by Sara York
The kiss ended on a sigh and Mike didn’t pull away. He lifted Mike’s chin and their gazes met. He swore he saw something like love shining in Mike’s eyes, but did he really know what love looked like. They may have fallen into bed by accident, but he really liked this guy and didn’t want to let him go.
“Thank you,” Tanner said.
Mike smiled. “I think we can have something.”
“Something like what?” Tanner asked as he reached down and grabbed his bag.
“Something more than just you living in the room next to me at the ranch.”
Tanner wasn’t sure what they would have, but he had faith in Mike. He was about to say something when Mike lifted his hand.
“Just a second.” Mike pulled out his phone and placed a call. “Hey, we’re leaving.” Tanner watched as Mike spoke and nodded his head. “Yep, got his email and talked to him last night. Okay, sure.” Mike hung up and gave him a smile. “We’re good to go.”
“Cool.” He shouldered his pack and gave the room one last look around. “When they come to visit, we should make them something special for allowing us to use their house.”
“Sure.” Mike turned to check the room. “We got everything?”
“If you feel like we didn’t let’s do another walk-through.”
Mike set his pack down and walked through the house again. Tanner waited patiently by the door. His heart beat faster when he saw Mike enter the room. Mike glanced up and froze.
“What?” Mike asked.
“Nothing. Just happy.”
Mike’s cheeks turned a little pink. “I didn’t find anything.” He went into the kitchen and put up a can they’d left out. “Must have been the can.”
“Must have.”
“Let’s go. I’m ready to get home.”
The sun was up, the weather warmer than it had been in days. They made good time and were back at the car a little after three. There was a small amount of snow on the ground, nothing like what they’d had near the cabins.
“Doesn’t look too bad,” Mike said.
“Nope, not bad at all.”
Mike moved to head around the car. He stopped and turned around, pulling Tanner close before he delivered a scorching kiss. Tanner didn’t hold back and pushed Mike up against the side of the car. Mike shrugged off his pack and he did the same before tugging at Mike’s pants, unbuttoning them before lowering the zipper. He reached in and pulled out Mike’s cock and started stroking him.
A few seconds passed before Mike reached for him and pulled out his dick. They were both stroking as they ground against each other. He felt Mike’s dick grow in his hand and he moved quick, batting Mike’s hand away before he lowered and sucked in Mike’s tip, swallowing his load as he came. He licked the tip as more cum leaked out.
Mike gasped. “Fuck, too much.”
He stood and was expecting to dump his load on the road, but Mike bent and sucked on him, licking the tip, circling the ridge with his tongue. The feel was so amazing he had to fight the urge to push down on Mike’s head and force him to take his cock.
“Now,” Tanner yelled.
Mike wrapped his lips around Tanner, sucking him in. His heart was thundering, his head spinning as he came. The earth shifted and he had to hold on to the car so he didn’t fall over. He was falling fast for this man and it scared him.
Mike stood and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. The grin on his face turned Tanner inside out.
“That was totally unexpected.”
“Totally,” Mike said before leaning in. His lips brushed over Tanner’s in a sweet slide which was more erotic than a deep kiss would have been. Mike slid his tongue over Tanner’s lips and he opened. They moved slowly, their bodies pressed together as they swayed. He tasted his cum on Mike and he liked it.
The kiss ended and Mike stayed close, his words a low whisper. “I’d been thinking about sucking you for a while.”
“You have?”
“Oh yeah.” Mike tucked himself in and buttoned his pants before he leaned against the car and took off his boot. He inspected his sock and frowned.
“Is it wet?” Tanner asked.
“Not very. Just a small spot.”
“I’ll drive first. You sleep and let your sock dry out.”
Mike looked down at the ground before meeting his gaze. “This was special.”
“It was.” Tanner reached out, rubbing his thumb over Mike’s chin. “It was very special.”
Mike stared at him for a few minutes, his gaze searching. Tanner guessed he liked what he saw, because Mike gave one quick nod then lifted his brows. “Let’s go.”
Tanner unlocked the car and they stowed their gear. Mike slid into the passenger seat and took off his coat. Tanner decided to remove his coat too and his sweatshirt. He didn’t want to be hot while they were driving and he had a long drive ahead.
The engine turned over and they started their way south, heading back to the border. It took Mike a while to fall asleep, but when he did, he slept hard. Six hours passed before Mike stirred.
“I gotta pee,” Mike said.
“Me too.” Tanner pulled off the road and they took a short break, both of them eating MREs before getting back in the car. He slept until they hit the border. Maybe it was the late hour, or the fact they were two white guys who looked innocent, they crossed over without any issues. They’d planned on stopping earlier and sleeping a few hours in a hotel, but Mike drove them to Spokane where they found a place to stay. Matthew had them booked on a flight out at ten in the morning so they could sleep late.
Mike was exhausted and fell asleep after eating a burger purchased at a truck stop on the way into town. He eventually drifted off to the snores of Mike. At some point, Mike had rolled close and reached out, holding on to him. He liked having Mike in his arms. It made him feel wanted.
He had to get up to piss and he brushed his teeth before coming back to bed. Mike snuggled close for a few minutes before he got up too. It was odd and nice sleeping in the same bed as Mike. He’d spent years listening to other men snore, but having Mike right beside him, cuddled close, was special.
Tanner heard Mike brushing his teeth and excitement wove through him. His cock grew harder. When Mike stepped out of the bathroom, the sight of Mike’s bare chest made his cock finish filling out.
Mike paused and picked up his phone. Tanner was disappointed until Mike shot him a sexy grin that curled his toes. “Just checking the time.”
“We have some?”
“Oh yeah. We have an hour and a half before we need to leave this place.”
“I know just what I want to do,” Tanner said.
“What?”
“First, I want to kiss from your head down to your chest then to your hips and lower. I want to show you how I feel about you.”
“How do you feel?”
“Like you’re mine.” Tanner reached out and when Mike touched his hand the pulse of electricity made him shiver. Mike pushed his underwear off and Tanner felt the need to reach out and touch him. Touching wasn’t enough so he sat up and pulled Mike close. He wrapped his arms around Mike’s midsection and held him.
Mike’s fingers combed through his hair and he tilted his head back, staring up at his man. Maybe he was falling too fast, but Mike was it for him.
He’d planned on a slow seduction, but he kissed down Mike’s chest and his cock distracted Tanner. Before he knew it, both of them were coming. The intensity was too much and he collapsed, gasping for breath.
“Fuck, Tanner, it’s like I’m a teenager again. All I want to do is touch you.”
Tanner couldn’t help the smile or the pride he felt. “I want you all the time too.”
“We’re really going to have to find time to head to a beach and lay around naked all day, fucking like monkeys.”
Tanner glanced down at Mike’s dick and shuddered. “I want that, but I’m a little scared of what your cock will do to me.”
“Dude, we don’t have
to ever do that. Just having you in bed with me, your body up against mine, it’s enough. You know, I do have some toys we could use.”
“Toys?”
“Yeah, you know, things to stick your dick in and fuck.”
Tanner laughed and Mike looked hurt but he pulled him close and kissed him, sliding to lie on top of him. He lifted after the kiss ended and smiled down at him.
“I think using a toy with you watching would be the hottest thing ever,” Tanner growled.
Mike rolled his eyes. “It is hot to watch your cock disappear into the tube.”
“How many you got?” Tanner asked as he sat up.
“Four. Most of them are pussies or women’s lips, but I’d be willing to get some that are modeled after a guy’s ass and men’s lips.”
“Fuck, that would be hot. I gotta say the thought of sliding into your ass turns me on.”
Mike swatted him on the shoulder as he got out of bed and wiggled his butt. “This ass has to get clean. Come on, we’re going home.”
Tanner sighed. Home. He’d never really had a home. Wild Bluff was something special. He liked the guys, and he felt welcomed there. Having Suz with him was weird, but good.
“Home, it sounds good,” Tanner said.
“Yeah, it does.”
They washed quickly and dressed fast. The car they’d bought with fake documents was left in a parking lot a few miles from the airport. He guessed it would eventually be towed and impounded. The fines would go to fake people who didn’t exist.
The flight home was uneventful. When they landed, they headed out to the lot without speaking. Once in the car, he sighed.
He was looking forward to getting home and starting his life with Mike. It was near perfect and he couldn’t wait to tell Suz how awesome Mike really was. He’d never had someone in his life he thought was special. Being with Mike made him happy.
Chapter Seventeen
Davis didn’t even bother to wipe the tears from his eyes. His heart hurt and he couldn’t think of anything other than his dad was gone. The doctors had done what they could, but his dad had slipped away.
Ryan was there, touching his back. Why the man hadn’t run off after his tantrum was beyond him. When he’d seen Duff so pale, so sick-looking, it had scared him. He’d been right to be so frightened. His dad was gone. But his reaction had been wrong. He was thankful Ryan had stayed.
Zander had called him back to the hospital and allowed him to get in a few last words with his father. He appreciated those last few minutes.
Hell, he treasured his time at Wild Bluff. If he’d never gone to Boston, never been shot at, never almost died, he never would have spent so much time with his dad. That time, the days, weeks, months, and years he’d spent with Duff were priceless.
Duff was about moving on. Accepting fate, living with consequences and making life work. Duff’s heart had issues, but in the end, it was the head injury which had done him in. When he’d asked about bringing him back when he flat lined, the doctor had told him Duff had a DNR, or do not resuscitate, on file. His dad had known his time was up. It pissed Davis off and made him respect his dad for being practical.
Ryan squeezed his shoulder and he glanced up. “He was a good man.”
Davis stood up, wiping the tears from his eyes. “He was. He was a very good man.”
“Someone from the administration offices came in and said he wanted to be cremated.”
Davis nodded because words seemed too much. His dad would want to keep it simple. Maybe he would spread some of the ashes on the mountain. Grant would know who needed to be informed. Random thoughts pelted him, like what would they do with Duff’s clothes, to how much his dad loved coffee and pie.
Zander stepped into the room and moved to stand beside Duff. He drew in a shaky breath before speaking. “I called Marshal. He’ll tell the rest of the guys. What would you like to do?”
“They’re taking his body in a bit. We’ll get the ashes. I’d like to do a memorial service. I want to honor my dad like he would want. You know, he was the heart and soul of Wild Bluff. It was his dream a group of men would come together and make the world safe. He approved of Suz, so I think we should somehow incorporate women into the creed of this place.”
Zander’s lips quirked up as his brows bunched. “We’ll make sure everyone who serves at Wild Bluff knows about Duff. What he did for the country and how he shaped the world. We may not be able to shout his names from the rooftops, but he will be remembered.”
“Thank you.”
Zander left and Ryan hugged him tight. There was no reason to stay. He took one last look. His heart squeezed. “Let’s go.”
Ryan held his hand and led him out to the hall where he was met by another hospital administrator. They had him sign some documents, telling him they were sorry for his loss. They had no clue how they’d all lost a true hero.
The drive home seemed to pass in a minute. He guessed he’d been lost in thought. Funny, what happened when you lost someone.
They pulled into the ranch and he sighed. This was home, his home. He belonged here not just because Duff made this place, but because this was his family.
When he got out of the car, everyone came out and hugged him. He was surrounded by love, by his brothers and Suz, his sister he guessed. The only ones missing were Mike and Tanner.
He stepped out of Marshal’s arms and the urge to say something hit. A truck sounded on the road and they all turned. It was Mike and Tanner.
“Do they know?” Davis asked Grant.
He shook his head. “No.”
Davis bit down on his thumbnail before speaking. “I have something to say, but I want to wait until they’re here. They deserve to hear this as much as the rest of you.”
Tanner pulled the truck to a stop and he and Mike hopped out, all smiles.
“Hey,” Mike called out. He took a few steps and pulled up, his eyes wide.
Tanner paused at the front of the car, his gaze sweeping over the group. “Where’s Duff?”
Grant stepped forward and drew in a deep breath. “Duff passed away.”
Mike reached out and grabbed hold of Grant’s arm. “What?”
“He had a heart attack and hit his head on the way down. It was the head injury, it was too much.”
Mike turned to Davis and stumbled over, pulling him into a hug. He held onto Mike, closing his eyes as hard sobs racked both of their bodies. After a moment, he pulled back and saw Tanner had his arms around his sister. The rest of the guys were hugging each other.
“Let’s go in. I have something to say, but let’s freshen up then meet in the den.”
“That’s a great idea, Davis,” Marshal said.
They headed in and Ryan stayed with him. Once inside their room, he turned and pulled Ryan into a hug.
His head pounded and guilt filled him. “I’m sorry for how I acted earlier.”
“Babe, you were worried.”
He shook his head and squeezed Ryan closer. “It’s not okay. I love you, and I never should have yelled at you.”
“Hey, we can talk about it later, right now, all you need to worry about is taking care of yourself. You haven’t eaten anywhere near enough food and you’ve been drinking too much coffee.”
Remembering to breath was hard enough, but Davis knew Ryan was just trying to take care of him. He headed into the bathroom, and Ryan gave him a moment, but came in when he didn’t leave after washing his hands. It was true, he was taking longer to deal with simple tasks. Washing his hands stalled him as he stared at himself in the mirror. There were questions, of course there were, but he knew all the answers he needed were with Ryan.
He turned away from the deep examination of his life and faced Ryan. “I know I’ve made mistakes. Plenty of them, but I trust you. It’s going to take me a while to feel even again.”
“As it should.”
“I don’t want to dishonor Duff. He was an amazing man.”
“I know you’ll do fine. Don�
�t worry about work, or keeping up with anything, when you’re ready, just jump back in.”
Davis went to Ryan and hugged him. “What would I do without you?”
“No clue. I love you. Are you ready?”
“Sure.” He headed to the den. The rest of the crew were already there. The guys were crying, which made him sad. He got it though. Everyone would miss Duff.
Davis stood in front of the TV. One of the guys gave him a glass of water, and Suz set hot tea next to him. “Thank you.”
Everyone took a seat. Ryan was closest on his right, and Grant was to his left. He was amazed how close he was to these men.
“Years ago, I traded in my army uniform for life in the CIA. I wanted to make the world safer. Like you all, I saw things which couldn’t be taken care of through normal channels. I was alone and my dad didn’t understand me. I didn’t get him though. Then I came here, and I found a group of men who were doing basically the same job I was doing with the CIA, but you supported each other. Duff made your support possible. He worked to build what we have here at Wild Bluff. Sure, there were mistakes made, and a few things have changed along the way, but what we have here, the magic we experience on this ranch, it’s because of Duff.”
Everyone nodded and tissues were passed around. He took a tissue and blew his nose before speaking again.
“We recognized recently we need to change again. Duff agreed. I know without a doubt he loved each and every one of you. You were special to him. Tanner, I know you weren’t here for long, but he thought you were special. Suz, he wanted you here. Before he got sick, he told me one night he liked having you here. Said you would be a great addition to the team.”
Suz gave him a watery smile. Grant snuffled a bit and more tissues were handed out.
“Every day we make decisions which will affect the lives of many. Duff was proud of what you all have done. I grew up with Duff and I knew him from my childhood. You all knew him as adults longer than I did. I want to have a memorial, but I don’t want it to be some stiff affair. I think Duff would want us to build a fire in the pit, cook up some good food, and sit around all night sharing stories. Mike and Tanner just got back, and we have the France mess to deal with, but I want to do this.”
