Cedarwood Cowboy

by Megan Slayer

  “Christ, you’re sexy.” Evan fixed his gaze on Mick’s. “Love it.”

  Mick sank onto Evan’s erection, inch by inch, deeper, until he was fully within Mick’s body. Mick shuddered.

  Evan nodded. “Love it.” He held on to Mick’s hips and set the pace. Up and down. Skin on skin, Mick lost himself in the thrill of being fucked. His brain fuzzed and he could only hold on. He panted. “Evan.”

  “Perfect.” Evan tugged Mick down and kissed him. “Yum.”

  Mick braced his knees and increased his rhythm. He pressed his face to Evan’s neck. Overwhelmed, he thought that if he’d flown before, now he was flying even higher. He closed his eyes. His ass burned and stretched. He shuddered and the muscles in his legs twitched. He dug his toes into the mattress.

  He tried to speak, but no sound came out.

  Evan grasped Mick’s hips. “Shit. I’m there. Come with me.”

  Mick clung to Evan. He gave in to the tingles in his body. The orgasm overwhelmed him and he tensed. He hadn’t been stroked, yet the climax claimed him. He jerked forward and spurted cum onto Evan’s chest. Evan tugged Mick close, smearing the mess between them.

  Mick rode Evan and the wave of pleasure.

  Evan’s growl filled the room. He surged into Mick and his cock throbbed. Another growl ripped from him. He added five more thrusts, then stilled. “Holy shit.”

  “Yeah.” Mick stayed right there on Evan’s chest. He panted. The world seemed to spin. He kept his eyes closed as he regained his breath. He listened to the cadence of Evan’s heart beating in time with his.

  Evan threaded his arms around Mick. “You blow my mind.”

  “So do you.” Mick opened his eyes. “I’m not sure I can move.”

  “Who says you have to?” Evan kissed him. “I do love your ideas for relaxing after a hard day on the farm and a shower. We can do this every night.”

  “We should.” Mick sighed and eased off Evan. He sagged on the bed. He needed a few more moments to de-fuzz his brain. “I wanted to tell you stuff about your uncle.”

  “Do it.” Evan removed the condom. He left the bed long enough to ditch the rubber. When he returned, Evan dragged blankets over them. “What’d you learn?” He faced Mick. “I’m all ears.”

  “I’m all out of sorts. Give me a second.” Mick chuckled. “I’m still out of sorts.”

  “Then I’ll go first. I’ve been able to finagle a spot for Edwin,” Evan said. “He’ll have a marker next to the one for Grandma and Grandpa and there’s room next to him for Neil, if Neil chooses to be buried there. If not, we’ll plant a tree there instead.”

  “Evan, that’s wonderful.” Mick propped himself up on his elbow. “They’d all be proud.”

  “I contacted Neil. He’d like the chance to say goodbye and meet the remaining family. He has some of my uncle’s ashes and may know where the portion my grandmother had might be located. He remembered the urn she’d placed Edwin in.” Evan held Mick’s hand. “He wants to meet us.”

  “Mick.” He understood the trepidation in Evan’s voice. For all Evan knew, Neil could be a jerk. He could be a con artist. Could be a nice guy who was still grieving.

  “He’s coming to Ohio.”

  “When?” Mick asked. “Is he arriving soon?” They’d have to clean the house and get ready for a guest.

  “Tomorrow morning. He got a flight for this evening and decided to make a road trip of his drive from the airport. Said Edwin always talked about his home with a wistfulness in his voice. He wanted to see the place Edwin once called…home.”

  “That’s sweet.” He admired Evan’s tenacity and the way he cared about the uncle he’d never met. “You’ve been busy.”

  “I wanted to give Neil closure and the chance to meet us.” Evan averted his gaze. “I guess there was a ceremony, but it was small. I don’t know. Seems like Edwin got the shaft. Am I bad for wanting to meet this guy and wanting to learn more about them both?”

  “No. You’re curious about someone you’ve never met who is family. He had some similar experiences to ours and it’s nice to find people we can identify with,” Mick said. He held Evan. He loved this man and wanted to make him happy. Evan needed closure, too. “Tomorrow, we meet Neil.”

  “We do.”

  Excitement and a little sadness filled Mick’s mind. He’d never thought he’d find someone like Evan and had never expected to fall this hard for him. He loved Evan and couldn’t see his life without him. He couldn’t imagine what Neil had gone through, seeing the man he loved dying for their right to be accepted. He couldn’t fathom that kind of sadness. Hopefully, he’d never have to find out.

  * * * *

  Evan waited on the porch the next morning. The clock on his phone read ten. The day was new, but everything had gone haywire by six-thirty. He’d fed the cattle and done the chores, but the clutch on the newer tractor wasn’t working. He needed Clark, from the tractor repair shop, to arrive to work on the engine. Evan knew music, but nothing about motors. He wished Mick were there, but his boyfriend had gone to work for half a day. Tommy was out in the south field, mowing. Evan groaned. The farm was his responsibility. He should be working, not standing around. But Neil was on the way.

  He noticed a car in the lane and didn’t recognize the vehicle. He left the porch and strode over to the gravel patch in front of the house.

  “Hi.” Evan kept a bit of distance between him and the car. “Can I help you?”

  “Evan James?” The man left the vehicle. “The musician?”

  “I am.” He’d almost forgotten his stage name. “And you are?”

  “Walt Ivers. I run the Worn Saddle on the northern outskirts of Cedarwood. I hear you’re looking for gigs.” Walt shook hands with him. “I’d like to offer you the stage.”

  “I don’t know the Worn Saddle.” Evan hooked his fingers in his belt loops. “I stalled my career to help the family.”

  “I heard about Martha,” Walt said. “She’s the reason I’m here.”

  “Oh?” Interesting, since she wasn’t exactly talking to anyone.

  “She gave me your albums, talked you up highly and needled me about giving you time on the stage.” Walt chuckled. “Said when you came home, if I didn’t chase you down to work for me, she’d be upset.”

  “Did she?” His grandmother had always been his best PR person.

  “I’d like to offer you the chance to play once a month, twice if you’d like, for the next year. It’s not a huge venue, but we pack ’em in. Do you have a rep I can call about the contract?”

  “I’ll pass along the information to my lawyer, Mick Ryan.”

  “Perfect.” Walt grinned. “I understand why you got out of the biz. The farm is a lot to handle. Your grandmother worked hard to keep it running.”

  “She did.”

  “She also worked hard to keep you in the news around here,” Walt said. “She loved you.”

  He nodded and allowed a grin. The kind words flattered him, but he had to make something clear. “You do know I’m gay, right? If that’s a problem, tell me now.”

  “I don’t care if you’re gay.” Walt shrugged. “You make music and can rock the stage. That’s what I care about.”

  “Most people seem to have a big problem with me being gay,” Evan said.

  “No one I know will be upset,” Walt said. “I’d like to say that if you can keep the joint hopping, we don’t care who you sleep with. That said, I know why you’re concerned. Some clientele might leave, but I’d rather you be authentic and happy. The crowds will come. Besides, no one’s run me out of Cedarwood and I’ve been out of the closet for years.”

  “You have?” He had no idea. “Do you get attacked? Some folks in town aren’t LBGTQ friendly.”

  “Correct, and they’ve let me know, but I refuse to let them rule me. I like music, to dance and a good cowboy in chaps. You aren’t in chaps and you’re a little young for my taste, but you play good music and would be an ideal fit for the Worn Saddle.”
>
  “Then thank you.” He appreciated Walt’s honesty. “I’ll have Mick contact you.”

  “Perfect.” Walt hesitated. “I know this sounds a little out of the blue—me showing up here. I wanted to speak to you the day I heard you’d come back to town, but Martha was my friend and I can’t imagine how you’re holding up. I couldn’t offer you a job when you were so torn up. I’m sorry your grandmother is gone. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.”

  “She is missed, but she’s not completely gone,” Evan said. He rubbed a spot on his chest. “She’s in my memories and my heart.”

  “That’s the best place to have her.” Walt dipped his head. “I’ll contact Mick and look forward to seeing you play.”

  “I’m looking forward to it, too. Thank you.” He shook hands with Walt. “I’m kind of stoked to be on the stage. I thought no one around here cared—besides my grandmother.”

  “You’re a favorite son in Cedarwood. It’ll be a great return. I know it,” Walt said. “I need to get to the office. Talent won’t book itself and my patrons love to dance.”

  “Great. I’ll see you and we’ll go over everything.” He waved as Walt climbed behind the wheel of his sedan and waited for him to drive off before returning to the porch.

  A gig. So the venue wasn’t big. He didn’t mind. It was a steady job where he could play and get back into the swing of performing. Hot damn.

  Evan spotted Mick’s car. He relaxed a bit. He needed his boyfriend’s cool demeanor. Plus, if Mick was coming home, then he’d been able to ditch work faster. Nervous energy ran through his body.

  Mick parked in the barn, then strode up to the house. “What was that about?”

  “That was Walt Ivers. He owns the Worn Saddle,” Evan said. “Ever heard of it?”

  “Oh yeah. He opened the dance hall about five years ago. It’s popular. He only opens the doors Thursday through Sunday,” Mick said. “Did he offer you work?”

  “A monthly gig, twice a month if I’m cool with it. He’ll call my rep with the details, payment info and contract.”

  “Rep?” Mick’s eyebrows rose.

  “You.” God, that sounded nice.

  Mick grinned and his shoulders relaxed. “I’m touched and humbled. I’ll get it all sorted out.”

  “I knew you would.” He wasn’t worried. “How was your morning?”

  “Tiring. Aldus showed up. He wanted to pester me and it made getting my paperwork done almost impossible.”

  “Aldus?” Jesus. Did the man ever leave Mick alone? He trusted Mick but hated that Aldus kept coming around.

  “He’s an ass, but he’s persistent. He’ll find another target soon enough,” Mick said. “Plus, I told him I’d moved in with you. That shut him up.”

  Moved in? He liked the way that sounded. Besides, Mick spent so much time at the farm. Why shouldn’t he live there, too? “Why don’t you?”

  “Don’t I what?”

  “Move in with me. I want you to and you practically live here. You’ve got a spot in the shed for your car.” He threaded his arms around Mick. “The offer is open.”

  “I didn’t say that to push you. I said it to make Aldus go away.”

  “I know.” He needed to work on their trust factor.

  “Evan.”

  “I love you and want you to move in—when you’re ready.” He’d been honest and ready for Mick to live with him since the first night they were together.

  “You’re incorrigible.” Mick shook his head. “You also had to know I was ready yesterday.” He laughed. The full-throated sound reverberated on the porch. He squeezed Evan. “Yes.”

  “There we go. We’re a we and we live together. Sounds perfect to me.”

  “Yes.” Mick kissed him. “And we have company.”

  He spotted a silver car. “We do.” The nervous energy returned. Neil had said he’d be in a silver vehicle. Would Neil like them? Want nothing more to do with him and Mick? He held Mick’s hand. He needed the support.

  The car stopped and Evan sucked in a ragged breath. He held that breath until Neil emerged from the vehicle. Neil smiled and stayed beside the car.

  Evan let go and exhaled. He hurried over to Neil. “Mr. Ramsey? I’m Evan Conley. We spoke on the phone.”

  “You are.” Neil held on to the car mirror. “I’m Neil Ramsey, but call me Neil.” He paused. “Your uncle described this place to me a thousand times. He knew every detail and after a while I swore I did, too. I thought he’d made it up, but he wasn’t lying. He said I’d love it here and when we were able to come back, we’d buy a house and live happily ever after.” Tears filled Neil’s eyes. “I used the map, but I remembered his stories and found the farm with no trouble.”

  “I’m glad you made it.” His heart broke for Neil. He and Edwin had had a plan for a future that had never happened. Evan wanted to hug Neil, but held back. “Welcome.”

  “Your uncle would’ve been so proud of you,” Neil said. He shut the car door. “He’d have loved your music.”

  Evan paused. He would? “You’ve heard it?” He didn’t think he’d made it that big or had that wide a distribution on his music. “You think so?”

  “I’m sure. He loved music and for people to be honest in their music. You’re genuine,” Neil said. “Plus, he’d have loved your flash.”

  “I’m not that genuine. I’m gay and none of my songs deal with it.” The tips of his ears burned. Christ. He was forty-five years old and still easily embarrassed. “I drank too much, swore even more and, until I met Mick again, was rudderless outside of my music.” He wasn’t sure why he’d admitted all of that, but it was too late to take the words back.

  “Your heart shines through.” Neil hugged him. “I have all your music on my computer. Your grandmother and I emailed back and forth. She kept me apprised of your exploits.”

  “Thank you for listening, but I had no idea she talked to you. It would’ve made contacting you so much easier.” He walked with Neil to the porch. “This is my boyfriend, Mick. Mick, this is Neil.”

  “I was Edwin’s boyfriend.” Neil hugged Mick. “It’s good to meet you. We’ve talked in a few emails, haven’t we?”

  “We have and it’s a pleasure to meet you, too.” Mick stepped aside. “Why don’t I get some lemonade? It’s cooler out here on the porch and it won’t take me long to get the stuff rounded up for drinks.”

  “Sure.” Evan gestured to the swing. “We didn’t think you’d come all the way to Ohio.”

  “Why not? I loved Edwin.” Neil sat beside Evan on the swing. “You look a lot like him. Stronger and more filled out, but I can tell you’re family.” His smile wobbled. “Seeing you is like talking to a muscle-bound version of Eddie.”

  “What was my uncle like? I never got to meet him,” Evan asked. “I wish I had.”

  “Eddie loved his sister, but hated this town. He loved the farm, though. That’s why I knew it when I saw it,” Neil said. “Actually, the town wasn’t the issue—the people were.”

  He felt like he’d found not one, but two uncles. If Edwin and Neil were together today, he would probably have both as his uncles. “Cedarwood is an interesting community.”

  “It is,” Neil said. “Eddie used to get teased. He was beaten for being gay. That’s why I never visited her and never tried to come to Cedarwood before now. I couldn’t bring myself to visit the town that was so rotten to him, even if Martha lived here. I should’ve, though. I missed out.” He nodded. “I’ll bet you didn’t know your uncle had a tattoo, too.”

  “He did?” Evan chuckled. He was learning so much about the man he’d thought he’d never get to know. “Where?”

  “On his hip.” Neil laughed. “He got it because the tattoo artist said he was too chicken to get one. He wanted something where only I’d see it.”

  “What’d he get?”

  “The letters E-M-N-R.” Neil’s grin widened.

  “Your initials, together.” Sweet. “What if you split up?”

 
This time, Neil laughed again and folded his arms. “Your uncle seemed like he was a free spirit. He was, but he also wanted to be in a relationship. Not with anyone. When we met, we hated each other. He talked too loud and too much. He spilled coffee on me. I smoked and didn’t talk much at all. I made him dry clean my shirt. Then there was a fireworks show and we ended up locked on the roof. Neither of us remembered to put the wedge in the door, so it locked and we were stranded. That night, we got to know each other and clicked.”

  Like him and Mick.

  “We were inseparable until he died. I hated him for getting shot and beaten with that brick, but it wasn’t his fault. We were gay in a time when being gay wasn’t good,” Neil said. “We fought back and paid the price.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. We had to fight because it helped you have a better life. Eddie would be thrilled you’re out and not being persecuted,” Neil said.

  “We still are at times,” Evan said. “My career trajectory changed since I came out.”

  “You’ve got a whole new group of fans who are thrilled you represent them.” Neil patted Evan’s thigh. “Don’t give up.”

  “I won’t. I’m just settled down a little for now.” He sat up when Mick arrived with the tray, glasses and pitcher. “My uncle sounds like he was a good guy.”

  “When he loved, he loved hard. When he disliked someone or something, everyone knew it.” Neil accepted one of the glasses. “Thank you.” He turned to Evan. “Eddie came out to California to be free. Martha didn’t care he was gay, but everyone else seemed to and it brought him down. We all need a place to belong. I’m glad I knew him and I miss him every day. I loved Eddie.”

  “Did you move on?” Mick leaned against the railing and crossed his ankles. “After…”

  “After he died?” Neil asked.

  Mick nodded. “Sorry if it’s too personal.”

  Evan wondered what Neil would say. When Evan and Mick had been thrown together to begin with, Mick had driven him crazy, but now he couldn’t see his life without him. “If we’re being too pushy or asking things that upset you, let us know.”