by J. P. Bowie
“If you’re worried about what Parker might think, don’t. I’ve already had a word with him.”
“What?”
Ryan smiled. “You say that a lot. Look, I knew you were worried about the workplace not being the best for seeing someone, you know, in more than just a friendly way, so I asked him if he and Royce would have a problem if you and me were kinda dating. And he said no, so long as we’re not moonin’ all over each other in front of everybody, especially the guests, and I told him you had way too much class for that.”
“Ryan… Wow, thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say you’re okay with us bein’ an item, though I hate that expression too. Say you want us to go on bein’ together like we have been. Give us a chance together.”
Tim nodded. “I—I’d like that.”
“Great.” Ryan beamed at him. “Now of course I want to kiss the bejesus outta you, but I better wait till we’re alone.”
Tim smiled. “Yeah. How soon d’you think we can slip away without being noticed?”
“We should probably stay a while, but just think how pent up you’re gonna be by the time we get to my room.”
“That sounds mighty arrogant, but you’re right!”
* * * *
Tim liked what Ryan had done with his room. All the bunkhouse rooms were comfortable and decorated in muted tones, and some of the guys, like Stu, hadn’t done much at all to give them their own stamp. Tim had bought a bookcase for his CDs, magazines and books, plus a couple of framed prints he’d bought at the Target store in Sacramento. Ryan had covered the bed with an Apache woven spread that added color, and put up a collage of framed photographs from his days on the circuit. Tim had admired them the first time he’d been in Ryan’s room.
‘Quite a history here,’ he’d remarked, gazing at the pictures of broncos, steers and the men who’d ridden them.
‘That’s my dad there with me, first time I competed,’ Ryan had told him, pointing to the photograph of a young Ryan and a white-haired man with his arm around Ryan’s shoulders and a proud smile on his weathered face.
‘Is he still in Montana?’
‘Nope. He died five years ago. The big C.’
‘Sorry for your loss.’
‘Thanks. He came to nearly every one of the meets I was in. Mom never came. Said she was scared to death I’d get trampled.’
‘Is she still alive?’
‘Died last year.’ He’d given Tim a sweet kiss. ‘That’s how I knew what you were going through, losing your folks so sudden…’
Tim, lying in Ryan’s embrace after their lovemaking, gazed at the collage and not for the first time wondered if there was a picture of Holden up there. The first time he’d seen the photographs, he hadn’t known about Ryan’s dead lover, and for some reason hadn’t wanted to see what he looked like. If he was as handsome as Tim imagined him to be from Ryan’s description, he might feel inadequate—which was silly, he knew. After all, Ryan was with him now and said he wanted to be for the long haul, so…?
“What are you thinking so hard about?” Ryan traced a finger down the bridge of Tim’s nose then ran it over his lower lip. Tim licked the tip of Ryan’s finger then drew it into his mouth. “Is that your way of avoiding answering me?”
“No, I just like your taste,” Tim said when Ryan removed his finger. He sighed. “I was just wondering if there was a photo of Holden up there on the wall. You never said.”
“You never asked, but yeah, there is.” He rolled out of the bed, walked over to the collage and took down one of the frames.
Tim sat up so he could study Ryan’s muscular body and the stunning dragon tattoo when he stretched to grab the photograph. Ryan caught him looking and grinned. “Still like what you see?”
“You know the answer to that. Still, and always will.”
Grinning, Ryan walked back to the bed and handed Tim the photo. “That’s Holden on the right.”
Tim tore his gaze from Ryan’s prodigious equipment and stared at the group of handsome cowboys, all with big smiles on their tan faces, all examples of virile health and vitality. Tim zeroed in on the man on the right. Yeah, he was good-looking, his Stetson pushed back to reveal curly hair, a cocky grin on his lips. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew Holden hadn’t been a very nice guy, and sure as hell not good enough for Ryan. He kept those thoughts to himself, just tapped the smiling face with his forefinger and said, “Good-looking dude.”
“Yeah, he was.” Ryan slid down beside Tim and took him in his arms. “Not a patch on you though.”
Tim said nothing, just returned the kiss Ryan laid on his lips. Maybe he believed that, and why would Tim argue the point? Lying there, enfolded in Ryan’s strong embrace, pressed to his warm, hard body, Tim wanted to believe it too. Besides, the guy is dead. He’s no threat to you or what you feel for Ryan. He laid the frame aside on the nightstand and turned in to Ryan’s nuzzling kisses.
Chapter Ten
Ryan groaned and covered Tim with his body. Their mouths meshed and the kiss that had started out tender and unhurried morphed into something much more tangible and passionate. Ryan loved kissing Tim. There was none of that holding back that some guys did, like they weren’t really into it, thinking it undid their macho persona or some such bullshit. Not with Tim—his lips and tongue were a perfect match for Ryan’s and that little trick he did with the tip on the roof of Ryan’s mouth sent sensuous tingles all through him. Tim had called him a god in bed. For Ryan, Tim was the rock-star of sex. He might not have indulged very often before they met, but he hadn’t forgotten how to make a man beg for more.
They sucked on each other’s tongues and breathed into each other’s mouths while their hard cocks slid together, lubricated by the copious pre-cum that spilled from both of them. Ryan gripped Tim’s wrists and yanked his arms behind his head, holding him prisoner while he continued to kiss him. Tim didn’t struggle against Ryan’s grip, just arched his hips, pushing his groin into Ryan’s.
“You like being held down?” Ryan asked when he eased back from their kiss.
“Only by you. I wouldn’t trust anyone else.”
Ryan smiled. “Tied up?”
“Again, only by you.”
“We’ll have to go for it… Maybe next time I’ll bring some rope. Soft rope so it won’t chafe.”
Tim’s eyes held the promise of acceptance. Ryan released him so he could trace every part of Tim’s torso with long, languorous kisses. Tim’s body bucked when Ryan trailed his mouth down over Tim’s chest and abdomen. He dipped his tongue into Tim’s navel, making him writhe with anticipation as his stubbled cheek grazed Tim’s cock. When Ryan encircled the head of Tim’s throbbing shaft with his lips, his lover gasped, “Wait, wait, I need to taste you too.”
Ryan shifted onto his side so that Tim could take the glistening head of Ryan’s cock into his mouth. Ryan gripped Tim’s erection at its base then ran his tongue up the hot length before devouring the head, taking it all the way to the back of his throat. Tim groaned, a sound Ryan loved to hear, knowing that Tim was into the action as much as he was. He sucked on the rigid flesh that pulsed in his mouth, relishing every glorious inch of it while he caressed and teased Tim’s balls, bringing more muffled groans of pleasure from him.
He stroked Tim’s delicious butt, squeezing the twin globes of round, smooth flesh. He dipped a finger into the cleft and probed at Tim’s opening, hearing his breath catch in his throat when he slid another finger inside him. Tim’s cock jumped in Ryan’s mouth and pre-cum spilled over Ryan’s tongue when he found and stroked Tim’s sweet spot.
Tim pulled back and reversed his position, lying under Ryan, his dark blue eyes gazing up at Ryan with an unmistakable lust. He wrapped his arms around Ryan’s neck and pulled him down so that their lips touched. “You have to fuck me, Ryan, can’t hold out much longer. I don’t want to come without you inside me.”
“You got it, darlin.” He reached for the condom and lube. “Here…
” He handed Tim the lube bottle. “Wanna watch you get yourself ready.”
Tim gave him a salacious smile, slicked his fingers then pushed them up into his ass, writhing slowly, his gaze never leaving Ryan’s, who stared at him as if mesmerized.
“That is so beautiful,” he murmured. He sheathed himself then leaned in to claim Tim’s lips in yet another long and hungry kiss while he lifted Tim’s legs and guided his cock into the cleft between Tim’s butt cheeks. He teased the lubed hole with languid back-and-forth strokes of his cock before pushing in, breaching Tim’s opening with the broad head of his shaft. Tim sighed and raised his hips, tightening his legs around Ryan’s torso, giving himself up to Ryan with a willingness and trust that made the bigger man’s heart clench with something akin to love.
“Feels so good, Ryan,” Tim whispered. “Love you all the way inside me.” He licked his lower lip. “Mmm…yeah, fuck me…”
Ryan blinked the sweat from his eyes as he pounded into Tim, the moans and whimpers from his lover giving him an impetus it was hard to control. He didn’t want to hurt Tim, yet the visceral desire to claim him for his own was never far from his mind. He wanted Tim exclusively, wanted to shout out that this man was his and everyone else better stay the hell away. Tim’s keening cries of ecstasy were enough to wake the dead and Ryan laughed with joy at the sounds. The man was a dervish in his arms, writhing over Ryan’s cock, holding him, laying scorching kisses on his lips and face and neck. It was the most amazing experience of Ryan’s entire life and he never wanted it to end, never wanted to let Tim go.
“My God, you’re fuckin’ amazing,” he growled, ramming into Tim even more forcefully, and Tim took everything Ryan gave him, thrusting back into all of Ryan’s powerfully erotic strokes.
So close…so close… Ryan inched a hand between their sweat-soaked torsos to grip Tim’s erection, pumping it to the frantic rhythm of their bodies. He wanted Tim to come before him if not at the same time, wanted him to share even more of these incredible moments with him. It was like Tim understood what Ryan wanted. He let out a long, low moan, stiffening in Ryan’s arms as he came, streams of cum shooting out of him, coating both their chests with its creamy heat. Ryan couldn’t hold back another instant, the force of his orgasm almost knocking him out with its intensity.
They shuddered in each other’s arms, whispering words that no sense, but were filled with a carnal elation they both seemed to understand. Ryan lowered his head to lick at Tim’s chest, taking long swipes of the still warm semen onto his tongue before sharing it with Tim in a lingering, searing kiss. Tim tightened his arms around Ryan’s neck and held him there while they both savored the heady musk of Tim’s cum.
Ryan figured that pretty much nothing could ever be better than this. Holding the man he was falling in love with, wanting to be with him night and day for the rest of his life. It was too soon to lay that on Tim yet, but he could feel that the younger man was close to sharing his need for a deeper relationship. His ex had made Tim a bit skittish on the subject, but just like Ryan had told himself before, he was a patient man.
* * * *
The following couple of days were ones Tim wished would be over and done with, and the sooner the better. After having his apologies accepted, it seemed Brady now wanted to inflict some kind of superiority over them. He treated both Tim and Stu with patrician disdain, ignoring them as if they weren’t even there, talking only to Cody and even then in a stilted manner that Tim thought bordered on rudeness.
Man, they are not going to be partners for much longer.
He honestly didn’t know what was worse—Brady’s crass, supposed-to-be-funny, off-color remarks, or this childish display of petty revenge for his own bad behavior. Cody sent them looks of apology but didn’t really try to break up the stony silences that pervaded the trail rides.
Parker had insisted Brady not be left alone, regardless of him being a fairly good rider. ‘I can’t trust him not to do something foolish like the last time, boys,’ he’d told them. ‘One more day and they’re gone…and if it makes you feel better, they won’t be coming back. At least not Brady, anyway.’
It made Tim and Stu feel a whole lot better, although a certain uneasiness still troubled Tim whenever he was in Brady’s company. Although the man had barely said two sentences to him the entire day, Tim was only too aware of the long looks Brady cast his way.
“Downright creepy,” he said to Stu and Seth when they gathered in the common room for morning coffee. “I think he’s losing it, to be honest.”
“Ask Parker to have Clint or Jordan replace you till he’s outta here,” Seth said.
Tim shook his head. “That’s a bit wimpy. Parker has enough to deal with around here without me sayin’ I can’t handle some pissy old queen. He’ll be gone tomorrow.”
“And a good riddance,” Stu added. “The twins are leaving tomorrow also, but them, I’ll miss. Those guys are fun to have around.”
“They’ve already booked their next trip for December,” Seth told them. “Said they wanted to experience a Cowboy Christmas.”
“Oh yeah, and Royce goes all out at Christmastime.” Tim grinned. “I love it when he gets his dad to play Santa, and Annie, Mr. Chandler’s housekeeper, to be Mrs. Santa. They’re a riot together.”
Stu glanced at his watch. “Okay, Tim, time to bite the bullet. Don’t want to add being late to Brady’s foul mood.”
Tim sighed. “Yep, let’s go.”
They walked over to the stable together and immediately heard Brady’s loud complaining tone. “Lord, now what?” Tim muttered.
Parker beckoned them over. “Brady’s concerned that he’s not getting professional treatment from either you, Tim, or Stu. Can you boys help me address this problem?”
“Of course, Boss,” Tim said. “Brady hasn’t complained to either one of us since the incident earlier in the week.” He turned to face Brady. “I wish you’d mentioned this to us, Brady. We could’ve taken care of it right away. Last thing we want is for our guests to be unhappy.”
Cody, who’d been saddling his horse, let out a giant sigh and marched over to where they were standing. “Brady, I told you not to voice your opinion on any of this. The boys are doing their job the best they know how. That you’re not satisfied is not their fault. It amazes me that they haven’t complained to Parker about the crass way you’ve been treating them.”
Parker stared at Brady. “So what’s the real problem here, Brady? I know my men do their darnedest to give you the best service Seven Plus is famous for.”
Brady scowled. “I came to you in confidence, Parker, and the first thing you do…” He waved at Tim and Stu dismissively. “Is involve these two in the discussion.”
“You came to me to complain about Tim and Stu, and you’re darned tootin’ I asked them to be involved. That’s what we do here. Head it off at the pass. If the boys are in the wrong, I’ll know it, but frankly I can’t see anything wrong in the way you’ve been treated. And your friend, Cody, here, seems to agree. What? You want your money back or something? You’ll have to talk to Royce about that, and convince him that you haven’t been given a fair shake.”
“No, I don’t want my money back,” Brady snapped. “Even though this trip has been a disaster for me—”
“A disaster of your own making,” Cody interrupted.
“Shut up, Cody. You’re not helping.”
“No one can help you. You’re beyond the help of humankind.” Cody turned to Stu. “You ready to get our day started? I am totally over this childish crap.”
Stu glanced at Parker, who nodded. “Okay, let’s you and me get movin’, Cody.” They walked over to the stall to finish getting Cody’s horse saddled.
Tim shifted his feet awkwardly, wondering what the hell was going to happen next. “Did—did you want to ride today, Brady?”
“Of course, that’s what I’m paying for, but I want a different trainer, Jordan or Clint. Someone else.”
Tim didn’t know whethe
r he felt insulted or relieved.
“Both those men are booked with other guests,” Parker said. “Seth is available. I had him pegged for other duties, but if you insist, I can have Tim trade with him.”
“That’ll be fine. Seth seems like a nice man. At least, not the rude kind.”
“Wait a minute.” Parker placed a hand on Tim’s arm when he started to turn away and find Seth. “Are you sayin’ Tim was rude to you? When did this happen?”
“The day of Cody’s accident.” Brady stared up at the stable roof as he replied. “Tim accused me of pushing Cody off his horse. He was extremely aggressive and made me feel insecure.”
“But it’s my understanding that you did push your partner off his horse,” Parker said, flatly. “That came from Cody himself. So, I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here, Brady, but let me make myself perfectly clear. I do not believe Tim was rude to you. I imagine he was shocked at the incident and perhaps his tone suggested that, but, in Cody’s version of the incident, Tim and Stu did everything they could to be helpful. I do not appreciate you trying to throw my boys under the bus, and let me say this right now, we will not accept any future reservations from you.”
Tim said a silent ‘yes’ and tried really hard not to laugh when Brady’s face turned every color of red imaginable. “We’ll see about that,” he hissed. “I’ll sue for discrimination.”
Parker sighed. “Go ahead, waste your time and money. Royce is a dab hand at counter-suing, just so you know. Now do you want to ride or sulk for the rest of the day?”
“I-I have never been treated like this in my whole life,” Brady seethed.
“Really?” Parker’s expression was one of total incredulity, and again Tim had to swallow his laughter. “When you make up your mind, I’ll send Seth over to meet you here.”
Poor Seth. Tim followed Parker out of the stable and down to the corral where Seth was exercising two of the horses.
“What’s up, Boss?”
Tim couldn’t help but notice that Seth’s amiable smile dimmed slightly on seeing Parker and Tim’s frowning expressions.
