workspace, and their scheduled Zoom call was still waiting on one person.
George accepted the mug and kissed his cheek.
Shawn and Robin were already on the call, both dressed adorkably in elf hats and ugly Christmas sweaters. In another window, Orry and Zoey were relaxing on the apartment’s futon, casually teasing Shawn and Robin about their chosen attire. Levi had missed commemorating the anniversary of Xander’s death with Robin in person, but he also understood it was time for them both to move on. They’d always love Xander in their hearts and that was good enough.
Now it was time to look to the future.
“Doug’s late,” Shawn said. “Did he get the right link?”
“Yeah, he’s probably just having issues figuring it out,” Robin joked. “He’ll be on in a few, I’m sure.”
Levi snuggled up close to George and wasn’t surprised when Baby planted herself on his lap. Sporty was somewhere, probably outside enjoying the New Mexico sunshine. They’d joined the rest of Lucky’s Rodeo at their winter spot in Santa Fe last week, after driving the house and contents to their new location. The cats were still getting used to the unfamiliar terrain and tended to stick close.
Finally, Dad jumped into the call and they were complete. He was reclining on a bed with some sort of tapestry on the wall behind him. “Greetings from Venice,” Dad said with cheer in his tone and eyes. “Never thought I’d live to spend Christmas Day in Italy but this is what your mother wanted, Levi. To follow her heritage home.”
“Is Italy as beautiful as the pictures I’ve seen?” George asked.
“Even more beautiful than words can describe, son. It’s worth the trip if you find yourself able to come.”
“Maybe next winter. We’ve got a busy season coming up.”
They truly did. With Levi now in charge of Lucky’s Rodeo, he was actively working with both Potter and Willard to build next year’s travel schedule. Levi wanted to do more small shows, more local venues, interspersed with the bigger, more prestigious state fairs and events. To boost smaller economies with their attraction, and they could definitely afford it. And everyone who’d worked with Levi in the past was happy to have him back.
Some folks were a bit standoffish with George, but George was also shy around the staff as a whole. He was working on it, shoring up his courage and battling his social anxiety. He loved working with the horses, though, and Levi had never been prouder of his boyfriend. Proud for taking a chance on a mobile life that took him thousands of miles away from his brother. From the quiet, contained life he was used to. For facing his anxiety monster head-on and trying something brand new.
George still did closed-caption work and he’d go part-time once the rodeo season began next year so he could help with the horses. Levi had sat downstairs in the living room with Slater and Derrick for close to an hour while George said goodbye to Orry in their apartment last week. It had been hard, but worth it for the way George glowed. He was happy, thriving, and living his life, and Levi was blessed to know and love him.
“So what’s better in Italy, Dad?” Robin asked. “The pizza or the pasta?”
“Pasta, hands down,” Dad replied. “It’s an art form over here. Doesn’t matter what the sauce is, the pasta is exceptional. I’ve never seen so many different shapes.”
“I am completely jealous,” George said. “Our Christmas dinner is takeout turkey and stuffing from a local place that we ordered ahead from.”
“Hey, it’s the perfect meal for two,” Levi retorted. “Besides, my oven only fits so much food at once. You could have a homemade turkey or sides but not both.”
“Fortunately, we don’t have to cook,” Shawn said. “We’re due at Wes and Mack’s place in about three hours for dinner. Just like last year.”
“Yeah.” It was hard to believe that a little over a year ago, Levi and George had begun their flirtation, and that they’d nurtured it for so long. Talking and asking and checking in when they sensed a problem. They’d had a lot of long conversations about Levi taking over Lucky’s and, in the end, George had agreed to travel with him. To keep their family together all year long, instead of Levi going off alone with the cats.
Levi had done a lot of running, meditating and soul searching before he told Dad he’d run Lucky’s. And he didn’t regret his de
cision for a single moment. Not when he saw how happy his whole family was.
Twelve sixteen rolled around and the call went silent for about a full minute. “Five years since we lost you, Xander,” Dad said. “We’ll never stop loving you but I think we can all feel you smiling down on us from wherever you are. You and your momma. Keep loving each other until we see you again.”
Levi pictured his brother’s smiling face and sent positive energy into the world on his and his mom’s behalf. Wherever both you are, I hope you’re at peace.
“How do you think training is going?” Dad asked Robin.
Robin groaned. “Can I report back in a few more weeks?”
Once Levi announced he was leaving the ghost town for Lucky’s, Robin had put out an ad for a new trick riding partner. He’d gotten a reply from a young man named Sam, who had a lot of promise but still needed a ton of training to truly develop his skills. Levi had hated leaving Robin and Mack in the lurch like that but they had over a month before Bentley re-opened for the season.
“You know exactly what I’ll do if Mack asks,” Levi said. “Bring the entire show to Bentley for opening day.”
“I know you will but Mack trusts me to keep our demos running, and I’m gonna do it.” Robin tilted his chin up. “Sam’s good, he’s just got to work on his balance a little bit more. We’ll be fine.”
“I’d call that Peletier stubbornness,” Dad said, “but you aren’t blood.”
“Hey, some things are acquired traits. I’ve known you nutcases for thirteen years now. Some things stick.”
Dad burst out laughing. “Yeah, I guess they do. George, how are you liking Santa Fe?”
“I can’t complain,” George replied. “The weather is great. The company is even better. The only thing I’m really missing is a hug from my brother.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll get a huge one next time I see you,” Orry said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been apart on Christmas but that’s part of growing up, right? Moving on and trying new things.”
“It is. Orry, you are the best brother I ever could have wanted. Thank you for protecting me when I couldn’t protect myself. You’ve done so much for me, and all I want is for you to be happy.”
“I am happy, bro. More than I can say.”
“Good. Did you see Grandpa and Gramma today?” George and Levi had both visited them before leaving the city, and they’d been delighted to meet Levi. And to hear about George’s new adventure in life. The charming elderly pair had wished them both all the best.
“This morning, yes, Zoey and I visited. They’re good. They miss you, but they’re excited about your new job with the rodeo. Getting out of the city and state. Doing something new.”
“I love what I’m doing.” George pressed his shoulder into Levi’s. “Some days I surprise even myself.”
Some days he still surprised the crap out of Levi. George had taken an interest in the physical work involved in the rodeo. With his young age and physical flexibility, George could learn to participate in the rodeo shows, and they were slowly easing him into a few of the tricks. He would likely not perform this coming season but maybe the next. With a little more training, practice and time.
Lucky’s Rodeo was Levi’s to shape and form, and he absolutely wanted his partner’s input. For them to create a show worthy of Dad’s legacy and be as inclusive as possible going forward. An attraction that would make every past and future Peletier who worked for it proud.
“So did you get anything fun in your stocking this year?” Robin asked, seeming to direct the question to Levi.
Levi chuckled, not about to tell him about the spectacular blow job he’d gotten from George under their tiny Christmas tree. “Nothing but coal. Apparently, I was a bad boy this year and Santa didn’t approve.”
“Yeah, right.”
“There actually was one gift Levi hasn’t gotten yet,” George said, a funny hitch in his voice. “I wanted to give it to him with our family around to see.”
Curious, Levi angled to face George more fully. George put his left hand in his pocket but didn’t bring out anything yet. Whatever the gift was, it was small.
“This is going to stay PG rated, right?” Levi asked.
“Yes, it is,” George replied. He clasped Levi’s hand with his free one and squeezed. “The first time we met up at the ghost town, I knew there was something special about you, Levi, but I had no idea exactly how special you were. That you’d be my mythical knight in shining armor, saving me from my isolated life high up in a tower that I couldn’t escape from alone. You give me so many things I never knew I needed and other things I never thought I deserved. You give me peace and joy and courage. And we’re about to start a brand-new life together. Before we do, I wanted to...well...” George pulled his left hand from his pocket and held it out. On his palm were two gold bands. “I want to put a ring on it.”
Levi’s lips parted, stunned by the gesture and that George had been the one to do it first. To take another huge leap forward into his new life.
“Holy shit,” Orry squeaked. “Did you just propose?”
“Not yet,” George replied, his clear blue eyes never leaving Levi’s. “Marry me, Levi?”
“Yes.” Levi closed his free hand around the rings and held tight, his eyes burning with joyful tears. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
The call erupted with cheers and shouts, and Levi ignored it all in favor of kissing George. A long, promising kiss that only ended long enough for them to each put a ring on the other, and then they were back in each other’s arms. The laptop eventually went silent as everyone else dropped out, because Levi couldn’t stop kissing his fiancé.
Until Sporty crash landed on his lap, claws up, and he broke free with a yelp. Her job done, Sporty jumped onto the back of the couch and settled by George’s head. “You sure you’re ready for this?” Levi asked. “Three step-cats is a lot of work.”
George stroked Baby, who’d resettled on the cushion beside him. “They’re worth it. You’re worth it. Some days my life still doesn’t feel real. I think I’ll wake up in my old bed, alone with no one but my brother to defend me. Never satisfied with how my body looked. A year ago, I never would have, in my wildest fantasies, thought I’d be here. In another state, far from Orry, newly engaged, happy with who I am, and so in love my heart wants to burst.”
“I never expected to be here, either. You helped me open up and trust again, and I will always treasure that. As I’ll treasure you for the rest of our lives, George Thompson.”
“I’ll treasure you, too, Levi Peletier.”
They sealed those perfect words with another long, sensual kiss that eventually led them upstairs to the bedroom. As they moved together with all the time in the world to reach climax and no rush to get there, Levi sent silent thanks after thanks to the universe for leading him here, to this exact moment. To George.
To a future he couldn’t wait to see and experience with his husband by his side.
* * *
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Acknowledgments
Huge thanks, as always, to my amazing editor Alissa. We’ve been on quite the journey these last few years, and I am forever grateful for your guidance and friendship. To the Clean Slate Ranch fans who have followed me along on this crazy journey, thank you guys too. This found family means the world to me, as does your loyalty and support. If only CSR was a real
place, I’d take you all on vacation. —A.M.
About the Author
A.M. Arthur was born and raised in the same kind of small town that she likes to write about, a stone’s throw from both beach resorts and generational farmland. She’s been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long, in a losing battle to make the fictional voices stop. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance hadn’t been coined yet back then) with her later discovery of and subsequent love affair with m/m romance stories. A.M. Arthur’s work is available from Carina Press, SMP Swerve, and Briggs-King Books.
When not exorcising the voices in her head, she toils away in a retail job that tests her patience and gives her lots of story fodder. She can also be found in her kitchen, pretending she’s an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments.
Contact her at [email protected] with your cooking tips (or book comments). For updates, info and the occasional freebie, sign up for her free newsletter: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/signupformynewsletter16492674416904
A series of failed relationships with women has left Detective Nathan Wolf still single at thirty-four—because he’s too scared to admit to his longtime crush on his best friend James.
Read on for an excerpt of Getting It Right,
the next installment in the Restoration series
by A.M. Arthur.
Getting It Right
by A.M. Arthur
Chapter One
Never said I’d let you fuck me...Get off...Let go!
Ezra’s words chased themselves around James Taggert’s mind as he stalked down the sidewalk, away from Pot O Gold, desperate to stuff his hands into his too-tight jeans pockets to keep them from trembling. Never in his life had he acted like such a selfish asshole and allowed a situation to get that out of control. He stopped a few blocks from the bar he’d abandoned and leaned against the cool bricks of a closed Mexican grocery store. He needed to apologize to Ezra, but he was too embarrassed and too drunk to make it as genuine as Ezra deserved.
