Colorado Wild - Colorado Heart 1

by Sara York

  Tucker blushed, his cheeks redder than his hair. He nodded and Billy needed to know more.

  "Tell me, did you come when you were dreaming about me?"

  "Fuck, it's so embarrassing. I'm not a teen and I haven't come in my shorts in years…until you." Tucker lifted his chin, his eyes seeking out Billy's. He had to restrain himself from kissing the man because all he wanted to do was lie down on the bed and kiss Tucker until neither one of them had any sense left.

  With a shaky hand, Billy lifted Tuckers good hand and kissed the tip of each finger. When he got to Tucker's thumb, he couldn't help himself and sucked it into his mouth, loving the way Tucker's eyes flashed with desire.

  "Stop!" Tucker exhaled in a big puff of air. "You're going to make me come."

  Billy stood suddenly then gently pushed Tucker to the mattress, careful of his injury. He hung above him, wishing that they were already a couple because if they were, Tucker would be buck naked with his legs in the air.

  "I'll stop right now, but babe, I want you and I'm going to make sure you want me. We'll go slow, but I'm not going to let up." Billy lowered his lips to Tucker's neck and sucked hard on the spot below his ear, smiling to himself as Tucker thrust his hips up, brushing his hard cock against Billy's. He knew his love bite would leave a mark when he popped off and saw the red spot. Billy gave Tucker a rakish grin then strolled into the bathroom, shutting the door before pulling out his dick and coming into his hand. He heard his bedroom door slam and then Tucker's slam. The poor guy was probably jacking himself too or maybe he'd come in his pants.

  Billy smiled at his reflection, glad that it seemed as if he had a shot with the man he'd slowly fallen for over the last year. He'd do everything and anything to be with Tucker. It had been hard being so patient this last year, but he could keep it up because now the promise of love was larger than ever. He had a real shot at a relationship with the man of his dreams.

  Chapter Six

  It was near midnight and they still hadn't decided anything. Grant stared at the floor, unsure if this decision should even be made. Arguments for accepting the mission sounded valid until one of the guys brought up a counter point. They'd argued back and forth, getting closer to making a decision then having it blown out of the water by a few words.

  "I'm going to bed. We're arguing the same point over and over again. Let's reconvene in the morning. Duff, when do they need the decision?"

  "They want it at nine hundred hours." Duff picked up his coffee cup and took Tucker's also. The rest of the guys began clearing their plates and mugs, cleaning as they wound down.

  "Let's wake at five and meet at five thirty." Grant cleared his spot, his brain buzzing with all the information they'd covered today.

  "Sounds good to me." Marshal said.

  "Anyone have any objections?" James asked.

  Grant waited a beat for anyone to voice any objections but everyone seemed fine with the time. "Okay, I'll see you all in the morning." When he'd first come to the ranch, it had only been he, Craig, Duff, Marshal, and Clark. Clark left after a year, saying he couldn’t go out on another mission. Everyone had understood. Then the number of operations they were requested for grew and they brought in a few other guys. Zander and Billy were great additions. Only one man came for just one night, Ray, but he wanted nothing to do with them and wasn't a good fit, not like Roger. When Roger had shown up, it was like he and the rest of the group were an instant hit.

  Grant stumbled to his room, and welcomed sleep, wanting to lose himself in the mindless oblivion. This is why he liked the ranch work. Days like this were full of stress, leaving them all at odds. The days of hanging out, riding horses, and playing cowboy cleansed his soul. It made days like today easier when he had to hear about the crap like McKay littering the world.

  Roger caught up to him before he entered his bedroom. "Hey, Grant, can I talk to you for a few minutes?"

  "Sure."

  "Let me change and I'll be right over. I kind of need to clean up a bit after our conversation."

  Grant chuckled, "I know. I was going to take a quick shower. Give me five minutes."

  Roger nodded. "Same here. I'll come in if you're still in the shower."

  "Sounds good."

  During their discussions today, Roger hadn't really joined in until after their dinner break. It seemed as though he was insecure at first, then once he got going he brought up valid points. Grant had flopped back and forth on what they should do more than once.

  When he finished with his shower he pulled on his shorts and opened his door, finding his bedroom empty. He wished Roger were there, sitting on his bed. His balls squeezed and he cursed. He didn't need any attraction to anyone, not so soon after Craig. His man would be back. When Craig walked out, he'd left things unfinished. At best, the man had just quit on him and their relationship, but there was still something there, at least he hoped there was.

  A soft knock sounded on his door. "Come in," he called out.

  Roger pushed open the door and strode in, carrying his folder. He'd changed into a gray T-shirt and shorts that looked soft and comfortable. "So, are all decisions this difficult?"

  Grant laughed and shook his head. "No, some are worse." He pulled back the cover and settled on the right side of his bed. "Come sit. We'll talk for a bit."

  Roger dropped into the chair next to the bed, his elbows on his knees as he stared at the papers in the folder. "It bugs me that the guy who wants him dead, the government official, was having meetings with him and had been for months."

  "Yeah. Some of the information we obtained seems false but there isn't any way to confirm."

  They hashed out a few bits of information before the yawns took over and Grant slid down onto the bed, no longer sitting but lying on his back. Roger didn't look any better and Grant patted his bed. "If you want to keep talking, lie down."

  Grant reached over and turned off the bedside lamp. Roger didn't move for a moment then the bed dipped and Grant felt the big body settling next to him. He turned to his side, facing Roger. "I wish something concrete would come up. If I knew for certain that this guy was really behind a terrorist act, then I'd not hesitate, but the acts of terrorism could be Ronan Byrnes on his own, or it's really McKay who is behind it all."

  "Yeah, I don't like what we have. Some of the information seems too manufactured."

  Grant closed his eyes then heard Roger blow out a breath, the bed shifting underneath him. For a moment he thought Roger was leaving, then he realized Roger had rolled to him. He liked how comfortable Roger seemed.

  At some point they must have both drifted off because a knock woke him. The pounding continued and he figured the interruption wasn't going to go away. "Yeah," he called out.

  "Get up, something has happened. Our meeting is starting earlier than we thought." Duff's gruff voice filtered through the door.

  Grant's arm bumped into a warm body and he smiled. Craig. It hadn't been a dream. Without opening his eyes, he ran his hand down the strong arm before reaching behind himself, flipping on the lamp. He kept his eyes shut and settled back where he'd been, staying close to the warm body sharing his bed. "Yeah, yeah."

  A hand settled on his thigh and squeezed. He scooted closer, rubbing against the man, wishing they had time for a little fun before he had to get up. He caressed a strong pec, moaning as thoughts of making love filled his mind. Another knock sounded at his door, this one louder and more frantic.

  "Roger's missing. He's not in his room," Duff called out.

  Memories flooded, leaving him struck with horror. His eyes flashed open and he spied the strong stubble-coated jaw and the muscular pecs encased in the soft gray shirt where his hand rested. Roger opened his eyes, blinking twice before focusing. They stared at each other for a second, Grant's mind going blank.

  "Where do you think he is?" Duff asked.

  "I'm right here, not missing at all," Roger called out, not once taking his eyes off Grant.

  "Oh," Duff said then there
was nothing.

  Grant didn't move, his morning wood pressed against Roger's hand. They were in dangerous territory and he didn't want to leave. Thoughts of kissing Roger filled his mind and his dick jerked. Roger's gaze flicked to his lips and he knew they were both thinking the same thing, wanting the same thing. Still, they didn't move. The pressure in his balls built and his dick jerked again. If he didn't move, he would come.

  He rolled away and sat on the edge of the bed, his back to Roger. He still loved Craig and messing around with Roger wouldn't be fair to any of them. The bed creaked as Roger rolled then stood. It sounded like he was stretching. He said nothing as he moved to the door. Grant glanced at him, wishing things were different, but the world rarely met up with what he needed.

  Roger was at the door his hand on the knob. "Thanks for talking last night. I'll see you in a few minutes."

  "Yeah, I'm right behind you."

  The door opened and Roger slipped out. Grant blew out a breath, wondering how the hell he'd ended up in bed with Roger. Shit, he'd wanted him so much. It had been so long and he wasn't the type to take the edge off with a stranger. Later, after they had their meetings and figured out what they were going to do, he'd talk to Roger. The man deserved the truth.

  Grant washed his face and brushed his teeth before stumbling down the hall to the kitchen. Roger was already there, his back to the group. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled when he saw him. Suddenly Roger was beside him, coffee cup in hand, the liquid a soft brown, just the way he liked it.

  "Here you go, drink up, looks like some serious shit when down this morning in London." Roger nodded toward the television where images of a blast were displayed.

  "Fuck." Grant took a sip of the sweet brew, appreciating that Roger had gotten it right. "Thanks for the coffee. It's perfect."

  Roger glanced at him and smiled. There weren't any uncomfortable silences or strange glances. It was almost like this morning, lying in bed together with his hard dick against Roger's hand, hadn't happened.

  "Good morning, boys. We have new information. It looks like Saoirse struck. They are claiming responsibility."

  "Anything on the wire about McKay?" James asked.

  "Yes, we intercepted this transmission." Duff switched the TV's display, showing his computer. The user they'd come to realize was an alias for McKay flashed on screen, showing a missive: Our plans are coming together. Good work! Duff clicked on another message sent two hours before the bomb went off. Today is a good day.

  "It looks like McKay is a principal in this." Billy's voice was rough, his eyes bloodshot. Grant wondered if Billy had slept at all. At least he and Tucker seemed to be getting along again.

  "How many civilians were killed?" James asked.

  "Forty-eight. Twenty-four of them were kids. The explosion happened at a school bus stop just minutes before the bus was set to arrive. They planned it so kids would be hurt."

  "I don't see how this will make any company's stock go down or up." Mike said.

  "The bomb went off in front of a Suzy P's cosmetic store. The manager had just arrived. She went out and helped the kids in her Suzy P uniform. She's being heralded as a hero. The CEO of Suzy P's is on record talking about how much she loves her manager for helping the survivors and she's shut the store down, turning it into a spot for the grieving parents, saying that profit isn't as important as people. Online, their sales went crazy. People started saying that they were only going to shop at Suzy P's. When the market opened overseas, the stock shot through the roof."

  "How did he know?" Mike asked.

  "They studied companies, determined how their CEO would react. They planned the attack to play on the public's sympathies. It looks like McKay has made about two million dollars on Suzy P stock this morning." Duff pulled up a page that showed stock information.

  "Fuck," Marshal said.

  "So who gets this one?" Tucker asked.

  "I want Grant as lead." Duff said. "Tucker, you're out for a while, so don't even ask. We only need two of you to go in with Grant."

  "I'd like to have Marshal go with me," Grant said.

  "I'd love to see this guy dead," Roger said.

  "It's too early. Maybe next time." Duff turned to face Roger, looking him directly in the eyes. "Your input has been invaluable, but we need more trust first. An easier mission for the first time."

  "I understand." Roger glanced at Grant, his lips dropping just a bit.

  Grant was relieved. He needed one hundred percent concentration on this mission and Roger was a huge distraction. "James, are you up for shooting?"

  "Yes, sir." James stood and came to him. "I want this guy dead."

  "Good. Give me thirty minutes then we'll start working on a plan. Roger, I want you with me to see how we plan. Tucker, since you're injured, I want you to go over our details and point out any flaws. Duff, you do what you always do. The rest of you, I'll expect you to examine our final plan and tell us where we're going to have problems so we can avoid them."

  "Sounds good. We'll eat breakfast and take care of chores. Marshal, Grant, and James, someone else will cover your chores. We'll work out of the command center."

  Grant caught Roger's gaze, glad to see that the man was all business. Any desire they'd felt this morning was because of the situation. He didn't need to fear Roger wanting to start something up just because they'd both slept in the same bed then woke to raging woodies, wishing that they could kiss and make love. After this mission, he'd find someone to have sex with and maybe that would help. He didn't like the idea, but Craig was gone, and he kept having thoughts about Roger with no way to slake his need.

  Chapter Seven

  Tucker took the dressing off his wound, staring at the stitches. They would come out tomorrow and then he'd really start on physical therapy. He'd been moving it, keeping it limber but weight lifting would help him rebuild. The door opened behind him and he smiled. It had to be Billy.

  "Hey," Billy came into the bathroom, moving in close, pressing him against the counter. His hands smoothed down Tucker's side to his hips.

  Part of him wanted to rebel against the touch as fear of someone seeing them surfaced but he was in his room and none of the other guys would ever come in without knocking and waiting for a reply. Only Billy entered without permission and that's because they were such close friends. This part of their relationship seemed natural, but scary. After a moment, Tucker leaned back, resting his head on Billy's shoulder. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Billy's lips teased his neck.

  "You're healing nicely," Billy mumbled against his neck.

  "Yeah, I like what I see."

  Billy laughed. "Looks like you were about to get into the shower."

  "I was thinking about it."

  "I still need to do my chores, otherwise I'd join you."

  Tucker stiffened, wondering what the others would think if they showered together. Would any of them even know or care?

  Billy ran his hands up Tucker's chest to his pecs. He toyed with the flesh around Tucker's nipples, leaving him gasping for breath. He opened his eyes, catching Billy's gaze in the mirror.

  "We've showered together before, don't you remember?"

  "I do."

  "I kept stealing glances at you. I was so glad the water was cold."

  "Freezing."

  Billy dropped his hands and moved back a step. Disappointment filled Tucker. Then Billy lifted the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head. He only caught a glimpse of Billy's glorious chest in the mirror before Billy was pressed up against him, his warm chest against Tucker's back. The heat was more than Tucker expected and he gasped.

  "You like?" Billy's fingers feathered over Tucker's belly and up the center of his chest.

  Tucker's dick was hard now and he wanted relief but he was still hung up on the gay label. Years of hearing how bad being gay was colored his perceptions. He wasn't homophobic, but he'd always known he couldn’t be gay. Gay would get him kicked out of his family and lea
ve him without the support of his parents. Yet, he couldn't imagine being with anyone but Billy. They'd been so close, such good friends. Funny that for some time, he'd thought friends would be enough. He didn't sleep with girls because he had no desire, not because he was gay. The years of excuses hit him full force and the tears couldn’t be held back.

  Billy must have seen the change because he made Tucker turn around and cradled him, kissing his head. "I'll always be here for you, Tuck." Billy lifted his chin and brushed his lips over Tucker's.

  His throat closed up and he grabbed at Billy's jeans with the fingers of his good hand, holding him close. He rocked his hips forward, needing the contact. Billy pulled away and cupped his cheeks, forcing him to look up.

  "Babe, as much as I want you, not now. We both have places to be. I don't want our first time to be rushed. Soon, I'll make love to you and show you how I feel, but right now, you need to shower and get to the command center. Tonight, I'll come to you, not to make love, but to hold you all night long. You asked me to take this slow and that's what we're going to do."

  Tucker nodded, not trusting his voice. He had so much he needed to tell Billy but not right now. Later, when they had time, he'd tell Billy about his past and why he was so afraid.

  "Now, get cleaned up and I'll see you around lunchtime. I'm going to take care of the horses and go check on the cows. Call me about any big developments."

  "Thanks," Tucker choked out before leaning in for a quick kiss. His lips felt good on Billy's. Work called and he couldn’t spend all day kissing the man so he pulled away, wishing he were kissing Billy again. It was odd to be kissing his friend like this. What would the other guys say if they knew?

  Billy glanced down, his hand was close to Tucker's wound. "When I thought I'd lost you, I freaked out. You mean so much to me, more than anyone has before. I didn't think I could survive without you knowing how I feel."

  Tucker placed his hand over Billy's heart. "When you kissed me the other night, I realized I wanted this. It shocked me."