by J. P. Bowie
“Yeah, but what I didn’t tell them was I had gone there to kill him. They asked me why I was there. I said because I’d recognized the photograph the cops had shown us at the rodeo. I knew where he might be and I’d gone to his place to tell him to turn himself in so he’d get a lighter sentence, or some cock-and-bull story like that. I was lying, but the guy had a record and they were so busy wrapping things up quick as they could, they didn’t question me any further. Anyway, he died later that night without regaining consciousness. They took my statement and that was that.”
“I wonder why I never heard anything about it,” Tim said, thinking hard. “Three years ago was when I left the circuit, but I was still in touch with some of the guys back then. The name Holden sounds familiar, though. Was it Holden Cummings?”
“Yes.”
“I remember seeing his name in the rodeo rags, but nothin’ about his death.”
“It was all hushed up. The circuit owners didn’t want the bad publicity. You know, a rider gets killed in action, that’s one thing, but in a bar brawl…different. And his folks just wanted to take him away for a quiet funeral. None of us were allowed to attend. I think in a way they blamed us all for his death.”
“Wow, that’s rough. You don’t blame yourself for any of this, do you?”
“No, I don’t blame myself anymore. For a time I did, but there was nothing I could’ve done to stop him getting killed. He was already leavin’ me in the dust, but sometimes I think if I’d taken a stronger approach with him, reined him in some, he might’ve avoided being with the wrong kinda people. Stupid to think that way now, I guess.”
“Not stupid, you’re just hurtin’. You must’ve missed him so much.” He reached up and wiped the corner of Ryan’s eye where a tear had formed.
“One more thing you should know, then I’m done.” Ryan sighed then kissed Tim’s forehead. “The dragon…”
Tim nodded. “You had it done for him?”
“Yeah. His favorite show when we could get to it was Game of Thrones. He loved those dragons. So, on one of my really bad days when I kept thinking about him over and over, I went to a tattoo parlor, told the guy what I wanted and he said he could do it. Took a few days, and I almost changed my mind, but it would’ve looked really weird half-done, so I told him to finish it.”
“He did a beautiful job,” Tim said, running a hand over the ink.
“It doesn’t bother you, now that you know why it’s there?”
“No, it doesn’t bother me.” Tim caught the glimmer of doubt in Ryan’s eyes. “Come here,” he said, softly, wrapping his arms around Ryan. “You need some TLC, and I’m the man for the job.”
* * * *
When Tim awoke, he was alone. For a moment he considered knocking on Ryan’s door to see if he was all right, then reconsidered, thinking the big guy might want some time on his own. That had been quite some revelation…him and Holden. To Tim it had sounded as if Ryan had been too good for the young rough rider…a kid too big for his britches and foolhardy to boot. Still, it must’ve been tough on Ryan, losing him like that.
He was just glad that it hadn’t ended with Ryan going to jail. He wouldn’t be at the Seven Plus now. He wondered how many people, if any, knew the whole story. He had a feeling Ryan might have told Royce and Parker, just in case it ever came up in the future. It was unlikely that it would, but laying it out to the bosses wouldn’t have been a bad idea. It made him feel good that Ryan had trusted him with it, and for sure no one else would ever know it from him.
So, where did that leave them? Was there a future for them? After only three days of not being in Ryan’s company, he knew he didn’t want that to happen again. It had been as if a part of himself was missing. It was amazing how used he’d become to Ryan’s warm presence, his deep chuckle, his kisses. He’d wanted to know more about him, and Ryan had opened up, painful as the telling of it had to have been.
One thing for sure, he was one hot lover. The second time around had been even more incredible than the first, when Tim’s promise of tender loving care had morphed into how many more positions can we try, and how many more places can I find on your body to suck and lick and kiss? He smiled at the memory of Ryan’s expression of sheer ecstasy when he came inside Tim for the third time. Yeah, the man was a keeper all right…and Tim wanted to be the one who would keep him. Which was a strange thought for him to be having. After Abe, he’d vowed not to get too close to another guy, and now here he was wanting nothing more than to be close to Ryan, like clinging-vine close. Jeez. What was happening to him?
A knock at the door had him starting in surprise. He glanced at the clock. Huh, seven, not that early. “Who goes there?” he yelled jokingly.
”Stu goes there,” came the reply.
“Hang on, buddy, have to get my pants on.”
He scanned the room for evidence of Ryan’s presence, but only his own clothes were strewn around the place. Hastily, he picked them up and threw them in the closet then wriggled into his boxer briefs. He opened the door.
“What’s up?”
Stu handed him a mug of coffee—fresh brewed, by the aroma. “Thanks, come in.”
“Parker texted me,” Stu said, stepping into the room. “Said there were two guys who are goin’ to arrive at the airport early, and could we take the ranch SUV and go fetch ’em.”
“Oh, okay. What time are they due in?”
“In about a half hour. Think you can shower and be ready in ten?”
“Sure. If you would kindly afford me some privacy, I’ll get right on it.”
Stu laughed. “On my way out. Hey, you got a couple of bruises on your arms. You fall or somethin’?”
“Uh, yeah, that must’ve been it,” Tim replied, hoping he wasn’t blushing. “I’ll see you in a few—now scat!”
Stu left, closing the door behind him, and Tim headed for the bathroom. Shit, those bruises looked too much like somebody’s hand prints. That somebody, of course, being Ryan. Stu was no fool. He’d have noticed the shapes all right. Fuck. I just hope he doesn’t mention it to Seth or there’ll be a third degree from he who must know everything!
* * * *
“Do we know what these guys look like?”
“Yeah, they’re the ones who ask for you specifically when they come here, Parker says, so you’ll know them.”
Tim frowned. “Oh, yeah. One of ’em, Brady Arnott, is just a bit too friendly for my liking. He knows the rules about us not getting too cozy with the guests, but he pushes it just a bit far sometimes until I remind him it could be my job, then he backs off…for a time anyway. Shit, I was hopin’ he wouldn’t be back for a long time, maybe never.”
“That’s too bad. Well, on the plus side, I got the other one, so I’ll watch your back for you. Between us, you should be safe enough.” Stu pulled the vehicle alongside the short stop curb. “They said they’d be outside waiting.”
“Yeah, there they are. The others one’s name is Cody. He’s okay, but he doesn’t do much to stop Brady from being an ass.” He jumped out of the SUV and waved at the two guys, who waved back, Brady all smiles when he spotted Tim. He was a big man, tall and overweight. Tim always felt sorry for the horse that had to carry him. Next thing he knew he was wrapped in a bear hug and Brady, who never seemed to realize his own strength, was practically crushing Tim’s ribs.
“Oh, hi, big Brady,” he gasped. “Guess you’re glad to be back.”
“You have no idea.” Brady’s look was lecherous to say the least. “Cody’s glad to be here too.”
“If you’d put Tim down, maybe I could say hi, too,” Cody said with a trace of sarcasm. “Don’t make him nervous the minute you get here.” He gave Tim a more genteel hug, muttering, “Good to see you again, Tim.”
Tim noticed that Brady had zeroed in on Stu, who was approaching ready to take their bags. “Oh, now who is this?” Brady asked, his eyes almost revolving as he swept a gaze over Stu that left no part of him un-checked-out.
“Th
is is Stu,” Tim said. “Stu, meet Brady and Cody from Minnesota.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Stu gave both men a practiced smile. He was always polite to the guests regardless of what he might think of them in private. Tim just hoped Brady didn’t try anything with Stu. Politeness only went so far.
“You’re new?” Brady asked.
“No, sir. I was on vacation the last time you were at the Seven Plus.”
“Ah, that would account for it. Well, it’s very nice to meet you,” Brady gushed. “Will you be helping us this afternoon?”
“I will, sir.”
“The name’s Brady. Isn’t it all first names at the ranch, or has something changed?”
“No, it’s all first names, Brady.” Stu picked up their bags and threw them in the back of the SUV. “So if you’ll take your seats, gentlemen, we’ll be on our way.”
Tim hid his smile at Stu’s over-the-top courtesy. He’s really pilin’ it on…
Brady didn’t stop talking the entire way back to the ranch. He regaled them with stories of their other trips to Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Australia, India and on and on. Cody stifled a yawn at one point and Tim smiled at him in the rear-view mirror. He’d often wondered why Cody went to so many places with Brady. He didn’t think they were bedmates, but then who knew what people did in private? They were both financial advisers, had their own company and employed over fifty men and women. Tim wondered what the employees thought of Brady, and how many had he sexually propositioned. He’d bet a lot of them weren’t in an environment like him and the rest of the Seven Plus hands, where Royce and Parker looked after their welfare as if they were more family than employees.
He heaved a sigh of relief when they reached the ranch, unloaded the men and their bags and saw them to their cabins. Both he and Stu beat a hasty retreat once they’d dropped them off with a promise to meet them at one o’clock at the stables. Tim rolled his eyes when Brady exclaimed, “Oh, how exciting. I can’t wait to get on that beautiful steed, Midnight.”
“Poor Midnight, “Stu muttered. “I have half a mind to ask Parker if he’d put a weight limit on guests for fear of harming the horses.”
“That’d be discrimination, and you know how that goes in California. ’Sides, Midnight can handle it. He’s gentle but he’s powerful.”
“You think Brady and Cody are, uh, partners in more than business?”
“Don’t think Cody could stand it.”
“But he likes him well enough to go on a trip like this with him,” Stu said. “And from the sounds of Brady’s rambling, a whole lot more places.”
“Maybe so he doesn’t get into any trouble,” Tim suggested. “That could be bad for the company’s reputation.”
“Could be, I guess. Oh, there’s Parker. ’Mornin’, Boss. We just dropped Brady and Cody off in their cabin.”
“Good, thanks. I’ll go have a word with them.” He glanced at Tim. “I’ll remind Brady of our house rules. They seemed to have slipped his mind last time he was here.” He clapped Tim’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he understands.”
Stu grinned at Parker’s retreating back as he strode off toward the cabin area. “Problem solved. Let’s go get somethin’ to eat. I’m starved.”
Ryan was in the employee diner with Jordan when they got there. Ryan flicked Tim a smile then continued his conversation with Jordan. Tim had wondered how Ryan would deal with their night together, afterward. Would he get all uneasy when they were in others’ company, or would he pretend nothing had happened between them? Right now, he looked relaxed enough while he and Jordan laughed at something one of them had said. That’s a good sign… He and Stu took their heaped plates of bacon, eggs and beans and joined the two at their table.
“’Mornin’, guys,” Stu said as he sat.
“How’s it goin’?” Tim asked.
“Oh, you know…” Jordan said around a mouthful of toast.
“How’s Blake?”
“He’s good. Got some kinda teachers’ seminar he’s attending all week in San Francisco, so it’s kinda quiet at the house with him gone.”
“Aw, d’you miss him?” Stu teased.
Jordan nodded. “Yeah, have to admit I do. He keeps sayin’ when he calls that it’s just a week and he’ll be back before I know it, but, shit, he’s only been gone two days and the place feels…empty, you know?”
“Gee, Jordan.” Stu looked upset. “I didn’t mean to make fun of you.”
“You didn’t.” Jordan shrugged. “I know it’s kinda sappy, but I will be glad when he’s back home. Last time we spoke, which was this morning, he said he can’t wait to get back.”
“I think that’s really great,” Ryan said. “Not sappy at all.” His eyes met Tim’s. “Everybody should have someone to come home to.”
Tim didn’t say anything, but he smiled at Ryan’s remark.
“We just brought Brady and Cody to the ranch from the airport,” Stu said.
“Who’re they?” Ryan asked.
“Two dudes that were here last year,” Stu told him. “Brady has the hots for Tim, so we have to look after our buddy here.”
Tim snorted, not at all sure this change of subject was something he wanted Ryan to hear about. “I can handle him myself, thank you very much. No need to sound alarms.” He thought he heard a low growl from Ryan’s throat and hoped like hell no one else had noticed it.
“Oh yeah…” Jordan smirked. “Heard about that. Parker and Royce had to tell him to cool it. I’m surprised they okayed him coming back. It’s like that other two, Wesley and John. Not John so much, but Wesley was a pain. Always putting his hands where they shouldn’t be.”
Tim caught Ryan’s look across from him and tensed. Ryan’s face was flushed and if he gripped his coffee mug any harder, it would crumble to dust in a nanosecond.
“Brady’s all blow,” Tim said quickly. “Just used to getting his own way ’cause he owns his own company. I said I can handle him, and he knows he’ll be outta here if he tries anything stupid.”
Tim was glad Ryan didn’t say anything. It would look kinda strange if he got all protective in front of the other guys.
“Well, like I said,” Stu added, “We’ll be there to watch your back. We got ’em at one o’clock today.”
“Okay.” Jordan glanced at his watch. “Ryan and me have the Williams twins in a half-hour. At least they’re no problem. Nicest kids I’ve met in a while…real polite and no sass. I’m just gonna visit the men’s room first.” He got up and Stu left to revisit the breakfast bar for a refill of bacon and beans.
“So…” Tim smiled at Ryan. “How’d you feel this morning?”
“Great, until I heard about that idiot. He better not give you any trouble.”
“Forget him. Before Stu gets back, I just wanted to say last night was terrific. Just like always, you were amazing.”
“You weren’t so bad yourself.” Ryan’s expression cleared when he returned Tim’s smile. “Just wanna repeat what I said last night. It was the best ever—then came the second and third time. Even better. I slept like a kid after it. No bad dreams either.”
“You have a lot of those?”
“Some nights. I thought I might after I told you about Holden…but thankfully, no.”
They fell silent when Stu sat down again next to Tim. “What were you two gossiping about?”
“You,” Tim said and laughed.
“Oh, so, good stuff.”
Ryan stared at the heap of food on Stu’s plate. “How do you stay so skinny, eating all of that?”
“I’m not skinny…wiry is more like it, if you don’t mind.”
Ryan grinned. “Okay, wiry it is.” He gathered his plate and utensils together. “I better go catch up with Jordan. I’ll see you guys later.”
“Later,” Stu said while Tim watched the big man drop his plate into the basin provided then head out through the door.
“So…” Stu leaned his chin on his fist and stared at Tim. “So, you
guys are doin’ it, right?”
Tim sighed. He’d been afraid of this. Stu was too perceptive by half. Although maybe they hadn’t been that discreet. “What’n hell gave you that idea?” he scoffed.
“You were getting very cozy at the table all by yourselves. I was watching you, and he can’t take his eyes offa you, not even for a second. He the one that gave you those bruises? I notice you’re wearing a long-sleeve shirt, which you very rarely do.”
“Okay, but please keep it to yourself. Don’t, for the love of God, tell Seth. You know how he’ll crow about it. ‘Oh, boy, Tim got laid at long last.’”
Stu chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him. So, how was it?”
“Stu!”
“Oh, come on. I don’t need details, just on a scale of one to ten, ten being high as you can go…how was it?”
Tim smirked. “I’ll need a higher number.”
“You lucky dog.”
Chapter Nine
The session with Brady went like they’d expected. Loads of innuendo about how great Tim looked. “So lickable, oh sorry, I mean likeable.” Groaners like that, except this time he included Stu in his remarks. “How come someone thin as you are has such a lovely, plump ass?”
Tim and Stu ignored the comments and the occasional ‘accidental’ touching, and just got on with the job while Cody sent them looks of apology and rolled his eyes. Tim made a mental note to tell Stu not to mention any of it in front of Ryan. The last thing they needed was a confrontation between the two of them. Ryan was already incensed by what Stu had mentioned in the diner.
Brady and Cody were by now fairly seasoned riders, so they were out on the trail most of the time, and on their second day, Tim told them they could go unescorted if they wanted to. “Long as you stick to the trail. Remember the land adjacent isn’t Seven Plus property, so please respect the use of it.” Brady appeared insulted by the instruction, but Cody just nodded in agreement.
“I think we should maybe go keep an eye on them from a distance,” Tim said, watching the two ride off through the gate. “What d’you think?”
