Morning Report

Copyright Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Morning Report Copyright (c) 2011 by Sue Brown Cover Art by Reese Dante http://www.reesedante.com All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ ISBN: 978-1-61581-677-4 Printed in the United States of America First Edition January, 2011 eBook edition available eBook ISBN: 978-1-61581-678-1

Dedications

For Ciaran, Maria and Kally, Thank you for your handholding, hard work, and pom pom waving. Without you, my cowboys would never have been finished.

Chapter 1

THE yawn caught him by surprise. Luke stretched his arms and rolled his shoulders, trying to relax back muscles that had tensed up after three hours at the computer. If he was yawning at nine o'clock in the morning, it was time to stop. He squinted at the screen. The spreadsheets were done and the accounts almost up to date. Another half an hour and it would be done. He looked longingly out the window. It was still early enough in the year that long sleeves were needed first thing in the morning. Somewhere out there his ranch foreman was riding back to the house to make his morning report, enjoying the early morning sunshine before the heat sucked the enjoyment out of the day. Luke pouted at the computer, despite the fact there was no one to see it. He wanted to be out there on Lulu sucking in lungfuls of the morning air, smelling the sweet grass instead of stuck in front of a computer. He was a cowboy, dammit, not a goddamned paper pusher. "If you're not careful, your face will freeze like that forever." "I'll be chained to this chair forever," he commented sourly, turning around to look at his ranch foreman grinning at him through the open window. As ever, his floppy, dark hair was covering his eyes, and Luke resisted the temptation to go to the window and push the hair back so he could see the large ocean-blue eyes with their mischievous glint. "Not finished yet?" Simon sounded sympathetic, knowing just how much Luke hated to be stuck inside with the books. Luke scrubbed the back of his neck. "'Nother half-hour, I think. Just got the accounts left." He grimaced. "Was the fence still up?" Simon nodded. "Not for long, though. How 'bout we have our morning meeting, and then I'll fix breakfast while you finish up. We need to get to town to sort out the feed before Lil arrives with the new stock." "Sounds like a plan. Meet you in the office?" "Five minutes for me to hand over to Chuck, and I'll be there," his foreman promised. Checking the window to see Simon wasn't still watching, Luke poked his tongue out at the computer. His mood vastly improved, Luke grinned at he made his way up to the "office." Now it was time for his reward.

HE'D known Simon for ten years, and for over half that time they'd been running the ranch. Technically it was still his daddy who owned it, but they both knew it was only a matter of time before he sold it to them. Luke's older brother had no interest in ranching, and his sister was at college. Neither of them had an objection to Luke taking over. Luke's parents lived on the outskirts of the ranch, closer to the town. Simon had been Luke's roommate at college. It had taken about five minutes for both of them to realize they'd met a friend for life. It took a little longer for Luke to come clean about his sexuality. It was one thing to be instant buddies with a guy, but he was from deep Bible country, and he wasn't stupid... except when he was drunk. Turned out Simon had his secret too. It took a month, too much cheap beer, a homophobic prick, and Luke being stupid to discover what Simon was hiding. Simon had to drag Luke physically out of the bar before he got them both arrested for assault and Simon for underage drinking. Luke was a hothead when he was filled with liquor and so riled up he'd have gone back in there to complete what he'd started. Even then Luke was wiry and strong, a legacy from growing up on the ranch. Simon was like a blade of sweet grass compared to now, but he had the height advantage, and he used it, crowding Luke against the wall and pinning his wrists against the rough brick until he calmed down. Still struggling against him, Luke spat abuse at Simon for not letting him finish beating the crap out of the man who'd called them faggots as they had a quiet drink in the corner. Simon had stopped the bitter words before Luke said something they'd both regret. He did it the only way he could, pushing Luke even closer into the brickwork and licking, licking, Luke's lips. "Shut the hell up," he'd sighed as he bent down and kissed him. Luke could still remember the taste of soda and wings as Simon captured his mouth in the sweetest kiss he'd ever experienced. Luke was four years older than Simon. He'd delayed going to college because his daddy had been sick, and by the time he finally got there he felt like an old man compared to the young kids fresh out of school. Simon was different; he seemed older, tempered by life despite the fact he was only eighteen. Luke was no stranger to kissing but nothing had prepared him for the realization that by the end of this kiss he knew this boy was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The shock silenced him more effectively than the actual kiss. By the end of the evening, he found out Simon felt the same way, and when Luke went back to the Lost Cow ranch at the end of his college course, it was inevitable Simon would follow him. His momma and daddy dealt with Simon's arrival the way they dealt with Luke's announcement that he was gay: they were kissed, hugged, and told to keep their heads down. And for the most part, they did. The hands knew, of course. They knew everything. Those that had a problem quickly left and those that stayed kept their mouths shut.

Ten years on, and Luke still couldn't believe his luck in finding someone he wanted to spend every waking and sleeping moment sharing his life. Simon had worked his way up to ranch foreman, and they shared the responsibilities for running the ranch. They quickly worked out Luke was a lot less cranky when he got the paperwork out of the way early in the morning, leaving the rest of the day free to be a cowboy, out with the hands. Which was why they did the morning meeting after the paperwork as a reward for being a good boy. No paperwork, no report, and damn, wasn't Luke an asshole for the rest of the day if that happened. Luke went into the office and got the shower running. He shucked off his clothes and stepped into the hot water with a sigh of relief. He let the water run over his face and down his body as he relaxed, a low moan of bliss escaping him. "Hmmm, looks like you've been getting ahead of me, bossman." Luke smiled. "I'm not getting anything at the moment. Thinking it's about time my foreman gave me his morning report." A warm, solid body slid in behind him, pressing up close against him. "Reporting for duty, sir." This was Luke's favorite time of the day: his cowboy giving him the important news as his hand slid down Luke's flat abs to enclose his already hard cock. Simon bit down on the tender skin at the base of Luke's neck and jacked him firmly. He leaned into the bite and shuddered as Simon sucked a bruise into the tender skin. "Anything need, fuck, mentioning?" Luke gasped as the pad of Simon's thumb dipped into the slit on the head of his cock. "Nope." "Good, do that again." "What? This?" Simon bit down hard on Luke's shoulder blade. At Luke's frantic nod, he bit him again. And again, marking him possessively over his back. Luke writhed against him, ignoring the spray of water in his face as he pushed back against Simon's teeth. "Fence still up on the far side?" Luke gasped as Simon bit down particularly hard on the sensitive skin on his hip bone. "Yeah, but it needs replacing. It ain't gonna last another winter." "We'll order the posts 'n' stuff in town. Touch me," he begged. The bastard was on his knees but ignoring the hardasfuck cock almost leaping out for his attention. Simon looked up at him, the water plastering his hair all over his face. His eyes were dark and blown, he looked wild, and Luke wanted him now. "It'd be cheaper to order it on the net. Beg!"

"I just did," Luke pointed out. "You know I prefer supporting the locals." He caught the determined look in Simon's eyes. Oh fuck. Simon would walk out if he didn't. "Please suck me now, sir, before I lose my fucking mind." "So damn bossy for a bottom." Simon leaned forward and licked the head, chasing the taste as it was washed away. "'M your bottom, and don't you forget it." He was clutching onto Simon's head, trying to direct him where he wanted that mouth, but Simon wasn't having any of it. Simon got to his feet, ignoring Luke's moan of protest. "You're wasting your money." Luke was spun round again and shoved up against the tiles. They were still cold, despite the hot water pounding against them. He squirmed, trying to get some comfort for his dick. "Still!" Simon ordered. He stayed perfectly still, knowing better than to move. Simon was just as likely to walk out and leave him like this if he didn't obey. He felt Simon's hand slide between his ass cheeks, and then he was being probed, fucking tormented, as he was prepared, Simon making sure he brushed Luke's prostate every third stroke or so. "Hate you," he hissed. "Nah, you don't," Simon murmured, his voice lazy and amused in Luke's ear. "Yeah, I do. Are you gonna fuck me or just use me for finger exercises?" He looked over his shoulder and caught Simon's expression. "Fuck!" "As you wish." The next second he shrieked as his face was pressed into the tiles, and he was impaled on the hard shaft of Simon's cock. "You shriek like a girl," Simon grunted as he thrust hard. Luke grunted back. The cold tiles were digging into Luke's bones as he was shoved and pounded into next week. "How many girls you been with?" Luke tried to ask, although forming coherent sentences when his brains were being fucked out wasn't easy. Considering the length of time they'd been together, he should know the answer to that question. "A few, long time ago." Simon sounded somewhat breathless. "I catch you with a woman, I'll tear your balls off," Luke threatened. It was no idle threat, as Simon knew. His partner had the temper of the devil, and he'd given Simon shit more than once for eyeing up another man. Their relationship was totally exclusive: no question, no room for anyone else. "You talk too much." "Then fuck, don't tease."

"Shut up." Simon pulled back until he was almost out, just the head of his cock caught at the rim. Luke whined at the loss. "Not another sound." Luke opened his mouth to retort and then shut it quickly. "Good boy." The soft purr made Luke shiver. Simon took Luke's hands and placed them flat against the tiles, covering them with his own larger hands. He pushed Luke further into the side of the shower. Luke's cheek was flat against the tiles, feeling every ridge, every imperfection. Simon bent his head so his lips brushed Luke's ear. "Don't you dare come until I tell you, y'understand?" Luke nodded, still not being given permission to speak, but the anticipation was almost killing him. "I love you," Simon whispered as he did every morning when Luke was silenced. It drove Luke mad not being able to respond, which was, of course, why the bastard did it. All he was allowed to do was try to keep standing as Simon pounded him toward an explosive orgasm, unable to hang onto anything, unable to make a sound, unable to come until he was given permission. Because, yeah, Luke might be the boss of the Lost Cow ranch, but in the "office," in here, Simon was most definitely in charge. Luke fucking loved morning report.

AS THEY were getting dressed, short sleeves now that the day was heating up, Simon made a sudden noise. Luke looked up from rolling on a sock. "Anything wrong?" Simon pulled a black T-shirt over his head, his tanned muscles rippling. It was like watching porn, Luke thought, watching his man getting dressed. Porn just for him. "I took a call from Momma before I came up. She asked if we could visit her before we go into town. Said it's urgent." Luke glanced at the clock. "By the time you've cooked breakfast and I've finished the accounts, it's gonna be gone eleven. We've gotta be back by two for the new stock. I'll call her on the way in and tell her we'll visit this evening." "Momma sounded kinda stressed." Everyone on the ranch called Luke's mom Momma, even his daddy. Luke frowned. "Wonder what's up. Did she say?" "Not really. Something to do with the new pastor." Luke grinned at him as he stood up. Their old pastor, who'd been with them since Luke

was a small child, had just retired and the new man started last week. Normally the two boys went with Luke's parents to the Sunday service, but yesterday they'd been up half the night trying to repair some fences which came down in a sudden storm and had boycotted the service in favor of a couple of hours sleep together. "He's probably upset old Ma White with his sermon. New man an' all that. It'll be fine." He grimaced, thinking of the accounts he had to go back to. "Breakfast?" he asked hopefully. "Sure." Simon leaned over and gave him a kiss which he returned eagerly. A few breathless and distracting moments later, they went downstairs to get the rest of the day underway, Luke's momma sliding out of their minds.

Chapter 2

IT WAS well after eleven before they left the ranch. Chuck, Simon's deputy, had wandered in as they were eating breakfast to ask for advice regarding Del, another of the horses. Luke was the horseman, and he dealt with most of the minor problems, rather than call out the vet. Luke looked over at Simon as they pulled closer to Parson. He was slumped back in the seat, legs sprawled out, and the gentle bulge in his jeans taking Luke straight back to a few hours earlier. His eyes were shut, and Luke took the opportunity to stare at him closely. Fine lines were fanning out from his eyes, and he needed a shave. Maybe Luke would offer later. It was so intimate, the feel of the razor scraping along stubble, baring neck and throat to the only person they trusted with such a task, the sensitive skin soothed with soft kisses. It was like offering himself up, sensual and slow. "Keep your eyes on the road, bossman." Luke gave him a smirk but obediently turned back to the road. "Just admiring the view." Simon snorted. "Nothing you haven't seen before." "The only view that's worth seein'," Luke said huskily. His partner opened his eyes and smiled at him. "Should see the view I get to look at everyday." Luke's breath caught in his throat. Fuck, he adored this man. "Did you manage to sort out Del?" Simon asked. Dragging himself away from admiring Simon's arms, Luke thought about the chestnut horse. "He's fine. Chuck was just worrying. Been thinking you were right, though." Simon looked over inquiringly. "It's about time we got another horse." It had come up in another of their morning meetings. Simon had suggested it as Lulu was getting on a bit. Luke had been resistant to the idea as he'd had the large bay horse since he was ten, but he'd had to admit, she was getting a bit long in the tooth for the kind of work he needed. "Not sure Macken will sell to us again." Macken was the local horse dealer and one of the traders who had made it obvious he was unwilling to do business with them. "Perhaps if you stopped calling the horses names like Lucifer, Deliverance, and Leviticus he

might be happier. What are you gonna call the next one? Sodom?" Simon suggested dryly. He paused. "You're not, are you?" "Nah, can't think of a short version. Sod just doesn't cut it." "You've tried, then." "Yeah. Momma pitched a fit." Luke gave Simon a mischievous grin. Simon rolled his eyes, then asked, "Did you call her?" "Damn, I forgot. Never mind. I'll call her on the way back." "Don't forget. She said it was urgent." "I won't, Mom." Luke stuck his tongue out as he pulled into a parking space in front of Benson's Feed. "I keep telling you one day your face will freeze." He did, at least once a day. It didn't stop Luke. "You'll still love me. Now git, and sort out that fencing." They didn't kiss, as they were in town, just squeezing each other's hand before they got out of the car. Sometimes it killed Luke to have to be circumspect, but this wasn't the place to declare his love for Simon, even if most people had an idea. "See you back here in half an hour. I'll pick up something from the deli." Simon loped off down the road. Luke watched him go, just for an excuse to admire his ass, then turned into the store, saying a cheery hello to another one of the customers. He wasn't sure of his name, but he knew it was a hand from Stevenson's spread. To his surprise the man just grunted at him and walked off. Luke stared after him and then shrugged. He'd been friendly enough in their previous encounters. He stepped up to the counter and waited for his turn. Marion was working the till today. She ran the store with her husband, Dave. They were friends of his parents, and Luke had gone to school with their children. There had even been the fanciful suggestion that he should marry their daughter, Jeannie. That was of course before Luke declared himself batting for the other team and found the only person that rocked his world. The customer completed his order and left. Luke smiled at Marion. "Morning, Marion. How are you today?" "Fine," she said curtly. "What do you want?" "The usual order, please." Luke frowned slightly. Marion Benson was usually very cheerful and extremely polite. She tended to do most of the till work as she was better with the difficult customers. Cowboys round Parson weren't known for their flowery manners.

"Is anything wrong, Marion?" "No." Luke was taken aback at her rudeness and thought he would talk to his mother about it that evening. Lost Cow placed the same order every month, so it didn't take long to finish up. She didn't seem to want to chat as normal, so Luke bade her farewell and went to leave the store. As he reached the door, Dave stopped him. He didn't seem to want to look Luke in the eyes, and there was a sheen of sweat across his brow. "I'd appreciate it if you'd send Chuck in to do business in future." Luke just stared at him, unable to believe his ears. "Dave? Is something wrong?" Dave seemed fixated on a point on the concrete floor. "Just be better all round if you didn't come in here for a while. Chuck can do it, or you can phone it in, and he can pick it up. Order's the same every month." "So you're happy to take my money but not deal with me directly. Is that it?" Luke asked sharply. He could see the man squirming in front of him. Dave looked over at Marion, who gave him a brief nod. "It's best that way. Marion and me, we can't be seen doing business with you or Simon at the moment." Luke swallowed hard as his stomach turned. What the hell? "You've known me all my life, Dave. Now you've got a problem? Have we offended you in some way?" "Please, Luke, just send Chuck in." There was a pleading look in Dave's eyes, but Luke's temper was up, and he wasn't in the mood to be generous. He'd been coming in here for years. His daddy had done business with them since the Bensons took over the store. They knew he was gay, and they'd never made a single issue about it. "I don't think so. You'll honor the order I've just paid for?" Dave nodded. "We'll be taking our orders elsewhere from now. You won't be getting our business again." Losing the Lost Cow's order would be a blow to the Bensons' business, and Dave blanched. "Luke, please, there's no need to do that. Just lay low 'til things settle down." Ignoring the plea and not really understanding the way it was phrased, Luke stalked out, furious and upset all at the same time. He stood on the forecourt, not really sure what to do first. Then he saw Simon coming toward him, his face a bright red. He was either angry or embarrassed. Luke had a good idea which it was. "They wouldn't serve me. That bastard wouldn't serve me!" Simon was so angry he could barely string the words together.

"Tom Smith?" Simon nodded. "He made me wait, and then he said he wouldn't serve my kind. My kind!" He was spluttering. Luke laid a hand on his arm to calm him down, but he shook it off angrily. "I've played soccer with this man. I fuckin' helped him when his little girl was sick. I...." "I know, Si, I know, okay? The Bensons were the same." Luke grabbed his arm again and made him stand still. Normally Luke was the one losing it, and Simon was the voice of reason. "Them too?" At Luke's nod, Simon said, "What the hell's goin' on? The town's gone nuts over the weekend." "Damned if I know, babe." "Fucking faggots. You ought to be put down before you infect decent folk!" They looked up at the vitriolic words. Some men in an old Chevy spat at them as they drove by. Luke knew the men. They were hands on a neighboring spread. "What on earth is going on, Luke?" Simon stared after them with a bewildered look on his face. Luke wanted to kiss it off his face. As Luke opened his mouth to suggest they get the fuck out this hellhole formerly known as his hometown, his cell rang. Before he could say a word, his mother was talking. "Luke, is that you?" "Yeah, Momma, I'm here." "I told Simon I need to see you before you go into town. You were supposed to visit me this morning." His mother sounded agitated. "Sorry, Momma. We got distracted." He ignored the knowing sigh. "What's going on? When did we become Public Enemy No.1?" Simon was pacing over to the truck. Luke unlocked it with the remote. Without looking back Simon got in and slammed the door. "It's the new pastor. He's been getting people all riled up. He's not like Jim. This new man is all fire and brimstone. He took over an hour to tell us the devil was among us and should be driven out. He was targeting you and Simon. Didn't mention you by name but everyone knew who he was talking about." "But we're part of his congregation. I've been going since I was a little boy. He does know that, right?" Luke's heart sank as he listened to his mom. It had been a long time since he'd had to face this kind of homophobia. "Not anymore, son. He says it's God's will to rout out the deviants, kept quoting all these Bible verses." Luke tugged on his hair, something he did when he was stressed. He was aware Simon had

turned to watch him and he put his arm down. "Yeah, Momma, I know the ones." He'd been quoted every Bible verse that so-called God-fearing folk could find and a few more besides. Even Pastor Jim had tried in his time. "Listen, we gotta go. Lil is coming over at two, unless she changes her mind." "It's started already?" Pamela sounded distraught. "It's all right. Nothing we can't ride out. It's natural for folks to follow their preacher." He hoped he was right because it sounded like this man was more than the normal bigot. He had authority and influence. God, look what he'd achieved with one sermon. He could drive Lost Cow to the wall within months if he persuaded everyone to stop doing business with them. "They're your friends, Luke." "Not anymore, it seems. The Bensons and Tom Smith have already told us to get outta town." There was a bitten-off curse. His momma never swore, which told Luke more than anything how stressed she was. Then Pamela said, "I'm coming over. Two o'clock you said? Daddy and I'll get lunch and drive on over. Do you need any food?" "No, Momma, we did that yesterday. Honestly, you don't need to come." That was the last thing he needed. An angry partner and an upset mother. Just peachy. Luke sighed. The day had started out so well. "Lil's a friend." So were Dave and Marion. "If there is trouble, I want to know about it." Simon was still watching him, tapping his fingers impatiently on door. "I'll see you later on, then." "We'll be there." She sounded determined. Luke snapped the cell shut and walked toward the car. He slid behind the wheel and looked over at his man. "You all right?" Stupid question. "Yeah." Simon didn't meet his eyes, though. Luke leaned over and cupped his chin. "I love you." So fucking what if the narrow-minded pricks in this town had a problem with it. Simon slumped in his grasp. "I love you, too, dipshit." "That was Momma." Simon nodded. "We've got a big problem." He managed a laugh as Simon rolled his eyes theatrically. He gunned the engine, and they got going toward the Lost Cow. As they drove, Luke described the conversation with his mother. Simon said nothing, just stared out of the window. Out of the corner of his eye, Luke could see his bleak expression. After he finished Luke waited

for Simon to say something. A few minutes went by. "Si?" Luke asked uncertainly. "Say something." Out of the corner of his eye he caught Simon shrugging. "What the fuck is there to say?" Luke was taken aback. He expected... he didn't know what he expected... but it wasn't this. "You know what this could mean for us, the ranch, if the town turns against us. We might have to give up the ranch. There might even be attacks on us. Everything we've worked toward could go to hell." "Yeah, I get it. Believe me. I get it." The bitterness was evident in every word, and Luke felt there was a whole hidden meaning there he didn't know about. That scared him as well because he didn't know where it was coming from. After ten years he thought he pretty well knew everything there was to know about his partner. "Well, do we stay and fight or do we turn tail and run?" Simon asked. There was only one answer. Whatever Luke could be called, he was no chicken. "Have you ever known me to run from a fight?" he demanded. Simon grinned, a weak version of his usual smile but there nevertheless. "Can't say as I have. Fight it is, then."

Chapter 3

THE comfortable, flirtatious atmosphere of the journey into town was missing as they finished the drive back to the Lost Cow, and Luke was unsure what to say to get it back. Simon sat in sullen silence, staring out of the window and ignoring Luke's attempts at small talk. He wanted to talk, to ask Simon what was going on behind that closed-off exterior, but something made him hesitate. Luke was the hothead in their relationship, whereas Simon was the easygoing type, an easy smile for all, but this lack of reaction to something so homophobic wasn't like his man. Simon wasn't waving-rainbow-flags gay, but he wasn't closeted, either, and blatant bigotry bothered him as much as it did Luke. They passed the wrought-iron sign of the Lost Cow. It was Luke's great-grandma who had named the ranch. His great-granddaddy used to slip off to the local bar, telling his wife he was "looking fer the lost cow," so frequently she was known to remark it was a wonder they had any cattle left at all. As they pulled into the yard Luke could see a small deputation waiting, his momma and daddy standing to one side with all the hands and Lil by the cattle truck. Luke felt his stomach churn as he pulled to a halt. Lil could break the ranch if she refused to do business with them. With her bloodstock, they had been increasing the line of Black Angus cattle, almost doubling the head count, and were in discussions about starting a breeding program as well. They had worked out a finance plan with her, but if she called it in early, they just couldn't do it, not without a serious loss to the ranch. He had no idea what to expect, but the expression on his momma's face didn't give him much hope. She was definitely ready to do battle. They got out of the truck, Luke fractionally after Simon. He looked over at his man. Simon's face was still blandly neutral. He turned his attention to Lil--everyone else could wait for a minute--but she could have matched Simon for giving nothing away. She nodded at the hands. "They want to talk to you. I'll wait." Luke looked over at the boys, who were shifting uncomfortably under the gaze of Luke's mother. Pamela was well-known for taking no prisoners and none of the hands wanted to get on the wrong side of Momma Murray.

When Luke caught his eyes, Chuck stepped forward, his hat twisting in his hand. "We're sorry, boss," he started, then stopped as he glanced at Greg Murray, still technically 'the Boss'. Greg just dipped his head, and Chuck continued, "We heard, I mean, rumors, but we didn't pay no mind. If we'd realized what was happening...." That didn't make sense. The new pastor had only been in the area a couple of weeks and given one sermon. Luke said as much. Chuck avoided his eyes but said, "He's been coming over for a month or two, meetin' some of the congregation. Wanted to get to know folks, he said. He's been saying things... kinda harsh." Pamela snorted. She obviously had not been privy to one of these meetings. Luke opened his mouth to speak, but Simon interrupted him. "You knew someone was stirring sh--hate about us, and none of you said anything?" His eyes were cold as they swept over the men, and they shuffled even more uncomfortably. Hell, his glacial expression chilled Luke to the bone. Pete, an older guy, stepped forward. He'd been with the ranch since he was a boy and was a calm hand in a crisis. "Begging your pardon, but we thought it would die down like it has in the past. We never thought the townsfolk would pay any mind to the new pastor." The men around him were nodding in agreement. Simon's expression hadn't softened noticeably. "You've told us about other rumors. Why not this one?" If anything the five men became even more agitated, and Luke was aware they were dealing with this in front of an outsider. He placed a hand on Simon's shoulder. "Si, we're keeping Lil waiting. This can wait until later." Lil stepped forward. She was a short Native American woman, her long gray hair in one braid down her back. Her husband had died three years ago, and everyone expected her to sell up and move away to be nearer her family. Instead she had expanded her business by helping the ranches around her improve theirs. Luke had no idea how she'd react to the current homophobia. Association with them could harm her, after all. "Heard the rumors," she said bluntly. "Stupid, ignorant men with too much time on their hands." She hesitated and then said, "My grandson is winkte." Only Simon nodded, everyone else looking confused. "It's a Lakota word meaning third gender," he explained. "Like berdache?" Luke queried. He had heard that Native Americans had a word meaning two spirits. "It means more than that," Lil corrected, "but whatever, the fact is, you'll get no trouble from me whatever anyone else says."

"This could harm your operation," warned Simon. "Have you thought of that?" "Do you have problems with me being a woman?" she demanded, hands planted squarely on her hips. "Uh, no. Why should we?" He looked as confused as Luke. "Some of the old boys wouldn't trade with me when my man died. Told me I wasn't good enough to handle such a large ranch because I didn't have a dick." Her mouth twisted. "Fact is you were one of the first and others followed because of you. I'm not gonna ignore you boys just cuz you love each other." "Old habits die hard," Greg said softly, "and these aren't the most liberal of parts. Friends like Lil are to be valued 'specially when times get tough." "Yes, you are," Luke agreed, and he stepped forward to offer her his hand. She surprised him by giving him a rough hug and then doing the same to Simon. He looked at Simon's face as he straightened up. It had lost that blankness, but in its place was something else, a hurt that he didn't understand, but he was going to. No one hurt his man, at least not if they wanted to remain with all their bodily parts intact. Pamela was looking a lot more relaxed and less like a mother lion protecting her cubs. "Lil, are you in a rush? Because I think it's time for tea." Luke groaned loudly, eliciting a glare from his mother, but inwardly he grinned. Nothing much had changed, then. Afternoon tea was a tradition in the Murray household and nothing, not hell or high water, would stop that happening. She used to swear it was the only way to get some time with her husband that didn't include the hands. Lil shook her head. "Much obliged, Pamela, but I'm due back home soon, so if I can sort out things with your boys, I'll be on my way." She looked over at the two boys. "Momma, get the kettle on and we'll be in." Luke smiled at his mother, and she turned to go into the house. "Boys," he said as he looked at the hands who waited, worried expressions on their faces, "meeting at five sharp in the bunkhouse. Now we need to get the cattle unloaded." They nodded and dispersed, Pete and Chuck talking in low tones as they headed toward the truck. Greg gave his son a brief smile. "Do you want me there, son?" Luke shook his head. "We'll handle it, Pops, but would you like to see the new stock?" His father's eyes lit up which only confirmed Luke's suspicions that Greg was finding retirement harder than he cared to admit. Pamela had been thrilled when Greg had finally agreed to hand over the reins to Luke and Simon, and so far he'd only been full of praise for his son's achievements, but it must have been hard for him to be on the sidelines when he'd been in charge for almost thirty years.

As they started unloading the cattle, Luke wondered if his father blamed him for this current situation with the pastor. He realized he didn't even know the name of the preacher peddling this shit. Know thine enemy, thought Luke, and he shivered. Simon caught his shudder as he came out of the truck and looked down. "You okay?" he asked shortly. "'M fine," Luke muttered quietly, not wanting his dad to notice. Simon nodded and carried on walking down the ramp. Luke watched him. Simon's face had lost the anger and gone back to the blankness that worried Luke so much. Fuck it, this was his man, and he loved Simon so much, but his cool, laidback, fucking sexy dude had gone and been replaced by... this. He marched up to Simon and pulled him by his collar until he was flush against Luke. After the first startled look, Simon raised his eyebrow. "Boss? Is there something I can do for you?" It wasn't that they didn't kiss or touch around the ranch, they just didn't make a thing about it, and especially not in front of outsiders. "Nope." Luke snaked a hand around his collar and pulled him down so their lips almost met. He could feel the tension in Simon's body, and fuck, that was wrong. "I have what I want right here." As he closed the gap between their mouths, he whispered, "Who are you, stranger, and where's my man?" Simon huffed into his mouth. "Perhaps we shouldn't do this now." Luke growled in anger and frustration. "I love you, this is our home, and if I wanna kiss you, I'm gonna do it, okay? If anyone doesn't like it, they can fuck off." From behind him someone yelled out, "Not like we haven't seen you sucking on him before, Si. Get on with it." Simon stiffened, and Luke was just about to chew out the speaker when Simon relaxed under his hands, and he could feel the tension flowing from him like water in the creek after the rains. "I'm sorry, Luke... been a bit of an ass," Simon said quietly and kissed him finally, a welcome-home, I-love-you, I-won't-leave-you-again kiss. Luke held him tighter and buried his face in Simon's neck. He smelled warm and familiar, of sweat and soap and his man. "Either of you boys feel like doin' any work today?" They turned to face Lil and Greg, Luke's hand not leaving Simon's back. "Sorry, Pops." The cattle were finally unloaded and arrangements made for the Lost Cow brand to be applied as soon as possible. The possibility of fences being cut and cattle being stolen was a threat they couldn't ignore. Simon shook off whatever fugue he'd been in and took charge of the

hands. Luke finalized the paperwork with Lil, and she left with Luke's quiet thanks and a deeper understanding between them. They both knew there might be reprisals for their continuing relationship. Greg was standing to one side having a quiet talk with Chuck as Luke rejoined them. "Have you set up fence patrols?" "Not yet," Luke said grimly. "We didn't know there was a threat until a couple of hours ago." Chuck gave him a look which was a mixture of guilty and embarrassed. "Want me to get on it, boss?" Luke nodded, and Chuck went off, calling for Tommy and Jack to join him. Greg watched them go and turned to his son. "Don't be too hard on them later. It's not an easy thing to tell your boss what's happening." Feeling the beginnings of a headache creep around his eyes, Luke watched Simon direct the operation to get the new cattle to the pastures close to the ranch. He knew his dad was right but it wasn't just the pastor and the muck he was peddling. Now he had to worry about something much closer to home, and quite frankly, that worried him much more.

Chapter 4

THE bunkhouse was quiet when Luke entered the kitchen promptly at five o'clock. As always he knocked gently on the door and paused before opening it. His daddy had drilled it into him that this was the hands' home, and their privacy was to be respected. He poked his head around the door. They were all there waiting for him except Simon, Chuck sitting with Pete and Tommy at the kitchen table, half-full cups of coffee in front of them. The three men were the current residents of the bunkhouse, with Sammy and Jack living on the outskirts of town. Those two were raiding the fridge for bottles of juice. "Anybody know where Simon is?" he asked brusquely. He was annoyed that his foreman wasn't there on time. "He's on his way. Levi's out of sorts, he just wanted to check him over," Jack said over his shoulder, his attention still focused on extracting the juice without knocking over all the beer bottles. Luke frowned. "Perhaps I ought to go and check." "Nah, he'll be here. Here, take a juice and sit down, boss." Jack handed him a bottle of apple juice and indicated a free seat at the table. He knew better than to offer Luke beer at this time of day. Sure enough Simon appeared a couple of minutes later, hot and sweaty with a streak of dirt across his nose. "Sorry, boss," he said, "Levi was favoring his leg." "Is he okay?" "Just a stone. He's fine now. Is there one of those for me?" he asked, waving a hand at the juice bottles. "Sure is." Tommy dug in the fridge for another bottle, and Simon leaned up against the sink, downing most of the bottle in one gulp. Luke found himself fascinated by his throat working as he swallowed, and it was only a low cough that drew his attention back to the matter at hand. Chuck was rolling his eyes at Luke's obvious distraction. The tips of Luke's ears flushed pink, and he coughed a little. He was pleased to note the

little exchange hadn't gone unnoticed by Simon, and there was a slight smirk on his face. "Right...." All the hands looked at him expectantly. "Today was totally fucked up, mainly because Simon and I had no idea anything was going on. You guys have met this new pastor...." He waited. They all nodded, but no one said anything. "Tell me what's been goin' on." Chuck took a long swallow of his coffee and then placed his cup on the rough pine surface of the table. All the others looked at him, waiting for him, as the senior man, to start. "He turned up at Bible Study a couple of months back. Said he wanted to introduce himself and his wife. They seemed a nice couple, warm and friendly." The others nodded in agreement, and Sammy said, "He talked with us and prayed for a while. It was just like Pastor Jim used to do if he visited with us." Most of the hands went to a Bible Study group in town. Luke and Simon deliberately didn't go, feeling the men needed a place where they were away from the ranch. "So what happened? What did he say to start even our friends frothing at the mouth?" Chuck frowned as he thought back. "His wife started it...." Simon interrupted. "What are their names?" "Tony Jackson, and his wife is Mary," Chuck told him. "She went to the Ladies Group meeting. One of them told her about you two and apparently the temperature dropped about twenty degrees." "My wife was there," Jack said. He was a long-time hand on the ranch but lived nearer town with his wife in one of the newer subdivisions. His wife Liz was a nurse at the local hospital and attended the Ladies meeting whenever her shifts allowed. "The pastor's wife said she was surprised that a God-fearing town like Parson allowed faggots to run businesses." "What?" Jack flinched at Luke's bark. "Then she made some comment about having beaten such nonsense out of kids back in their previous church. Liz thought she was just using strong language to make a point, and no one was brave enough to call her on it." "Jesus," Simon swore, "why don't these people give up? What the hell do they think we're doing?" "Then what happened?" Luke asked, ignoring Simon's interruption. "Pastor Tony preached at the next Bible Study 'bout Christian values and how Satan was infiltrating our communities and damning us all if we associated with them," Chuck said, "and Mary was the same at the Ladies Group. They were there, at every meeting."

"The two places we would never be, Bible Study and with the Ladies," Luke said to Simon. Even his mother didn't go to Ladies Group, preferring to go to her painting class. Privately, her description of what came out of the mouths of the good Christian women who met every week was just plain frightening. He turned back to Chuck. "So why didn't you tell us, and why is everyone freezing us out now? We've been at church since then." "We talked about it, all of us." "All of you?" "The hands and others. After the meetings. We just thought they just didn't know us and that when they met you boys everything would settle down. It was awkward just nodding but we hoped it would settle." Luke scrubbed through his hair. He could feel the dirt and grit caught in his hair. "So why are folks we've known all our lives suddenly treating us like we're worse than shit on their boots?" Chuck gave the others a helpless glance, and Pete shrugged, as if to tell him he had to say it. "The pastor's first sermon told everyone that they wouldn't be welcome back in the church unless they shunned those tainted with sin. We had to drive the demons out into the wilderness to stop the infection spreading." His voice trailed away as he reached the end of the sentence. Luke's head snapped up, and he saw Simon staring open-mouthed at Chuck. "He said what? My mother was sitting there, and he said that? You let him say that and still didn't tell us?" Chuck gave a hesitant nod, but it was Pete who answered. "We were working on the fences yesterday, son, remember? Momma Murray told us about it just before you arrived." "Boss, we had no idea he was gonna make it personal," Tommy said. He was younger than the others and had only been at the ranch five years. He was one of the few men hired personally by Luke, and he was also gay, a fact not known by most of the others. Tommy wasn't comfortable with the knowledge of his sexuality, and he'd asked Luke to keep it under his hat. Luke had agreed, not even telling Simon, which bothered Luke more than he'd like. "These people have been insulting us for weeks, and you didn't think it was personal?" Luke's voice rose in anger, and Tommy flinched back as Luke banged his fist on the table, making all the mugs jump. "Jesus fucking Christ, are you all fucking stupid? They've only been in the town two months and suddenly people won't do business with us. Our friends won't talk to us, and you think that isn't fucking personal?" He glared around the room, his furious expression mirrored by the one on Simon's face. "Luke, listen, son--" Pete started, but Luke whirled on him. "No! You listen. This is my home, my ranch and my town, and no fucking preacher is

gonna insult me and my kin. I thought we had friends here. I thought...." He paused, staring at the hands bitterly. "I thought Simon and I had your respect, even your friendship." His lips curled. "I was obviously wrong." All the men were quiet, just staring at him. Pete was red and Chuck's mouth was working, but no sounds were coming out. He looked at his lover, who had an indecipherable expression on his face. God, he just wanted Simon to smile. To give him that long, lazy gorgeous smile from this morning. Normally Simon would be insisting he calm the fuck down and listen to what the hands had to say. All the men were looking at Simon, waiting for his calming tones. Not this time. He was just giving Luke a slight nod. "I'm going to check on the cattle," Luke said to him abruptly. Simon nodded. "I'll join you." He moved to stand next to Luke and briefly their fingers brushed. Despite his fury at the current situation, inwardly Luke was cheering. Whatever was bothering Simon was nothing to do with them, and that was all that mattered. "Do you need us?" Chuck asked hesitantly. They did, but Luke just wanted some time away from everyone, with just the two of them in the cooling air of the spring evening, doing what they did best, just being together. He shook his head. "Simon and I'll ride fence now. You three can work the night shift between you. Jack and Sammy can do the early work tomorrow. We'll figure out more patrols after that. I want the herd moved to the summer pasture in the next coupla weeks." Chuck looked like he wanted to say something else, but he just nodded and said, "Sure thing, boss." He got up, saying to the hands, "We'll eat now." Sammy and Jack threw their juice bottles in the recycling trash and made for the door. "We'll be back at six," Sammy said, and they left, shutting the door behind them. Luke threw his bottle in the same trashcan and followed the two men out, without waiting to see if his man was behind him. He didn't need to look. They walked across the yard to the tack room, Luke reaching out to take hold of Simon's larger hand. He needed the reassurance of his touch, if only for a moment. Simon looked down at their entwined hands as if he was surprised and then pulled Luke in closer, dropping their hands to sling an arm over Luke's shoulder. Luke nuzzled in closer and turned to press a kiss to Simon's stubbly jaw. The early evening was warm still, and Luke found himself looking forward to the ride as he saddled up Lucifer, affectionately known as Lulu. He patted her, and she tossed her head, turning to lip gently at his pocket in the hope of some treats. "Greedy guts." Scolding her gently, Luke finished with the halter. He found himself grinning

at Simon across the backs of the horses. Simon raised an eyebrow, unsure of the joke. The truth be told, Luke wasn't sure of it, either, but at least Simon was back with him. As they started to ride down the lane, Simon said, "Do you think they'll attack the ranch?" Luke thought about it for a minute. He didn't ask who they were. "I expect so. Something's gonna happen. If not deliberately then when they get liquored up on Friday night. We need to keep the patrols going at least in the short term." "That's gonna be hard on the hands," observed Simon. "Pete isn't as young as he was. Do we know anyone else who could help?" "Short term?" At Simon's nod, Luke shrugged. "Most of the laborers aren't around here until hay gathering. I could ask in town. Oh no, can't do that cuz no one is gonna want to work for a coupla fudgepackers." He saw Simon's wince and cursed himself, but Simon drew Del closer to Lulu and, leaning over, gave Luke a brief kiss. "They don't know what they're missing." Luke tangled his fingers in Simon's hair and brought him in for a deeper kiss. Fortunately both horses were used to stepping so close together and for a short time they cooperated. Then Del snorted, and Simon drew back, his mouth flushed red, and didn't that zing straight to Luke's cock. But first of all he wanted to know what was going on inside his Simon's head. Luke pulled back, ignoring the sudden tightness in his jeans, and gave Simon a look. "Ready to talk to me, cowboy?" Simon didn't bother trying to deny there was a problem. He had no chance of Luke letting it drop. Instead he smiled at Luke a little sadly and said, "Could we just ride for a while, just the two of us? I'd just like to be us now. We'll talk at home." Luke nodded slowly. "Okay, I'll wait but once we get home, your head is mine." "Funny." Simon smirked, even if it was a little crooked. "It's normally my dick you're after." "That too," Luke agreed.

Chapter 5

LUKE shucked his clothes and slipped into bed. He was naked; the only thing they ever wore in their bed was each other. Simon was already under the sheet, his back to Luke as he lay down. Moonlight limned his shoulders and broad, muscular back, and it made Luke want to roll his man over and make love to him, slow and tender, just like they liked. Only that wasn't what was needed here. Simon was hiding something, some pain, and for the first time in a decade, Luke didn't have a clue what was going on. It scared him deep. He didn't know how to handle this, but he did know one thing: he loved his man and no two-bit assholes were going to drive them apart. He curled around Simon and placed a kiss against his neck. Simon shuddered beneath him, and he waited, knowing there was something to be said but waiting for Simon to be ready to say it. It was never truly quiet on a ranch, the occasional sounds of the animals breaking the silence, but within the room there was only the quiet sound of them breathing. When Simon finally did speak, Luke almost jumped at the sound of his voice, scratchy and hoarse as if his throat was closed and raw. "I was sixteen before I admitted I was gay." Luke wanted to make some teasing remark about Simon always being a slow coach, but he knew it wasn't the right time. "I was a quarterback, popular with the all the girls and smart, too, always gettin' A's. I was a real golden boy." The self-deprecating tone grated over Luke's frayed nerves. There was a pause so long, Luke wasn't sure if he was expected to say something. "My best friend's brother was gay although it was kept quiet, real quiet. One night we got drunk, and he showed us some porn." "Gay porn?" Luke asked, knowing the question was stupid even as it left his lips. Normally Simon would have made a quick retort but this time he just said, "Yes," and lay quietly in Luke's arms for a few more minutes. "Eric got bored and fell asleep, but his brother was watching me, watching my reaction to the sight of the fucking as if he knew...."

"It turned you on?" Another stupid question. "I couldn't look away. I'd watched porn before, but it hadn't really bothered me. This was just two guys blowing and fucking, but it made me so hard I knew I needed something, only I didn't know what." "Did he touch you?" "He gave me a blowjob in their bathroom. Not my first but by far the best... until I met you." Luke hadn't been worried--much--but he squeezed Simon for giving him that reassurance even in the midst of his own pain. "So what happened? Did he out you?" Simon sighed. "No. Life carried on as before. We met up sometimes just to make out. I didn't care for him much, but he was safe." Luke understood. He'd had a few friends like that. Sometimes feeling safe was all you could hope for. "I was confused, angry, feeling I was hiding all the time even while I was top of the class or necking with some sweet kid in the cafeteria. So I talked to the school counselor, only I forgot she was the principal's wife." "She told him?" Simon gave another shudder again. "She told him everything I'd said." Luke shifted so he was on his back and tugged Simon around so that he was lying with his head on Luke's chest and enclosed in his arms. He wanted Simon to feel secure as he opened his heart. "He didn't like what he heard. Suddenly my grades started slipping, and I wasn't dropped from the team but kept ending up on the bench. My parents thought it was because my grades were slipping and grounded me. I tried to work harder, but nothing I did made any difference. I went from a straight-A student to a C+ if I was lucky. My team thought I was doing drugs and kept giving me shit. I was working and failing and getting all this crap from everybody and nothing I said or did made any difference. In the end I fainted at home over Sunday dinner, passed out in the potatoes when Dad was yelling at me. Stroking his head, Luke just held him and waited, knowing that wasn't the end of the story. "Then my parents found out the truth and raised Cain at school. Only they outed me completely. I was lucky, I suppose." Simon sounded doubtful. "They didn't have a problem with me being gay, but they sure as hell had a problem with the way the school was treating me." Luke kissed the top of his head. "What happened next, baby?"

They didn't normally call each other baby or darling. Just 'boss' or 'bossman', the occasional 'love.' Only this time it slipped out, and Simon didn't call him on it, which scared him more. "They couldn't prove the principal had affected how the teachers graded my assignments or my inclusion in the team. And now the kids knew...." Simon stopped, but Luke got the idea. "They torched my truck." Simon's tone was flat, unemotional, as if he was holding back just how much it had hurt when his teammates turned on him. "When they started on Suzie, we moved, and my mom got me transferred to a different school. It had a record of being sympathetic to gay students. It wasn't as good as my previous school, but it was good enough for me to get the grades back up for college." "Where you met me." "Where I met you. I didn't know whether to be ecstatic or angry when I realized my roommate was gay. I didn't want to be gay. I just wanted to keep my head down and graduate." "But you couldn't resist my charms," Luke teased him lightly. "I just wanted to shut you up before you got us killed," retorted Simon. "That too." "Mom and Dad nearly freaked when I told them about you. They had visions of the problems starting all over again. I guess they wanted to protect me." He gave Luke a rueful smile. "Mom wanted me to change dorms, and when I said I'd fallen in love with you, they threatened to stop paying for college." "What changed their mind?" "You did. They came up to make me change my mind, and you came into the diner and just blew them away." Luke remembered that meeting. He hadn't realized the significance of the occasion, though. "I kissed you at the table." He felt Simon smile against his skin. "You kissed me in front of my parents and everyone in the diner. I was mortified and so damn happy all at the same time. Mom was sold when you told her I was the most awesome man to walk the earth. And that was before you sat down." "Why have you never told me any of this before?" asked Luke, genuinely confused. Simon was happy to ramble on about his family and his childhood, yet this had never cropped up in conversation in ten years. Simon's parents and siblings were the friendliest people to walk on God's green earth. Not once had he seen any signs that Simon had been bullied so badly. Simon propped his chin on Luke's chest and looked at him. "Because, knowing you when we first met, you'd have been dragging me off to a lawyer, or you'd be finding a way to hurt them the way they hurt me. I just wanted to forget about it and just be with you, no questions asked.

As time went on it just didn't matter anymore." Luke opened his mouth to refute the suggestion and then shut it again. Simon was right, dammit. There was no way he'd have left it alone. No one hurt his boy and got away with it. He wondered if it was too late to find some form of retribution. Simon watched his face and gave a wry smile. "No. Whatever it is you're thinking, no." "But...." "No, Luke. Besides, we've got more important things to worry about." Simon gave him that look which meant drop it, bitch, and Luke did, because yes, they did have, but mainly because in here, an extension of the office, Luke always obeyed. He huffed a little but subsided, his fingers carding through Simon's hair. They lay in silence for a while, a cool breeze ruffling the drapes and chilling their skin where it was exposed. "What happens if he wins?" Simon's question wasn't unexpected, but Luke didn't know what to say, so he opted for, "He won't." "But what if he does?" Luke tugged on Simon until they were lying on the pillow, facing each other. "He isn't going to win. But if he does and only if he does, then we can start again, buy our own ranch somewhere else. Dad would help us, and we've a fair amount of money saved." "Run away like before," Simon said bitterly. "You moved so that you could get to college rather than have that dream ruined by a bunch of narrow-minded bigots. It wasn't running away." "But...." "No!" It was Luke's turn to cut Simon off. "We are not running away, and he will not win." "But...." "Now you are going to be blown until you're boneless and then sleep until I wake you up by fucking you through the mattress." "But...." Luke gave up. He pushed Simon onto the bed and leaning forward, sucked him down, his cock large and solid in his mouth. "Fuck!" Much better. Luke pulled off with a sloppy pop and looked up at his lover. "Now shut the fuck up," he ordered, his voice fucked-out and raspy. Simon paused, his eyes wide on Luke's. He was normally in charge in here, and there was

a moment when Luke wondered if Simon would refuse to give up that control, but he nodded, his hips bucking up hard. "Now... please," he begged, his long legs spreading wider to give Luke more access. Luke kissed him hard on the mouth. "I fucking love you," he said hoarsely. "Love you too. Blow me, you bastard," Simon panted, sweat beading across his forehead. "Your wish is my command." Luke gave him a wicked smirk and licked a long stripe up Simon's cock, taking care to dig in the slit as he finished. He took great satisfaction in listening to the sharp hiss of breath and Simon's hands fisting in the sheet. Moving so that he was between Simon's legs, Luke bent to lave at his balls, sucking in one and then the other, sliding further down to lap at his hole. He pushed Simon's legs further apart, the lightly furred skin of his inner thighs warm and vulnerable under his hands. "Please, Luke, please," Simon begged, his hands moving restlessly over Luke's hair. "I will, just need to touch you, to feel you." Luke slicked the hole, rimmed it until he had made it soft and puffy. Simon was making encouraging whimpers, holding his legs apart and pushing his ass into Luke's face. Luke held his hips down to keep Simon in one place. He licked back up to the soft sac, tugging on it lightly and then moving on, licking and biting at Simon's shaft until he was sucking on the head. Simon's cock was huge and filled his mouth. Luke loved it, adored the feeling of too much. He wrapped his hands around the hard shaft and jacked it. "Yeah, more, please suck it, more, now take me." Mindless babble from the top of the bed, and Luke smiled. "Bastard!" Simon hissed. He didn't bother to respond, just sucking the warm, hard, amazing shaft as far he could go, straining to take the last inches. It was impossible, after ten years he knew that, but he wanted to keep trying because one day.... Simon was close, so close to coming; Luke could feel it, his balls tight and mindless babble reduced to keening and his cock swelling that little bit more, and Luke sucked him harder and warm spunk filled his mouth, slipping down his chin and.... God, Luke was coming untouched, the sounds and the smells of Simon's orgasm driving him over the edge, his hips bucking frantically into thin air. "Did you just come?" Simon's panting voice penetrated his post-orgasmic haze. "Uh-huh." Luke looked up, only to be dragged up the bed to allow Simon to lick around his mouth and suck out the taste of himself, long, languorous swipes of his tongue that made Luke wish he hadn't come quite so soon. The two men settled back on the pillows, wrapped in each other's arms. The night breeze cooled their heated skin, and Luke found himself slipping into sleep. He wouldn't let go

completely, though, until he knew he heard the settled breathing of his lover, and then he followed him, not letting the worries of the day follow them here, where they were safe and together.

Chapter 6

LUKE sipped at his boiling hot coffee as he watched Simon working at the computer. Morning report hadn't been half as much fun this morning, seeing as they actually had to work. Simon was right, though. It was much cheaper to get the feed and the fencing over the Internet although it grieved Luke that they'd been forced into taking this route to keep the Lost Cow ranch running. His momma had e-mailed to say she and his pops would get the food and supplies from town for a while. They were under house arrest, Luke thought, and he ground his teeth in frustration. He studied Simon carefully as he tapped away. His man looked tired but somehow freer since last night's unexpected confession. Simon looked up, aware of Luke's gaze, and smiled, his smile turning frankly dirty. Luke blushed. He knew exactly what Simon was thinking about. "Cut it out," he muttered, trying to control the raging color in his face. It wasn't helped by the way Simon slowly dragged his tongue over his lips. "That wasn't what you were saying this morning," Simon commented, his innocent expression wholly spurious. "This morning it was all, 'Stick that tongue in me, suck me off, roll me over and fuck me hard.' Bossy bottom." Simon had woken him up by sticking his tongue up his ass and then proceeded to fuck him senseless. Well, neither of them was going to pass up an opportunity to just reaffirm their love... and fuck his partner's brains out. "Shut up and do your research, cowboy. We've got stalls that need mucking out." Simon gave him a last salute. "Yes, boss." He cast his attention back to the screen, and Luke drank his cooling cup of coffee. Blatantly staring at his lover, he watched while Simon unconsciously nibbled at his bottom lip as he worked and pushed his bangs off his face. "You know, you could go and do something useful, like muck out those stalls rather than stare at me," murmured Simon, even though he didn't look up from the screen. "I could but I'd rather watch you." "Them horses won't shovel their own shit." Luke gave a large sigh and got up, wincing when his joints clicked as he stretched.

Simon tsked sympathetically. "Did I ride you too hard this morning? Have to remember you're getting old." "Fuck off," grunted Luke as he left the room. Simon was right, damn him, about everything. He dumped the remains of the coffee in the kitchen sink and made his way to the veranda. His boots were by the door, covered in dust and other crap Simon refused to have tracked through the house. He tipped them up to make sure no critters had taken residence in the night and pulled them on over his socks. The yard was quiet. That wasn't unusual in itself. The hands knew better than to bother Luke when he was working at the computer, and they all understood how the foreman gave his morning report. However Simon hadn't been out to inspect the cattle or to report in with Chuck and Pete. Luke huffed a little as he realized they were all avoiding each other, last night's meeting leaving them all raw. They kept chickens to supply the ranch and surrounding houses, a hang-over from his momma. One of the hands collected the eggs and delivered them round every morning. Luke threatened to wring their necks on a daily basis but clucked automatically as he went by the chickens. They were busy pecking at the scattered grain in their run and ignored his greeting. The horses were more enthusiastic as Luke entered the stables. He was late with the feed and the treats. Lulu expressed her displeasure by nudging Luke as he opened the door to her stall but she was easily distracted with an apple by way of an apology. With the horses in the paddock, he cleaned out the stalls. As he worked, Luke found his mind focusing not on the problem with the new pastor but on Simon and the homophobia he had suffered at school. As he mucked out each stall, his mind was drawn back to the boy he'd met ten years ago, the first day of college. Luke had delayed for four years because his daddy was sick and needed someone to keep the ranch together. He hadn't really minded because Luke loved the Lost Cow with every bone in his body. Liam and Lisa loved the place, it was their childhood home, but it was obvious that it was going to be Luke that inherited the ranch. He was the one who worked on the ranch almost from the time he could ride. It was Pamela who forced him out into the big wide world and insisted he go to college to get a taste of "normal" life. He'd wanted to do an agricultural degree, something useful, but she was adamant he pursue something unrelated to the ranch, and Luke found himself majoring in American history, remembering his love for political history in high school. September 2000

COLLEGE was a shock after the wide, open spaces of the ranch. So many buildings, so many people, so many damn kids. Luke pulled up in his truck on the first day and almost turned tail at the sight of all the eighteen-year-olds with their fresh faces and loud voices. At twenty-two, they made him feel jaded. He was too old to be here now. But he had promised his momma he'd stick

it out at least for one semester, and she'd have his hide if he returned home a minute earlier. He found the right building and waited patiently in line for the RA to give him the room information. Katie was a small blonde girl with a soft face and the most calculating eyes Luke had seen outside of a snake in the hen house. He distrusted her on sight. She didn't seem to notice, though, and flirted with him openly as she ran through the details. "You're sharing with"--Katie checked the list--"Simon Bryan. He's already here. Huge. Have fun sorting out the beds." Luke raised an eyebrow. Okay, not a conversation he expected to be having within an hour of arrival. "Huge?" "You'll see," she said cryptically. "Anyway, Luke, you need anything, come and find me 24/7." Somehow Luke doubted everyone got that offer. He nodded and backed away as she was telling him about the Freshers parties. God, drunken teenagers away from home for the first time. He would hate every second. On the other hand, cheap beer and some idle flirtation, maybe even a hook-up? Maybe he couldn't afford to be too choosy. The room was on the second floor. Luke looked at his paper, number 218. He stood outside the door for a minute, feeling at a disadvantage. Should he knock? Hell no, this was his room too. If this Bryan was doing anything he shouldn't, well he'd be hogtied before he'd apologize. He opened the door and promptly walked into a wall someone had placed just inside the door. "Oof!" Muffled grunts came from both boys as they stood back. Luke got a look at the man-mountain that was his roommate for the first time. Okay, man-mountain might be a bit of an exaggeration. Simon was still slim at eighteen, his face and body not yet molded into the lines of a cowboy tempered by long days in the saddle and hard work, but even so he was gorgeous. Long, long limbs and tanned skin, huge hazel eyes, and floppy, dark hair that kept getting in his eyes. Huge. He was staring. Luke knew he was staring but hell, this guy was the finest thing he'd never fucked, and he was completely and totally off-limits. Life sucked. "Dude, you all right?" Simon asked anxiously. Luke nodded, aware he was still staring. "Great." Simon gave him a broad smile and held out his hand. Luke looked at the size of that hand. God, please, please, please let him be proportional. The smile faltered a shade, and Luke realized he was acting like a total tool. Quickly he held out his own, and they shook hands.

"Simon Bryan. I'm taking English and Drama." "Luke Murray. American history. Introductions over, Simon pointed at the beds. "Pick your bed. They both look like they were made for midgets." They were fortunate: the rooms were large enough to have two single beds but both men were over six feet tall and the beds were at best adequate for Luke. At six feet enormous, Simon was gonna have his feet hanging out the end. Luke slung his bag on one of them and sat down with a grunt. He'd get the rest of his gear later. For now all he wanted was a cool beer and some sleep. He really hoped Simon wasn't a party animal. "Long journey?" inquired Simon sympathetically, as he pulled off his boots. "Texas," Luke said shortly. He knew he sounded like a hick. May as well get the ribbing over with. "Thank God!" said Simon, letting the broad Texan drawl show for the first time. Startled, Luke looked over at him, and Simon nodded. "Oklahoma. I'm good at hiding it if I have to. I was dreading who I'd get to share a room with." "Must have decided to stick the hicks together." Luke laughed as he pulled off his own boots. "Mind if I rest for a while? Been on the road for a couple of days, and I just want to do nothing for a while. Let the madness die down outside." "Sure," Simon agreed easily as he dug out a book. "Feel much the same way myself. We could go out and a drink later if you want." "Sounds great." Luke sank back onto the bed with a sigh of relief. He was finally here and as first impressions go, he liked Simon Bryan. Closing his eyes, he could hear Simon rustling around as he settled himself on the bed. The guy didn't seem fazed at all by Luke's lack of socializing on his first day of college, and as he drifted off to sleep, it occurred to Luke he might just have found a friend. Loud pounding on the door disturbed his rest. He was vaguely aware of Simon talking at the door, then a quiet, "Luke?" "Huh?" Luke pried an eye open. Simon was smiling apologetically at him from the other side of the room. "Freshers meeting in twenty minutes." Luke groaned, but he sat up obediently, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and rubbing the back of his neck. "Better make nice with the children, I s'pose," he said, and then his brain fully caught up with what he was saying. "I mean...." Simon was nodding, not a hint of a smile on his face. "I can see it must be difficult for an old man like you. After all, what are you, twenty-nine, thirty?"

"Old man, my ass," Luke retorted before he could stop himself, "I'm twenty-two." Then he caught sight of the grin on Simon's face. "Jerk!" "Well, haul your twenty-two-year-old ass off that bed, and let's hit the meeting before it gets too crowded. It's the only thing that's gonna make this bearable. The other kids will have had several hours drinking ahead of us." Now Luke was confused. He was as sure as hell Simon was underage. "Uh. How old are you, man?" "Eighteen, but with my height, I never get carded. And if it happens, I'm covered." Simon patted his pocket. "Besides, you aren't underage. Ready to go?" Luke was too tired to take it any further, and as he really wanted to get to know his new roommate better, arguing was just a waste of time. Two hours, one brief meeting, and six beers in a small bar later, Luke was on the way to feeling pleasantly buzzed. The beer was weak but the company was hot, and he wasn't talking about the Fresher girls with their breasts tumbling out of their low-cut tops at the meeting. "Feeling better?" Simon asked perceptively as he watched Luke sprawl back in his chair. He'd stuck to soda just in case. "Hell yeah," Luke said, nodding agreeably. He felt much more relaxed now. Simon grinned at him, his hazel eyes sparking. Shit, Luke had to stop staring like a lovestruck teenager. "Not running back home tomorrow, then?" Luke gaped. "How did you know I...?" He shut his mouth before he could say anything else embarrassing. "You talk in your sleep." Openly mocking now, Simon laughed as Luke flipped him off. "Fuck you." "We've only just met," Simon pointed out and then laughed again as Luke spluttered beer over himself. It was so easy, this easy mockery. Under the cover of mopping his shirt, Luke stole a glance at his new roommate. He was looking around the bar giving Luke the chance to study him openly. He was easily the hottest boy in the entire room. Guys and girls had been staring at him since they walked in, yet he didn't seem to pay attention to anyone except Luke. He wished he could just ask whether Simon was gay or straight. But Luke was Texas born and bred, and he had learned from painful experience that Texas boys didn't take kindly to being propositioned. He didn't ask, and Simon didn't tell him. They found their routines were wildly different which, while it suited quiet studying, did little for Luke's curiosity. At the end of four weeks they found the only time they really caught up was

Thursday afternoon and Sunday. By mutual consent both those times were used for serious sleeping, and if Luke had spent some of that time wishing he was lying spread out beneath the boy in the other bed... well, he was the only one to know about it. Despite Luke's reservations about being the odd one out among the "kids," he'd made a few friends, and they were talking about forming a band. Simon laughed when Luke asked him if he was interested in joining them but suggested he'd happily be a groupie. When Luke pointed out he meant roadie he'd just tilted his head and given Luke a look, murmuring "No, I think I got the right word." The warmth that rushed though Luke almost took his breath away yet Simon still held back, and Luke hesitated to break through that barrier. In hindsight it was ironic that the thing that got them together was a homophobic prick who wanted to pick a fight. 2010

LUKE left the stables to find Simon resting his arms on the rails, watching the horses as they grazed quietly in the paddock, Lulu and Del side by side as always. Luke walked up to join him, sliding his arms around Simon's waist. He buried his nose in Simon's neck, seeking out the smell of his lover beneath the clean, fresh scent of their shower gel. Yeah, clean was good but Simon was so much better. "I was thinking," he started to say, pausing to press a brief kiss to the soft skin beneath Simon's ear, "that we might take a vacation." He felt Simon tense under his hands but his response, when it came, was neutral. "Oh." "Mmmm, I have a desire for an alleyway beside a bar." Small peppery kisses were dotted along Simon's neckline. He could feel Simon holding himself still, not giving in to the caresses as he normally did. "Oh?" Simon sounded amused but every muscle was tense, unyielding. "Mmmm," Luke moaned quietly into his ear, "I wanna be kissed into silence, then taken back home to a small room that's just ours. I want you to take my clothes off, piece by piece, kissing my body until I'm shaking, so fuckin' hard, and thinking that if you don't get that dick inside me, I'm gonna die." He could feel Simon's arousal as if it were his own. His skin warmed under Luke's hands, and yeah, Simon's dick was definitely interested. "Bastard!" Simon's voice was unsteady, but he was softer in Luke's arms, leaning back to take comfort in their embrace. They stood for a few minutes, warmed by the spring sunshine. Eventually Simon gave a shaky breath and the spell was broken.

"We can't go." "No." And there it was. It was so tempting to run back to the past, when the only things they had to worry about were finishing the next assignment and the burgeoning relationship between them. But that was then, and this was some crazy fucked-up shit, but the ranch was their life now, their responsibility, and they had a choice. Fight or flee. Simon turned in Luke's arms to face him. His face was somber but resolute. There was no question; fleeing wasn't an option. They would have to confront the pastor and the town before they were forced out. "Need you," Simon said huskily. "You've got me." Luke's arms tightened, and he claimed Simon's mouth in a demanding, possessive kiss. "Fences down!" A yell interrupted them, and they broke apart to see Sammy and Pete leaping out of one of the trucks. Sammy rushed over to them. "We've got fences cut on the south side, boss. The cattle are out." "So it begins," Simon whispered in Luke's ear. "We'll deal," Luke assured him as he dropped his arms. "We've got each other." "And us." He turned to see Sammy and Pete joined by Chuck and Tommy. Chuck took a step forward. "You've got us," he repeated, and the other hands nodded their agreement. A broad smile spread over Luke's face as he faced the men. "Well then, how 'bout we see where our cattle have gone?" They all heard the emphasis, and the grins and nods were plenty. There was more than one, "On it, boss," and then everyone scattered to saddle up horses and climb into trucks, to face the long day ahead.

Chapter 7

LUKE could see the flickers of lightning on the horizon. The storm hadn't reached them yet, but when it did, it would be dangerous to still be out in the open. The creeks and gulch would run high. Any unwary traveler could get caught, and Simon was still out there looking for the missing cattle, and Luke was starting to worry about what could happen if... and.... And. And. God, Luke was a heartbeat away from saddling up Lulu and going out to look for Simon, never mind how stupid that would be. His man was all right, he kept telling himself. It didn't matter that the cells were out due to the storm. Simon was just fine, just peachy, peachy keen, and if something happened, Luke would never forgive himself. Luke was unloading the trucks after returning from repairing the fences. The first incident had proved to be the start of a long week of fences being cut, cattle wandering off, gates left open, and the most serious one, a dead cow left in the water supply. The hands were exhausted and dispirited, and Luke knew that they couldn't continue like this. Soon there would be an accident, a slip made through exhaustion, and someone could get seriously hurt. The sheriff had been unhelpful. Which was another way of saying he wasn't lifting a finger for the faggots. "Boss?" Tommy's voice interrupted his dark thoughts. "Huh?" "The truck's unloaded. All right if we take a break until Simon gets back?" Luke stared at him. His brain was so sluggish it was taking a while to process. Then he shook himself and said, "Sure, get outta here for a while." "Call us when Simon and Chuck are back." Tommy patted his arm gratefully and, calling for the others, he left Luke standing in the yard. The rain hit just as Luke drove the truck into the barn. There was an empty space next to the truck as Momma Murray had borrowed Luke's truck because her car was in the shop. By the time he'd made his way to the house, he was drenched and chilled. He was just about to go into the house when he heard the sound of hooves in the yard and turned to see two men climbing wearily off their horses. Ignoring the rain, his own tiredness, and any shred of dignity, Luke ran down the porch steps and into Simon's arms. Taken by surprise, Simon staggered back but his arms closed

around Luke eagerly, and he willingly allowed him to tug his head down for a kiss. "So you're pleased to see me, boss?" "Ya-huh," Luke mumbled in agreement. Talking later, kissing now. "Do I get a greeting like that?" asked Chuck in amusement. It was kind of funny how both men clung to each other a little closer at the thought of kissing Chuck. "Guess that's a no, then," Chuck said with a chuckle and started to lead the horses into the barn. For a moment, Luke allowed himself the luxury of burying his face in Simon's neck. He was home, and he smelled absolutely rank. Luke didn't give a shit. Aware Simon was sagging in his embrace, he stepped back, saying, "Go and get something to eat. Stew's on the hob. I'll take care of Del." Simon nodded, almost leaning on Luke in his exhaustion. Luke leaned forward for one last kiss and gently pushed him toward the house. He followed Chuck into the barn. The hand was unbuckling Del's halter, weariness evident in the lines of his back and the fumbling movements. He was muddy and dripping wet. "Go and get some chow," Luke ordered, taking over from him. He patted the muddy horse, promising him a treat once he was brushed and clean. "It won't take a minute," Chuck said as he moved over to start rubbing down Levi. "We've got the late shift?" "Tommy and I'll ride fence later if the storm passes over. Otherwise we'll take our chances. They'd be stupid to be out tonight." Chuck eyed him with a worried expression. "But what if they do try again?" Luke shrugged. "We can't go on like this, Chuck. We're all beat. You're going to get a shower, hot food, and a night in your own bed." Lines of exhaustion were scored deeply into his leathery face, but Chuck put up one last fight. "Luke, I can do this, son. Go be with your man." Luke took the halter out of Chuck's hands and gave the older man a gentle shove. "He'll be asleep already, face down in the stew. I left a large pot in your kitchen, made by Momma. Go eat, sleep, and don't come back until morning. Same goes for the others." Del huffed in relief as the tack was removed and leaned in gratefully as Luke brushed him down. Chuck nodded and left the barn, hissing against another deluge of the heavy rain. Luke turned back to the horses, appreciating the quiet for a few minutes, and the mundane chore after the week of turmoil. The rain beat down hard on the wooden roof. Luke seriously hoped the

weather would prevent any further trouble tonight. He wasn't going to send any men out to ride fence with the storm overhead. The horses were settled with their feed and grateful pats for returning his men home safely. Luke left the barn and made his way to the house, getting drenched again in seconds. As he crossed the yard he squinted over in the dark at the chickens, but they were tucked up in the coop, safely out of the foul weather. He left his boots and socks at the door, next to Simon's, and went inside to find his man as he'd expected, passed out next to his bowl of stew. It was one up on the time he'd found Simon actually face-planted in his dinner. Oh yeah, he had the pictures to prove it. Smiling tenderly at the sight, Luke pressed a kiss in his hair. Simon didn't stir. Luke shook his shoulder. "Hey, you, wanna move this to the bed?" Simon groaned. "Not now, boss. 'M too tired to get it up." "Quite sure you are, cowboy, but you need a hot shower and a comfortable bed. C'mon now, boss's orders." "Five minutes more." Simon snuggled down in his arms. "Now, Si!" Ignoring the protests, Luke forcibly pulled him up and man-handled, as best as he could a gigantic deadweight, into the bathroom. He pushed Simon against the wall, automatically putting a hand out to stop Simon's head thunking into the wall. "Seriously, too tired for this," Simon grumbled. "Seriously, you stink," Luke countered. "You're not gonna get into my bed smelling like you rolled in manure. Now just shut up and let me undress you." Undoing the buttons on the worn shirt, Luke slipped it over Simon's shoulders and threw it in the corner of the bathroom. The sodden gray undershirt swiftly followed. Despite the circumstances, Luke's dick gave a twitch at the sight of the muscled body revealed. Even after all these years, one glance at Simon's body left Luke breathless and drooling. He snorted quietly. Pavlov's dick, definitely. At least Simon hadn't noticed his weak-kneed obsession. "Hard yet?" Simon murmured without opening his eyes. Damn! "Shut up!" He stripped off the filthy jeans more roughly than he intended, ignoring Simon's weak chuckle, and pushed him toward the shower. It was simpler to get undressed and wash Simon himself. If he left him, Luke would find

him asleep standing up with the water running cold. Simon sagged against the tiled wall, exhaustion catching up with him. Luke squeezed some shampoo onto his hands and reached up. Just like his horse, Simon leaned into the touch. One touch of Luke's hands on his scalp and Simon was pushing into them, grunting with gratitude. Luke's strong fingers massaged through his hair, cleaning and easing the tension, and then directing the warm spray to rinse out the lather. He washed Simon with one hand, the other propping him against the tiles, stroking the gel over long limbs, hardened by years in the saddle. Luke watched the lines of lather swirling over tanned skin, getting trapped in the dark curls of his chest and sliding downward to pool at the base of his soft cock. He smoothed the soap over Simon's broad shoulders, his strong arms, soft skin stretched over tight muscle, kneeling to clean his mile-long legs, washing away the dirt of the hard day, always in contact with his man. By the time he got back on his feet, Simon was dozing again. Luke leaned across and stopped the flow of water. "Let's get you into bed," he murmured, toweling him down. Simon lay where he fell. Luke toweled himself roughly then returned to the bed, pushing and pulling Simon so that he could slip in beside him and slide his arm around Simon's chest to pull him closer. Simon muttered something unintelligible, could have been a grumble or an endearment, and then slipped back into sleep, his hand seeking Luke's. Lacing their fingers together, Luke kissed Simon's shoulder blade and pressed his face into the middle of his back. He was asleep within seconds, the rain and thunder failing to disturb his exhausted slumber.

LUKE woke to soft kisses pressed against his skin, his nipples licked and tugged gently, and warm hands trailing down his body to cup his ass and pull him closer against sleep-warmed skin. Ignoring his protest at being woken up, a leg slipped between his, rough hairs catching on his smoother skin, and a hard cock pressed into him urgently. Reluctantly he cracked open an eye. It was still dark, too early to be awake but maybe not too early for some loving. They hadn't spent any time like this for almost a week, and it was beautiful and sexy and so fucking necessary. His hips rocked against Simon's. So much of their relationship was spent just touching, loving each other. Just like... that. God, yes. In ten years they had spent less than a week apart, and every moment of that was a lifetime too long, so a week, yeah, way too fucking long, and if that made him a big ol' gal.... Nope, he thought breathlessly as Simon ground against his dick, definitely not a gal. "Morning, boss." "Morning.... Ah... fucker!" Luke gasped as Simon moved down the bed to suck in his cock. "Anxious much?" "Got a problem with that?" Simon asked as he pulled off, Luke's cock coming free with a

pop. "You could always complain to the management." "Got a feeling the... management is a... bit... fuck... biased. Are you going somewhere with that, cowboy, or should I be looking elsewhere for some satisfaction?" Simon's answer was to open the lube with a snick and penetrate him with one slick finger, slowly and tortuously, ignoring Luke's cussing. "I suppose you could try elsewhere," Simon said conversationally, as he slowly, too fucking slowly, opened Luke. "As long as I could do the same." "No fucking chance!" Luke arched his back as the pads of those long fingers brushed his prostate. "You're mine. Always will be, and if anybody ever lays a finger on you I will tear their balls off and feed them to the coyotes." "Anyone ever tell you that you're after other men's balls way too much for a married man?" Simon asked, moving so a fourth finger was inside Luke. God, he felt so full. Simon's hands were huge. Filling him, so close, so close, not nearly close enough. He wanted.... Luke bit down on his bottom lip as Simon watched him intently. "Too much?" Luke shook his head. "Not enough." Begging Simon to understand. This was big. Simon's eyes widened, and his fingers stopped moving. "You want me to fist you? Fuck, Luke, I'm not sure...." "Please. I need it so much. Please, Simon." Luke heard the whine in his voice, but dammit, he needed this so much he was shaking. It wasn't that they hadn't done it before; just normally, it was alcohol-induced, and Simon initiated it. Luke had never just asked for it like this. Simon shook his head. "Not now. It's too much, too intense." The implied baby was there. "Let me blow you, then fuck you. We'll come back to this, I promise." Luke clutched at him frantically, but Simon soothed him with kisses pressed on his lips, promising him more later, with his hand still in Luke, stroking his insides gently. Involuntary noises erupted from Luke, and he spread his legs a little wider as Simon bent down to suck him off, his dark hair tickling the sensitive skin of his inner thighs. It didn't take long. Simon sucked gently at his sac, then his lips screwed down around the head of his cock, a brush of his prostate, and Luke was coming, hips pumping into that hot, moist mouth, fingers choked up in the sheets. Simon pulled off so that some of it spilled across his swollen lips and chin, knowing how aroused Luke got at the sight of his come spread across Simon's face. Luke growled, and Simon obediently leaned over so Luke could taste his own come on Simon's face.

He cleaned Simon's face with swift licks then found himself face down in the pillows, ass in the air as Simon slicked himself and entered Luke, one hand resting on his spine, the other stroking the skin stretched around his cock. Every nerve ending was oversensitized. Luke was vibrating from impatience. He winced as his hardening cock brushed the bedsheets. "Fuck. Me. Now!" ordered Luke, pushing his ass back so that he was impaled on Simon's dick. He expected Simon to make a comment about a bossy bottom, as usual, but he just pulled back, stretching the taut skin around the head of his cock, and waited, not moving a fucking inch. Luke was going to explode. "Please, please, please, Si, boss, mine, please fuck me, please fuck me." Jesus Christ, he was reduced to begging, begging for it like a goddamn slut. Simon's slut. "Mine and only mine." Simon thrust so hard Luke was driven up the bed. "Yours and only yours." Again, and Luke was whining so fucking loud. Thrust, claim, whine, smack. Simon's large hand landed on his ass, and Luke flinched away as the stinging pain spread through his body. Thrust, claim, whine, smack. And another. Too much, too much, not enough. He realized he was chanting it when Simon answered. "It will be, Luke. Let it go. Let it go." A hard spank, then Simon's thrusting got harder, more erratic. He pulled Luke back so hard stars exploded behind Luke's eyes, and he screamed, long and hoarse, as he came. Then Simon pulled out, ignoring Luke's protest, and rolled him over. He straddled Luke, walking upward on his knees and stripped his cock until he was striping Luke's face with his come. He ended up falling forward, one hand by Luke's head, his chest covered in sweat and heaving as he tried to recover his breath. Luke was laid out underneath him, covered in come, ass stinging like hell and completely fucked out. Simon moved off Luke and lay down beside him in the ruined bed. There was silence for a few minutes as both men recovered from their exertions. Luke wriggled uncomfortably. "I have spunk seeping into every crack." "Quit bitching. You love it." Luke could hear the grin in Simon's voice. "I love you. It's my job to bitch." Luke rolled over to face his man, grimacing as the ruined sheets stuck to his back. Simon mimicked his action, and they moved closer, not touching but just breathing the same air. "We have to get up." Luke caressed Simon's arm. It was several shades lighter in the room,

and the clock showed it was past time to get moving. At least the storm seemed to have died out with the dawn. Simon sighed and leaned forward to kiss him. "Can't say as I'm looking forward to another long day in the saddle." "Least you didn't get beaten with a two by four, then get it stuck up your ass. I'm going to be feeling this for weeks." "You were the one who wanted to have my arm stuck in your ass." Luke's dick actually twitched at the thought despite two orgasms in quick succession, and of course Simon noticed. His hand rested lightly on the bruised skin of Luke's backside. Luke didn't manage to control his flinch. Simon frowned. "Was it too much? I was pretty hard on you." He twisted Luke around to look at the damage. "It was fucking intense!" Luke said hoarsely, looking over his shoulder. "You know I needed it. Needed as much as you can give me." The look in Simon's eyes said he wasn't convinced, but Luke didn't give him a chance to argue. He sat up and ran a hand through his hair. Standing up, Luke stretched, trying really hard not to wince as abused muscles made their presence felt. He held out a hand to Simon. "Wanna join me in the shower?" Simon nodded. "Yeah, why not. You'll only hog all the hot water to wash that gorgeous body." Luke picked flakes of come off his belly. "I look like a snake shedding its skin," he grumbled. He received a quick kiss to his mouth. "Aw, honey, you'll always look gorgeous to me even if you are peeling and red." Jostling and laughing, the two men crowded into the shower, just as they had the night before. This time they washed each other but it was purely business, and it wasn't long before they were in the kitchen making breakfast. They were drinking coffee when Chuck appeared. He looked better than he had last night. A full night's sleep and Momma's cooking had done them all good. "Sammy and Pete report no breaks in the fence, and they can't see any other trouble," he reported as Luke handed him some coffee. He shook his head at the offer of toast. "Any flooding in the lower pastures?" asked Simon as he mopped up the last of his eggs with his toast. "No, but the wash's up high. Another storm like that one, and we'll be needing to move the

new cattle." Luke thought for a minute. "We were gonna move them next week anyway. Let's sit down and make a plan for shifting them today, Simon." Chuck sighed. "If you're gonna do morning report I'll be taking my coffee over to the bunkhouse." "Not today, Chuck. We're a bit behind today." Simon smirked at Luke's wince at the mention of his behind. Chuck just chuckled, missing the joke, and placed his cup in the sink. "I'll be seeing you boys in the yard shortly." At Luke's nod, he left the kitchen. Simon stood up and placed his dirty plate and cup in the sink, then he pulled Luke in for a hug. "Time we got moving, boss," he said, placing a kiss on Luke's lips. Luke deepened it, his tongue sliding into Simon's mouth and tightening his arms around his waist. "Hmmm," he hummed happily as they pulled apart. "Just about the best way to start the day." Simon swatted him gently on the backside. "Yeah? I'll remind you of that when you've spent several hours in the saddle." Luke glared at him and moved his sensitive butt out of range of Simon's large hand. "Not happening. I gotta pick the truck up at lunchtime for Momma, so I'm staying around the yard today. 'Sides, I don't think I could ride today," he admitted with a sheepish look. The faintly guilty glance turned into laughter as Simon followed him out of the house. It was a clear blue day after the storm of yesterday, and for the first time in a week, Luke was looking forward to the day's work, sore ass be damned.

Chapter 8

LUKE and his man had spent their Sunday morning getting reacquainted in the apple orchard. Simon had blown him lazily against a tree and then without warning, picked him up and fucked him senseless. Luke had wrapped his legs around him and hung on for dear life. Afterward he had stood on wobbly legs, his face tucked into Simon's sweaty neck, cooling come dripping down his legs, grinning like a loon. One look at the tight faces of the men as they came back from church told Luke and Simon louder than words what delights the week ahead would have. More trouble than a coyote in the henhouse. It had been a month since it had all started, and they were more than used to the pattern now. They dismissed the men for the afternoon with firm handshakes and wandered into the house for a shower and fresh clothes. That led to more groping and sweating and Luke grumbling about the mess as he showered the come from his legs for a second time. Simon opened one eye and grinned unrepentantly. "Quit bitching, princess. You know you love it." "Yeah, I do, but you could offer to clean me up." Luke looked up to see Simon tracking the soapy lather that had got caught in the fine hair on his legs, and his mouth went as dry as the summer sun at the hot flash in those dark blue eyes. "If you insist, bossman." Simon took the wash cloth out of his hand and slid to his knees. So, yeah, that led to more groping and more cleaning, and maybe they were a little delayed getting back out to work. The afternoon was spent planning the move of the new cattle to the summer pastures. They had delayed the move for a couple of weeks as the weather had been so stormy, but now the skies were endless blue, and the temperature was starting to rise. Simon planned to take Pete and Tommy and spend the week moving a small part of the herd to the farthest fields. Luke and Chuck were coordinating the rest of the move. Luke's father and some of his buddies, all "retired" cowboys, were coming in to help them the next day. Luke was truly grateful for their offers of help but had to suppress a grin at the want in their eyes at the thought of a few days with a horse under them and nothing but open sky all

around. The fact that they'd escape from under the eagle eyes of their lovely wives... well, they were grown-ass men. They'd cope as best they could. It was a clear, warm day, and despite everything, Luke's spirits were high. Even the horses appeared to be happy as they pranced in the field. He leaned over the fence waiting for Simon to return from the house, tracking Lulu as she raced around the field, Del nipping at her heels. "Fuck me!" "Again, cowboy?" Hot breath ghosted in his ear, then hands slipped around his waist and there was a slow, subtle grind against his lower back. "Thought you'd have had enough already." "Much as I like you riding my ass, I was actually talking 'bout my darlin' Lulu here." Luke was only human, after all, even if the chances of letting Simon anywhere near his ass after the morning's exertions was about as likely as the Cowboys offering him a place as coach. He whistled, low and easy, and she looked over at the familiar noise. "She's a happy girl today." Simon's movements didn't stop, just maybe eased to a slow roll, almost like an embrace. "Del hasn't left her side," he said as he blew lightly on the lobe of Luke's ear and tugged at it. Luke shivered and pressed back harder. They were hidden from the bunkhouse, but as Simon licked and sucked down his neck it occurred to Luke that in the decade that they had been together they had rarely been so public about their love when there were other people around. "Must be spring fever," he gasped, arching his neck deeper into Simon's teeth. "Must be," agreed Simon, pulling Luke closer against his large form. His hand tugged at Luke's shirt so that he could slip his hand underneath, seeking bare flesh. "I feel a little feverish myself." "I can... fuck... see that," Luke swore as a hand slipped down inside the front of his jeans. "I can't get it up again. You broke my dick," he admitted as Simon cupped his sensitive cock. "Sure about that?" That low, honeyed tone rolled over him, and Luke wasn't sure if he could remember his own name, let alone what the question was. If they could market the effect Simon's drawl had on him every single time, it would knock Viagra out of business. And damn if his traitorous dick wasn't sitting up and begging to go again. Simon didn't seem in any rush, though, and Luke leaned back into his embrace, enjoying the sight of his ranch in the late spring sunshine, the feel of his man pressed down his back, and his toes curling as he experienced the slow rolling glide toward climax.

THE late afternoon saw them riding fence. Both of them knew more trouble was ahead, but the ranch couldn't stop its normal operations for what might be. "Sammy and Chuck will be out here tomorrow with your dad and Mikey," Simon said as they rode back toward the yard. The sun was beginning its descent below the horizon although it

was still warm. Luke's phone vibrated at his hip. He looked quickly at the caller ID. "Hey, Pops." "Luke, thank God!" Luke frowned. It wasn't like his dad to take the Lord's name. "Is Simon with you?" He looked over at the man as he said slowly, "He is.... Why?" "Put him on. And Luke, whatever happens, you need to keep a grip on your temper." "What the...?" "Simon. Now." Luke rarely heard that tone from his father. "Yes, sir." He handed the cell to Simon without another word. Frowning, Simon greeted him. "Hey, Greg, is something wrong?" And then Luke knew that the other shoe had dropped. He watched as Simon's face got tight and pinched, his breath shortening. Simon was upset now. What the fuck was going on? "What? How long have I got?" His voice had got raspy. It was so fucking frustrating, listening to this one-sided conversation. Simon wasn't looking at him, and that made him shit scared. Luke's fingers were tight on the reins as Simon ended the conversation with a short, "I'll tell him," and hung up. "Tell me what?" Luke asked before he could speak. "Your dad told me to tell you to keep a...." "If you don't fuckin' tell me what's going on, I'm not promising anything!" Luke was one word from losing it. Sit! Stay! He wasn't a fucking dog. Simon exhaled loudly. "I'm being arrested for assaulting Tom Smith. The sheriff is on his way. Your dad's called Mason, and he's coming over as well." "You're fucking kidding me?" His first reaction was to laugh but that was so far off base it wasn't funny. "Nope." "Well, did you?" Luke asked bluntly. The hurt that crossed Simon's face made him want to take it back, but it was too late. The words were said and hanging between them.

"No. No!" he said quietly. "How could you think I...?" "I don't," Luke assured him quickly. "I truly don't, but I don't want you thinking and wondering if I think you might have done it." Simon nodded, but his eyes were still hurt, and Luke knew he was going to have to do more than just words to make up for questioning him. Luke slid off Lulu and gestured Simon to do the same. After a moment's hesitation he dismounted, and they spent a minute ground tying the reins. Luke patted Lulu affectionately, then he stepped up to Simon and pulled his head down to kiss him, letting all the love and trust he had for his man speak more than words. Luke's hands fisted in Simon's hair and his lips parted and he tugged on Simon's lower lip, begging entrance into his mouth. Simon made a sound, almost like a sob, into his mouth, and Luke pulled him closer, one hand cupping the back of his neck and the other sliding down to pull his body so that they were so close, together, solid and breathing the same air. Simon was holding his biceps, hands curled around his arms so tightly they were going to leave bruises. "You know that this is a crock-of-shit stunt pulled cuz they've been to church, and now they're on some fucking holy mission," Luke said as they broke for air. He'd pulled Simon's head down onto his shoulder. "They know better than to pull that shit with a Murray so they think you're the easy target." "Think it'll make you dump my sorry ass?" Simon asked, his body still in Luke's hold as if he were afraid of the answer. "More like you'll get fed up and dump mine." Simon pulled his head away and looked down at Luke. "I'm not sure how much I can take," he admitted slowly. "What if the sheriff takes this seriously?" Luke didn't let Simon put an inch of space between them. "Si, we've lived together without any problems for over five years on this ranch, and in the last month we've suffered more attacks on the ranch than in the previous twenty years. Mason is going to have a field day if the sheriff tries to pin this on you. "It's scare tactics, is all. They're disrupting the ranch and trying to drive us out." Jesus, he hoped he sounded more confident than he actually felt. If this was the next step after the fence breaks, what the hell would they pull next? "That's all?" Simon asked, aiming for ironic but just sounding shaky. Sometimes Luke had to remember Simon was four years younger than him. He'd left college and started working on the Lost Cow. Despite his problems at school, in some ways Si was still sheltered from the outside world. Luke had grown up here, but he'd been running the ranch since his daddy was taken ill. He'd had to grow up damned quickly. The one thing he'd had

to learn fast was how people responded to a faggot in their midst. Some of the local folks had known him his whole life, but when he took over the Lost Cow suddenly they couldn't be doing business with fudgepackers. He'd been barely more than a kid dealing with the hurt as people he had called friends turned their backs on him. He'd grown a tougher hide and a harder attitude, and if his neighbors didn't like it, that was their business. On the whole, it worked. He kept a well-run ranch, and for many reasons had no more problems doing business in the local area. Until now. The idea that these people were now targeting the man he loved beyond life itself made him want to head for his shotgun. He was beyond angry. He was livid. Luke cupped Simon's chin in his hands, his fingers stroking his strong jaw line, and made sure they were looking at each other directly in the eye. "The sheriff's gonna have to take you in. It's Sunday which means there won't be any judges around to post bail." Simon's eyes widened. "I'm gonna have to stay the night at the lock-up?" He ran a shaky hand through his mop of hair. "Hell, that hadn't occurred to me." "Don't worry. They'll treat you right, and Norma'll make sure you get a good breakfast. Like I said, this bullshit is to piss us off." "You sound like you speak from personal experience." Luke caught the spark of amusement in Simon's voice. He nodded. "I, uh, might have been there once or twice in my youth." He resolutely was not gonna tell Simon just how many times the sheriff's wife had made him a full breakfast after he'd shown yet another dickhead he was no pansy-assed faggot. Lips twitching, Simon said, "Now why does that not surprise me? Once or twice?" "Once or twice," he agreed blandly. "Riiiiiight." Bastard could put more syllables into one slow drawl than he had any right to. Deciding it was best to ignore that implication about his character, he pulled Simon down for a long, slow kiss. As they broke for air, Luke whispered, "We'll get through this, cowboy. Give 'em hell." Simon shuddered and pulled Luke closer. "Promise me you'll fuck me senseless when I get back?" "Fuck you?" Luke swallowed. God, Simon didn't ask for that very often. Luke's phone rang out again. "What?" he barked. "Boss, the sheriff's here." Chuck was talking quietly. "You need to get back here now." "We're on our way. Pops has already called."

"So you know...?" Chuck sounded relieved, not having to be the bearer of bad news. "Yeah, I know what he wants. Tell him we're on our way in. Fifteen minutes," he advised. Luke was still entangled in Simon's embrace. He laid his head down on the broad chest, listening to the fast beat of his heart beneath the thin denim of his shirt. Neither moved for a while, content to draw support from each other. Luke's fingers traced soft patterns on the bare skin of Simon's stomach. "What if they charge me?" Luke sighed and lifted his head. Dark eyes, worried and tipped with moisture, stared back at him. He hated seeing his man like this. "We'll deal with it like all the other shit, yeah?" Simon nodded and bent down to brush his lips against Luke's. "Let's get it over with," he said at last. They rounded up Lulu and Del, who had been placidly lipping at the grass, and rode back toward the clusterfuck facing them at the yard.

Chapter 9

LUKE looked at the empty bed and turned away, the feeling of nausea increasing in his stomach. He couldn't settle, and he couldn't concentrate. His bed was too empty and so was the house. It was two thirty a.m.; he was exhausted, sick at heart, and all he wanted to do was to curl around his man and fall asleep wrapped in his scent and touch. But Simon hadn't returned home. He was still at the town jail with Luke's father and Mason, the ranch's lawyer. Chuck hadn't returned to the Lost Cow, either. Luke had called his father regularly but Greg couldn't tell him all that much. The sheriff was doing things by the book. Slowly. There was nothing they could do except wait for the legal process to take its course. Luke was a short step from charging in there and starting a riot. The only thing that was stopping him was the emphatic "No!" that had come from Simon and his father a few short hours before. He slumped into one of the hard wooden chairs in the kitchen and scrubbed at his gritty eyes. Briefly Luke contemplated making some more coffee, but he was already strung out on caffeine and worry. Any more would be stupid. But hell, if there was ever a time for being stupid this was it. He got up and dumped ground beans in the coffee maker. It was nearly three a.m. In a few hours, they were supposed to start moving the herd, but with the foreman and the deputy gone and Luke fit for nothing, he supposed they would have to put it off again. No! Luke shook his head although there was no one to see it. They couldn't delay the move any longer. The cattle needed fresh grazing, and there were enough experienced men to help. Pete and Tommy could take the small part of the herd out in place of Simon and Luke, and Jack and Sammy could use the older cowboys for the rest of the work. He'd worked through exhaustion before, and he'd do it again. 'Sides, keeping himself occupied would stop his mind going round in circles... maybe. He had never seen Simon look so strong and resolute. His tall, handsome lover, who had an easy smile to melt the hardest of hearts and never a bad word to say about anyone, had given himself up to the sheriff without a word. Luke had wanted to throw himself in front of Simon and hang onto to his legs to prevent him leaving like the big, fat teenage girl Simon so often accused him of being, normally when he had Simon's cock up his ass.

Luke swallowed as he replayed Sunday evening in his head.

THEY'D ridden into a yardful of people and trucks, and the sight had been enough to make Luke want to turn Lulu around and head out under the setting sun to find somewhere to hide, dragging Simon with him. His distress must have communicated itself to Simon because Luke had seen Del sidestep closer to him and heard Simon mutter a sotto voce, "Steady," before he'd moved forward to greet the unwelcome visitors. The sheriff had been talking to his pops and Mason as his two deputies had warily eyed the row of cowboys that flanked the path. If Luke hadn't been so tied up in knots he would have found the standoff amusing, particularly Momma Murray standing foursquare with the hands. Everyone had looked up as the hooves of their horses clattered on the paved surface of the yard, Chuck's face showing his relief when he saw the two of them exactly fifteen minutes after the phone call. Sammy and Jack had moved forward to take Lulu and Del as Luke and Simon had dismounted. The flank of cowboys had changed formation, closing in around them. Luke, who'd been watching the sheriff's face, had noted the twitch, the unspoken contempt and confusion at the protectiveness of the Lost Cow men. Robert Canes had been the sheriff since Luke was a small boy. He had little time for queers and had made that clear more than once, but over the years, he and Luke had come to an uneasy truce. Until the troubles following the arrival of Pastor Jackson and his wife, the Lost Cow had rarely sought the help of the sheriff. It had been obvious he was being less than helpful trying to find the perpetrators of the vandalism outbreak. It remained to be seen whether he'd take this charge against Simon seriously or dismiss it as the nonsense anyone with one eye could see that it was. Luke and Simon had walked in step, not touching but definitely together as they'd walked toward the sheriff, Luke's father, and Mason. Before they'd been able to say anything, Mason had stepped forward and spoken directly to Simon. "Simon, I advise you to say nothing at all. I will handle all the questions." He was a large, rotund man with white hair and a round, cheery face. Luke had always thought he looked like Santa Claus, but his jovial exterior belied the personality of a bulldog. He and Canes despised each other vehemently. Simon had nodded in agreement. Luke could see his pops relax as the sheriff had stiffened in anger. "What exactly are you accusing my foreman of, Canes?" Luke had demanded bluntly. He'd watched the sheriff's mouth thin at the lack of the honorific. "Two witnesses have come forward with a statement accusing him of assaulting Tom Smith two days ago." "What happened to him?" "He was attacked on the south road and badly beaten. He's in the hospital."

The south road ran along the edge of the Lost Cow and was where most of the fence breaks had taken place. It was the road that led to town. What had Tom Smith been doing there in the first place? The only people that used that road were either going to and from the ranch or lived in the few cottages on the outskirts of the property, like Greg and Pamela. "Does Tom corroborate this story?" Simon had asked him quietly. The sheriff had shaken his head. "He hasn't regained consciousness yet. Whoever hit him did a real good job." Luke hadn't missed the disgusted look Canes had given Simon and the anger that had started to build inside him. "And the witnesses have only just come forward with this pile of horse shit?" The sheriff had had the grace to look embarrassed, but he'd nodded, saying to Simon, "You have to come into town for questioning." "Mason will be with you, and Chuck and I are following in my car," Greg had said, his voice tight with repressed anger. "Why're you going?" Luke had swung around on Chuck, making the older man take a step back. "I was with Simon most of Friday. I'm his alibi." His tone had been reassuring, but his words had just served to inflame Luke further. "Simon has an alibi for the time of the assault, and you're still arresting him?" It had only been Simon's hand on his arm that had prevented Luke from being arrested for assaulting an officer of the law for being a fuckin' asshole. "We still need to question him, and Mr. Burley needs to make a statement," Canes had persisted, but his tone had said he knew he was on thin ground. "Who are your witnesses?" Pamela, her tone just colder than a glacier, had been thinking the same thing. "I can't tell you that. They're afraid of...." He had paused, and Luke had known with a sinking feeling and outright amazement what he was about to say. "Reprisals if their names get out." The sheriff had looked straight at Pamela. Luke had wondered what sort of reprisals he was expecting his momma to take. Death by cookies, maybe? Then he had noticed she was about ready to lay the sheriff out if he said one more wrong word. Obviously the thought had occurred to the rest of her menfolk, too, because Greg had been holding out a hand to her, and Simon had left Luke's side to move toward her. "Oh for heaven's sake, boys," she had snapped at them impatiently, and then she swung on the hapless officer. "Are you telling me you think me and my family, who've lived here quietly for

years, have turned into mindless thugs? You think we're capable of hurting other folk?" "I have to protect my witnesses," the sheriff had insisted stubbornly. "Mr. Bryan has an alibi," Mason had said in exasperation, "he was with Mr. Burley all afternoon." "He still needs to give his statement. It's a serious matter." "I'm ready to go." A quiet voice had cut through the argument. Luke had turned, his jaw clenching. Simon had been smiling at him, the low easy smile that normally made his toes curl and his dick drill a hole through his pants. Then, it had just made his stomach roil because Luke had seen how fake it was, how desperately Simon had been trying to keep it together. "I'm coming with," Luke had said but was knocked back by the "No!" from his father and his lover. The anger had risen again, and he'd started to argue, but Simon had just quietly shaken his head. "Luke, don't. Stay here and get the cattle moved. We can't have three of us away all at once, and you never know what the bastards will start if we're all off the ranch." Out of corner of his eye, Luke had seen the sheriff stiffen. Good, he thought with satisfaction. Greg had nodded his head in agreement. "You get the herd moved to the fresh pastures. I'll go with Simon, Chuck, and Mason. I'll call if there's anything to report." No! He needed to be with Simon. Luke had stepped forward to tell them all to go to hell, and that there was no way he was letting Simon take a step out of yard without Luke by his side, when his momma had given him the look, the one that said, "Stay right where you are, boy!" without even opening her mouth. He'd subsided, his mouth setting in a thin line. Simon had nodded his head at the sheriff while the two deputies, a wary eye at the men all around them, had started forward to take him to the car. "Take him to the car," Canes had ordered his men. "We'll be right by your side, son." His father's look of love and trust had been one that he'd give any of his own children. Luke would have bawled on the spot except he wouldn't give those assholes the satisfaction of seeing him cry. The sheriff's men had moved out with Simon and Greg, and Mason and Chuck followed, leaving behind a bunch of men staring at their boss as if they expected him to have the answers. Luke's head had been filled with static, nothing processing beyond the fact that Simon was gone.

Pamela had looked at the state of her son and taken charge. "Boys, there'll be food on the table in an hour in the bunkhouse for everyone. Get the chores done, wash up, and don't be late. Sammy and Jack, I need you here too. "Is Liz waiting for you?" she'd asked Jack. He'd shaken his head. "She's working a late. A hot meal made by you is always welcome, Momma. I'll give Tommy a hand with the horses." He'd given her a smile, Luke a worried glance, and moved away to the barn, Tommy falling into step beside him. The other men had dispersed, leaving Luke and Pamela alone in the yard. He hadn't moved from the spot since Simon left him, lost and confused, not knowing what to do next. "Luke, honey?" He'd felt his momma place an arm around his waist. "Let's go into the kitchen and start getting the meal ready for the men." "The ranch...." "The hands are dealing with it. You need to get a hot drink inside you and help me. We've got some cooking to do." "Si. He didn't want me." He'd choked out the only thing he could think of. His momma had stopped walking and pulled his head down so that she was looking directly into his eyes. "Luke Murray, that's a load of baloney, and you know it. I'm ashamed of you for even saying such a thing. That boy thinks the sun rises out of your backside. The good Lord knows why if all it produces is gas." Ashamed and sick to his stomach, Luke hadn't been able to keep her gaze. That was just the most bizarre acknowledgment of his relationship with Simon that he'd ever heard, and completely right. His man loved him, and it was laughable to even think that he didn't want Luke. Pamela had watched him process these thoughts and then had leaned forward to give him a kiss. "You've got a ranch to run. Now, are you going to let them destroy everything you and your daddy have worked for, or are you going to be the man Simon needs you to be?" "Sorry, Momma," he'd whispered, his mouth muffled by her hair. She'd hugged him closer. "He loves you, and he'll be back soon. In the meantime, we've got a ranch to feed."

SO HERE he was, gritty-eyed and washed out, sitting on the steps to the house as the sun came up, his hands wrapped around a cup of weak black coffee that was long since too cold to be worth drinking. He'd watched the sky turn from black to gray to pink to blue, not paying any attention to the chill in the air as he sat wrapped in one of Simon's huge plaid shirts. Luke wasn't thinking beyond the emptiness of his bed and his house.

Slowly the hands gathered in the yard for the start of the week. Three older men arrived in an unfamiliar truck; his daddy's friends, here to help with the move of the herd. They started to walk toward him and were distracted by Pete waving at them to come over. More men arrived, but Luke didn't move until Pete came over. "We're ready to move out, boss." Luke dumped the dregs into the hard-packed soil and stood up. "You and Tommy are taking Mikey as planned?" It wasn't really a question. He and the hands had discussed it last night. Pete nodded. "The herd's separated and ready to move. The horses are packed. Tommy's taking the truck." "Check in when you've reached the river." "Will do. Later, boss." Pete was gone, waving his hand at the others. One of the older cowboys peeled off from the group and joined him. Tommy had already left. Luke joined Sammy and Jack and the rest of the men. Most of them he knew as friends of his father, a couple were only familiar by sight. All of them had been told about the current situation and given a chance to pull out. Each one had told him to hush his tongue. They weren't being denied their chance to get back out in the saddle. "Mornin'," he greeted the group. They turned as one to look at him. Luke bit back a smile. Leathery faces and bright excited eyes gazed back at him. These guys were more excited than a high school girl on her prom night. "You'll be in two groups, Jack and Sammy leading each group. I'll be coordinating from here for a while, then I'll join you." He didn't need to add that he was waiting for news from town. There were a few nods, and Jack said, "On it, boss." Luke watched them leave, a small smile at the barely concealed enthusiasm and turned back toward the house, his smile dying and his hand curled around his cell. He had some accounts to do, and then he was going to call his daddy. If he didn't get an answer now he was going to call the sheriff. And keep calling. He wasn't going to stop until Simon walked back into his arms.

Chapter 10

TWENTY-FOUR hours after he watched Simon leave with the sheriff, Luke got his wish. He had been repairing another break in the fence when he got the call from his dad that they were back at the ranch house. "'Kay, I'll be back as soon as possible," he said to his father and snapped the cell shut. He looked over to see Bud, one of the older cowboys helping out for the herd move, staring at him thoughtfully. "Your boy back?" Bud asked as he expertly wrapped the wire around the posts. Luke nodded. "Yeah," he said as he went back to work. He knew his tone was short, but he didn't trust himself to speak. "Reckon I can finish off here if you want to get back home." "Let's finish off this section together." Luke would have loved to have dropped his tools and headed back to the ranch immediately, but repairing the fencing was a bitch, and he wasn't going to leave Bud, never mind that his whole body was screaming at him to get back to the house and check out his man, head to cock. Thanks to Bud's expertise, Luke was on his way back to the yard within half an hour. Almost before the truck had come to a stop, he was out and taking the steps to the screen door, leaving Bud behind to put the tools and truck away. Greg and Pamela were at the kitchen table with Chuck. They looked up as Luke entered the house. Simon was nowhere to be seen. Despite his gnawing worry for Simon, the sight of his father's face stopped Luke in his tracks. Greg was gray and drawn, his shoulders hunched over as if he was in pain. Momma Murray was frowning as she held one of his hands in hers. "Pops, are you all right?" "He's fine. Just overtired and needing to go to bed," Pamela reassured him. Greg looked up. "I'm fine, son. Your momma's gonna take me home now you're back. Simon's having a shower. Why don't you go and find him?"

"I'm going." Luke turned to leave then paused, turning on his heel to envelop his father in a hug. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. His father hugged him back. "He's my son too," he said simply. Luke hung onto him for a long moment then let him go and turned to Chuck. "How you doin'?" The lines were more deeply etched around his eyes than normal, but Chuck was smiling. "Glad to be home. Okay if I hit the hay for a while?" Luke nodded. "See you tomorrow morning bright and early." "I'll be fine for this evening," Chuck protested. "Tomorrow," Luke insisted as he gave his mother a kiss and headed toward the stairs. "Sure thing, boss." Luke grinned as he walked up the stairs, but his smile faded as he reached the landing. He had no idea what mood he would find Simon in. He couldn't hear the shower running as he walked into the bedroom. Simon was curled up on the bed, still dressed in the clothes from yesterday. He was wrapped around Luke's pillow as if it was giving him some comfort. He didn't move as Luke lay down next to him and curled around him, one hand slipping under Simon's arm to splay across his flat stomach. They lay in silence for a long while, Luke doing nothing but make sure his breathing was in sync with Simon's. The light had dimmed in the room before Simon moved. He exhaled and rolled onto his back. Luke stayed where he was, his hand still resting on Simon. Simon turned his head to look at Luke. "I needed you there. I was wrong." "Yes, you were." Luke wasn't about to deny he'd been pissed about it. "And I needed to be there, not Pops. Don't you deny me again." "I won't," Simon promised, leaning over to kiss him. Luke accepted the press of his lips for a minute, then pushed Simon back onto the bed and straddled his hips. Simon smiled up at him, but Luke could see the strain around his eyes, and he mentally threatened vengeance on each and every person who put a line there. "I stink," Simon pointed out, "and I'm still wearing yesterday's clothes." "You certainly do," agreed Luke, "but I'm a big man. I can take it. 'Sides which, you're gonna stink even more soon." Simon raised an eyebrow. "I am? And why's that?"

"Because." Luke leaned forward to kiss Simon's lips. "I'm gonna fuck your pretty ass now. Good thing you didn't shower. It would be a complete waste of time." He saw Simon's blue eyes go wide in shock and then narrow. "What makes you think I'm going to let you tap my pretty ass?" Luke leaned forward and whispered in Simon's ear, his breath barely stirring the wisps of hair, "Because you need me to take care of you, don't you?" He rocked deliberately, grinding down on Simon's erection. He grinned as Simon hissed out, "Bastard!" "I'm gonna spread you open until you're nice and loose and then I'm gonna fuck you until you scream. Okay?" "'Kay," Simon said, his voice quiet. Luke started undoing the buttons on Simon's work shirt. Simon's throat worked hard, but he lay pliant under Luke's hands as Luke stripped him slowly. It was rare for Simon to give up control like this. Since their first kiss, Simon had always been the top, and Luke had willingly submitted to him. As Luke laid Simon bare, he realized he could count on both hands the number of times he had fucked his man. He undressed quickly, needing the feel of bare skin to reconnect them. He pressed hot, sucking kisses over Simon's body, grazing his teeth over the bare skin between the hickeys. Simon moaned and writhed under the feel of his lips and teeth. Luke could smell the sourness of day-old sweat, fear, and the musty smell of the sheriff's office on Simon's skin. He was determined to replace it with the smell of himself. Luke wanted to rub and kiss and lick until Simon was mindless, but more importantly, smelled normal again, smelled of grasses and horses and Luke. Catching one dark nipple between his teeth, Luke tugged at it, laving with his tongue until it was swollen before kissing across to the other one. Simon's hands moved restlessly in his hair, pulling at it when the sensation got to be too much. "Luke, please...." Simon was pushing him down toward his cock. "Uh-uh." Luke shoved Simon's hands above his head. "You ain't the boss here, cowboy. Now lie there like a good boy, and I'll do you right, otherwise I'm walking away." "You stop, and I'll kill you," Simon gasped out, his hands tightening in Luke's hair. Luke pressed down on his cock and grinned at him wickedly as Simon whimpered. "You wanna threaten me again?" "No, please, please fuck me, boss." Simon could have broken Luke's hold easily, instead he remained under him, begging and pleading. His big, strong cowboy begging to be fucked. God!

"I will, when I'm ready," Luke promised him, moving so that he settled between Simon's spread legs. He paused, mouth dry as he looked at the display in front of him. Simon looked wanton, his mouth kiss-swollen and his neck and body littered with hickeys. "God, you're so fuckin' amazing. I should do this more often." "Don't push it," Simon rasped out. Luke pushed Simon's legs further apart and smirked at him. "So... if I did this"--he bent down and licked a stripe from Simon's balls to his ass--"you'd hate it?" Simon's only answer was to groan as he spread his legs wider, drawing his feet up to give Luke more access. Luke slid down the bed, enjoying the friction on his neglected cock. He bit up the inside of Simon's thighs, drawing mark after mark on the sensitive skin, and loving the way the strong muscles trembled under the assault. He sat up and tapped Simon on the hip, saying, "Turn over!" "What?" Simon's eyes were squeezed shut, and he dragged them open reluctantly, dark in the dimming light. "Turn over and get on your hands and knees," he repeated. "Fuck!" Simon did as he was told, presenting Luke with such a spectacular view he had to restrain himself from just ramming his cock home into that inviting hole. "Something wrong there, boss?" Simon looked over his shoulder with open amusement at Luke's awed expression. Luke looked up and caught his gaze, biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to respond. Simon's gaze went dark, and then his head dropped between his shoulders, pushing his ass further out. "Waiting," was all he said. "Imma gonna have you," Luke promised him, "in my own time. Now shut the fuck up." He fitted himself behind Simon, pressing his cock in the crack of Simon's ass. "Fuck, you feel so good." "So do you," grated Simon, pushing back against him. Luke's fingers dug into Simon's hips to control the movement, grinning as the other man hissed out his frustration. "Find the lube," he ordered. Simon's hand flailed out, seeking under the pillows for the customary tube. "Here." Luke snagged the tube and popped the cap. At the snick, a shudder ran down Simon's spine. Luke put the lube down and laid a soothing hand on his hip.

"Okay, Si?" "'M fine. Just... go slow, yeah? It's been a while." Luke stroked his back, placing a single kiss on the base of his spine. "Slow as you please. Wanna lick you out first." "God, you're gonna kill me." Luke leaned forward and bit Simon's ass, provoking a yelp. He grinned against the abused skin and then slid his tongue along so that he could press it against the tight ring of muscle. "That feels so good." Simon's voice was breathy and strained. "'M just getting started, cowboy." Luke licked at the hole, making it good and wet before he pressed against it, feeling it flutter under his tongue. He spent long minutes, until Simon was loose and relaxed and making these growly noises that reminded Luke that he really wanted to move things along. He poured some slick into the palm of his hand and waited. Simon gave a whine of frustration and wriggled his ass. Luke laid his clean hand on Simon's back again to ground him. "Not a goddamned girl, Luke. Just get on with it, otherwise I'm gonna roll you over and show you how it's done." "Impatient much?" "Luke...." Luke knew Simon was a heartbeat from carrying out his threat, so he pressed a finger in. Simon's back arched up. "Fucking hell!" God, Simon was so tight. Luke's finger felt like the circulation was being cut off. He pushed it further in, then withdrew, pressing back in with another finger. It didn't take long for the pressure to lessen, and he crooked his fingers, seeking that one spot that Simon loved to find in him. Luke knew he'd succeeded when Simon groaned loudly. Three fingers pressing there, leaving Simon incoherent. The noises he was making were having a direct effect on Luke's dick, and he had force himself back from the edge. Luke couldn't wait any longer. Withdrawing his fingers, he slicked up his dick and pressed against Simon's hole. He held Simon's hips and pressed in slowly. The noise had stopped, and the silence was unnerving. "Si?" he asked uncertainly. "'M good. Keep going." He did as he was told until he bottomed out. There was a moment as they both adjusted to the new position. Luke didn't really like topping, but the feeling of Simon's tight, hot channel around his cock was overwhelming.

Simon's hoarse whisper broke the silence. "Don't get too used to this, boss." Luke smirked in the darkening room and leaning forward, biting Simon on the shoulder blade. "Oh, I don't know. I could get used to being in the driver's seat," he said, and he gave a sharp thrust by way of demonstration. "I'll remind you of that next time you're begging for a deep dicking." Luke thrust again to shut him up. It seemed to work, and Luke did it again. And again. Then, his control shot to shit, Luke's fingers tightened on Simon's hips, and he started to pump in earnest, hard and fast, changing the angle to hit Simon's prostate. He couldn't believe the amount of noise coming from Simon's mouth. He was normally full of dirty talk, low growls telling Luke exactly what he was going to do to him, egging and driving Luke on, but this was just gasps and whimpers and moans, and occasionally outright begging. Luke wanted to do the same for him, but he couldn't concentrate on what Simon was saying, his whole mind focused now on the feel of Simon's body around his cock, on the screaming need to reach his own climax. Simon tightened around him, and Luke knew he was close. He slipped a hand around to sheathe Simon's cock. Two swift tugs, and Simon was shouting out, spilling hot come over his hand, his ass clamping down so hard around Luke's cock that it forced Luke's own orgasm, his rhythm stuttering as he came hard enough to see stars. Still in the throes of orgasm, Luke collapsed in a sweaty heap over Simon's back. Simon's arms gave way, and they both tumbled onto the bed, wrapped around each other in a tangle of sheets, limbs, and come. The room was almost dark before either man stirred. Luke was dozing quietly, vaguely aware he needed to get up and shower but reluctant to move and disturb Simon. Simon's head was tucked into his neck, and his body was loosely slung over Luke's. It was hot and stifling and so fucking right, Luke didn't give a shit if he never moved again. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep. He wasn't sure what woke him up. They were still in much the same position: a sprawl of entangled limbs and messy sheets. Without opening his eyes, Luke listened. The normal sounds of the ranch filtered through the open window: a calf bellowing for its mama, one of the horses whinnying in response. Then an odd noise, out of place in this room. It was a shuddering breath and then a stifled sob. Simon was crying and trying not to wake Luke. He turned, not easy as they were glued together with sweat and come, and kissed the top of Simon's head. "Sorry," Simon said, burying his face in Luke's skin. Luke held him tighter, making shushing noises as he mentally devised plans to kill each and every bastard who'd hurt Simon. "You have nothing to be sorry for," he told him grimly and

kissed him again. They stayed like that until Simon calmed, Luke stroking his hair until his breathing slowed. It was a while before Luke realized Simon was sleeping again. Good, he thought, wishing he was relaxed enough to do the same. He stared up at the ceiling, holding Simon close until the sky lightened outside and the man in his arms stirred again. Simon opened his eyes, blinking sleepily. "Did you sleep at all?" he asked, sounding completely worn out. "Not much," admitted Luke. "You?" "A little," Simon sighed. "I just didn't want to move away from you," he said and leaned over for a kiss. "What time is it? Simon squinted at the clock on the nightstand. "Nearly six. Do you want to get up?" Nodding, Luke moved to peel himself away from Simon. They both winced as they came unstuck. "How about we shower and I make us breakfast? We both missed supper last night." Simon's stomach growled in agreement, and they grinned at each other. Luke stood up and stretched, rolling his neck and shoulders to work out the kinks, then he held his hand out to Simon. "Get your sorry ass up outta this bed. The boss isn't gonna be happy if you lie around all day." Simon raised an eyebrow. "My boss normally doesn't complain about me spending time in bed." He pointed out as he got to his feet, "Actually, he's quite happy for me to be in his bed." Luke's arms went around Simon's neck. His mouth brushed against Simon's ear. "Your boss is happy for you to be in his ass, in his bed, and in his life, now and forever. Don't leave me like that again." "I won't," Simon promised, one hand cupping Luke's chin to kiss him tenderly, the other sliding down to cup his ass. "Now please can we shower? I can't stand the smell anymore."

Chapter 11

THE rest of the week didn't give them much time for introspection or long conversations. Moving the herd took up all their energy, and Luke made sure Simon was kept completely occupied. He also ensured that at least two people were with him at all times in case the sheriff tried to pull another stunt like the last one. Simon said nothing to him beyond raising the occasional eyebrow and just got on with the work allocated to him. They both fell into bed at night, too tired to do much beyond a kiss and wrapping around each other for comfort. Summer had arrived, and Luke knew that it would soon be too hot to stay in close contact as they slept. Every morning the two of them held their morning report, Luke pinned against the shower wall by Simon's dick, both of them pretending that things were fine. Near the end of the week, the sheriff returned to the Lost Cow. Luke and Simon had been checking the grazing on one of the new pastures when they got a call from Pamela. "Hey, Momma, what's up?" Luke asked absently, his attention focused on Simon's ass as he bent over something in the grass. "The sheriff's here again," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "He says he has something to say to you and Simon. He wants to do it in person." Luke could feel a dull throb start behind his eyeballs. "Do we need Mason here again?" he asked. He did not want to have this conversation with Simon right now. The man had been skittish all week despite his best efforts to hide it from Luke. "I don't think so, son, but your poppa called him anyway. Cane's on his own this time." Her voice dropped, as if she were trying to hide the conversation from the others. "I think something's happened, but I don't think they're blaming it on Simon this time." He sighed, knowing this meeting couldn't be avoided. "Okay, but we're at least an hour away. Give him some coffee and make nice. We'll be back as soon as we can." Luke snapped off his cell and looked up to see Simon watching him from a few feet away, his expression unreadable. "Is there a problem?" Simon asked, not making a move toward Luke. His arms were folded across his chest in a defensive posture.

Luke did what he had to. He stepped forward into Simon's space until those big arms went around him, and then Luke buried his face into his space at the crook of Simon's neck. Only then did he speak, his voice low and with no hint of the anger starting to course through his veins. "The sheriff wants to see both of us this time." Simon's arms tightened. "What's he saying we did this time? Bank job? Arson? Murder?" He sounded more resigned than anything else. One hand moved up to cup Luke's neck and the other splayed over his ass. "Fuck knows," Luke said bluntly, "but at least he didn't turn up with the cavalry." He pressed his face into Simon's neck, smelling sweat and the lemony scent of the shower gel they were using. "Momma doesn't think he wants our hide this time, but we'd better get back there before she strips his." "'Kay," agreed Simon, but his hands were saying something different. They were clinging onto Luke so hard, he was sure he'd have bruises for days to come. Luke lifted his face to kiss Simon hard and possessively. "Together, all right? You and me, whatever happens, we're together." Simon nodded without speaking and kissed him again, taking control and gentling it to soft exchanges of breath. They stood, pressed up against each other, sinking into each other's skin for a long while.

DRIVING into the yard, they found it deserted. The sun was high in the endless blue sky. Luke wriggled uncomfortably as he got out of the truck, his work shirt sweat-soaked and clinging to his back. He glanced over to Simon. His eyes were shuttered, not giving away a hint of his feelings. Luke sighed and headed in the direction of the house, pausing for just a second to allow Simon to fall into step beside him. As he put one foot on the porch steps, Simon laid a hand on his arm. "Hey." Luke looked up at him. Simon bit his lip and then said, "Whatever happens, together, like you said, right?" "Together," Luke agreed and took Simon's hand. They walked into the kitchen to find his momma, Pete, and Sheriff Canes sitting at the kitchen table. There was no sign of Greg or any of the other hands. Luke ignored the lawman and took in his mother's expression. She seemed quite relaxed, and instinctively Luke let out a deep breath. He felt Simon do the same by his side. Pamela looked up and saw the two men. "Good, you're back," she said, "I was wondering if we were going to have to send out a search party." "Sorry, Momma," Luke apologized automatically, even though they hadn't taken an hour to

get back, "we're here now." Sheriff Canes got to his feet. He looked the most uncomfortable Luke had ever seen him. "Luke. Simon." He nodded at them both. When neither of them returned his greeting, his face darkened, but he continued, "I thought you ought to know Tom Smith has regained consciousness." He paused, and Luke wondered if he was expecting a drumroll at the news. Simon raised an eyebrow but remained silent. The sheriff coughed once and said brusquely, "He doesn't remember much about the attack, but he says he doesn't think it was you. The man who attacked him was much shorter and a slimmer build." "So Mr. Bryan is not a suspect anymore?" Luke asked, emphasizing the formal address. His fingers tightened around Simon's. The sheriff nodded. "The alibi and Tom's statement clears him. We will be talking to the two witnesses who saw Mr. Bryan again." There were matching snorts from Momma and Pete. "You'll be hearing from our lawyer and so will your witnesses," Pamela informed him. "Momma--" Simon started, and he turned to his partner, but Luke let a satisfied smile spread across his face. Lips pressed close together, the sheriff gave a brief nod. As he took his leave, Luke said "Have you managed to find out who's been vandalizing our fences?" "Not yet," Canes said curtly. Luke gave him a brief, nasty smile. He handed the sheriff a clear plastic bag containing heavy duty wire cutters. "Simon and I found these cutters by our fence line on the south road. They sure as hell don't belong to the ranch. We haven't touched them, and you already have our prints to prove it. Your men somehow managed to miss them when you were searching the area. Maybe you ought to check them against your...." He paused. "Witnesses. Be seein' you, Sheriff." The sheriff gave him a thunderous look, but he took the bag and left the house. The air was clearer when he'd gone. Simon sagged against the doorframe as if his legs wouldn't hold him up, and Luke quickly steered him to a chair by the table. Pamela placed a large cup of coffee in front of him, and turned to pour out more drinks for Pete and Luke. Luke pulled up one of the other wooden chairs and sat close to Simon, hooking one foot around him and using the hand that wasn't wrapped around the cup to curl around his thigh. Simon gave him a small smile which said he appreciated the effort. Swallowing a large mouthful of black coffee, Luke turned to his hand, who was sitting

quietly on the other side of the table. He frowned slightly as he asked, "Why are you here? And where's Pops?" "Greg and Bud went over to Lil's," his mother answered for Pete, "but your father didn't want me left alone with the sheriff. Pete offered to stay until you got back." Grinning at his mother, Luke asked, "Was that to protect you or the sheriff?" Pete and Simon burst out laughing, and Momma Murray whapped her son over the head. Luke made a great show of being in pain and looked for sympathy from his boyfriend. Simon was laughing too hard to muster up much support, and Luke was just so damn pleased to see him happy again.

IT WAS almost time for bed. They were showered and sprawled out in their boxers on the sofa, lazily making out like teenagers with nowhere to go. Both of them were exhausted but neither wanted to admit that they were too tired to move upstairs to make love. "Been a while since we did this," Simon murmured. He was lying back on the sofa, one hand stroking lazily up and down Luke's bare back as the other man sucked a hickey into his chest. His other hand was in his boxers, wrapped around one of Luke's hands as he jacked him slowly. "Hmmm." Luke flicked a thumb over the head of Simon's dick. Simon moaned, and his hips bucked up into their fists. It was gentle and languid and really fucking hot, Luke slowly bringing Simon to climax, watching as he chewed on his bottom lip and pushed his hips into Luke's hand. He didn't take his eyes off Simon's face, the sheen of sweat across his brow and the way his eyes rolled back, entirely focused on his approaching orgasm. Luke picked up the pace to the sound of moans erupting from Simon as his balls drew up tight and full. "Luke, wait." Simon stayed his hand and slipped his hand into Luke's boxers to touch his cock. Luke whimpered and pressed against his hand. "I want us to come together." Their legs tangling together on the couch, they kissed, sloppy and unfocused, as they spilled warm and sticky over their hands. Simon's chest was warm and comfy and his hands were smoothing over Luke's back in a circular motion that was making Luke sleepy. Luke didn't feel much like moving so he stayed where he was, pressed up against Simon and listening to his heartbeat. "We should go to bed." Simon's voice jogged him out a light doze. "Hmmm," Luke agreed, not making a move. Simon sighed, kissing the top of Luke's head. "Don't blame me in the morning when we can barely walk. Love you, boss." Luke slid into sleep as he murmured, "Love you too."

SO MAYBE Simon had a point. The early morning found Luke slumped over the kitchen table rubbing at his lower back, wondering when he had got so damn old. "Let me." Large hands took over the massage. Luke's head dropped down as Simon's fingers dug into tense muscles, kneading and soothing them until he was relaxed and melting under those clever hands. "Will you marry me?" he asked without thinking. "Too late, I'm afraid. I'm already married to the only man for me." Luke groaned as Simon found a particularly sore spot. "That's a shame. If he's ever stupid enough to dump you, I'll take you in a heartbeat." Simon leaned forward and dropped a kiss on Luke's temple before whispering, "You already have me in every way possible." Luke turned his head so that he could capture Simon's mouth. He tasted of coffee and toothpaste. Luke's tongue skated over his lips, teeth and tongue, exploring and deepening the kiss. Simon groaned loudly, and Luke found himself hauled up onto his feet. He wasn't surprised to find Simon hauling his T-shirt over his head and angling Luke so he could suck at his neck, marking him as he trailed his mouth down the line of Luke's neck, along his collar bone and down to one nipple, tugging at it until it was hard and doing the same to its companion, taking time to lick at last night's hickey. Luke sucked in a breath at the sting, but it was a welcome reminder of their loving. The remnants of breakfast landed on the floor as Luke was pushed back onto the table and stripped of his jeans and boxers. His eyes were fixed on Simon's face, his dark eyes, tousled hair, and kiss-swollen lips. They'd never stopped having sex, but it had been a while since he had seen Simon so needy and, well, wild. He kept biting at Luke's hip bones until Luke was bucking up into his bites. There was lube in the kitchen drawer. Momma had learned long ago to ignore the tubes and packets she found in inappropriate places. But Luke so didn't want to be thinking of his momma right now. He flung a hand out and found the drawer knob. Simon slapped his hand away and opened the drawer. Luke was laid out like a sacrifice, waiting to be taken. Sweat gave a sheen to his body, droplets running down his chest and abs to be intercepted by Simon, his tongue tracing maddening paths on Luke's heated skin. Luke lay back on the hard surface of the table, his legs spread open, feeling wanton and needy. Simon picked up Luke's legs and put them over his shoulders. Slick fingers probed the crack of Luke's ass and then pushed in, one finger, two fingers, and then opening him up wider. Years of lovemaking with each other meant Simon knew exactly how to reduce Luke to a writhing, boneless mess on the end of his fingers. Luke was clutching the edges of the table, his nails scoring the wood as Simon brushed his prostate over and over.

"Goddammit, Simon, get on with it," Luke growled in frustration. The head of Simon's cock was brushing his inner thighs, light thrusts in rhythm with his fingers, leaving sticky trails of precome on his skin. "Now, Si!" Before he'd finished the sentence, Simon had removed his fingers and was pushing in steadily. It still took Luke's breath away, the feeling of being full, and his hands automatically flew up to hold onto Simon's biceps. He'd been teetering on the edge of orgasm for so long Luke was coming almost before Simon was all the way in, his ass clenching around Simon's cock as he gasped and panted through the racking spasms. "Okay?" Simon gritted out as Luke focused again. "Yeah, sorry 'bout that." Simon gave him a shit-eating grin. "My turn now. Hang on tight." Oh God. Luke did as he was told, clutching onto Simon as he was slammed up the table. The next thrust moved him up a bit more. Luke was seriously worrying they were going to run out of table when Simon paused and changed position to thrust deeper. His hair was glued to his face, dark eyes rolled back, and the cords standing out in his neck as he hammered into Luke's body. Luke was helpless to do anything except hang on for the wild ride and exult as Simon climaxed and collapsed over him, his leg muscles totally unable to support his weight. He lay pinned to the table under Simon's body, grinning up at the ceiling as Simon's breathing slowly returned to normal. He stroked his hand down Simon's sweaty back. "You gonna get off me any time soon?" "Can't. Move. Dead," came the muffled response. Luke bit down on his shoulder. "We got work, cowboy. Lil's coming over to discuss the breeding stock, remember? We could invite her in, but all she'd see is your butt, and much as I like you buck naked, your ass is mine." Simon groaned and pulled himself off Luke with a huge effort, staggering slightly over to the sink. He splashed cold water over his face in an apparent effort to kick-start his brain and body. Still sprawled out over the table, covered in sweat and come, Luke stared unabashedly at the gorgeous, wrecked body of his partner. Lil was coming over, and they had the morning chores to do, but it was early still. The ranch could wait for a short while. He deserved some more naked time with Simon.

Chapter 12

LIL arrived just after eleven with a sour look that sat ill on her normally friendly, if businesslike, expression. She accepted a coffee from Simon, and they sat in awkward silence, waiting for Greg to turn up. Simon's eyes stared at Luke over the table, a myriad of questions passing between them before Luke asked, "Is something wrong, Lil?" She had been staring bleakly into her cup, and for a brief moment Luke wondered if she had heard him. "I got a call from a 'well-wisher' last night," she said as Luke's heart sank, "suggesting I break association with the Lost Cow sodomites for the sake of my business and my family." It wasn't like they hadn't warned her from the beginning this might happen, but it was still hard to hear out loud. Luke looked over to Simon, who gave a helpless shrug, and then back at Lil, who hadn't moved her eyes away from the cup. "We understand. It was kind of you to take the risk to come out here to tell us personally." At that, she raised her eyes and met his gaze steadily. "I told my well-wisher I had the best security system this side of the state, and if they tried anything, they'd find themselves strung up by the balls. I also told him that I knew his name, his address, and unless he wanted me to go straight to his daddy, he should haul his ass back to the pigpen." Lil gave a short laugh at the shocked faces of both men, staring at her open-mouthed. "I'd shut your mouth, boys. You don't want the flies to get in." Simon frowned, and Luke could see the twitch at the side of his jaw. "Do you know who it was?" "I do." She shifted uncomfortably on her seat. "The idiot didn't have enough brains not to use his own cell. It was Matt Benson." "Dave Benson's son?" Luke asked, feeling cold rage start to course through him. She nodded soberly. "One and the same." Angry and sick to the core, Luke stood up, shoving his seat back so hard it tipped over and crashed to the floor. "That's it! I'm gonna beat them, him and all the other assholes."

"Brave words, son, but how exactly are you gonna do that?" His father's low Southern drawl interrupted Luke's tirade. They turned to see Greg in the doorway. His face was gray and drawn, his lips pinched as if he was in pain. Luke was forcibly reminded that his father wasn't a well man. "Sit down, Pops. You look like you're about to fall over." He guided Greg to a chair, ignoring his protests at the fussing. Simon brought him a drink of water, and they watched as he took a pill, refusing to talk until his color had returned to normal. "I'll call Momma to drive you back." Luke dug in his pocket to pull out his cell. "Stop fussing, Luke. I'll be fine." Greg waved his hand impatiently. "We've got business with Lil." Lil shook her head. "It can wait, you know." "No, it can't, if we're going to get the breeding program started for this year." Luke knew Greg wouldn't be swayed. His father was a stubborn old bastard. Luke felt sure that was part of the reason he was still alive when the doctors had all but written him off. Still, he had to try. There was more than just the ranch at stake. "It's not worth your health and Lil's business," he started and held a hand up as they both started to protest. "Lil, I'm not gonna be responsible for screwing up everything you've worked so hard to build up." He turned to his father. "And you're too close to another heart attack." He looked over at his lover and partner. "I love you too much to carry on much longer. Pops, you need to find someone else to run the ranch." He was faced with three stunned faces. "I didn't think I raised a coward, boy," his dad said, a disappointed sneer on his face. The Native American woman just gave him a shrug. "What makes you think it is your decision who I choose to do business with?" Simon was just staring at him. "You've made this decision unilaterally?" "That's not fair." He stared at them, annoyed by their words. "I'm not quitting. I just know when it's necessary to retreat." Simon got up and pushed his chair away. "Since you've already made the decision, boss, I'll go and check the pastures. I'll start lookin' for another job as soon as possible. I assume you'll write me a recommendation. Greg. Lil." He dipped his head at them, ignoring Luke, and strode out of the kitchen. "That just might be the most stupid thing I've ever heard you say," Greg said, reaching for his coffee cup. Luke was still looking at the empty doorway, shocked at Simon's sudden exit. "I... what?"

Greg gestured after Simon. "Since when have you been the only one who makes the decisions in this family?" He turned blazing eyes on his father. "What the fuck is wrong with y'all? I'm trying to protect you." Greg's return stare was hard and unforgiving. "Mind your language, boy. And as for protection--from who exactly? Stupid assholes that have a problem where you stick your dick?" Luke's face was bright red, but he wasn't sure whether it was from the public reprimand or his dad talking about his dick. Lil coughed, and he looked up to see her trying to hide a smile. Oh God! Greg didn't seem to notice. He'd got a head of steam on, and he wasn't going to stop until he'd finished. "You've spent the last decade ramming your relationship down everyone's throats. Well, not literally...." It was his father's turn to blush, and Luke coughed. "But hell, one sign of trouble, and suddenly it's your problem, your decision? I think you owe Simon a damn sight more respect than that." "Dad...," Luke started, ashamed but still not completely convinced. He stopped, chewing at his lower lip again. Lil cleared her throat, and both men looked at her. "Luke, I can see what you are trying to do, but seriously, the only way to fight idiots like Benson is to keep fighting. What message are you going to send them if you just leave?" Greg nodded, but Luke said, "I've spent the last decade not fighting, and now suddenly I've got to be an activist again? All I wanted was to expand the Lost Cow, look after my parents, and love my partner. It was one thing when they were going after us, but now they're attacking our business partners. Lil, you've had a hard enough time as it is. Can't you see how damaging it will be to continue to work with us?" Lil made a noise of agreement. "I'm not stupid. I discussed it with my other business partners before I came out here. You have the backing of more people than just me. The other ranchers may not be banging down your door, but you'll find you aren't on your own." The answer was unexpected, and fuck, Luke knew he was a heartbeat away from tears. He blinked, willing them away. "Thank you," he said to her, his voice thick. She inclined her head and then smiled, offering him a break from the tension. "I could just about stand another coffee." "Go and get your man before he goes too far, and we'll get this meeting started," Greg said as he put the kettle on the range. Exasperated, Luke opened his mouth to argue, but Greg just fixed him with a look. "Now, Luke." It had been years since his father had spoken to him like that, but Luke knew better than to disobey.

He left the kitchen and went to the stable. It was the first place he could think of that Simon would go. All the trucks were out, and he'd need a horse to get to the far pastures. Simon was just leading Del out when Luke arrived at the barn door. He saw Luke and his lips thinned, but he didn't say anything. Simon and Luke didn't argue much, but when they did, it tended be loud on Luke's part, intense on Simon's, and with a large amount of make-up sex. Simon would let Luke explode and then calmly tell him not be a dick. Just like the first time, he would stop Luke's temper in its tracks and kiss him until Luke admitted he'd been a complete dickwad. This time it was different. He'd belittled and hurt Simon, and he would have to talk fast to stop him riding off. Laying a hand on Del's thick neck, feeling the coarse hair under his fingers, Luke said, "I'm sorry." "No, you're not," Simon contradicted flatly. "What?" "You're not sorry at all. Your daddy sent you out here to get me back." Simon looked at Luke over Del's head, his eyes full of anger. "Tell him I'd already left and have your meeting. You don't need me there." He clucked at Del to walk on. Del shifted his weight, but Luke gripped the halter to stay him. "Si...." Simon swallowed, shaking his head as he jerked the halter out of Luke's grasp. Del huffed in protest, but both men ignored him. Their eyes were locked on each other, and Luke inwardly cringed at the pain he saw in Simon's, the pain he'd put there. "We promised to make our decisions together, Luke. You made me promise never to make a decision without you, and the next time something happens you're shutting me out. It goes both ways. We're either partners or not. When you've made up your mind, you know where I am." Luke watched as he swung easily up into the saddle. "Are you boys coming back to the meeting?" Greg was watching them both from the porch doorway. "Not this time, Greg." Simon clucked at Del, and the horse walked away, leaving Luke behind in the yard, desperate to stop him yet angry at Simon's refusal to see that Luke only wanted to protect him. "Luke, time's pushin' on. Lil can't waste all morning here." Luke felt his father's hand squeeze his shoulder gently. "Sure, Pops." His eyes didn't initially move from the retreating man and horse. Simon didn't

look back once. "Luke." Greg's voice sharpened, shaking Luke out of his funk. Luke obediently followed his father back to the house, one last look over his shoulder as he went. He felt Simon's missing presence at the discussion like a toothache. Both men had planned and figured the expansion of the ranch for months, and spent further months convincing Greg and Pamela to agree to the plan. It was Lil's backing that had convinced Luke's parents to take the risk, and this meeting should have been a mere formality, instead of seeding new doubts in Luke's mind. His stupid ass of a partner couldn't see that Luke just wanted to protect everyone. He was going to call Dave Benson as soon as the meeting was over to warn off his son from going after Lil, and he was gonna take Pops home and tell Momma to keep him grounded for a few days. A call to Doc Alvarez wouldn't go amiss, either. Then he was gonna saddle up Lulu and go after Simon and make that idiot see sense. Then he was gonna blow him or be blown, he wasn't fussy. But there was a long list of things to do first. As soon as Greg showed Lil to her truck, Luke called Dave. "Benson's Feeds." Good, it was Dave, not Marion. There was no way she would have taken his call. "It's Luke Murray." His voice was deliberately sharp and businesslike. There was a startled pause, and then Dave spoke again. Luke could hear the wary tone. The ranch hadn't placed an order with the Bensons since the debacle in the store. "What can I do for you, Luke?" "Matt's been threatening Lil." There was no point fucking around. "Either you get him to stop, or he'll be facing charges, and I'll tell the whole world he's been threatening women." "I... don't believe... fuck, Matt. He wouldn't," Dave stammered. "She recognized his voice and his number. You assholes can do what you like with me, but anyone goes after my friends and family, I'm gonna beat them into the ground. And that's not a threat--it's a fucking promise." "Luke, I'm so sorry--" He snapped off the apology. As far as he was concerned, it was meaningless. Now for his father. "Who was that?" Greg was watching him. "Dave Benson. I threatened Matt with harassment charges." "Oh... good."

Luke was startled. He hadn't expected his father's approval. His expression must have been obvious because his father said, "I don't like bullies who threaten women." He sighed and scrubbed a hand through his hair. "Let me drive you home, Pops." Greg looked like he was going to protest, but Luke wasn't in the mood to deal. "I'm driving you home, and Tommy'll bring the truck over later." He dangled the keys of his father's truck and slipped them into the pocket of his work-shirt. "All right," Greg grumbled, "but you tell Momma about earlier, and I'll paddle your ass." "I don't tell Momma and she finds out... she'll paddle my ass harder, and then she'll paddle yours," Luke pointed out. Greg flinched at the thought. "The woman won't let me out for a month." "I'd make it two." Luke herded him toward the door.

LUKE'S momma had an impressive temper. All the Murrays had tempers, but Momma, she was another level entirely. She could rant at her husband, prepare and cook the evening meal, and whap her son upside the head all at the same time. It had been a while since Luke had seen his mother in full fury, and as far as he was concerned, he'd be a sight happier if it was a long, long while before he saw it again. "Why didn't you bring him back right away, and why haven't you called Doc Alvarez? And that Matt was always a troublemaker. If you ask me, Marion didn't tan his backside enough as a child. If Lil needs any extra help, you make sure she knows she can call on us, and Greg, what did you think you were doing?" Pamela was working herself up again. Greg cowered in the face of her ladle. "You can't just walk out like that. You forgot your lunchtime medication." Luke turned on his father, and Greg shrank back. "You forgot to take your pills? Pops, you just can't do that. No wonder you nearly collapsed. Fuck!" "Language!" There was a chorus from his mom and dad, and Luke caught a glimmer of relief in Greg's eyes as he regained the upper hand. "Sorry, Momma," he apologized automatically. "I called the doctor on the way over. He'll be over soon." Pamela ignored Greg's glare and gave her son a satisfied nod. "You're a good boy. Now what are you going to do about Simon?" The ladle started waving dangerously close to Luke's head. Slumping down into one of the seats, Luke huffed out a sigh. "He's next on the list." "He should have been first," his mom said snippily, "except you had to deal with this idiot here."

"What can I say to him? I told him I was sorry, and he said that I wasn't, and then he rode off." Momma Murray gave her son a shrewd look. "He was right, though, wasn't he? You did your bossman act, deciding for everyone, and got pissy when they told you to take a hike. Especially the man you've called partner for ten years." "I am the boss," Luke pointed out shortly, "whether you like it or not. You and Pops may own the ranch, but it is up to me to look after everyone, and if some bigoted homophobe is threatening my ranch, the hands, and the people who deal with me, it is my job to deal with it." His mother sighed as she sat down across the table from him. She took his hand in both of hers, her hands rough and calloused around his own, equally work-worn. "Luke, he's your partner. Daddy and I are so proud at how you have expanded the Lost Cow, but you did it together. This is the first time in your relationship you and Simon have been through trying times, and I'm glad for that, but you can't do it alone. You have to let him in and make those difficult decisions together." He swallowed back the lump in his throat as she squeezed his hand. "I know, Momma." She nodded and stood up again. "Then get back to your man and make up. And don't let the hands catch you again. I thought Tommy was going to have a heart attack he went so red." Luke went a matching shade of red. "Momma," he whined, mortified that she'd brought it up. He and Simon had been caught last year during one of their make-up sessions by his parents and a couple of the hands. It was an experience none of them cared to repeat. He was saved by his cell buzzing. Luke dug it out of his pants' pocket. "Chuck? Is everything okay?" "You need to get back here now, boss." Chuck's voice sounded peculiar. Luke was immediately on the alert. "What's happened? More fence breaks?" Chuck's answer was short. "Simon's left the ranch."

Chapter 13

LUKE drove back to the ranch, his knuckles showing white as he gripped the steering wheel. He wasn't thinking, was incapable of thinking, beyond one thought: Simon had left him. Simon had left him. The man he loved beyond life itself had left him without so much as a goodbye or fuck off or, "So long, cowboy." Simon.... He made it back to the ranch house without wrapping the truck around a fence post, although afterward, he couldn't remember a single thing about the drive home. The yard was empty as he put the truck in park, but Chuck emerged from the bunkhouse as he slammed the door. He was frowning, the lines in his weathered face etched more deeply than usual. The spot where Simon normally left his truck was empty, but it had been empty since Jack had borrowed it for a trip into town, so that didn't necessarily mean that Simon was gone. Luke wanted to run into the house, check the bedroom for any sign that Chuck was mistaken. Simon wouldn't leave him, couldn't leave him. What about this morning, for fuck's sake? Instead he waited for Chuck to reach him. "When did he leave?" "Just before I rang you," the hand said, shifting uncomfortably under Luke's gaze. "He left you a note on the kitchen table." A note? He walked out after ten fucking years and left Luke a note? Chuck was eyeing him warily, as if wondering what Luke would do next. Luke just nodded, seeing the relief in Chuck's eyes at how calmly Luke was taking his news. Truth to tell, he was too numb to feel rage. "I'm so sorry, boss. I tried to talk to him, but he just packed a duffel and left. He looked wrecked." Luke was sure his face looked equally devastated but he just nodded again and went up

the steps into the house. It already felt empty, but Chuck said Simon had only taken a duffel so most of his things must still be here. The note was on the kitchen table, weighted down by one of the dirty cups. He sat down on one of the chairs and stared at it for a long moment. It was just a scrap of notepaper folded over, with Luke's name written in his usual scruffy scrawl. Luke didn't want to pick it up, didn't want to see what words Simon had used to justify walking out of his life. His cell vibrated in his pocket, and he flicked it open without looking at the small screen. "Yeah?" "It's me." Chuck was right. Simon sounded awful. Luke swallowed hard. "Where are you?" "My parents. I told you in the note." Simon sounded confused and a little irritated. "I haven't read it yet," Luke admitted. "I just got here. I just need to clear my head for a few days." Luke closed his eyes. "You're not... you're not leaving me?" "Leaving you? Of course I'm not fucking leaving, you idiot. Read the fucking note." "How long are you going to be away?" Relief made Luke's voice hoarse. "Just a couple of days. I just need some time away from the ranch, Luke. It's gotten too intense, y'know?" And suddenly Luke didn't feel numb or tired or even relieved. He was fucking livid. "Why the hell didn't you talk to me, first of all? You just walked out, and I didn't know. I fucking didn't know!" He had to stop there, or he would start crying. Fuck, he was sick of crying. There was silence and then, "I'm so sorry, Luke. Mom had a fit when I told her what I'd done. I thought she was going to whup my ass." He sighed, and Luke could visualize Simon's mom laying down the law. They were lucky to be surrounded by strong women who loved and supported them even if it did get a bit tiresome at times. "She made me call you before I'd even sat down and told me I was a stupid idiot for walking out." "Can't say as I disagree with her, cowboy," Luke said quietly. "I know. I just couldn't think straight. I needed a break from all the crap." "And I don't?" His voice must have been sharper than he'd intended because Simon's voice also rose in anger. "Of course you do, but dammit the Lost Cow is your home, not mine." That hurt, and Luke drew in a shaky breath. His distress must have communicated itself to Simon because he said hastily, "I didn't mean that. God, you are my home, not the ranch, but the

last couple of months... I couldn't think straight. I just needed to get away to clear my head and to where.... Mom and Dad, well, you know they pile the love on." Simon laughed a little, but Luke didn't find it amusing. "My love isn't enough? And my parents? We aren't enough for you?" "Luke, are you listening to me at all? This isn't about you. This is about me. I need a break. Look--" Simon broke off, and Luke could hear him sit down, his keys jingling from his belt clearly audible over the phone. "I'll be back in three or four days, okay?" "No, but you don't leave me much choice, do you?" He was so tired again, the anger seeping away. "Let me know when you're coming back." If you're coming back hung between them. "I'll call you," Simon said quietly. He sounded exhausted as well. "Yeah," Luke snapped his cell shut and laid his head on the table, his fingers curling around the note, still unread.

LUKE was expecting more attacks on the ranch after his call to the Bensons, but it went quiet. Still, the stress of expecting more trouble meant that he was constantly on edge. Between the hands tiptoeing around him and the added strain of running the ranch by himself, he was eating antacids like they were going out of fashion. The flip side was he didn't have time to mope about Simon. The loss of an experienced hand meant he was out on the land from sunup, only staggering in as the sun set. As promised, Simon called him every day. They kept their conversation to ranch matters or what trouble Simon's sister, Suzie, had managed to get herself into that day. Simon's parents were constantly bewildered by the antics of their third child, a fact she delighted in and one that just made her brothers roll their eyes and call her a spoiled brat. The evening of the third day was different. Luke had a couple of beers and was lying back on the sofa, feet up as he watched some shitty reality TV program, when Simon called. For a moment he was tempted to ignore the call, then the need to hear Simon's voice kicked in, and he picked up his phone. "Hey," he said by way of greeting. "Hey, yourself." There was a pause, both of them waiting for the other to speak. "How are you?" Simon's voice was soft. "Tired and lonesome," admitted Luke. There was a sigh, and then Simon said, "Me too. Missing you something fierce." "You gonna get yourself home anytime soon?"

"Tomorrow. I'll leave after breakfast. Should be home by lunchtime." "Thank God!" Luke's honest response made Simon laugh, and it seemed to break the lingering tension between them. They chatted for a few minutes until Luke's yawning made conversation impossible. "Go to bed, boss," Simon ordered. "I'll see you tomorrow." "Promise?" Luke asked, not caring it made him sound like a five-year-old. "I promise," Simon assured him. "Night, Luke." "Night, Si." Luke put his cell on the arm of the sofa and lay back, relieved and exhausted and hoping that tomorrow night he would be sleeping in Simon's arms where he belonged. He didn't want to acknowledge that they hadn't discussed what made Simon run in the first place. He knew they would have to sooner rather than later, but first of all he needed him back home where he belonged.

SIMON came back about two o'clock. Luke had seriously considered taking the day off to catch up on the paperwork so he'd be here when Simon arrived, however Pete had called him out to a heifer that was doing poorly, and he missed it. The first he saw of Simon was the recognizable Chevy of the vet coming toward them. Initially, Luke didn't pay much attention to the new arrivals, his attention on the sick animal in the chute, until there was a warm hand on his shoulder that he would have recognized in his sleep. He looked up to find Simon smiling at him, almost shyly. "Hey, Taylor brought me along," Simon said, a little unnecessarily as the vet was standing next to him. "So I see," Luke said. "Hi, Taylor, thanks for coming out so quickly." "No problem. What seems to be the matter?" The vet got down next to Luke and quickly assessed the young cow that was in distress. "I'm thinking worms, since she's so young. We dewormed before we moved the cattle to the summer grazing, but I'm wondering if she was already infected. I've heard there were a few cases on Jason's spread." Taylor frowned as he ran his hands over the heifer. "Yeah, but they haven't managed to keep on top of it like you all have. The deworming should have taken care of it, though. Are any of the other cattle showing symptoms?" Luke shook his head. "Just this one but she's gone down really fast." Simon had moved around to gentle the sick animal. For a city boy, he had a way with

animals that Luke envied. Not only with animals, he thought ruefully. Simon could do the same with him just as easily. "I'll take some blood from her. Keep her separated from the rest of the herd. I'll call as soon as I get the results." Taylor quickly extracted blood from the heifer. "I've given her a mild sedative. I'll be back in the morning, but call me if there is any change." "Thanks, Taylor." Luke moved a few paces away with the young vet, leaving Simon with the cow. Taylor looked speculatively at him and then over at Simon. "How are you both doing?" he asked, a compassionate look in his eyes. Luke bit his lip before answering. Taylor wasn't a friend, exactly, but they'd known each other since the vet had moved into the area a few years ago. Taylor was a good vet and kept his prices reasonable. "You know what's going on?" Taylor nodded, saying, "Everybody is talking about it. They said Simon had left." "Bet they're gloating. They're running the sodomites outta town," Luke said bitterly, his eyes firmly locked on Simon as he crooned softly to the sick cow in the chute. "Some are," admitted Taylor, "but some folks feel it's got out of hand. They know you and Simon. I don't think any of them thought it would go this far." Luke was hard put not to roll his eyes in disbelief. "You can't really expect me to believe that?" Taylor looked at him steadily. "I'm only repeating what I've heard, Luke." "I understand what you're trying to do, and I appreciate it, but my ranch is under threat and the people I love are being threatened. Not one of these good folk has come forward to apologize or to offer their support. Forgive me if I don't feel overwhelmed by the love." "I understand," Taylor said, squeezing Luke's shoulder. "I'm sorry for not offering more visible support sooner." Luke gave him a weak smile. "It's all right. You're here, and you're doing business with us. That's enough." "Thanks. I'll get this blood work rushed through. Get the water tested as well. See you later. Simon." Simon waved at him and muttered farewell, keeping his attention on the cow. Luke was almost sorry to see the vet leave. While he had been around, he'd been able to avoid dealing with Simon. Now he had no real excuse not to talk to him, and that was it. He really didn't want to have that conversation.

Pete and Jack agreed to take shifts with the heifer, with Luke taking over later that evening, leaving Luke and Simon to muck out the stables and feed the chickens before their supper. By mutual and unspoken consent, Simon took care of the chickens to spare Luke's patience and the feelings of the hapless chickens. Luke headed to the stable and was forking out Levi's stall when Simon rejoined him. "My Lulu's been done. I left Del for you," Luke told him. "He's still in the corral with Levi." Simon broke into a wide grin at the thought of his horse. He and the chestnut horse had been together since Simon's first visit to the ranch nearly ten years ago. Luke swore blind the damn animal pined every time Simon went away. They worked in silence for a while, years of practice making easy company. Only now there was an underlying tension that had never been there before. Luke was working himself up to confronting Simon, but the other man got there first. "Why didn't you read the note?" It was still on the kitchen table, exactly as Simon had left it. "You said you were coming back. Didn't need to." Simon exhaled impatiently. "I told you to read it." "Couldn't." And that was the big elephant in the barn, folks. Luke hadn't been able to read the note. For the last few days it had sat there, starting to curl at the edges, gnawing at Luke every time he walked into the kitchen. He didn't think he was a coward, but a scrappy bit of paper called him yellow belly. "Fuckin' idiot." Simon sounded fondly amused, but Luke wasn't letting him get away with that. He was too raw. "You left me!" "I'm sorry." "No, you're not," he spat, a repeat of their last argument. Then Simon was in his space, taking the fork out of his hand and pressing him against the rough panels of the stall. Luke looked up to argue and found himself being crowded, Simon's hands on either side of his head, his hips pressing into Luke's. "Boss." Simon's voice dropped an octave, his warm breath tickling Luke's ear. "I've gone to Mom's for a few days. Yeah, running home to Mommy like a little kid. But Luke, I need to think, and I can't do it around you. You fill me up with love and sex,

and then make me so goddamn mad, I can't think straight. "I love you but I'm scared, Luke, that our little world is falling apart, and I'm scared that one day you're gonna wake up and realize that I'm just not good enough for you." Luke's fingers dug into the side of the stall as Simon whispered the words he had avoided reading. "Maybe you've already discovered it. Today was the first day you'd ever made a decision about our life without talking to me first. I know you were angry and shooting your mouth off, but you didn't even look at me." Simon's leg slid between Luke's. He wasn't hard, not yet. He was too wound up to be thinking about getting off, but oh hell, Simon was pushing all his buttons and the bastard knew it. "This is a shitty way to do it, but if I see you I won't have the strength to go. I'm not leaving you, just clearing my head. I'll be back in a couple of days, and you can yell all you want at me." Simon slipped one hand under Luke's shirt to feel his skin, the touch like a whisper up the slightly ticklish skin of his side. A moan escaped Luke, and unwillingly he pressed into the caress. "I'll call you when I get to the house. "I love you, "Si." Luke's hands were splayed against the rough, wooden boards. He didn't want to put them on Simon because that would mean he'd forgiven him, and Luke hadn't, not yet. Simon seemed to realize this because he didn't force the issue. His lips grazed down the stubble of Luke's neck to briefly suck a kiss into the pulse point, going lower, following the line of his shirt to the patch of skin where the buttons started. Resolve weakening, his cock hardening against the solid weight of Simon's thigh, Luke bit back a moan. "Love you so fuckin' much, boss," Simon said into his skin. "I love you, and I'm sorry for running away." "You promised you'd never leave me alone," Luke said harshly. "You promised we'd make our decisions together." Luke folded, anger and hurt bleeding away to leave only sorrow for the fact they'd been pushed this far. He gripped Simon's biceps, not sure whether he was pulling him closer or pushing him away. Simon raised his head to look at Luke, eyes dry but full of pain and uncertainty. "I was a dick for going off on everybody like that," Luke agreed. "I was angry and scared

and wanting to hurt somebody." Simon opened his mouth to say something, but Luke placed a finger over it. "But not you. I never meant to hurt you." "I know you didn't, and running away without talking to you was a dick move as well." Simon kissed him chastely on the lips. "Can we get past this?" Luke closed his eyes briefly. He wanted to say yes, but to be honest, his relationship with Simon had never been tested before. What if it was built on sand? What if they kept falling apart every time something else happened? What if...? Oh, fuck it. He was sick and tired of second-guessing him and Simon. They'd been solid for ten years, and Luke was honest enough with himself to admit that it was just his own insecurity talking. "Ten years, and you've only run home once to your mother? That must be some sort of record," he drawled. Simon's eyes went wide, and then he smiled, his dimples showing and making Luke go weak at the knees. Luke pulled Simon's head down to capture his mouth in a kiss, giving himself over body and soul, both of them asking for forgiveness and giving absolution in the press of their lips and the slide of their tongues. He wasn't aware of Simon lowering them to the fresh hay until he could feel it prickling through his clothing and the warm weight of his lover settled on top of him.

Chapter 14

KNEES giving way, Luke sank back against the straw. It was uncomfortable through his shirt, but he ignored it, focusing on the way Simon was kissing him, as if he was never going to let him go again. Simon stroked his head, his hand huge and comforting, and Luke sighed into his mouth, content to stay this way for a while. "Boss? Simon? Are you in here?" Pete's worried voice penetrated his blissful haze. "Shit!" Luke sat up suddenly. "Yeah, we're here. What's the matter?" "God." Pete sounded embarrassed, and Simon grinned at Luke. He lived to embarrass the hands. "Sorry to interrupt your... report." Simon rolled off him with a groan, and Luke sat up, aware he was now covered in bits of straw. Pete was hanging back at a distance, and Luke grinned as he saw his barely concealed eye-roll at his boss's disheveled state, but his face swiftly became more somber. "The heifer's sinking fast, boss. I've left Jack with her. And three more are showing the same symptoms." "Shit! Already? Have you called the vet back?" At Pete's shake of his head, he said, "I'll get Taylor back out here. We need to quarantine the heifers." "Jack and Chuck will do that. They're also taking samples of the feed and water again." "You call the vet. I'll go back out there with Pete," Simon said from behind Luke's back. Luke looked over his shoulder. "Do that, and take Tommy as well. We'll need to check the whole herd. I'll be out as soon as I've spoken to him. Some of the old hands might be willing to help us. I'll give Dad a call." Simon placed a kiss on the back of Luke's neck. "Nose to the grindstone, huh?" Luke tilted his head for a proper kiss. "No rest for us wicked creatures," he agreed. "See y'all in a while." Pete was hopping impatiently from one foot to the other over by the truck. Simon went with him as Luke headed toward the house. As he dialed the vet's number, Luke had a sinking

feeling this was the way it was always going to be now, the ranch lurching from one crisis to another, and the two men trying to find time for each other in the rare times of peace. It was late, but the vet picked up immediately. "Taylor Stevens." "Taylor, it's Luke Murray. Things aren't good, and we've got other animals showing the same symptoms." "I'll come right back." Luke could hear rustling and clattering on the other end of the line. "Thanks, doc, I'll have Sammy wait for you." "Be there in an hour." He said goodbye to the vet and called his father. Greg sounded tired, as if he had been woken by the call, but he promised to organize some extra help for the morning. "I'll be over as well," Greg promised. "After you've seen the doctor, Greg Murray." Luke grinned as he overheard his momma's pointed comment. "Just come over when you can, okay?" he said, not wanting to get his dad into any more trouble. "But...." Greg started, and Luke could imagine his dad's glee at the thought of getting out of visiting the doctors, which in his opinion was the nearest thing to torture. "He'll be with you after lunch, okay, son?" Luke smiled even wider at his mother's voice. "'Kay, Momma. See you then." He called Sammy on his cell as he headed for his truck. The hand agreed to finish the horses' stalls while he waited for the vet, leaving Luke free to join Simon and Pete with the sick heifer. Luke was finding it hard to conceal his distress as he helped Taylor insert a tube into the heifer's stomach. The vet had diagnosed acute salt poisoning, and they were trying to get water into the cow. It was too late, and they all knew it, but there was no way the men of the Lost Cow were letting this poor heifer go down without a fight. The poor animal had been in acute abdominal pain and had suffered from diarrhea. Now it was obvious she was blind, and her back legs were suffering from paralysis. As they fought to save the animal's life, other cattle were starting to present the same symptoms. The other cattle that were in the same pasture were all given small amounts of water at regular intervals. There was nothing they could do except watch her die, blind, paralyzed, and suffering from seizures, knowing that more of the herd were liable to follow.

A herd inspection pointed to only one pasture being affected, but to play it safe, the hands took water and feed samples from all the pastures. "It's the south road field that's been affected," Simon said as a small group of them stood around the dead heifer. Chuck grunted as the ranch staff nodded. "Explains what the assholes were trying to do, then," he said. The vet looked confused. "What assholes, and what were they trying to do?" Luke took his hat off and scrubbed a hand through his hair. It was getting too long, and he really needed Simon to run the clippers over it again. "We found wire cutters by the fence, and that's where Tom was attacked." "But that was weeks ago," Simon objected, "the cattle can't just be showing signs. This is acute poisoning." "True," agreed the vet, "however they could have been scoping the place out when they cut the fences. It's easy enough to poison the water or the feed with extra salt." "Perhaps they were trying to do it when Tom got assaulted," Pete suggested. "When they got into a fight, you mean," grunted Chuck, staring down grim-faced at the carcass of the cow. Luke noticed his deputy foreman was working up a head of steam about something. "Chuck? You wanna share?" he asked, laying a hand on his arm. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Simon worrying his bottom lip. "It's disgusting," Chuck burst out suddenly, "goin' after the animals. These assholes live round here, get their money from the ranches. From us!" "They don't give a fuck," Luke said quietly. "I don't think they care 'bout who gets hurt." Simon looked him in the eye when he nodded in response, and it did all sorts of harrowing things to his insides. "It doesn't matter now. We'll sort the cattle out and call the sheriff again. Maybe he'll take us more seriously this time." "We can't prove anything," Simon pointed out, "it could just as easily been one of us adding too many of the salt supplements." Taylor shook his head. "With this level of toxicity, you'd have had to have seriously made a mistake." "Pete and I'll check the levels later," Chuck said. "Do ya mind if I take a break, boss?" He didn't wait for an answer, turning on his heel toward one of the trucks.

Luke frowned, concerned by his sudden anger. He wasn't the only one. Pete was also staring after him, a puzzled look on his face. Luke tilted his head at the disappearing figure, and Pete took off after him, before Chuck left with the truck. Jack called the vet over to another heifer showing increased signs of distress, and they put all their efforts into attempting to save the rest of the cattle. Daybreak saw Luke and Simon huddled up against each other on their porch steps, large cups of coffee in hand. Luke yawned loudly, hand flapping over his mouth. He was convinced the large warm body snuggled up against him was taking the opportunity for a quick doze, his head resting on Luke's shoulder. Every breath blew the short hairs on Luke's neck. "We ought to be thankful we only lost three," Simon slurred, disproving Luke's theory. "So far," Luke said grimly. "So far," agreed Simon. "Taylor said the mortality rate could be as high as sixty percent." "I know, I was there, boss," Simon reminded him, moving to wrap his arms around Luke. It was already warm but not too hot for a cuddle. Idly, Luke wondered if that made him a girl. Simon snickered against his collar. "Totally a girl," he agreed. His hands snaked up under Luke's shirts to find the bare skin of his belly. Luke moaned, partly at his loose mouth, mainly at the feel of Simon's hands, warm against his skin. "I said that out loud? I must be tired." "You need sleep." The hands disappeared. Luke most definitely did not make a whimper of protest, and then he was being tugged up and herded toward the front door. Luke tried to dig his heels in, but Simon was huge and strong and wasn't going to be stopped. He found himself in their bedroom before he'd had the chance to get a word out. "You were up all night as well," Luke pointed out, trying and failing to suppress a jawcracking yawn. He thought he ought to be batting away Simon's hands, which were undressing him, but he was too damn tired to make the effort. "I haven't been working eighteen-hour days and then not sleeping for nearly forty-eight hours," Simon said, hauling down the covers, and pushing Luke back onto the pillow. "Sleep, bossman, we'll swap this afternoon. I'll go and sort the hands into shifts." He dropped a kiss on Luke's head. Luke opened his mouth to argue but was asleep before the words could be formulated into a sentence.

TRUE to his word, Simon woke him up mid-afternoon with another kiss and a large cup of coffee. Luke pried open his eyes reluctantly. Simon was sitting on the bed with two steaming cups of coffee and a weary smile on his face. "Hey." Simon's voice was soft and warm, and his eyes were telling Luke just how much he loved him. He had missed that so much while they had been apart. "Hey. Lost any more?" Luke struggled to sit up. "Is one of those for me?" he asked, nodding at the cups. Simon held them close to his body. "Two more dead, three in the balance, and I thought I'd drink them both." He burst out laughing at Luke's piteous look and handed a cup over, filled to the brim with black coffee. "Fuck, yeah," Luke moaned as he slurped his drink. Simon gave him a knowing look. "I'll leave you and the coffee alone together. I hope you'll be very happy." "Aw, don't be jealous, babe." Luke patted his cheek, not raising his head from the cup. "You know you'll always be first, after the coffee." "Thanks," Simon said drily. "Do you want to know what's happening on the ranch?" Luke took another slurp of coffee and scratched his belly "Go." It didn't escape his notice that Simon was watching the action. "Taylor's back with the herd. He's confirmed it's just the one pasture affected, and he's notified the sheriff. Your pops is there as well." "Yeah?" Luke ran his tongue around his teeth. He really needed a shower and to clean his teeth. "Canes is on his way over. I thought you'd want to be awake for that, and Greg has rounded up some of his buddies for extra help." Luke frowned at him. "The ranch can't afford to take too much more of this. We're gonna be losing money if this keeps up." "We need to do the accounts," Simon agreed, "but I think you'll find the boys are doing this as a favor." He gave a short laugh. "They were really unhappy at the animals being attacked." "Chuck and Pete?" "Back a few hours ago. I sent them out riding fence and looking for evidence. Tommy and Sammy are asleep. Jack and Bud are checking the far pastures." "You wanna crash now?" Luke asked. Simon look exhausted, deep purple bruises under his eyes.

He shook his head. "Later, after we've spoken to the sheriff. Could do with a shower and some fresh clothes, though." Simon cocked his head. "Wanna get wet with me?" Luke's dick woke up immediately. "Always, but I ought to get out to the herd." "Not until you've showered and eaten. Pops's orders. Come on." Simon held out his hand to pull Luke to his feet. "Who's the boss round here?" Luke grumbled, but he obediently followed Simon into the bathroom. Steam filled the small room. They climbed into the tub and let the hot water stream over their bodies for a while. Luke let his face bury in his favorite spot on Simon's neck while they relaxed together. Simon trailed a wash cloth over Luke's body, stroking long lines down his back and front. Humming contently, Luke leaned into the touch. The washcloth slid over Luke's back and ass, traveling the line of his hipbone to dip lower, cleaning his cock, a slow stroke up and down that made him reach up onto his toes and gasp into Simon's neck. Simon slid down his body, large hands cupping his ass as he nipped at the line of Luke's hipbones. Luke tried to squirm away as it became ticklish. Luke closed his eyes as Simon took him into his mouth, his clever tongue dipping into the slit, tight, hot suction around the head and then lowering down the shaft, never decreasing the pressure, not giving Luke an inch. He was hard put to keep his footing, with the water streaming down his face, his hands in Simon's tangled mop of hair, and his legs trembling as Simon sucked him until Luke climaxed, pulsing down Simon's throat. With a last, gentle suckle of his cock, Simon got to his feet, smirking at Luke's blissed-out expression. He took Luke back into his arms and pressed his hardening dick against him, rutting gently to get some friction. "Let me," Luke said, but Simon batted away his hands, continuing to rub gently against Luke's skin. They had some oil-based shower wash which Luke used to aid the movement. It was the slowest buildup. Only the sound of Simon's soft gasps gave anything away as he came over Luke's belly. They didn't stir, staying slumped against each other until the water running cold forced them out of the shower.

LUKE forced Simon to take a rest while he met with the vet and the sheriff. His foreman flatly refused to lie down until Luke promised it would only be for a couple of hours. He was asleep before Luke walked out of the bedroom, and Luke fully intended it would remain that way until the morning. Simon would be pissed, but Luke knew how to take his punishment. Greg and Taylor were talking with Canes, Chuck, and Pete by the affected pasture. They

looked up as Luke approached. "You eaten?" His father demanded before he'd even said hello. Luke gave him a flat stare. "You been to the doctor's?" "Oh boy," Chuck muttered under his breath. Taylor raised an eyebrow at the exchange. "Now that we've exchanged pleasantries, has Simon brought you up to speed?" he asked Luke. He nodded. "How are the other three doing?" "God willing, they'll be okay," the vet said, "and all the others are recovering. The sheriff has all the details, and his men are conducting a search of the road and surrounding pastures." Chuck and Pete gave derisive snorts but subsided under the combined glares of Greg and Luke. The sheriff looked up at Luke. "Mr. Bryan has been away at his parents' for a few days, hasn't he?" Luke stiffened. Surely he wasn't going to ask if Simon had poisoned the cows? "Yes," he snapped. "And he returned home yesterday afternoon?" Luke frowned, puzzled by the questions. "He came back as we were dealing with the first cow." The sheriff bit his lip. "He is back for good?" he asked, almost hesitantly. "Yes, but what...?" Luke burst out. "Good." Canes nodded, and that seemed to end the conversation. Greg caught Luke's eye. Leave it there, he was saying, and Luke did as his father told him, completely confused by the conversation. Had the sheriff just told him he was happy they were back together?

Chapter 15

LUKE'S back arched against the clean straw. He could feel it prickling into his shoulders through the shirts, pants, and T-shirts hastily thrown down on the ground. He groaned loudly as Simon pulled out almost completely, the head of his cock stretching Luke's hole. His legs were over Simon's shoulders, his hands scrabbling desperately against nothing as Simon thrust back into him. Time had no meaning as Simon seemed to need to fuck their separation away. It was always like this: separation and then Simon taking Luke as hard as he could, as dominantly as Luke would allow. It was necessary. It was essential to their relationship. It had also been delayed due to the crisis with the cattle, and they had both been feeling the tension. Simon's face was strained, his eyes boring into Luke's, possessing and owning him. Luke stared right back. He wasn't denying him, but this time, there was a difference. Luke hadn't just rolled over to his alpha. He had made Simon work for it. Simon had walked out, and Luke had forgiven him, but he was no damn sub outside the "office," and maybe Simon needed to be reminded. Another thrust and then Simon was coming, his hips pumping into Luke's ass, his fingers digging painfully into the meat of Luke's thighs as he shuddered his way through his orgasm. The feel of Simon's cock pulsing inside him triggered Luke's own climax, and he stiffened, his dick spurting untouched over his stomach. He'd already come twice, and this time it was little more than a weak trickle over his stomach. His ass clenched around Simon's cock, drawing out the other man's orgasm, and they both groaned, the noise long and drawn out. They collapsed in an untidy pile of limbs on the rough pile of straw, Luke burying his sweaty face into the junction of Simon's thigh, smelling sweat and come on his skin. Almost involuntarily his tongue swept out to taste him. Simon groaned and laughed, pulling Luke up so that he could wrap his arms and legs around his lover. "Love you so much, boss," he breathed into Luke's ear. "Mmmm." It was low and drawn out and about all Luke could manage. A smug chuckle answered him. He wanted to protest but honestly? His brains had just been sucked out. Any coherent thought would have to wait until later.

They were back in the stable. Simon dragged him off for an early-morning tryst before the ranch got started for the day. It was going to be a long hard day, and this was more than just an early morning pick-me-up. It had been three weeks since the outbreak of salt poisoning. Yeah, they'd made love, but this one in the stable was their delayed make-up sex. Simon pulled him closer, slipping his leg between Luke's, his thigh brushing the tip of Luke's sensitive cock. Hissing slightly, Luke bit down on Simon's nipple in retaliation. "Bastard." Simon jerked up into his mouth. "You know it, baby," Luke agreed, stretching luxuriously in Simon's arms. The movement pressed their cocks together, and this time they both sucked in a breath and collapsed against each other, laughing against each others' neck. They weren't in any rush to move, nestling into each other in the fragrant straw. Luke's chin was propped up on Simon's chest, his fingers twirling the short hairs that trailed down Simon's belly. "You gonna tell me what's on your mind?" Simon asked him softly, his fingers carding gently through Luke's tousled hair. He picked out a stray wisp of straw out of his hair. Startled, Luke lifted his head to lock eyes with him. "How did you know?" Maybe he deserved the eye-roll he got in response. "I live with you 24/7, Luke. There's been something knocking about in your head for a couple of weeks." Simon tapped the top of Luke's head with his knuckles. Luke nodded slowly. It was true. He just wasn't too sure what Simon's reaction would be. "Pops thinks we both need a break, a small vacation." "I think he's right." "You do?" Luke was surprised at the quick response. He'd been expecting Simon to put up more of a fight. "After the last few months? Hell yeah. We deserve a fuckin' world cruise," Simon said vehemently. Luke grinned at the thought of Simon in his hat, boots and Speedos. "You'd be bored stupid inside a day." Simon grinned back. "You're telling me I couldn't cope with days and days of nothing to do but eat, sleep, and make love to you?" "Aw, you just want your Leo and Kate moment on the ship," Luke teased, enjoying the lighthearted banter that had been in short supply lately. "What I want...," Simon said as he bent down and murmured in his ear, "is to spend several days with you in nothing but a pair of trunks and a lot of bare skin." He emphasized his words with a sweep of his hand over Luke's back and a light squeeze of his ass.

Luke did not whimper at the thought, but he might have made a small noise of approval. He snuggled into Simon's large body and, burying his face in his space on Simon's neck, Luke closed his eyes. It was another Sunday. Everyone was off for the morning, and they were alone. He had time for a nap. A warm hand around his dick had other ideas.

IT WAS all very well agreeing they needed a break, but when the hell were they going to find the time? The second hay cutting was approaching fast, and they needed to be here for that. There was going to be the usual influx of extra hands, but the Lost Cow couldn't afford to be without its manager and foreman at such a busy time. They had about three weeks before then, but they'd never be able to organize anything that fast. It shouldn't have been a surprise when Momma turned up at their evening supper with peach cobbler and a hotel reservation for Austin. "You're booked from tomorrow, returning Saturday." "Momma...." She frowned at Luke. "Don't argue. You need to pack now. Chuck and Pete have got the ranch rosters organized. Bud will help as well." Luke opened his mouth, but she wagged her finger at him, and he stared helplessly over at Simon, begging for his support. Simon seemed very invested in eating his dinner and not meeting Luke's gaze. Suddenly Luke had a distinct whiff of a conspiracy. No wonder Simon had agreed to a vacation so readily. "I suppose any opposition on my part is a waste of breath?" he asked them both, his tone so mild, they stared at him suspiciously. "If we say yes, are you gonna start shouting?" Simon asked warily, his hand reaching out to stroke the inside of Luke's wrist. Now that was unfair. Luke couldn't shout at his momma when Simon was touching him so tenderly, and it was impossible to work up the energy to yell at him. Maybe he really did need this vacation. "I'm not gonna shout, but I don't appreciate being boxed into a corner," he said honestly. Pamela leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Just get away from here, baby. You need a rest. Chuck and Pete can manage the ranch, and Greg can call on his buddies if they need a hand." Aha! Luke jumped on the weak point of her argument. "What about Pops? He's not well enough to work." "'M not an invalid," Greg grumbled.

They all looked up to see him standing in the doorway. Momma gave him the flat stare that Luke used to dread as a child. "Luke is right, but in this case, we'll manage. It's only five days, and you'll be close enough to drive back if there's a problem." "But...." Simon stroked his wrist again, and Luke subsided mid-objection. Bastard! He squirmed as another part of his anatomy made its presence known. "What about packing? I haven't done any laundry." Simon managed to look vaguely guilty and smug at the same time. "It's all done and the clothes are packed. We're ready to go." His jaw didn't drop. It really didn't. Damn, his man's been sneaky. Luke poked his tongue out at Simon, ignoring his mom's scandalized, "Luke!" "Well, if you finished organizing my life, I'll go and clean out the chickens. Unless someone has done that already?" Luke raised an eyebrow at Simon hopefully. "Nope! The pleasure's all yours. Don't you upset them just cause you're pi... peeved," Simon amended hastily, with an apologetic glance at Pamela. Luke growled under his breath and stalked out of the kitchen. Traumatizing the pesky little birds was one of his pleasures in life.

LUKE was leaning on the corral, watching Lulu, Del, and Levi relax in the evening sun. They'd all come over to say hello and nudge at his pockets but lost interest when they found he didn't have any treats. A warm body plastered itself against his back and there was a light kiss dropped on his neck. "Hey," Simon said, nuzzling into Luke's neck. "Hey." Simon raised his head. "You pissed at me?" "Yep." No point denying it. Luke hated being "organized" by the people in his life. Simon sighed, the warm breath ghosting over his skin. "We need this, Luke. Not just for the break from the ranch but we need this." "Yep." He couldn't deny that either. Didn't mean to say he had to like it. "Gonna say anything else?" Simon's voice had a slight edge, but his hands rested lightly on Luke's waist. Much as Luke wanted to behave like a four-year-old, he had to agree they did need this. He leaned back against Simon's shoulder. Simon kissed the top of his ear. "It's the wrong damn

time to be leaving the ranch, Si." "It's never the right time, boss," Simon pointed out, "but you haven't been off the property in months, and we need some us time." "Seriously--" "Seriously, you need a break, and I need you, so shut the heck up and just smile at your momma." Simon's arms tightened around him as if he was trying to prevent Luke escaping. Luke said nothing. He just hoped it wasn't going to blow up in their faces while they were gone.

MONDAY morning arrived all too soon. Luke was firmly nailed to the computer and told to get on with it while Simon rode out with Chuck and Pete, to go over the work for the week. Luke was pissed, to say the least, but he was promised a morning report that he'd be feeling all the way to Austin if he got on with it like a good boy. Luke was always a good boy... at least where sex was concerned. He had managed to complete the accounts and order the feed when Simon stuck his head in the window. "'M gonna check the fence on the south road, and then I'll be in for report." Luke looked up from the invoices and grimaced at him. "Don't rush. I'm gonna be a while yet. Do you want breakfast now or on the road?" "Before we go," Simon decided without hesitation. "Then we can get a good number of miles under our belt before we stop." Luke nodded and went back to the paperwork. "Good boy," Simon said, and Luke's heart stuttered at the purr in his voice, "You're gonna be rewarded for being such a go-od boy." The bastard drawled out the words, and Luke knew exactly how Simon was gonna reward him. He'd be lucky if he was gonna be able to sit all the way to their destination. He'd better pack a cushion. The phone to the house rang as he was packing away the accounts. Luke frowned, wondering who'd be calling before nine in the morning. "Murray?" The voice on the other end was brusque to the point of curtness. "Yes," he said cautiously. "It's Don Macken. Greg tells me you're in the market for a new horse." Luke's frown deepened. The horse dealer was the last person Luke expected to hear from, now or at any time. He had never made any secret of his contempt for fags, and Luke in particular. Of course, Luke's choice of names for his horses didn't help any.

"I am," he agreed. "I have a gelding that should suit you fine. He's a strong horse and gentle nature. Do you want to come and see him?" "Sure, but we're going away for a few days. I guess we could swing by on our way out." Luke said, knowing Simon would be pissed off. The farm was two hours in the wrong direction. "No, that's fine. I'll hold him back until next week." "Uh, thanks." He wasn't sure what else to say. It wasn't like Luke had been actively looking, and then it hit him. Greg had been out looking for a new horse for himself the other week. He must have swung by Macken's farm. "Mr. Murray...." Macken sounded hesitant. Okay, now they'd officially entered the Twilight Zone. The last time the horse dealer had called him anything other than Murray was before Luke named Lulu "Lucifer." That had to be over twenty years ago. "Yes?" Luke said cautiously. "I'm sorry to hear 'bout the attack on the herd. That weren't right." Luke held back the cynical snort. The attack on Simon was just peachy, but it wasn't right to attack the cattle. He sighed inaudibly, recognizing the big step for what it was. "Thanks, and we'll be by next week." The line went dead after a gruff, "Goodbye," and Luke was left with the dial tone in his ear. "Who was that?" Luke started, not having heard Simon come up behind him. "Macken. He's got a horse we might be interested in." At Simon's raised eyebrow, he said, "He's happy to wait 'til next week." "Macken rang us?" Simon sounded disbelieving. "I didn't believe it either. But I think Pops and Chuck have been out there. He said he was sorry to hear about the cattle." Simon's expression mirrored Luke's, and Luke smirked. "Yeah, I know. I felt the same way when I heard it." Simon sat down in the easy chair. He'd taken off his boots so he was obviously done for the morning. "I should be offended, but I just can't summon up the energy." "I know, Si. I feel the same." Luke slid over to sit sideways on Simon's lap, snuggling into his solid body. Simon's arms pulled him in close, and they sat in silence for a few minutes. "You're going to piss him off with the name, aren't you?" Simon asked, out of the blue.

Luke smiled against his dark hair. "I'm thinking James," he mused. "That"--Simon paused--"sounds very tame." "For King James. You know? The Bible guy." Simon snorted out loud. "The queer one?" he asked. "Yeah, that's the one. What do you think?" Luke gave him a wicked grin. "You'll have Macken trying to work it out for months," Simon told him. "I know," agreed Luke as he settled back down against Simon. They had to get on the road soon, but there was always time for one more cuddle before morning report.

Chapter 16

THEY arrived late in Austin. No matter how hard Simon tried to get him away, Luke found a reason to delay, whether it was checking the feed levels or going over the rosters with Chuck. He even slipped away to start checking the accounts. Simon got more and more impatient until in the end, he resolved the issue by picking Luke up bodily and throwing him in the truck. There were cheers and catcalls from the hands as Luke wriggled and protested, but seriously, his man chucking him over his shoulder? Who wouldn't be a little turned on? Simon knew it as well by the way he palmed Luke's ass and chuckled as Luke stealthily rubbed his hardening cock against Simon's shoulder. The journey was long and tedious, and by the time they found their hotel and dumped their bags, the two men headed straight back out to find food, Simon swearing his stomach was eating its way out. Luke patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Come on, boss. Let's help you on your way to a coronary." "Hey," Simon protested, "I'm a big boy. There's a lot of me to fill." Then he looked up and caught Luke's expression. "What?" Luke leaned forward, his lips brushing the shell of Simon's ear. "Believe me, Simon. I know you're a big boy." There was a very satisfying shudder against his mouth, and the next words out of Simon's mouth didn't have the same toppy threat when he could hear the need in the tone. "We either go now or you're going to find yourself with a mouthful of my cock in the next thirty seconds." "Think I could get you off in the elevator ride down?" Luke asked as they left the room. "It's only five floors," Simon pointed out. Luke quirked an eyebrow. "I know," he said, and he deliberately brushed his ass against Simon's groin. There was a satisfying hiss and a thrust against his ass. "Food first, then sex on the way up!" Simon rasped out as they entered the elevator. The middle-aged couple already in the elevator raised their eyebrows. Luke was aware he was blushing furiously, and he could feel the heat coming off Simon. He refused to catch their

eyes. The four of them stood in uncomfortable silence as they descended to the lobby. As they exited the elevator, the woman turned to Simon, saying, "Don't make him wait too long, dear." Her partner was choking, and Luke just groaned, burying his head in Simon's shoulder. He was trying to hide, but Simon just said, "I won't, ma'am. He always gets so tetchy when he's made to wait." "I'm sure you can handle him," she replied. "Count on it," he promised her, and Luke could just hear the amusement in their voices. Luke had had enough. He dragged Simon away before his partner started giving complete strangers specifics of their love life. Simon didn't seem the least bit bothered. He calmly followed Luke to the revolving doors and out onto the busy sidewalk. "Are you fuckin' insane?" Luke blurted out. "No more than usual. Why?" Simon answered, draping one arm over Luke's shoulder as they walked toward a restaurant. Luke's muscles tensed up, and he tried to move away from Simon's embrace. It had been a long time since he'd made a point of public displays of affection. "You can't just talk like that to complete strangers, and dammit, let go of me." Simon didn't seem in any hurry to let go, though, and Luke was reluctant to call any more attention than two huge guys in hats walking together would already attract. "Relax, Luke." Simon squeezed his arm. "We're not at home now. Let's just chill out and enjoy ourselves, huh?" He tried to calm down, honestly he did, but Luke was wound so tightly he felt like a rubber band about to snap. He took a few deep breaths and tried to relax into Simon's warmth. "Good boy," Simon praised him, and hell, Luke should have been pissed at his encouraging tone, but he just wanted not to be so fucking stressed out all the time. Simon didn't let go of him, and no one seemed to want to pick a fight, although he didn't fully relax until they were in the restaurant. He wasn't even paying much attention to the place until they were seated at the table. The restaurant appeared to be crowded, and Luke realized Simon must have made a reservation for them to get seated so quickly. Within a short space of time, their waiter was offering them the menus and telling them the specials for the day. He was too young, too cheerful, and too gorgeous with his blond hair and shiny teeth, and he set Luke's teeth on edge immediately, although that might have had more to do with the way he was eyeing up Simon with an appreciative leer. "Two beers, please," Simon ordered, seemingly oblivious to the attention. He raised his head from the menu and smiled at the waiter.

"Certainly, sir." The waiter's smile went from bright to blinding, and Luke was ready to tear his throat out. "Down, boy," Simon murmured as Rafe (and seriously, who the hell called their kid "Rafe"?) went to get their order. Luke didn't growl. Not at that, and not when Rafe returned with their beers, but that might have had something to do with the hand Simon had wrapped around one of his on the table. Luke wasn't sure whether it was to show the waiter Simon was attached or to hold Luke down. Rafe's smile didn't dim at all. Instead he chattered happily about the local area as he poured their beer. He took their order with an approving hum at their choices. Luke gave him a brief smile and turned his attention back to Simon. He was smiling at the waiter, and Luke gritted his teeth. "You really are a possessive freak," Simon said as Rafe walked away. "I'm surprised you aren't marking your territory." "I am," Luke agreed, "but it'd be rude to piss on you in public. So keep your eyes off the kiddies." "Heh, do you want to mark me up as your own?" Taking a long swallow of his beer, Luke replied without thinking, "Just to watch the piss run across your cock." Simon's eyes widened. "You've thought about pissing on me?" He tried hard not to blush, but well, yes he had. It was just something he had never discussed with Simon. "Well, well, well, my cowboy, I never thought...." Simon trailed off, and Luke was left blushing as he stared at the tablecloth. "Fuck, baby, that's hot." Luke looked up. There was a high stain of color across Simon's cheeks, and he was biting his bottom lip. Luke recognized that look. Simon was seriously turned on and any minute now he would be dragging Luke out of the restaurant to fuck him senseless. "Food, then sex," Luke reminded him. He was seriously hungry. "Normally I'd say your priorities are wrong," Rafe told them happily as he placed the plates in front of them, "but this crab is to die for." Simon caught sight of their plates. "Oh, fuck me," he moaned. Luke was equally absorbed by the sight of the crab piled high on his plate. "Later, cowboy."

Rafe smirked at their rapturous expressions. "Enjoy, boys. I'll be back to look after you later." "Much later," Simon murmured indistinctly around a mouthful of seafood, not paying the slightest attention to the waiter. Luke would have smiled if he could have without chewing open-mouthed. His boy was easily distracted by food. Luke just kept eating, knowing there would be no looking and definitely no flirting until Simon's stomach was full. That would take a long time. By the end of the main course, Luke had to admit he was feeling much more relaxed. He leaned back against his seat, his belly bloated, and suppressed the urge to let out a satisfied belch. Simon was watching him with a smug expression. If Luke could have moved he would have kicked him. "Shut the fuck up," he managed, sighing in contentment. Before Simon had a chance to respond, Rafe was back, his smile broader than ever as he saw the state of his customers. "I needn't ask whether you enjoyed the meal," he said, as he picked up the empty plates. Luke had been worried Simon would lick the plates clean. "Would you like to see the dessert menu?" "He would like anything with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate on top," Luke said before Simon could answer, "and if you have any gummi worms, he'd like those too." "I'll bring two spoons." Rafe nodded and took the plates away. Simon grinned. "He had your number." Luke had to agree. He loved dessert more than Simon did. He was beginning to warm to Rafe. It was still a stupid name, though. Maybe the ice cream was a bad idea. Luke went from pleasantly stuffed to bloated after three mouthfuls. It had been worth it to see the look on Simon's face as Rafe had brought it to the table. A huge dish piled high with ice cream and chocolate sauce, topped with flakes of dark and milk chocolate and, Luke nearly choked, gummi worms. He was pretty sure they weren't on the menu at this restaurant. Rafe caught his gaze and winked conspiratorially. "For the most gorgeous clients we've had all week." Simon was moaning obscenely around a mouthful, the tip of a gummi worm poking out of his mouth. Luke gave Rafe the first genuine smile since he had walked in. The waiter looked slightly dazed. "You've just made his day," he told Rafe. "You've just made mine. With a smile like that, you ought to be in Hollywood."

Simon had swallowed his mouthful and was grinning at Luke. "I told him that ten years ago, and instead he dragged me off to a ranch in the middle of nowhere to play cowboy." "I dragged you off to play with me," Luke corrected, "the ranch just came as a bonus." Rafe almost squealed in delight, and people looked over from neighboring tables. "You two are just too cute. Now, you finish your ice cream before it melts, and I get into trouble for tampering with the menu." By the time they stumbled out of the restaurant, Rafe was overjoyed by the large tip, Simon was overjoyed by the food, and Luke was just grateful he wasn't puking. They were too tired to do more than take a quick shower and collapse into bed, naked limbs wrapped around each other, Luke lulled to sleep by Simon's lazy heartbeat. His last thought was that for a few blessed hours, he had not thought of the ranch or their problems. Would it be like this if they left the Lost Cow for good?

Chapter 17

LUKE wasn't sure what woke him up, but it was too early and he wanted to snuggle back into Simon's neck and fall back to sleep. He rolled over to find his warm body, only to discover the bed was empty and had been for some time, judging by the coldness of the sheets. When Luke managed to unpeel his eyelids, a glance at the room showed him that Simon hadn't just gotten up to go to the bathroom. Sitting up with a groan, Luke looked around. Simon's clothes, which he'd hastily flung over the chair last night, were gone, but his duffel was still there, so he hadn't left for good. A chill went down Luke's spine even while he acknowledged what a stupid thought that was. He grabbed his cell, texting a quick u ok? and waiting for a reply. It came almost immediately. Fine back soon. Luke put his phone back on the nightstand and settled back against the pillows. It wasn't unheard of for Simon to go wandering around in the middle of the night when he was worrying about something. When he did return, the fucker better bring coffee for making him worry, he grumbled to himself. Simon let himself into the room quietly, as if he expected Luke to have gone back to sleep. He looked slightly guilty for waking Luke, and he did bear two large takeout coffee cups, the fragrant aroma making Luke feel a little more charitable. Not a lot, but enough that he wouldn't pick a fight right away. Looking exhausted, Simon sat down on the bed next to Luke, proffering one of the cups. Luke looked at Simon closely, noting the dark marks under his eyes. "Bad night?" he asked, as he took the first sip. "Something like that," Simon agreed. "More like a series of nightmares. Too much sugar, I guess." He grimaced as he drank his own coffee. Luke didn't say anything, just waiting for Simon to continue. "I kept dreaming that you threw me out, and married Dave and Marion's daughter. I was begging you to take me back, but you said I was an aberration, and it was the only way you could be saved." Luke wasn't going to laugh at the ludicrous statement. He put his cup down and cupped his hands around Simon's face, gripping him fiercely. "I love you," he said, making sure Simon could

see his expression, "and there is and has only ever been one person in my life that has made me feel complete. That's you. Don't you ever think you are getting more than a foot away from me-ever. I fucking love you, Simon Bryan, and don't you fucking forget it." The fingers digging into his jaw must have hurt Simon, but he gave no sign, his hazel eyes fixed on Luke's. "I love you too, boss." Simon almost slumped against Luke's hand, the relief in his eyes plain to see. Simon knew it had been just a stupid dream, but he still needed to hear it. "Get naked and show me how much you love me." It was an order, and Simon nodded, pulling away to undress. Luke kept his eyes trained on Simon the whole time, steady and reassuring, and made sure that Simon saw the open lust in his gaze as that beautiful toned body was revealed. When he was naked, Luke held out his hand and tugged Simon into the bed, rolling them over so that he was sitting between Simon's legs. "Now, you are going to lie back like a good little sinner while I suck you off, then, before you can blow, you're going to stick your huge cock up my ass and remind me who I belong to. Deal?" Simon's eyes were glazed over, but he didn't seem to be objecting, so Luke got on with the plan. The thing was, every word he'd said was the truth. There had never been anyone else for Luke since the moment Simon had opened the door of their dorm ten years previously. He bent forward and nuzzled the soft length of Simon's cock, flicking his tongue out to get the taste of him. The man beneath him moaned and squirmed, and Luke grinned at the feel of his shaft hardening under his mouth. Hands clutched at his hair as he licked down to Simon's balls, tugging on the sac and rolling them in his mouth. Luke's hands were on Simon's thighs; he felt the tension in them, the muscles quivering under his palms. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Simon chanted as Luke wrapped his lips around the head of his cock, alternating between sucking lightly and gently delving into the slit. "Keep it together, boss," Luke ordered, not wanting Simon to come before he'd fucked Luke into next week. Simon's hips were thrusting up, forcing his cock deeper into Luke's mouth. From the noise he was making, gasping pants, harsh pleas for more, Luke knew he wasn't going to be able to keep Simon waiting much longer. He bobbed down on Simon's cock, his tongue following the thick vein, his mouth a tight suction around the velvet hardness. "Now. Gotta be now," Simon bit out, tugging on Luke to get off. Luke pulled off and wiped his mouth, Simon's eyes going dark at the action. He crawled up Simon's body, reaching out for the lube. A quick slick of the glistening cock, and Luke was sinking down, too fucking slowly for it to be anything except torture for the man under him. When

he was seated, they both took a deep breath. "Y'know 'm gonna kill you for that, don'cha?" Simon drawled, his accent thicker as he fought not to lose control. He was rocking, tiny movements of his hips that were making his dick brush against Luke's prostate, making Luke bite his lip so hard he drew blood. "You wanna come, boss?" Simon asked, so softly Luke almost couldn't hear him. "Yeah, wanna come now." "Sure?" Luke glowered down at him. "I wanna get off, and if you won't do it for me, I'll do it myself." He started stripping his cock, feeling his muscles tighten around Simon's cock and his balls draw up tight. Batting his hand away from his cock, Simon growled at him. "Touch it again, and I won't let you come for the whole day." Luke drew in a breath. "How you gonna stop me?" He asked the question smugly, his hand going back to his cock. That was a supremely dick move. "Like this." Before Luke could respond, he was staring stupidly down at a silver cock ring snapped around his dick. "What the fuck is this?" Simon was looking too fucking smug. "Bad boys get punished." "Is this a fucking bad porn movie?" Luke was shocked as all hell, and the cock ring was too fucking tight. "You gonna put me over your knee and spank me?" He caught the flare in Simon's eyes. Shit! "You really want to spank me?" Shaking his head, Simon lifted Luke off his dick. It was so hard, it must have been painful, but Simon just ignored his own needs and rolled them over. Luke found himself on his back in the messy sheets, his legs up over Simon's shoulders and his dick trapped painfully against his belly. Simon's eyes were dark and smoldering. "I'll spank you some other time, and maybe sometime we can pursue our little conversation from dinner, too, but for now, yeah, I'm gonna fuck the nightmare right out of my head and carve it into your ass." Luke just had a minute to catch his breath, and then Simon's fingers were trailing over his open, puffy hole before he slammed his cock back in and started fucking him through the mattress. Luke's fingers were hanging onto Simon's biceps. "Harder. Fuck. Me. Harder." Each word was punctuated by another thrust until Simon faltered, his rhythm falling apart as he came in Luke's ass. He could feel Simon pulsing inside him, and he was screaming for his own orgasm, begging,

pleading, and cursing until Simon unsnapped the ring and then there was that moment of can'tgodneedtonow, and his balls were so tight, he wanted to scream, and then release, blessed, blessed release. Luke came so hard the world grayed out. When he became aware of his surroundings again, Simon was wiping his face with a cool wash cloth. "Hey," Luke rasped, wincing at the sound of his voice. Simon's eyes were very soft. "Back with me now?" "Not sure. Can I get back to you on that?" Luke wasn't convinced all parts of his body were reporting in for duty. "You were out of it for a while," Simon told him. "I haven't seen you do that for a long time." Luke sat up, still a little woozy. "You fucked my brains out. What do you expect?" He leaned comfortably against Simon's solid body. "What time is it?" Simon looked over to the clock. "'Bout seven," he answered. "Do you want sleep or breakfast?" "Sleep and breakfast," Luke corrected. "Let's nap for another coupla hours and then get something to eat." "Sounds like a plan." Simon lay back, pulling Luke close to him. He went willingly, curling in around Simon and closing his eyes. Just a couple of hours.

SO MAYBE that plan hadn't worked too well. Luke hadn't accounted for how damned tired they were. The stress and hard work of the last few months had exacted a price on their bodies and souls, and now that they were away from the ranch, the payment was due. The next time he woke up Simon was still asleep, snoring gently as he lay sprawled out on his back. Luke looked over at the clock and almost yelped. It was nearly three in the afternoon. "Jeez." He collapsed back onto the bed and grinned. This? This was a vacation he could enjoy. Simon, food, sex, and sleep. He really didn't need anything else. "Ummm." Simon shifted, sounding sleepy as he searched for Luke, his eyes still closed. "Afternoon." Luke leaned over and kissed him on the temple. "Feeling better?" "Ummm," he agreed. Simon rolled over to snuggle up to Luke. "Sorry, gotta piss." Luke pressed another kiss to his cheek and slid out from under his clinging embrace, grinning at the muffled protest. Wincing as his abused muscles make their presence felt, Luke padded over to the

bathroom. He relieved himself and brushed his teeth. Simon was blinking sleepily at the clock by the time he got back to the bedroom. He was sitting up, the sheet pooling around his hips. He looked edible, and Luke would have jumped him if he hadn't been so damn hungry. "Kinda late, huh?" Luke nodded. "God, I need coffee." "I brought you coffee," Simon pointed out. Luke rolled his eyes. "At dark-thirty and that wasn't coffee. That was the devil's brew from some disgusting machine." "It was shit," agreed Simon, yawning and wincing as he scratched at his chest. There was a red line across one pec, and Luke vaguely remembered raking his nails at a particularly intense moment. He liked seeing his marks on Simon's body. "Let's get outta here and find something to eat," he suggested as he rummaged in his backpack for fresh clothes. Simon heaved himself out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. Luke was momentarily distracted by his naked ass before he returned to sorting out some clothes. Simon's head popped around the door of the bathroom. "Wanna get wet with me first?" So okay, Luke was hungry and desperately needed caffeine, but if there was one thing that was more important, it was a late afternoon shower with his cowboy, and possibly late afternoon blowjobs.

THERE wasn't much of Tuesday left by the time Luke and Simon emerged from the diner. Luke was starting to get a headache and surreptitiously tried to massage his temples while Simon picked up the check. He had excused himself on the pretense of getting some fresh air. "How bad is it?" Simon had come up behind him unnoticed. "On a scale of one to ten, probably a six," admitted Luke, not giving into the urge to lean his head on Simon's shoulder. Austin might be a relaxed college town but this was still Texas. "Uh-huh." Simon shot him a shrewd look, and Luke would have rolled his eyes except he thought it would probably hurt too much. "Do you want to go back to the hotel room?" "God no." Luke rubbed at his temple once again. "Let's go for a walk somewhere. I need the fresh air." Much as he liked the city, he was missing the openness and blue skies of home. Simon insisted on buying a couple of bottles of water with some Advil because he thought Luke was probably dehydrated, and he encouraged Luke to drink as they found a pretty walk in Town Lake, slowly meandering along the paths. After a while, Luke had to admit he felt much better, and they sat down, the evening air warm enough not to need a jacket.

They sprawled out on the grass, content to sit in silence for a while, propped up against each other while they watched joggers and people walking their dogs go past them, no one paying any attention to the two men beyond the odd appraising glance. Luke found himself relaxing in mind and body and realized sadly that he hadn't felt like this in months. He used to think of the ranch as the only place he would ever call home but now he was not so sure. "Feeling better?" Simon's low voice startled him out of his reverie. Luke sat up and drew his knees up to his chin so he could rest his forehead. "Yeah, the headache's almost gone." "Gonna tell me what was on your mind?" Simon massaged his neck gently. "You've been brewing up a storm in there." Luke huffed out a sigh and looked at Simon. "I was thinking how home doesn't feel like home any more." Simon nodded. "Thought you might be." "It's not gonna get any better, is it?" Luke looked at him, and for the first time, he noticed that the faint lines around Simon's eyes, an inevitable consequence of spending all day in the sun, had deepened, and there was a sprinkling of gray in the dark curls. "We keep riding it out but fuck, Si, it's not going to stop, is it? You, the ranch, the cattle, what next? One day someone's gonna get killed or the ranch is gonna collapse, and it's because of us. Because of what we are." "Are you saying we are responsible for all the shit that's been going down?" Simon was staring at him intently, and Luke had the sinking feeling that if he hadn't started this conversation Simon would have. "I'm saying that I'm not sure the place I grew up in is home for us anymore." Luke frowned. "What are you thinking?" "I want to be with you," Simon said instantly, and Luke inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't care where we are, but I want to be with you. However...." He paused, and Luke bit his lip. "We keep saying this, but how much more can we take? A few months ago I couldn't see us living anywhere else, but now I hate waking up and wondering what else has gone wrong." "Do you want to move somewhere else? Pops wouldn't blame us for leaving, and he'd support us if we wanted to move the ranch elsewhere." "This is your home," Simon began, but Luke leaped in before he could continue, shaking his head vehemently. "You are my home; wherever you are is where I want to be. I'd be upset if we left here, but only because some bigoted assholes forced us out." Simon moved so he was facing Luke and took his hands. Luke stiffened but didn't pull his

hands away. Inwardly, he sighed. He wouldn't have been scared about touching Simon when he was at college. "I want us to talk to Greg and Momma and the hands before we make any decision, and I want to sort out the breeding program with Lil. If we're going, we're gonna leave the ranch in the best possible state." Simon's thumbs were running over Luke's palms, distracting Luke from what he was actually saying. He stood up and brushed off his ass. "Pow-wow when we get home. Right. Now get off your lazy ass and come with me." "Where are we going?" Simon asked, getting up obediently and brushing grass off his pants. "We're going to a club where I can get my hands on you, and we can dance and get sweaty together without getting beaten up. I don't wanna think about the ranch at all tonight." Simon took a step toward him and brushed a light kiss on his lips. "Sounds like a plan. Where are we going?" "Let's ask at the hotel. I swear that kid at the reception desk is queer." "You mean the one that has the hots for you?" Simon smirked at him. "If you mean the one that is always very helpful when I ask him a question, yeah, that one." "He nearly creams his pants every time you smile at him," Simon pointed out. Luke couldn't deny that. The kid tripped over his tongue every time he spotted Luke. "He just has good taste, that's all." Simon leaned in a little closer. "He certainly does, but what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. You can smile, but no one else fondles the merchandise except me." At the thought of Simon fondling his merchandise, Luke's dick gave an appreciative twitch. He smiled. His cock was so predictable. Pavlov's dick, every time. The whisper in his ear didn't do anything to help. "Hard yet?" "Getting there," Luke admitted. "Gonna take me somewhere to deal with it?" "Not a chance," Simon declared, "you're taking me dancing, remember?" Luke looked up at him and licked his lips slowly and deliberately. What? He knew Simon's triggers as well as Simon knew his. Sure enough, Simon drew in a sharp breath. "Can't my big, strong cowboy do both?" Luke asked, shamelessly batting his eyelashes. Simon's hand brushed Luke's groin. "Watersports and public exhibitionism? Is there any other kink you'd like to share with me on this vacation?"

"Can we start there and work our way through the list?" Simon's voice was hoarse and sincere. "You can do anything you want to, and not just on this vacation." It didn't matter that it was a public place. Luke needed to kiss him right the fuck now! He backed Simon up against a tree and kissed him until they were both breathless and their lips red and puffy. "We'd better get started, then."

Chapter 18

AS PREDICTED, the guy at the hotel reception desk had known exactly where to suggest for their night out, with a wink and a leer at Luke. Simon had laughed as the guy's eyes popped out of his head as Luke approached him. Admittedly they were both wearing decent pants and shirts, so maybe they didn't look too bad. Simon had already shown Luke just what he thought of the way his ass looked in his jeans. He winced just thinking about Simon's approval. The club wasn't just full of twinks in tight T-shirts and even tighter jeans. Yeah, they were there, but so were the queens and the dykes, and there were groups of straight girls enjoying the chance to dance and get drunk before they went elsewhere. He was relaxed here. No one cared that Luke had spent the evening pressed up against Simon's warm body, wrapped in his strong arms, drinking beer and dancing to cheesy seventies and eighties music. No one cared that at one point Luke dragged Simon off to the bathroom, unzipped his pants, pulled out his cock and sucked him off. No one except Simon, who was moaning noises of encouragement as Luke bobbed up and down on his shaft, the noises intensifying as Luke hummed around his cock, and Simon emptied himself down Luke's throat. They stumbled out of the bathroom, Simon unsteady on his feet and Luke still hard enough to pound rocks, forbidden to come until Simon gave him permission. Simon handed him another beer, ignoring the pleading look on Luke's face, and dragged him off to a corner of the club. They were stopped by a young guy who made it plain he was interested in a threesome. He backed off when Luke politely declined. At least, he thought it was polite. From the look on the guy's face, he obviously thought Luke had offered to pull his entrails out through his nose. "Don't scare the children," Simon chided him as he steered them past the frightened young man. Luke glowered at him. "I was nice." "In the loosest possible way," agreed Simon. "You didn't kill him this time." Biting his lip, Luke asked, "Does it bother you?" "Does what bother me?" "That we don't play with anyone else?" Luke had thought about playing in the past but

every time the thought of someone else's hands, someone else's hickeys, over Simon's beautiful skin, just made him rage inside. He really was a possessive freak. Simon stopped walking and turned Luke to look at him. "If I said yes, would it bother you?" "No," Luke lied, his stomach roiling slightly. "Liar." Simon pressed a kiss to his mouth and continued walking toward the corner of the club. "It bothers you, boss, and if it bothers you, then it isn't going to happen. 'Sides, I can still window shop." Luke stiffened under his hand. He tried not to, but he couldn't help it. He heard the smug chuckle in his ear and jabbed Simon in the ribs with his elbow. There was a satisfying, "Oof!" They sprawled out on one of the soft couches, Luke tucked snug into Simon's chest, as they watched the rest of the club in action. "We ought to do this more often," Simon said, turning Luke's head to kiss him on the mouth. "Do what? Sit on a sofa? We do that at home." "I mean come to a club, dipshit. We're gay guys who never mix with other gays at all." "The nearest club is five hours' drive," Luke pointed out. "We'd be gettin' home just as we'd need to be getting up for work." Simon's sigh was heavy in his ear. "I know, but once in a while it would be nice just to be us." Luke thought about it. There really wasn't any reason they couldn't get away more often. They had enough hands to cope with the morning chores. There was no reason they couldn't get away once in a while. "You're right, Si. We do need this. We just need to make it happen." "We'll make it happen," Simon promised, and he turned Luke to face him, taking his beer bottle out of his hand and placing it on the table next to him. The next minute Luke found himself draped over Simon's lap, being thoroughly kissed, and all rational thought went out of his head. Simon wasn't holding back. He made love to Luke in front of the whole club, sweet and tender prolonged foreplay with not a single piece of clothing removed. Luke's dick was virtually drilling through his jeans but Simon refused to touch him there. Luke's hand slid down desperately to his groin, but Simon yanked it back harshly, ignoring Luke's sharp protest. "Your hands on me. Now." Fuck! Okay, he could do that. Luke's hands crept under Simon's T-shirt, sliding up to thumb his nipples. Simon groaned as he bit down on Luke's earlobe.

"We're in public. I'll take you in front of all these guys if that's what you want, baby." He licked at Luke's lips, purring the words into his waiting mouth. "Is that what you want? All these men to see my big dick in your hole?" Luke pressed his lips so close there was little more than a hairsbreadth between their mouths. "What I want, baby, is for you to take me somewhere quieter, unzip my pants, and suck my cock until I come. Then you can rim me until I'm screaming and stick your big dick in my puffy, tight hole." Simon shuddered underneath him, a full-body shudder that ended with a thrust of Simon's hips that made both men groan. Luke was just about to say fuck it to public decency and beg Simon to take him here and now when he heard a squeal that made his heart sink. "Oh my God! It's my two favorite customers." Rafe was beaming from ear to ear at them. "Hey, Rafe," he said dryly, "fancy seeing you here." He tried really hard not to glare at the hapless waiter for cockblocking him, but he wasn't sure he was successful. "I bet Kyle sent you here." Luke frowned. "Who's Kyle?" "He works in one of the hotels. Short guy, red hair, very twinkie. You're just his type," explained Rafe as he eyed them both appreciatively. Luke grinned as he looked up at Simon. Simon grinned back and dropped a kiss on his lips. "Yeah, he did." Rafe clapped his hands. "I'll have to thank him next time I see him." He licked his lips suggestively, and both men laughed, Luke unable to stay angry at him for long. He opened his mouth to offer him a drink when a tall, no, huge man pressed up behind Rafe, draping an arm possessively across his chest. Before Simon, he would have pushed many of Luke's buttons: muscular, shaved head and full sleeves of ink on both arms. "Who're you talking to?" the man asked suspiciously. Rafe just rolled his eyes at Simon. "You're not the only one who has to deal with the greeneyed monster." Simon laughed and pulled Luke in tighter. The man, Rafe's boyfriend presumably, relaxed a fraction of an inch. "They're the two I was telling you about, baby," Rafe said with a sigh, "the cute cowboys from last night. Kyle sent 'em here." Luke held out his hand to the boyfriend. "Luke, and this is my partner, Simon." The man shook his hand. "Paul. Good to meet ya. The way Rafe was going on about you,

you'd think he'd never seen a cowboy before." Rafe dug Paul in the ribs, ignoring his growl of protest. "I said I'd never seen such a gorgeous couple. Then you got jealous and fucked me senseless." It was Luke's turn to laugh. It was impossible not to like Rafe, and now he knew that Paul was just as jealous as he was, there was no need to worry... as long as Simon was within reach. To his surprise, Simon lifted Luke off him and pulled them both to their feet. "Great to see you again, Rafe, and Paul." He nodded at them both. "You'll have to excuse us. Luke here has been waiting a long time, like a good boy, and I think he deserves to be rewarded." He punctuated his statement with a stinging slap to Luke's already tender ass. Luke was going to kill him... after he'd been fucked. Rafe let out a long, low whistle and stood back so they could leave. "Go for it, tiger." He pulled Luke in for a hug, brushing his lips with a soft kiss. Luke let himself be hugged and stepped back, allowing Rafe to say goodbye to Simon. Only this time Rafe didn't hold back, pulling Simon into an embrace and kissing him full on the mouth in a way that was definitely not chaste. Simon didn't get a chance to resist. Luke stopped himself reacting by sheer willpower and his nails digging painfully into his palms. He felt a touch on his arm and looked up to see Paul watching him with an amused look in his eyes. "He's only trying to wind us up. You know that, right?" He exhaled sharply, nodding at the two men, still lip-locked. "I know, but it ain't easy to watch. I'm not used to people being so touchy-feely around us. Most cowboys would rather die that admit to liking dick. 'Sides which, as Simon said, I might be slightly possessive." "I get it." Paul cocked his head and grinned at Luke. "You wanna give your man something to think about?" Luke considered this. Paul was a good-looking man and everything Luke would have gone for prior to meeting Simon, but no, he didn't really. There was only one man he wanted to kiss. He shook his head regretfully and tugged on Simon's T-shirt. "Come on, big boy. You mentioned something about a reward?" Simon was pulling away from Rafe when Paul stepped forward and gave Luke a hug anyway. "Come back anytime, Luke. We'd like to see you both again." It was Simon's turn to pull Luke away, and they walked through the crowd toward the exit. By the bar, they could see Kyle talking to a tall guy dressed in denims and a tight T-shirt. His eyes lit up when they landed on Luke. He waved a bottle at them, shrugging a little sadly when they both shook their heads.

Luke had had enough for one night. He got out of the club, thankfully breathing in the night air. Which reminded him. Walking a few paces away from the club, Luke found what he needed. He stepped into the alley and slammed Simon up against the wall. Simon had been making a confused noise when it was abruptly cut off by Luke tugging on his scalp and kissing him hard. Luke didn't waste time, his tongue licking over Simon's lips and teeth, exploring his mouth, determined to erase every last trace of Rafe. He didn't stop until Simon was breathless, and they were both hard again. "Feelin' better now?" Simon panted when Luke finally let him go. "Will be," Luke growled at him, "when you get my dick in your mouth." So maybe he did have a public exhibitionism kink, and he sure as hell wasn't going to let Simon remember the feel of a twink in his arms. "I've been waitin' too long for this." Without ceremony, he pushed Simon to his knees and thrust his hips into Simon's face. Simon held his hips still for a moment. "You're gettin' a bit bossy for a bottom, aren't ya?" Luke looked down at him in the darkness, just a gleam of light from the distant streetlight highlighting the slant of Simon's cheekbones. "Please," he asked softly, giving up control. "Yeah," Simon replied equally softly, his fingers going to undo Luke's button fly. He undid the buttons one by one and slid his hand around Luke's cock. His hand was warm and large, and Luke couldn't help thrusting into his hand, but he was still prevented from moving too far, and he couldn't help letting a whimper escape in frustration. It was still warm enough that he didn't feel chilled as Simon pushed his jeans down around his knees to get better access to his dick. Simon sucked gently on the head, pulling back to blow across the slit. Luke shivered, and his fingers dug into Simon's shoulders. "Don't play, Si. I've been waiting all evening for this." "Patience." Luke growled and tugged on his hair. "I've been fucking patient. Now suck me," he ordered. "As you wish." There was another warm breath across his cock. "You ain't Westley, and I'm sure as hell not Buttercup." "For which"--Simon licked from root to tip--"I'm damned thankful, cuz"--he bit on the thick vein--"I don't"--he probed at the bundle of nerves under the head with the tip of his tongue-"screw women." "For which... ah, Si." Luke gave up as his back arched, forcing more of his shaft into Simon's greedy mouth. Simon forced his hand between Luke's legs to cup his balls, rolling them between his

fingers. The other hand he put to Luke's mouth. "Suck 'em deep," he instructed. Luke did as he was told, sucking two fingers in deep to make them good and wet, his tongue mimicking Simon's rolling action. He nearly lost it when he felt Simon suck on his balls, first one and then the other. It was too much sensation. Hot, moist mouth around his dick, a hand tugging on his balls, and fingers probing gently at his hole. Luke didn't know where to push first, where he needed the feelings to be strongest. "What do you want, Luke?" "Need you deeper." Simon slid down on his shaft, taking him in deep, Luke's dick nudging at the back of his throat. His fingers probed inside, and Luke found himself rising up on his toes, wanting to get away, yet needing to bear down on Simon's fingers and mouth. Simon's mouth was working harder, tighter suction that made Luke's balls draw up so tight he wanted to, needed to, scream. He could hear the sounds of the street going on outside the alley, the breathy sounds of Simon around him, and the moans he was trying hard to suppress. Simon's hand left his balls and cupped the tender skin on his ass, pulling him closer. Luke thrust forward, pushing his dick down Simon's throat, as his balls emptied in racking pulses. Simon swallowed it all, not letting Luke go until the aftershocks had finished. Finally he let Luke slip out of his mouth, pressing his cheek against Luke's softened cock. It was several minutes before they had the presence of mind for Luke to dress and Simon to get off his knees. They walked back to the hotel, shoulders brushing and fingers tangling when they felt it was safe. Luke looked up at his lover as they entered the hotel. Simon gave him a look of tenderness that made his heart flip over. For the first time, Luke knew that he didn't have to be jealous of Simon looking at other men anymore. There would never be a Rafe or a Kyle for Simon. There would only ever be Luke.

Chapter 19

THEY arrived back at the Lost Cow late Friday night, too tired to do more than collapse into bed, give each other a quick kiss, and fall asleep in seconds, Simon's head on Luke's chest. Morning came all too quickly, the alarm breaking into Luke's dreams of Simon. He woke up with a blush on his cheek as he realized exactly what he had been dreaming about, although after their vacation he wasn't sure there was anything he could dream about that should still make him embarrassed. "Mmmm." Simon rolled over and kissed him, his eyes still not fully open. "Morning," Luke moaned into his mouth and then sighed, "I'll go and get the coffee on. Chuck'll be here soon." Chuck was due to give them a report on the last few days. They'd had a brief conversation on the way back to the ranch last night, pleased to hear nothing had happened beyond the normal day-to-day occurrences. They weren't expecting anything different this morning, but it was important to catch up. "Coffee good," agreed Simon, mumbling incoherently into the covers. "Need coffee." Luke laughed and rolled out of bed. "Get it together, cowboy, while I put it on and have a shower. We're back to real life now." He couldn't hear Simon's response, but he was fairly sure it wasn't one he'd use in front of his momma. It was almost half an hour later before Simon managed to appear in the kitchen, his hair dripping wet and messy, and still looking half-asleep. Luke and Chuck interrupted their conversation to look at him. Chuck paused in taking a sip of his coffee. "Afternoon," he said to the new arrival. Simon grunted at him and sat down at the table. Luke poured out another cup and handed it to him. He drank it down and pushed it back for a refill. Chuck raised his eyebrows at Luke. "Busy time?" Luke grinned. "Think I wore him out," he agreed, obliging Simon's unspoken request.

When they were all refilled, Chuck began his report. It had been remarkably quiet, and Luke cynically wondered if that was because the queers were out of town. There were a few routine details to sort out. Second hay-cutting was coming up and arrangements had to be made for accommodating the extra hands. The fence lines that hadn't been replaced due to vandalism needed to be checked for winter, and a couple of the trucks needed repairs that were beyond Chuck's and Pete's ability to sort out. "Momma's gonna need one of the trucks for a few days next week," Chuck said. "Hers is going into the shop again." "She ought to sell that piece of junk," Luke muttered, and the other men made noises indicating their agreement. Simon spoke up for the first time. "We need all the trucks while we're doin' the hay. Can they survive for another couple of weeks?" "Maybe, but Momma taking one leaves us short." "Jack and Sammy will let us use theirs, and so will some of the others. We'll be fine," Chuck said. "Has the sheriff been in touch at all?" asked Simon as he poured out his third cup. They still hadn't found the culprits for the cattle poisoning but the sheriff's attitude had changed since the incident. It was obvious that this time, at least, he was putting some effort into catching the perpetrators. Chuck shook his head. "Not while you've been away, although he'd more likely call the Boss, than me." That was true. Luke made a mental note to call his father after the meeting. "There is one more thing you oughta know." Chuck rubbed his forehead, a sure sign he was not happy. Luke exchanged a look with Simon. "What is it?" "It's Tommy. He's been talkin' 'bout moving across state to get away from all the troubles." "I didn't expect that. He never said anything before," Simon said, looking as shocked as Luke felt. Chuck squirmed on his seat. "I think his mom and dad are putting a lot of pressure on him to leave here, and then he can come back to the church. They're in deep with Pastor Jackson." "He can hardly go back to the church if he moves to the other side of Texas," Simon pointed out. "I think that's kind of the point," Luke said tightly. Both men turned to look at him. He tried to make his face as neutral as possible. As far as he was aware, neither of them knew Tommy

was gay. A frown knit Simon's brows. "What do you mean?" "If he leaves the Lost Cow he pleases his parents, and if he leaves the area he doesn't have to go to the chapel." Chuck grunted in agreement. "It's a loss of a good hand if he goes. I hope he waits until after the hay is in." "You could talk to him, boss. Change his mind, maybe?" Simon suggested, looking at Luke. He shook his head. "I don't think so. It's his choice." "But...." Luke interrupted Simon before he could argue. "I can't force him to stay, Si. He's been upset by everything that's happened here. It might be better if he finds somewhere else." Eyes narrowing, Simon stared at him as if he was aware Luke was holding back. Luke refused to meet his eyes. He was crap at hiding anything from Simon. "I'll talk to him, but I'm not gonna try and make him change his mind," he said finally. "Good enough for me," Chuck said. "He thinks the world of you two and this ranch. I just wanna make sure he's doing this for the right reasons." He pushed back his chair and stood up. "I'll leave you to finish your meeting." "We'll be out shortly," Simon told him, and from the frown furrowing his forehead, Luke knew that he wasn't going to be having his favorite morning report. Simon had something to say, and he wasn't going to be happy until he'd said his piece. Chuck left, whistling a tune only he could recognize, and the two men were left behind. Luke waited, and Simon didn't disappoint. He sat back in his chair and stuck his feet out in front of him. "Wanna tell me what that was all about?" Simon asked, his tone deceptively mild. "What do you mean?" Luke could plead ignorance for a while. "You don't seem all that surprised about Tommy's decision." Luke shrugged. "D'ya blame him? This way he gets away from us, the church, and his mom. I'd take it like a shot. Wouldn't you?" "Not if it meant leaving a spread and a job I love and people I care about." Simon tapped his fingers on the table. "What is it you're not telling me? Is there something going on with Tommy?" Biting his thumbnail, Luke had to make a quick decision. "Look, I didn't tell you because

Tommy asked me not to, okay? Not even Pops knows." Simon gave him a quick nod. "Go on." "Tommy's gay. He isn't out at all. I'm not even sure he's ever been with anyone. He can't tell his parents, and he's petrified of them finding out. He asked me not to tell anyone, and I kept that promise." "Okay." Simon didn't seem particularly surprised by the revelation or upset by Luke withholding the information from him. "I guess moving away might be a good move if only to give him a chance to play." Luke frowned at him. "You don't seem surprised. Why're you not surprised?" Simon gave him a long, lazy smile. "You're so blind, Luke. Have you never seen the way he looks at you?" "No. What?" Luke had no idea what he was talking about. "What looks? He doesn't look at me." Laughing softly, Simon walked around the table and kissed him. "You have no idea. You get all upset if anyone so much as gives me a passing glance, but when anyone looks at you, you just don't see it, do ya?" Luke was confused, and it showed. He'd known Tommy since they were both kids. They'd worked together on the Lost Cow for the past five years, and there'd never been a hint that the younger man liked him. Tommy had only told him he was gay because Luke had found him drunk and about to do something very stupid. It had been a long night of incoherent rambling over pots of coffee before he'd finally admitted what the problem was. He scrubbed through his hair, still damp from his shower. "How long have you known?" Simon just rolled his eyes and sat back down. "Since I came here, idiot. It just doesn't matter because you only ever look at me. Tommy's a great guy, and it would be cool if he could find someone who loves him back." "Fuck." Luke huffed out a breath and knocked his head against the table. "Imma idiot." Simon chuckled softly. "Course you are, boss, but I still love you." "Bastard," Luke grumbled against the table and sat back up. He needed this like a hole in the head. What was he going to say to Tommy? "He's wanted you for years, Luke," Simon said, reading his mind. "It isn't going to make any difference now. Just talk to him about him leaving and let him think you're still oblivious." Luke bit his lip and held his hand out to Simon and laced their fingers together. "You're amazing. I think you're amazing." "Damn straight, boss." Simon kissed his knuckles. "Now let's get the fuck out of here and

run this ranch." "Uh-uh." Luke shook his head. "Breakfast first." Simon's stomach rumbled on cue. "You cook. I'll clean." "Deal." Luke could handle that.

LUKE had little time to talk to Tommy over the weekend. Lil was due over on Monday to resume discussions on their expansion plans, and this time Luke really hoped they could concentrate on that and not on the rogue antics of the townspeople. However, he wasn't convinced that the Lost Cow could support the breeding program after the extra costs of the last couple of months. They'd spent a fortune on repairing the fence and vet's bills, not to mention the cost of retaining their lawyer. He spent his Saturday studying the accounts with his father and Simon. The ranch was in good shape and had been showing a good profit before the start of the summer. Having to hire extra hands had also put a dent into their profits but the expansion was still financially viable. The thing was, did they still want to go ahead? The three men were slumping in their seats, eyes sore and weary after hours of figuring and discussing. Simon had poured them all a shot of whiskey to soothe their vocal cords. Greg was looking weary, but then, Luke acknowledged, he was looking weary a hell of a lot lately. It reminded him of the time before Greg's angioplasty when Luke was a teenager. The last thing Greg needed was more stress. Maybe he'd be better off without the additional anxieties of the Lost Cow as well. He snorted to himself. Like his dad was going to admit to that! "Care to share?" Simon asked, interrupting his musing. Luke shook his head. "Not thoughts you really wanna hear," he admitted. Greg gave him a sharp look. "Think we ought to hear them, son, if they're bothering you that much." Giving him a doubtful look, Luke said, "'Kay." He paused while he formulated his thoughts. The two men didn't press him, just sitting back and waiting for him to speak. Finally he said, "I don't think Simon or I can deny we've both considered leaving the ranch over the last couple of months." He looked at his lover, and Simon nodded his agreement. The next bit was going to be tricky. His dad wasn't going to be thrilled to be reminded of his weaknesses. "Maybe you should think about selling the ranch." Greg's eyes widened, and he flushed red. Luke braced himself for his dad's anger but it never came. Instead his response was almost mild. "I can't deny the summer's tested us all, but no, why would I want to do that?" Luke eyed him suspiciously. "But you"--he paused--"don't look so good."

"Been sick for a while, Luke. You just didn't notice," Greg snapped, but at Luke's mortified expression, he added hastily, "Momma and I kept it from you deliberately. We thought it best until it was necessary to tell you." Luke felt his face flood with color, anger at his parents' deception surging through his veins. He opened his mouth to tell his dad exactly what he thought of that idea when he felt Simon's hand clasp his and squeeze gently. When he looked up, Simon's eyes were pleading with him not to make a scene. "What's wrong with you?" Simon asked, his thumb tracing circles on Luke's palm. Greg huffed a little before saying, "My arteries are blocked. I'm gonna need a triple bypass before long." "And you didn't think it was necessary to tell me?" Luke asked icily. "Have you told Liam or Lisa?" Greg's expression showed he clearly wished he hadn't started this conversation. "Not yet. We were gonna tell you when the date was set for the operation." "Except the idiot keeps putting it off." They all looked up to see Momma in the doorway. She'd managed to come in unnoticed again. "He needs to get it done now, but your pops doesn't want to leave you short-handed." Luke turned on his father. "Don't you trust me... us," he said, with a smile at Simon, "to run this ranch?" "Of course I do, but with all the trouble...." "Clearly you don't, or you wouldn't be playing Russian roulette with your heart." Greg banged his fist on the table. "You two are the best damn manager and foreman the Lost Cow could have. The ranch could never have thought about expanding before you two started running it. I was just afraid you'd forget that and run away to live in some damn city somewhere!" he yelled at them. "I don't wanna turn my back and see you give up now." He sat back, breathing heavily, color running high in his cheeks. Grabbing the whiskey bottle, Greg poured himself another shot and slugged it back, ignoring the disapproving noise coming from Pamela. "You can't let them win, Luke. You're a fighter, not a quitter." Luke stared at him for a long moment and then over at Simon, who dipped his head in silent agreement. "We won't talk about selling if you have your operation." Greg opened his mouth to argue, but Luke raised his hand. "No discussions, no negotiation. Simon and I will keep the ranch, and deal with anything that the assholes, sorry, Momma, throw at us, if you go and get fixed."

He suppressed a smile at his mother's satisfied snort, knowing his dad would not appreciate it. "If I do, you don't mention selling up again?" Luke nodded his agreement. Greg looked at Simon, and after a small pause, Simon said, "Okay." Greg frowned. "You don't sound too sure, son." "I can't help feeling the decision won't be ours. We might not get the choice." It was Luke's turn to squeeze Simon's hand. "You're right, but until then, let's go ahead as we planned. The Lost Cow deserves our best." He needed Simon's verbal consent on this. It wasn't something he was prepared to do by himself. As Simon had said recently, home was the two of them together, not separately. Simon leaned over and poured them all another shot, including Pamela. "To the Lost Cow." He raised his glass and threw it back. "The Lost Cow." They drank and put the glasses down, Pamela wiping her eyes and coughing as the liquor hit the back of her throat. She gave Greg a satisfied look. "You're gonna schedule that operation first thing Monday morning." Greg didn't respond immediately. "The answer is 'Yes, dear'," Luke stage-whispered. Glaring at his son, Greg did as he was told, and received a pat on the hand from his wife. "Good boy. Time we went home." "And don't think about working on the ranch until you're back out of the hospital, y'hear?" ordered Luke. "Don't push it!" his father growled as he followed his wife out of the kitchen, "I can still tan your backside." Simon waited until Greg was out of earshot before snickering. "Perhaps you shouldn't tell your dad you actually like that." He was too slow to avoid Luke smacking him upside the head.

IT WAS late Sunday evening before Luke managed to talk to Tommy. He had supper with Simon and then knocked on the door of the bunkhouse. The three hands were watching TV as he walked into the living room. "Evening, boss."

Luke nodded as Chuck greeted him. "Evening. Tommy, can I have a word?" Tommy got to his feet. "Sure thing." Luke didn't miss the worried glance he threw Chuck's way or the reassuring grin in response. The two men left the bunkhouse, Luke deliberately steering a path toward the corral. He always felt calmer around the horses. In truth, Luke had no idea what to say to Tommy, had no idea if what Simon had said was even true, and he felt rather resentful that he was being put in this position now. He kept the conversation light and inconsequential as they walked, but he could feel the tension thrumming off the young man. "Chuck told you, then." It burst out of Tommy as if he just couldn't wait for 'it' any longer. "He did," Luke agreed, relieved he wasn't the one starting the discussion. "Have you made up your mind to go, or are you just thinking 'bout it?" Tommy didn't answer immediately, and his eyes were focused on the small huddle of horses in the corner of the paddock. "I don't want to go, but it's difficult, y'know?" His voice was distant, and he still wasn't looking at Luke. "My momma and daddy keep telling me to leave here in case I get 'infected' by your sin." At that, he gave Luke an apologetic look and said, "And I want to tell them it's too fucking late, but I just can't, because...." He trailed off, and his hands clutched tightly onto the wooden rails. "Because it's easier sometimes just to keep your head down and keep quiet," Luke finished for him. "Yeah." Tommy exhaled slowly. "I don't wanna go, but here I just can't be who I am." If Luke thought about that too hard it would be dang ironic. "You do what you need to do, Tommy. Just can you hold off for a coupla months 'til Pops has had his operation?" "The boss is sick again?" Tommy had been in school the first time Greg had gotten ill, but their families had been friends for years. "Yeah." Luke didn't want to talk about it too much because then he might have to think about the prospect of losing his father. "I won't leave until he's back on his feet," Tommy promised. Luke smiled at him gratefully. At least one problem had been postponed for now.

Chapter 20

IN HINDSIGHT, Luke should have been waiting for the other shoe to drop, but honestly, he'd been too busy to even consider what might happen next. Second harvest had come and gone successfully, summer was changing into the golden colors of fall, and Luke and Simon were doing what they did best, looking after their ranch and each other. Luke was riding out on the new horse, James, on one of the furthest ranges of their spread. It was mainly unused land, and he'd been checking the possibility of moving some of the herd there. It was one of the few places out of range of his cell phone, and he'd had a peaceful day, checking the pastures and getting used to the feel of James under his heels. He grinned to himself as he remembered Macken's face when he patted the horse's neck and called him James. Simon had been dead right. It was gonna bug the horse dealer for months that he hadn't named it Sodom or Gomorrah or suchlike. Of course, the advantage of being left alone with his thoughts was the time to think of this morning and his cowboy slowly jacking him off in the shower, so slow and tortuous that Luke ended up rising up on his toes, chasing his climax as Simon growled filthy promises in his ear. The first hint of trouble arrived with the slew of beeps and dings that indicated texts and missed calls. Luke dug out his phone and looked at the screen. Ten texts and six missed calls. He sighed, wondering what shit was going down now. He thumbed at the texts. They were all from Simon. His heart sank as he read through them. The first was an hour old already. 911 Call me Call me now! Gone 2 hospital Whr r u? They'd gotten increasing more frantic as the time went on. Briefly, Luke looked at the missed calls: Simon, his dad, Lisa and Liam, Simon another two times. He didn't bother with the messages. Simon picked it up on the first ring. "Thank fuck! Driving your dad to the hospital now."

Swallowing hard against his panic, Luke asked, "What's happened to him? Is it his heart? Why didn't you call the helicopter?" Simon interrupted Luke's increasingly frantic questions. "Didn't you listen to my messages? Your dad's fine. Your momma's been involved in a car accident. She got found by the Bensons. They called your dad after she got taken to the hospital. Lisa and Liam are on their way." He paused for breath. "Now, get to the windmill. Jack and Sammy'll meet you there. Jack's gonna drive you to the hospital, and Sammy'll take James." "Is she...?" He didn't want to ask, but God, his momma.... "How did it happen?" "We don't know, boss." Simon said, his voice so low Luke could barely hear him over the roaring panic in his head. "I'll call you when I find out, 'kay? Gotta go, Luke. We're just hitting the outskirts of town." "Yeah, sure." He didn't want to be left alone, scared shitless the next time he spoke to Simon it would be to hear that his mother had died, and he hadn't been there. "Love you." Simon broke the connection before Luke could reply. He looked up, staring into the distance without really seeing anything. All the warmth and the joy had been sucked out of the day, and he shivered against the chill. He set James on his way to the old windmill. The ground was too rough for him to do anything more than a fast walk, but as soon as he could, he'd pick up the pace. As soon as he hit the dirt path leading to the windmill, Luke clapped his felt hat firmly on his head and coaxed James into a lope. It took him nearly two hours to reach his destination. As he reached the rise, he could see Sammy and Jack leaning against the outside of the truck. He was off the horse almost before he'd slowed to a halt. Sammy took the reins, and Jack opened the door to start his truck. Before Luke reached the passenger side, Sammy grabbed his arm. "You give Momma my love, 'kay, boss?" Luke nodded, his throat tight, and he got into the truck, unable to speak. Jack patted his knee, and they took off toward the south road at a pace that would normally have Luke growling about the way the hands treated the trucks but today seemed unbearably slow. They were on the outskirts of the Lost Cow lands when Luke's cell buzzed. "Luke?" "Si, how is she? What's happening?" "She's fine. Broken arm and bruised ribs. They're keeping her in to reset the arm and check on her head. She's got two black eyes and a few cuts and bruises. Luke, she's fine."

"I... she...." Luke couldn't get it out. "S'all right, babe," Simon said soothingly, "you just get here as soon as possible. Lisa and Liam will be here in a couple of hours, and I'm just about to call them. Talk to you later." "God!" Luke ended the call and gave an involuntary shudder. He saw the worried expression Jack was giving him and said, "She's okay. Just a broken arm and bruises." "Thank you, Lord." Jack gave his thanks and promptly blushed. "Sorry, boss." Luke waved his hand and said, "Amen." He lay back against the seat, feeling better than he had in hours. It wouldn't be completely better until he saw his momma with his own two eyes, but at least he knew now she'd be there, alive, if a little battered. It was dark before they reached the hospital. At Jack's insistence, they'd stopped en route at a drive-thru to pick up burgers and fries, because he said it was unlikely Luke would remember to eat again when they got to the hospital. Luke had chafed at the delay, but he had to admit he felt better with some solid food inside him. He'd only taken trail rations with him while he was out. As they pulled into the parking lot, Luke saw Simon and Lisa standing in the hospital lobby. Jack pulled over to let Luke hop out, and he ran toward them. They didn't notice him until he was through the doors. "Hey, guys," he called out. Lisa looked up, and Luke could see that her eyes were swollen and puffy. Fresh tears streaked down her face as she saw her brother. "Lisa? Lisa, baby, what's happened?" He didn't have time to say anything more as Lisa threw herself into his arms with a wail. She buried her face in his shirt, unable to speak as she sobbed. Luke held her tightly and looked over at Simon. His face wasn't much better, and Luke could tell he was only holding himself together with an effort. Luke swallowed against the rising bile in his throat. "What's happened. Is Momma...?" "She's in surgery now having her arm reset," Simon said quickly, coming forward to place his arms around both of them. Lisa cried harder as her fingers curled into Luke's shirt. "Tell me what the fuck's happened." Luke's voice rising under the strain. Some people looked up from a few feet away to see what the commotion was about, but they all ignored them. "It's your dad. He had another heart attack as we were driving in," Simon said, his voice low and calm as he kept his hand on Luke's shoulder. Shocked to the core, Luke swayed, and Simon moved closer to support him, but he shook

him off almost angrily. God, not this. Not his pops. His father had managed to avoid his surgery thanks to some nifty delaying tactics, much to Momma's disgust. "They're trying to stabilize him now. Liam is up there with him. We came down for some air." "What happened?" Luke asked. "He got pains in his chest as we approached the hospital. Couldn't speak, couldn't draw breath. I just took him straight to the ER." Luke could see how much it had freaked Simon out. "Boss, Simon? Is Momma all right?" Jack had come in while they were talking. Luke buried his face in Lisa's silky hair, leaving Simon to explain. He could hear Simon talking quietly above the sound of Lisa's grief and Jack's vicious curses. "We ought to get back to the room," Simon suggested. "They've given us a room while we wait for Momma to come out of surgery." Pressing a kiss to the top of Lisa's head, Luke whispered, "All right, little one?" She looked up, her face wrecked. "What if he doesn't make it, Luke?" "Pops is a fighter. He'll be up and telling us what to do before you know it," Luke said encouragingly, guiding her after Simon. He had only got a few steps when he realized Jack wasn't following. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Jack heading for the door. "Jack, are you coming?" The older cowboy stopped in his tracks. "I thought... well, it's for family." "You are family." Lisa hiccupped and held out her hand. Jack flushed scarlet, but Luke could see how pleased he was to be included by the siblings. Simon led the small group up two floors to a small room. It was empty, which was explained by Simon murmuring that Liam was probably still with his father. Relieved that his father wasn't alone, Luke was entering the room when he felt Lisa stiffen in his arms. "What's wrong?" he asked. She nodded over to a small group of people by the nurses' station. Looking over, Luke saw Dave and Marion Benson looking their way. They were standing with a middle-aged couple Luke didn't recognize. "Fucking vultures," she hissed. Taken aback at her vehemence, Luke urged her into the waiting room and pushed her down into a chair. "What the hell was that all about?"

"Well, they are," she spat out. "They're circling around like vultures around a carcass." Luke flinched back at the implication. "God, no, Lisa." A warm hand at his back steadied him, and he leaned back, seeking the comfort he knew he'd always find. "They found Momma. They probably just want to check she's all right." Lisa looked at him as if he was insane. "The Bensons, maybe," she muttered harshly. Frowning at her uncharacteristic anger, Luke tilted his head to look at Simon. He was surprised to see the pain etched on Simon's face. Carefully, he stepped away from them both. "What am I missing here?" he asked, a hand out to stop Simon moving any closer toward him. "You saw the old folks standing with Marion and Dave?" Lisa asked him in return. He nodded, although he'd hardly call them old. "They are the cause of all your problems." Still not sure, he asked "What do you mean?" "For God's sake, Luke," she snapped impatiently, "it's not rocket science." "You mean...?" The static in his head that had been there since he'd heard about his mother suddenly turned up full volume. "Pastor Tony Jackson and his wife are standing outside as we speak, waiting to pray over the bodies of their brother and sister," she ground out. Without even knowing what he was doing, Luke started toward the door, but Jack was in the doorway blocking his exit. "I don't think that would be a good idea, do you, boss?" Maybe he was right, but the static was too loud, and Luke had had too many shocks piled up, one on top of the other. His momma was lying under the fucking surgeon's knife because of them, and his pops might... fuck, no.... He needed to let out some of his anger and fear. Those people standing in the hallway, they were just fucking there to get an earful of what he was feeling now. It was them. The enemy. And he hadn't even fucking known. Then Simon was at his back, hands over Luke's biceps, pinning him in place, and he was about to turn around and plant his fist in Simon's face just to get him to back the fuck off, when the door opened behind Jack, and the hand had to do a hasty two-step to avoid being knocked over. It should have been funny. Hell, it was funny, except damned if Luke could find it in him to laugh at the moment. "Sorry." Liam's apology was perfunctory until he realized he'd nearly knocked Jack on his ass. "Hell, sorry, Jack."

The hand waved him off. "No worries, Liam. How's the Boss?" His brother raised an eyebrow at Luke who just shrugged. To the older hands, he'd never be the Boss, just the boss, with a small "b." "They're still working on him." Liam swallowed hard, trying to be the big brother for his siblings. "They're not saying much at the moment." Lisa let out a sob. Liam and Simon sat down on either side of her, their arms around her. Luke wanted to join in with her tears, but he had to keep it together, for her and for the ranch. "Have you spoken to the sheriff?" Luke asked. "Do you know how the accident happened?" Liam shook his head. "Not yet, but the Bensons didn't see anyone else at the scene." That didn't really mean a lot. If his momma had been run off the road, the perpetrators could have been long gone. Jack interrupted his thoughts. "I'm gonna call the ranch to let them know. None of them know about the Boss," he said, looking deeply uncomfortable. "Liz was cookin' dinner for all the hands tonight. She's gonna bring some back for me." Trying not to think about his pops, Luke asked, "You expect there to be any left with Chuck and Tommy there?" Jack's smile said he appreciated the attempt at humor. "She's hidden mine." "I'm gonna come back later," Simon said suddenly. Luke looked up, dismayed. He hadn't thought Simon would leave him. Simon looked at him apologetically. "I gotta go back for a bit. Sammy's off tomorrow, and we've got the herd move planned. I'll be back tomorrow night." Damn. Luke had completely forgotten about that. "The back pasture needs work before we can move any stock." "I'll get Pete and Tommy over there tomorrow," Simon told him. He came over to where Luke was sitting. "I'm not going yet, boss." Luke let go of Lisa and hugged Simon, pulling him as close as was physically possible. Burying his head in that spot that was his, Luke closed his eyes against the reality of what they were facing and let himself be absorbed in Simon's scent. "Sap." His lips curved against Simon's skin as he heard Liam and Lisa's chorus. "Go away," he told them without heat. "I've been telling them that for years, but they still keep cuddling," Jack said, amusement obvious in his voice. "See ya later."

Luke heard the click of the door as it closed. "They're all idiots. Ignore them." Simon dropped a kiss on his lips. "I wish I could. They've always been the bane of my life." He wasn't sure he'd been successful in keeping the shake out of his voice. "Aw, you love us," Liam mocked. Luke didn't bother to move. "No, I really don't." It was the same as always, the three siblings bitching at each other, yet all of them were avoiding talking about the one thing dominating their thoughts. The knock at the door made him raise his head and pull back slightly. Tension ratcheted through his body, and Simon held him a little tighter. A head poked around the door. It was a nurse dressed in a pink uniform, and she was smiling, which had to be good sign, Luke thought. "I thought you'd like to know your mother is out of the operating room. She's in recovery at the moment, but we'll come and get you when she's ready." "Is she all right?" Liam asked. "She's fine. Her arm is reset, and she's comfortable. We'll keep her in overnight, but I expect you can take her home tomorrow." Lisa gave a short laugh. "I think you'll find it hard to get rid of Momma until she knows Pops is coming home with her." The nurse's face sobered rapidly. "I'll find out what's happening with your father as soon as I can." "Thank you." Lisa curled up on the seat, Liam hugging her closely. Backing out the door, the nurse left them alone again. Luke's head was starting to ache, and he rubbed at his temples. "Like some coffee?" Simon offered, his hand rubbing over the taut muscles in Luke's shoulders. "Mmmm, love some," Luke agreed. It was far too late to be drinking coffee, but he didn't think they'd be doing much sleeping tonight. Digging in his pockets for loose change, Liam said, "Why don't you both go and bring us back a cup? It's godawful, but at least it's hot." Luke didn't really want to leave, just in case the nurse came back, but God, he really needed that coffee. "I'll come and get you if there's any news," Lisa promised, reading the reluctance on his face.

Standing up, Simon held out his hand to Luke. "C'mon, boss. You need the caffeine, and I need to stretch my legs." He allowed himself to be pulled up, groaning as the muscles protested from a day in the saddle, then a long car ride. "You're getting old, big bro," Lisa mocked as he limped toward the door. Flipping her off, Luke opened the door only to stop as he discovered Dave and Marion standing outside. It was like a standoff, he thought. Simon pressed up against his back, their erstwhile friends on the other side. "Uh, uh, we're, uh. Just wanted to let Liam... you know. We, uh, are going home," Dave stuttered. "We spoke to Sheriff Canes. He'll be by here later." He was trying to look over Luke's shoulder to Liam and Lisa as he said it. Kinda hard with Simon's bulk in the way. Marion stood behind him, ramrod straight and looking as if she was sucking on a lemon. It was hard to believe Luke had once treated her like a second mother, spending hours in her house playing with Jeannie. "Thank you for what you did for my mother," Luke said formally. He owed them that at least. And no, he wasn't moving out of the way, at all. "Anybody would have," Dave said quietly. "The nursing staff won't tell us anything. Is she going to be all right?" He was still aiming his conversation over Luke's shoulder, but his eyes kept flickering to Luke with something that could be, almost, an apology. Too tired to try and work it out, Luke answered. "Momma's out of surgery now. We're going to see her soon." He could feel Simon's steadying presence at his back, and he leaned into it, taking comfort from his solid body. "That's good. That's good." Dave nodded. "And your father? Have you heard anything 'bout him?" It was painful, this stilted small talk. "Not yet." God, Luke wished they'd just fuck off. He was tired, and he really didn't wanna play nice with the homophobes. Suddenly Simon's presence disappeared, and Luke was flying backward. What the fuck...? Where he had been standing, there was his little sister, her fists clenched and a stream of words coming out of her mouth so vile he was thankful Momma wasn't around to hear it, otherwise she'd have been dragging Lisa off to get the soap. By the time Luke's brain caught up with the proceedings, Lisa was in Dave's face. "This is your fault. It's your fucking fault my momma and Pops are in hospital. All the shit at the ranch and killing the cattle. Jesus fucking Christ, Momma and Pops were your friends. They've known you for years. We used to live in your fucking home and play with Jeannie. Did Luke contaminate her? And you treated Luke and Simon like your fucking sons. You've known

they were gay for years, but did it ever bother you while you were feeding them after chapel or taking the ranch's money every month? One piss-ignorant pastor waltzes into town and suddenly they're worse than the fuckin' devil. Are you fuckin' stupid? Why didn't you tell them to fuck off?" Lisa was almost screeching by this stage, and Luke almost, almost, felt sorry for the Bensons. He knew it wasn't really fair to blame them. Dave looked shellshocked, and Marion was so red Luke wondered about her blood pressure. He supposed he ought to stop his little sister. Liam obviously wasn't gonna try. He was just standing there with an approving look on his face. He'd moved so he was beside Simon, one hand on his shoulder. Eyes prickling, Luke swallowed hard against the swell of emotion as he realized this was his brother and sister openly supporting him, no, both of them. Glancing over to Simon, he saw the same emotions on his face: proud, embarrassed, and completely overwhelmed. "What on earth's going on?" The nurse that had come in before appeared behind Marion, her face stern but also concerned. The interruption halted Lisa's invective, and she slumped as if a pin had pricked her. Simon put his arms around her and guided her to one of the seats, staying there while she rested against him. There was an uncomfortable silence until the nurse said sharply, "This is a hospital. There are very sick people just down the hallway. If you carry on, I'll have to ask you to leave. You can see your father now if you want." Everyone muttered their apologies. Satisfied she had made her point and delivered her message, the nurse turned on her heel and walked away. Marion tugged on Dave's arm. "Let's go." "Yeah, bug off," muttered Lisa under her breath. "Ow!" Luke removed his elbow from her ribs. "Good night," he said politely. He shoved Lisa in the direction of the Cardiac Care Unit. "Go and sit with Pops. I'll be there in a minute." She glared at him but walked off obediently. Marion started walking down the hallway. Dave gave them one last apologetic look and hurried after her. "You didn't answer Lisa's question," he called after them and watched them stumble to a halt. "Which one? She was on a roll," Liam pointed out to his brother. "Shut up, Liam," Luke snapped impatiently. "Why didn't you tell the pastor to fuck off? Wasn't our friendship worth more than that?"

The reply was predictable, but at least Marion answered. "Pastor Tony is a man of God. It's God's word." "Pastor Jim was a man of God. He never denied me or Simon entry into God's house," Luke told them quietly. "Pastor Tony told us that we'd been led wrong, that we'd burn in Hell for keeping company with sinners." She refused to look at him, but at least she wasn't sneering. Luke felt Simon twitch beside him. "Did your man of God tell you to falsely accuse another of attempted murder? Did your man of God tell you to poison innocent animals? Did your man of God tell you to drive a good, hard-working man who called you friend into an early grave? Did your man of God tell you to walk by on the other side?" Voice rising, Luke was finally giving vent at the people he held responsible for all the shit that had happened over the past few months. Not the pastor, not the people actually doing the acts, but the people he called friends. Further down the hall, the nurses looked over, frowning at another commotion. Simon touched Luke's arm. "Leave them. They really ain't worth it. You need to see your father." Luke was prepared to argue, but Liam was agreeing with Simon, so he let himself be led away, weary of everything. An arm slid around his shoulder. Luke leaned wearily against Simon's side and smiled up at him. "Let's go and see Pops. He needs to see those who really love him."

Chapter 21

IT WAS like a repeat of before. All wires and beeping machines surrounding the bed, and in the middle was his pops, his eyes closed and his skin so pallid. Luke couldn't equate the large, forceful, intense man that was his father with the patient on the bed, motionless and too silent. Lisa was in his arms, watching as two nurses performed routine observations. He could feel her body trembling as she tried to suppress her sobs. Simon was behind him, his long arms around them both. Despite Simon's need to get back to the ranch, he seemed reluctant to leave Luke alone, and Luke knew he wasn't strong enough to tell him to go. Over the course of the night, the four of them conducted a weird dance between the hospital rooms of Greg and Pamela, exchanging partners and offering coffee and shoulders as needed. Just after three a.m., Pamela woke up. Luke and Liam were talking quietly in one corner when there was a rustle and a cough from the bed. Luke looked up to see his momma staring at them, her face swollen and bruised, etched in pain. They both rushed over to her side. Luke bent down to kiss her cheek, Liam following suit. "Hey, Momma, what have you been doing to yourself?" Pamela looked embarrassed. "I was looking for something in my purse," she admitted. "By the time I looked up, I was heading for the ditch." Confusion was evident in her voice. She frowned. "Where is your father?" she asked. Neither of them wanted to answer her, casting swift glances at each other before looking away. "Tell me," she demanded, her uninjured hand clasped around Luke's wrist. He placed his other hand over his mother's. "Pops had a turn on the way to see you," he admitted, cursing himself as her face crumpled. "A turn?" "A heart attack. Lisa and Simon are sitting with him at the moment. It's...." Taking a deep breath, Luke said, "It's not looking too good, Momma." He wasn't going to lie to her, no matter how much easier it would be.

Watching as slow tears leaked out and ran down over the bruises into her hair--his momma never cried, ever--Luke felt the hate and rage toward everyone that had been building up inside him since he got the call about the accident, amplified by the sight of his parents, lying sick and weakened in the hospital, even though he knew his momma's accident had been a simple lack of concentration. Looking over at Liam, he could see a similar expression on his brother's face: fear, anger, and confusion all mixed up into helplessness. Luke squeezed her hand. "I'll go and check on him now. You rest, okay?" She drew in a shaky breath, saying, "You tell that man that I love him. He'll be missing me." Bending down, Luke gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I'll tell him. Be back very soon." He bolted from the room, leaning against the wall outside, his eyes screwed tightly shut as he tried to block out the sounds of his momma crying quietly. "Luke?" A concerned voice penetrated his haze and a hand settled on his shoulder. Opening his eyes to Simon's beautiful brown ones staring worriedly down at him, Luke gave a weak smile. "'M all right. Just needed some air." Simon was obviously unconvinced because he didn't pull back from Luke's side. "How's Pamela?" "She just woke up." The hand on his shoulder tightened in understanding. "Does she know about Greg?" "I told her." Luke pushed himself off the wall. "I couldn't lie to her, Si, and she cried. What if he dies? What if I have to tell her my pops, her husband, is dead?" Angrily he brushed away the tears in his eyes. Simon pulled him into a hug. Conscious of the fact they were in public, Luke tried to move away, but Simon wouldn't let him. "Sssh, just stay here, no one minds." Luke found himself cradled as Simon continued, "He's not dead, and your mom will go and see him when she feels better." "I'm so damn scared, Si." He was so fucking scared his dad was going to die. "I know, boss. I am, too, but you're not on your own." Luke stayed against Simon's chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. Soothed and more composed, Luke said, "I promised I'd go and see how he is." "Holding his own," Simon told him, and Luke remembered Simon had just left his father. "Your dad's a fighter, and he's not about to give up now." Luke rubbed at his eyes again. "I need to tell her," he said, but Simon was shaking his head. "I'll tell her. You stay here, and then we'll take a break together."

Before Luke could answer, Simon had gone into the room and shut the door. A minute later the door opened, and he came back out. "I have orders from both of them for hot chocolate and something to eat. Lisa said the same." They walked down the hallway together, as close as possible without actually holding hands. The cafe was shut, but there were machines with hot drinks and snacks, and blessedly, it was completely deserted. Simon paid for two drinks, and they found a table where they could sit down out of sight of anyone passing by. Pulling his chair around so he was next to Luke, Simon sat down, tangling their legs together. Leaning against Simon's shoulder, Luke huffed out a sigh. "What a day." Simon barked out a short laugh. "No one can ever say life is quiet around you, boss." Giving him a rueful smile in return, Luke nodded, saying, "That's why you love me." Even in the dim light of the closed cafe, he could see the softness in Simon's eyes. "Ya got me." Looking around to see if they were being watched, Luke pulled Simon's head down for a kiss. Moaning softly into his mouth, Simon deepened the kiss, their tongues entwining desperately. Luke knew they didn't have long, but he just needed a few minutes alone with Simon before they went back to his parents' hospital beds. Simon's hands were warm and comforting where they touched him, and Luke didn't want to move away. There was just one nurse with Lisa and Greg when they arrived. She smiled briefly at them when they arrived and then left the room. Luke sat down and took his father's hand. "Momma told me to tell you she loves you and to get off your lazy ass." Accepting her hot chocolate, Lisa snorted as she rolled her eyes. "Momma'll have your hide if--when--Pops repeats that to her." The sudden wetness in her eyes, so like his own, made Luke only too aware that she was struggling to be optimistic. "She said that," Luke protested, trying to put up a brave face. "Sure," she scoffed. "Do you believe him, Simon?" Simon shook his head. "Not a word. Think you're outvoted, Luke. Do you want me to go back to Pamela to keep Liam company? They need their drinks too." "I'll go," Lisa said, "I need to go to the bathroom." She stood up, wincing as tired muscles made themselves known. She left the room, and Simon settled closer to Luke. As dawn arrived, Luke pulled Simon

from his watch at Greg's bedside and led him to the entrance of the hospital. Heedless of anyone watching, he pulled Simon's head down for a kiss. "Go home, Si, we have a ranch to run." Simon pulled Luke in closer and held him for a long time, before stepping back. Shivering in the chill air, Luke looked up at the tired face of his lover. "Are you safe to drive?" "With the amount of coffee we've drunk, I probably won't sleep for a week," Simon pointed out. "I don't want to leave you alone." He engulfed Luke's hands in his. "I'm not alone, and I don't wanna see you back here 'til tomorrow night." Kissing him one last time to stop any protest, Luke pushed Simon toward the parking lot. Simon had started walking toward the lot when he paused and turned. "Don't go anywhere," he called out and set off at a jog across the hospital grounds. Curious to know what he was waiting for, Luke rested his body against one of the pillars and closed his eyes for a moment. "Hey, cowboy, you awake?" Opening his eyes, Luke saw Simon standing in front of him with a small overnight bag and his duffel. Holding them out to Luke, Simon said, "Your dad and I packed one for Momma and one for you in case you had to stay here for any length of time. It nearly got forgot with your dad an' all. I packed your toothbrush too." Luke stared at them stupidly for a moment and then took the bags from Simon. "You always take care of me," he muttered as he slung the duffel over his shoulder. "Well, duh." Simon rolled his eyes and gave him a quick kiss, "Go back inside before you freeze to death. Call me later, okay?" He started walking away again. "Love you," he called over his shoulder. Luke wrapped his arms around himself to keep from running after his man. "Love you too." He walked back to the room where his mother was sleeping. Lisa was dozing in the armchair next to her bed. The sound of the door shutting jolted her awake, and she blinked wearily against the light. "Hey," she croaked out. "Sorry," he apologized quietly, putting the two bags down on a vacant chair. "What time is it?" Dropping the bags in one corner, Luke slumped down wearily next to her and looked at his cell. "Just after seven. Simon's gone back to the ranch. There's a bag of stuff for Momma over

there. Pops packed it before they left yesterday." Nodding, Lisa rubbed at her eyes. "Yeah, Simon told me he had it in the truck." She yawned loudly. "Think 'm gonna go and get some more coffee and drop in on Pops. Do you want me to bring some back?" "Not really, but it's the only thing that's gonna keep me awake." She got up from the chair, stretching tiredly. "See you later." Dropping a light kiss on the top of Luke's head, Lisa left the room. Luke took her place beside his momma and closed his eyes. It could have been five minutes, it could have been five hours when the sound of voices disturbed him. He opened his eyes to find Pamela talking to Liam and Lisa. A quick squint at the clock in the room told him he'd been asleep for just over an hour. There was a cold cup of coffee on the nightstand next to him. Liam nudged him lightly. "Good morning, sleeping beauty." Looking pale and drawn, but thank fuck, alive, Pamela smiled at Luke. "Morning, son. Sleep well?" Mindful of her injuries and aware he wasn't that fresh, Luke gathered his mother in his arms and kissed the top of her head. "Had better nights. How are you?" he said, not really wanting to let her go. "Worried sick about your father," she admitted, resting against his shoulder. He held her as close as he dared until a young voice interrupted them. "I'm afraid you're going to have to let Mrs. Murray breathe for a moment while we do some boring medical stuff." Luke looked up to see a nurse in the doorway. "Can't I just hang onto Momma while you poke and prod her?" he suggested. The nurse chuckled. "I'm sure your mother would rather you went for a coffee while she gets the third degree." "Come on, Luke. We'll get some breakfast and go back via Pops," said Liam, getting to his feet and dragging Lisa with him. "We'll leave Momma to make herself more beautiful." "Tell Pops I love him." Luke saw his brother wince. "He knows, Momma." "You tell him anyway. I know he can hear you." "We will," Lisa promised as they left the room. Giving his mom one last gentle hug, Luke left her to the ministrations of the nurse.

BREAKFAST started out a subdued affair. Craving fresh air, they left the hospital after letting both wards know where they were and headed for the nearest diner. After a night of little sleep and high emotion, they were all hungry and ordered the largest breakfast on the menu. Their waitress's eyes shot up when Luke moaned as the taste of decent coffee flooded his tastebuds. "Luke! Public place. Remember where you are," Lisa snapped, although the smile on her face belied her tone. "Sorry," he apologized, "but this is heaven after the hospital's coffee." "Ah." The waitress's face cleared. "Say no more. Long night there?" The siblings nodded wearily. Her expression changed to compassion. "You need a refill, just catch my eye. My name's Shelley. Would you like some juice too?" Not waiting for an answer, she said, "Coming right up." Shelley topped up their cups and went off to place their order, returning a minute later with fresh juice. Luke thanked her and took a sip of the juice, only just holding back another moan of pleasure. From the amusement on her face, the waitress knew exactly what he was feeling. "Good, isn't it? Bill makes it himself." She indicated vaguely toward the counter. Not sure whether Bill was the weedy kid drying the glasses or the guy built like a small barn at the grill, and not really caring, Luke just kept drinking the juice. It was like getting liquid energy through his veins. Shelley refilled their coffee cups and their juice glasses, and went off to serve other customers. Lisa was resting against the back of the booth, her eyes closed. Looking over at Liam, he seemed to be almost comatose. Luke shrugged and pulled out his phone. There wasn't much charge left, and Luke hadn't checked to see if Simon had placed the charger in his duffel. He had enough charge to send a text, though. The response was almost immediate. Hell yeah. Luke smiled. They didn't often send soppy texts to each other, but when they did, they both knew it was deeply and completely meant. "Sending obscene texts again?" Liam muttered, not opening his eyes. "Least I've said good morning to my partner." If telling Simon he'd like to be fucked by him up against their tree in the orchard counted as a greeting. Liam groaned slightly. "l s'pose I oughta call her. At least let her know I'm still alive." "Maybe say hello to your child as well. Remind him he still has a daddy." "I've only been gone a day," protested Liam as he dug out his cell.

"He needs to know you love him," Lisa interjected quietly, and the brothers subsided. The food still hadn't arrived, so Liam took the opportunity to call his wife, walking out of the diner for a little privacy and to avoid being mocked by his brother and sister. It didn't work, of course. Luke had over thirty years of practice at mocking from a distance. Lisa and Luke smirked as Liam moved away from the diner in an attempt to avoid their derision. Shelley arrived with plates laden with eggs, bacon, and hash browns. She frowned as she realized one of them was missing. "Do you want me to take it away until he gets back?" "No need. I'm back." Liam slid into his place. Luke could have sworn Shelley beamed now they were all together again. Lisa looked at her brother. "Everything okay at home?" "It's all cool. Well, apart from Brad drawing on the walls in permanent marker," he amended. "They're going to come up when we have a better idea how Pops is doing." "Good idea," Lisa agreed, thanking Shelley absently as she topped up her juice. Luke was too busy eating to participate in the conversation, but he could imagine how his anally tidy sister-in-law had reacted to marker pen all over her walls. "Momma should be discharged from the hospital today," Liam said after a few minutes of silence as they all ate. Luke grunted around a mouthful of bacon. "She's gonna want to stay close to Pops," he said when he had swallowed. "The ranch is too far for driving back and forth." "Jack and Liz offered us their place while Pops is in the hospital. They have a couple of spare rooms, and Momma and I can share," Lisa informed them. Frowning, Luke thought about it. It made sense, although Momma would probably prefer to be under her own roof. "When did they do that?" "Liz came by when I was sitting with Pops. She had an early shift and came in before she started." "When's Simon coming back?" Liam asked. He was eyeing one of the pastries at the counter. "I told him not before tomorrow night," Luke said, his eye also caught by something very large and very sweet. Lisa sighed loudly. "Shelley?" The waitress came over. "Please could you get these two pigs two of those strudels? And I'll have a blueberry

muffin." "Surely can, darlin'." "Do you need to get back to the ranch?" Liam asked a minute later, his lips covered in icing sugar and flaky pastry. Luke shook his head. "'M not goin' anywhere until Pops is out of the woods. Simon can run the ranch as well as me. Everything else can wait. When Pops is better, they can come home to the ranch for a while until Momma's arm is out of the cast." "You and Momma, sharing a kitchen? I'd like to see that working out," Lisa scoffed. "She won't be able to cook for a while," Luke pointed out. "She hasn't lost the use of her mouth." Lisa's words rang true, and Luke had to question the wisdom of the two of them under the same kitchen roof. It wasn't that he was a diva in the kitchen, but he did like doing things a certain way. Simon had learned to back away quickly when Luke was cooking. His momma wouldn't relinquish control so easily. Liam wasn't joining in the joking. "We have no idea when Pops will be ready to be released," he said soberly. It wiped the smile off both their faces. "Maybe we'll find out more today," Lisa suggested, her fingers clasped so tightly around the glass, Luke feared it might shatter. "Sure we will," he agreed, his hands over her smaller ones. The sound of Liam's phone interrupted the silence that followed. "It's the hospital. Hello?" he answered. Luke watched as Liam's face changed, and his heart skipped a beat. Liam looked up as he disconnected the call. "They need us to get back there now." Lisa got to her feet instantly, forgetting the half-eaten muffin left on her plate. Their waitress came over as she saw the siblings get up from the table. Her standard "Was everything all right?" died on her lips as she caught sight of their faces. "How much do we owe you?" Luke asked. She told him, and he gave her the cash including a hefty tip. As they left the table Shelley said, "I hope it all goes well." Luke gave her a wan smile. "So do we. Thanks, Shelley."

Chapter 22

IN A way that he didn't want to explore too closely, Luke knew he didn't want his dad to survive if he was left unable to be what he was, a cowboy who loved working on the Lost Cow. He couldn't discuss it with Liam and Lisa. No matter that they were brought up on the ranch, neither of them had the affinity for the land that Greg and Luke had together. For them, the Lost Cow was a means to an end. If it all went belly up, there was always something else to do. For Greg Murray, just as for Luke, losing his ranch was more than losing his home and livelihood. It was losing his own identity. Luke had always known this, which is why he didn't chafe at his father's continued presence on the ranch, and it was why, as he watched the medical team work on his father, he prayed quietly and fervently that if they saved his pops, they saved the cowboy, not just part of him. His mother was sitting in a wheelchair next to him. She hadn't been formally discharged, but there wasn't a doctor or nurse in the world that could keep her away from her husband at this moment. Her children were all clustered around her, a hand on her somewhere, seeking the comfort from their momma as much as giving her support. Her bruised and battered face was set in stoic lines. Pamela wouldn't break down now. The time for crying was past. Lisa was weeping silent tears, Liam's free arm around her. Both men were dry-eyed and composed on the outside, but Luke knew his brother, knew that like him, Liam was one heartbeat away from tears. Fixated on the flat line of the heart monitor, rather than what they were doing to his father, Luke saw the exact second it beeped, the exact second his father's heart started beating again. He felt, rather than heard, the exhalations of relief from his family around him as they realized the significance of the beep. It was a reprieve, rather than a conclusion, but it was a wonderful sound. One of the doctors looked up and gave them a nod. It wasn't much, but it was enough. It told Luke what he needed to know. Five minutes later, one of the nurses joined them. She gave them what Luke supposed was a "comforting" professional smile. "Greg is back with us again. He gave us a hair-raising few minutes, but he's responding well. Mrs. Murray?" She looked down at Pamela, who hadn't been around initially.

Pamela nodded, giving her a tight smile. "The doctor's going to come out in a minute and talk to you about Greg's ongoing treatment. Then you can go in and see him." "Thank you," Pamela said and leaned back in the wheelchair. The nurse gave her a speculative look. "How much pain are you in?" "I'm not...." she began but subsided under the combined glares of her children. "Maybe a little," she finally admitted, slumping back in the chair. "I'm sure it'll be all right." "I'm sure it will be, too, once you've got the appropriate medication inside of you," the nurse agreed. "After you've seen your husband, you are to go back to your room. I don't want to see you back here until you're in less pain." Luke's lips twitched as his momma bridled under the order, but she didn't protest. At least the nurse hadn't sent her away immediately. The doctor joined them, and at the concerned look on his face, any humor drained away, to be replaced by an empty feeling in Luke's stomach. He was Hispanic, mid-thirties, Luke guessed, thick-rimmed glasses framing his face. Part of Luke's brain, upstairs and downstairs, took a minute to appreciate what a good-looking man he was before he could saddle up and concentrate on what the doctor was saying. "He's a fighter, Mrs. Murray. He's not going to give up without a fight, and neither are we." Pamela's lips trembled for a minute, but she bit down on her bottom lip and got herself under control. "So what now, Doctor?" "We need to get him stabilized. That's our current problem. When he's strong enough, we can operate and do the bypass. If we tried at the moment, he wouldn't survive the operation." "Can you get him stabilized?" asked Liam. "We're doing our best, Mr. Murray, but your father is very sick. He should have had the bypass months ago, and now his time has run out." The doctor gave them a reassuring smile. "I'm not going to give you a lot of information now. Mrs. Murray needs to go back to her room before I have two patients on my hands." "I should be with him," Pamela argued stubbornly. "You can go in and see him for five minutes, then one of your children can wheel you back to your room." Pamela opened her mouth to refuse, but Liam put his arm around her shoulder. "I'll be with him, Momma," Liam assured her. "You really need to go back to bed." Sagging slightly, Pamela gave a choked, "All right," and Luke wheeled her into Greg's room

before she could muster another argument. Luke was taken aback when they got back to Pamela's room and Lisa threw his duffel bag at him. "Oof! What in hell--heck--was that for?" "Go wash. Now! You're ripe!" In desperation, he looked over at his mother, but she just nodded tiredly. "Sorry, dear, but you certainly need to wash up." "Fine," he grumbled. "I'll clean up and see if I can give Simon a call." "Jesus, Luke. You're ridiculously codependent. You can cope for one day without talking to him." "Don't swear, Lisa," Pamela chided her daughter as she got back into bed, "and don't be rude to your brothers." She bit back a moan as she settled back against the pillows. "Even if you are right." Lisa waved it off. "Sorry, Momma. But it's my job to be rude to all my brothers. Simon and Luke deserve everything they get from me. Now I'm gonna get someone to look at you and see if we can get some painkillers." "I'm all right, Lisa. Stop fussing." Luke could see she was trying to hide the amount of pain she was in. Lisa's expression said she wasn't fooled, either, and she left the room to find a nurse. "I'm gonna find somewhere to clean up, then I'll relieve Liam, okay?" he told Pamela. "He hasn't had a proper break in hours." Hefting the duffel onto his shoulder, Luke made for the door. "Say hello to Simon for me," Pamela said. Luke smiled. She knew he'd call Simon the first opportunity he got. "I will, Momma." "And Luke?" Looking back, he saw his momma swallowing back tears, her eyelashes wet and glistening. "You okay, Momma? Do you want me to get Lisa or the doctor?" Shaking her head impatiently, she whispered, "Say thank you to him for me. I didn't do that before." He stood with one hand on the door frame. "I will, but there's no need. It wouldn't be any other way." "I know that," she said, "but if he hadn't... if he'd just been a little further away from the hospital... Greg could have died, and I wouldn't have been with him." One tear rolled down her

cheek. Luke was about to drop the duffel and comfort his mother when Lisa returned with the nurse. She looked at her mother and then at Luke. "What's happened? Has something happened with Pops?" she demanded, rushing over to Pamela's side. Shaking his head, Luke gave her a brief kiss on the temple and whispered into her ear, "She's just fragile. You take care of her while I get clean. I'm gonna sit with Pops for a while." "Fine. Say hi to the big man for me." Was he really so predictable? "Will do." Leaving his mother in the hands of Lisa and the nurse, who was scolding Pamela for not coming back sooner for her pain medication, Luke went off to get cleaned up. And to call Simon. Maybe he'd do that first.

LUKE was cranky. Quite frankly, what he needed was to get laid as per the terms of the morning report. What he got was a swift, distracted kiss from his partner in a fleeting visit that morning when Simon had handed him the Lost Cow's accounts and tossed out a quick, "Sorry, can't stop." When Luke protested that he didn't have time, Simon snapped, "I can't fuckin' do everything, Luke. Not all of us are sitting on our butts all day." So yeah, Luke was really cranky. He'd spent ten long days by his father's bedside, sitting on his butt. Lisa had gone back to college, and Liam was needed back home with his family. What was worse was the follow-up text that said, Need accounts Fri, a few hours later. Luke went from cranky to downright pissed. His momma noticed as soon as she walked in the room. Greg was sleeping, so she gestured for Luke to follow her. Expecting some update on his father's condition, he followed her out of the room. "What's the matter?" Pamela asked bluntly. Frowning at her tone, Luke muttered, "Nothing." At her disbelieving stare, he continued, "I'm trying to do the accounts." "And that makes you look like the roof is falling in?" He huffed out a short laugh. "You know I hate paperwork." "That's the God's honest truth," she said, laughing. "It used to make your father grumpy too." She eyed him speculatively. "But it's more than that, isn't it?" Trying to cool down, Luke said, "It's nothing important, Momma." Pamela's face softened, and she touched his cheek gently. "You're missing Simon?" He

nodded, not meeting her eyes. She didn't need to know the specifics. "Go home, Luke. Be with your man for a while." Like that was gonna happen. "I can't leave Pops--" "Yes, you can. He's more stable now, and I'm here. You haven't been out of here in over a week, and I can't remember the last time you slept a whole night. Go home! You have a ranch to run, and you're going stir-crazy. We'll be fine for a few days." Biting his bottom lip, Luke said, "But if something happens?" "Then you'll get here as fast as you can." Part of him wished she'd pretend that nothing would happen, but his momma had always been pragmatic. "Just have a break from here for a while. I don't want to see you back here until the weekend." Rubbing his face tiredly, Luke thought about calling Simon for a ride home. "Not sure if anyone's coming back today. Simon's already been in." Each day one of the hands had driven in to see Greg, and to bring news and supplies for the three of them. "The next one can take me back with them." "Perfect." She reached up and kissed his cheek. "Now, go and get some fresh air and maybe some coffee from the diner?" They'd become regulars at the local diner. If Shelley was working, the waitress made sure she took care of them. Luke appreciated her warmth and made sure to tip her generously. "Sure." They went back into Greg's room. Luke pressed his lips to his father's forehead and murmured goodbye. It was important to him, just in case one day it was the last time. As he walked out, Luke picked up the accounts. He might as well do something useful while he was out of the hospital. He hadn't appreciated how warm it was until he left the hospital. The sun was shining and it lifted his spirits. The diner was busy, but he found a table easily enough in the corner. Shelley waved as soon as he walked in, and within seconds she was filling up his coffee cup. "Hi Luke, how's your daddy today?" By this time, Shelley knew all about the accident and Greg's illness. She'd become like a favorite aunt and best friend all rolled into one. "Doing good, thanks, Shelley." As he took a sip of coffee, she nudged the juice toward him. Luke was pretty much addicted to Bill's special blend and was seriously considering bribing him to come work at the ranch and bring the recipe with him. "Drink up. You look exhausted, boy." She clucked her tongue in disapproval. "What are those files?"

Luke didn't really mind her chiding questions. It reminded him of his mother and sister. "I have to do the accounts for the ranch." "Can't they wait?" "Have you ever known the IRS to wait?" Shelley gave a sharp laugh. "Not in my lifetime, honey." "I do the paperwork every morning to get it out the way. Simon doesn't have time to run the ranch and do the accounts, so he brought them in." He tried to suppress his yawn. Her eyes narrowing, Shelley said, "When was the last time you had a whole night's sleep?" "I can't honestly remember," he admitted. "Not since I started drinking your coffee." "Promise me that if I leave you alone to do your accounts, you'll go back and sleep later on?" "Shelley, come back in five minutes, and I'll be asleep over my books," he promised. She laughed as she walked away. "I'll nudge you awake, darlin', on my way around." With a sigh, he pulled the books toward him and started work. He kept a paper copy of the accounts as well as files on the computer. Simon mocked him for it, but honestly, he dreaded the possibility of losing months of figures. Sighing again and feeling very sorry for himself, Luke concentrated on the columns of figures. The next thing he became aware of were voices close to him. "He's definitely asleep, otherwise he would be all over you." That was Shelley. "I'm not so sure." The voice was soft, as if they were trying not to disturb Luke. "I shouted at him this morning. He might not want to talk to me." "Like that would ever happen. That man thinks you fart rainbows." Luke muttered without bothering to open his eyes, "'M not asleep. Just concentrating. And his farts are definitely not like rainbows." "You been concentrating with your eyes closed for half an hour," the waitress scoffed. "At least you didn't snore." Luke dragged his eyes open to the sight of Simon giving him a fond, hesitant smile. He looked so tired; there were dark purple smudges under his eyes. Luke ached at the sight. "Hi." Luke's mouth was dry, and he ran his tongue over his lips to wet them. "Hi," he managed. Pushing a glass of juice toward him, Shelley said, "I'll bring some food over. Be back shortly." She left them alone to place their order with Bill and serve other customers.

"What are we havin'?" Luke asked, finding it easier to talk after some of Bill's life-giving nectar. "Burger and fries," Simon said, sipping his coffee. "Uh-huh." The two men stared uncomfortably at each other for a minute, then Simon said, "Luke, I'm sorry 'bout this morning. I wasn't thinking straight. I was just panicking that the accounts were due, and I hadn't started them." Biting his lip, Luke said, "I'm sorry too. You can't run the ranch and do everything else." Simon leaned forward and put his hand over one of Luke's. "And I'm not the one who hasn't slept in over a week." "I've slept," Luke protested. "Not more than a couple of hours a night, you haven't," Simon scolded him. "Momma called and told me to drag your ass home so you'd actually sleep." "I can't leave Momma by herself." He knew it was going to be futile to argue. When his mother got an idea in her head, nothing and no one was going to shift it. Certainly not Luke. But he was tired, not stupid, and he still had to try. The look on Simon's face told him to give it up. "I need to get my stuff." "Already got it," Simon informed him. "Momma doesn't want to see your ugly mug until Sunday." "I need to say goodbye to Pops." "You already did that before you left. He doesn't want to see you either." Like Pops even knew he was there. Something else occurred to Luke. "You've driven all the way here twice today." "Tommy drove the second time. I slept most of the way. He wants to spend the evening with friends. He's gonna hitch a ride back with Jack tomorrow. Now, are you gettin' in the truck or have you got another excuse?" "What if something happens to Pops, and I'm not here?" That was what was scaring Luke. The reason he couldn't sleep at night. The reason he slept for two hours and then snuck out to the hospital in the middle of the night to sit with his dad. Simon's eyes were compassionate, but he said firmly, "Luke, if you don't get some sleep, you're going to be the one in the hospital. Whatever happens to your dad, your momma's gonna need your help, and you'll be no good to her if you've collapsed from exhaustion. No good to me

or the ranch, either." The burgers and fries arrived just as Luke was trying to find another reason not to leave. He opened his mouth only to have Simon say, "Eat, then argue," and he leaned over to stick one of the fries in his mouth. "Chew!" he ordered. Luke spluttered, but he chewed obediently. "Good boy," Simon said calmly, "and another one." Shoving away the fry, Luke snapped, "I can feed myself, thank you." "Then eat, Luke, and I'll drive you home." He was a goddamned nag. Luke didn't want food. What he wanted was to finish the accounts, shove them in his face, and go back to his pops. "No." Luke looked up. "No?" "You're not going back to the hospital. I can tell what you're thinking." "Simon." His voice was like ice, and he hated using it on his partner, but he wasn't driving four hours away from his father. "I'm not leaving here. Mom needs me. She can't handle this by herself. If he dies...." Luke's voice trailed away, unable to complete the sentence. Standing up suddenly, Simon moved around to Luke's side of the table. Luke found himself backing his chair away, but Simon didn't let him get far. "We're going round in circles, Luke. Listen to me. Your dad is as stable as he can be. Lisa is flying back for the weekend, and Liam is coming too. My mom is driving here to be with Pamela, and I'm going to take you home. You're so tired you're not thinking straight." Luke looked down at his hands. He noticed they were shaking slightly. He hated being fucking organized by people, even if they were his loved ones. Then Simon's large hands were on his, and he was being pulled into a loose embrace. This was a public place, and he tried to move away, but Simon was saying, "Shhh, Luke, it's all right. I'm here," and Luke discovered he was weeping. Huh. He hadn't realized. The tears didn't stop. This was embarrassing. He really needed to stop crying in the middle of the fucking diner. Simon had turned him away from the rest of the diners and seemed to be waiting for him to get a grip. He wasn't sure that was going to happen any time soon. "You're okay. I'm here now." Simon kept saying it, and Luke was trying to listen, if only he could stop the silent crying. Simon was holding onto him and that was a blessing because he felt if he let go, Luke would shatter into pieces. He had no idea how long it took for him to stop, but at some point, Simon shifted, placing a hot cup of coffee in his hands. Luke took a sip, trying hard not to choke as the liquid had to slip past the lump in his throat.

"Better?" Simon's voice was gentle and kind. Looking up, Luke could see how worried Simon was. Feeling more composed, he nodded and took another swallow. He was mortified at falling apart in a public place. Luke had cried before, and he wasn't the least bit bothered about crying in front of his partner, but not here, not where everyone could see. At some point, the food had been removed. It must have been cold, or maybe Simon had asked for it to be taken away. Shelley would have done it. "Luke?" Simon interrupted his wandering thoughts. "Yeah?" It hurt to talk, his voice raspy and his throat sore. "Shelley wants to say something to you." "Huh?" Luke looked up again to see the waitress standing next to him. He hadn't even noticed she was there. "Hey." She had the same expression as Simon: compassionate and worried. "'M sorry," he mumbled. "Nothin' to be sorry for. Luke, you're not the first to get upset in here. We're the closest diner to the hospital. We're used to it." Shelley paused as if she was trying to find the right words. "There's a reason I always seat you at this table." Startled, Luke looked at her properly for the first time and then across the diner. It was almost empty, the early evening crowd not yet in. Luke was beginning to feel he'd gotten to know some of them personally. It hadn't occurred to him that if Shelley was on duty they always sat in the same place: a booth at the far end of the room. It wasn't overlooked by any of the other tables. She smiled gently as he worked it out. "There are many families that pass through our doors. Not all as pretty as you boys, of course, but a lot of them need the same thing: a bit of time to themselves and a place to worry." "Why me?" he asked, hoarsely. Shelley rolled her eyes. "Because you needed a bit of time to yourself and a place to worry." He was still close to the edge, Luke realized, as he tried to say thank you. A quick squeeze of his shoulder, and the waitress was gone, saying she'd be back with their food in a few minutes. Luke made a face. "I'm not very hungry," he admitted. "You need to eat, Luke. Do I have to feed you again?"

Simon gave him the look, which said if he didn't eat the damn food, he would find himself being fed again. Luke subsided, and when the plate arrived, he reluctantly took a bite of the burger. Within minutes the burger was finished, and he was plowing through the fries, suddenly ravenously hungry. Using his last fry to mop up some stray ketchup, Simon said, "Another burger or would you like some apple pie?" Luke's stomach growled appreciatively. "Apple pie it is, then. To go?" Still exhausted, he gave a nod. Luke leaned against Simon. He was too tired to talk, and Simon didn't seem to mind. Shelley brought over the apple pies in a box, and they left, Luke receiving a quick kiss on the cheek and an admonition to get some rest. Somewhere along the line, it had gotten dark. Luke hadn't even noticed. They were on the road back to the ranch, the lights from the truck guiding their way. Between his exhaustion, the darkness and a full stomach, he was asleep before they'd been on the road an hour.

Chapter 23

LUKE didn't remember much after leaving the diner. He had already decided to return to the hospital first thing in the morning, whatever his momma and Simon said. There were some hazy memories of being manhandled out of the truck and Simon forcing him to drink some cocoa before he fell asleep. He was determined to leave by six in the morning. He just needed a few hours undisturbed rest in a bed. Put to bed like a child, Luke had fallen fast asleep, relaxed for the first time in nearly two weeks as he tucked his head into Simon's neck, wrapped in Simon's skin. Just a few hours sleep. His first conscious thought was the light was wrong. It was too bright for first thing in the morning. Luke forced his eyes open a crack and raised his head to squint at the alarm clock. Eleven o'clock? He groaned, flopping back on the pillow. Fuck, he needed to get moving. Coffee, shower, and more coffee, he'd be fine once he'd cleared the fogginess in his head. His second conscious thought started with Shit and ended with I'm gonna kill that fucker. It was at least midafternoon now, and that meant that Simon had laced his drink last night. "Coffee?" Simon sat down on the bed, two large cups of coffee in hand. He'd kill his partner later, after his coffee. Struggling into a sitting position, Luke held his hand out for the cup. Pausing before he took a sip, he asked, "Is it safe?" Simon had the grace to look guilty. "Whose idea was it to knock me out?" Luke asked after he virtually inhaled the cup. "Pamela's. She slipped me one of her sleeping pills to make sure you weren't gonna sneak out in the middle of the night and return to the hospital." Simon handed over his own coffee by way of apology. Luke tried really hard not to flush, but judging by the knowing look on Simon's face, he failed. "Exactly." God, he hated the fucking smug look on Simon's face.

"Pops?" Luke's tongue got stuck in his mouth as he asked. "Holding his own. I called last night and twice today. Pamela told me to stop calling, and if you set one foot inside the hospital, she'll take you apart from the inside." Huffing in disgust, Luke asked. "Am I allowed to get up now? Only I need a piss and a shower." Simon nodded and stood up, collecting the empty cups. "See you in the kitchen in twenty. Breakfast and coffee will be on the table." Luke watched his ass as he walked to the door. Simon had an amazing ass. "Watching my ass again?" "You know I am," Luke muttered. Giving said ass a wiggle, Simon looked provocatively over his shoulder. "It's all yours if you get yourself into that kitchen in twenty minutes. Otherwise...." His voice trailed off. Damn toppy bastard! "And counting, Luke." Luke gave a bark of laughter as he got out of their bed. He was going to have to do as he was told. Nothing much changed there, then. The hot shower did a lot to dispel the remaining fuzziness from the sleeping pill, and Luke appreciated the opportunity to wear some different clothes from the last ten days. It was just over seventeen minutes when he arrived in the kitchen. Simon was at the stove, plating up eggs and bacon. "Good boy," he said, without turning round. "'M not a fucking dog, dude," Luke protested. "Gettin' tired of you telling me to sit, stay, and roll over." He saw Simon's eyebrow quirk up as the plate was put in front of him. "And there was me thinking you liked me bein' in charge," Simon drawled with that cadence that always had Luke's cock sitting up and begging. "In the office, yeah. Kinda keeps spilling over into the rest of our lives," Luke said finally, ignoring the protest his dick was making. "I was just trying to look after you, Luke, while you've got other things on your mind," Simon said, his voice small and tight. Luke looked up to see the hurt in Simon's eyes. Hurt he had put there when Simon was doing what he always did: looking after his man. His hand went out to encircle Simon's wrist, finger and thumb only just meeting. "I know you do," he soothed, trying to take the hurt away.

Simon looked down at Luke's fingers wrapped around his wrist and placed his free hand over Luke's. "We need our morning reports. We've been missing our chance to... discuss things." Luke looked up at the tone in his voice. Uncertainty still lingered in Simon's eyes, but he was trying for that lazy drawl again. Morning report sounded like a damn good idea. Nodding, he brushed his lips over Simon's knuckles. "Sounds good to me, boss." "First, though, breakfast." Simon pointed at the plate and looked at Luke sternly. "I'm not gonna give up looking after you, just so you know." "If you must," Luke sighed dramatically, and he took a mouthful of eggs before Simon could be bossy again. The plate was almost empty when Simon said, "You 'bout ready to get back to being a cowboy? Lulu's off her feed. Thought you could take a look at her before we call the vet out." He was pushing back the plate and standing before he'd even got the first word out. "Off her feed? Why didn't you tell me? How long has she been like this?" The questions rattled out in quick succession. God no, not his Lulu, not now. Simon raised his hand. "Calm the fuck down. She's bright and happy. I just want you to check her over." Flopping back into his seat, Luke sucked in a deep breath. "I don't think calm is on the agenda for today." "I can see that," Simon mused thoughtfully. "Right, get on your feet. You've got a ranch to run." His first sight of Lulu reassured Luke that he wasn't about to lose his beloved horse. At the sound of his voice, she galloped across the corral to see him, her nose shoving impatiently at his pockets for treats. The other horses followed suit, and he found himself surrounded, dispensing apples and pats indiscriminately. Lulu submitted to a more thorough examination once the others lost interest. Luke looked her over carefully, looking in her mouth and probing her abdomen for any signs of tenderness. "I can't see anything obvious," he told Simon, who was mucking out the stalls. "We'll keep an eye on my baby," he crooned, nuzzling into the bay's strong neck. "Sometimes I swear you love Lulu more than me," Simon observed, watching his partner with the horse. "Sometimes I do," agreed Luke placidly, and he grinned over her back at Simon. Reassured, he saddled up Levi and Del, the two men riding out to inspect the fences. There had been no further instances of vandalism since his momma's accident, and Luke could only surmise that the good pastor had told the perpetrators to back off for a while. He was under no illusions that the troubles had finally stopped.

Late afternoon was turning into evening, and it was still warm enough to ride out without a jacket. As he rode, Luke had time to think, and that was bad news. The worrying, gnawing fear of being away from his father settled into his gut, and Luke found himself breathing in fresh, ranch air, pleased to be away from the sterile, rarefied environment of the hospital. Luke wasn't aware Simon was watching him closely, never more than an arm's length away from him as they rode out. "Okay, that's enough," Simon said suddenly. "Huh?" Luke looked up, confused. "You're thinking too much," Simon declared, leaning in for another kiss. It was accompanied by a lick and a nip to Luke's bottom lip. Sighing, Luke pulled back, making a visible effort to relax. "I'm sorry, Si." "You don't have to be sorry, boss." Simon's voice softened, and his eyes were warm as they rested on Luke. "I just want to switch off your brain for a while." The tone of his voice changed completely, and it made Luke take notice. "Got something on your mind, cowboy?" Luke looked at his man. He licked his lips, watching the flush of color spread down Simon's neck and his eyes dilate as he tracked the movement of Luke's tongue. "Uh-huh." Simon's voice was a low, rolling growl, hotwired straight to Luke's dick. "Wanna show me?" Luke could growl right back, and he really, really needed to stop thinking. Simon slid off Del and beckoned Luke to do the same. Leaving both horses ground-tied and grazing in the pasture, they moved a short distance away. Luke tugged until he was flush up against the hard body of his man. Simon's hands cupped his ass, pulling him closer, and his long thigh forced itself between Luke's legs. Gasping at the pressure against his cock, Luke clutched onto Simon's biceps, bearing down on Simon's thigh, trying to get some relief from the explosive feelings building inside him. At this rate, Luke wasn't going to last longer than a few minutes. He tried to pull away, but Simon didn't let go, pulling him closer, shifting the pressure to a delicious agony under his balls. "'M gonna come," Luke grunted, knowing that he had a cat in hell's chance of hanging on for Simon to get inside. He'd been on edge for too long. "Do it," Simon ordered, "then I'm gonna fuck your brains out." Despite his earlier protestations about being ordered around, Luke did was he was told, his hips bucking helplessly as the pressure became too much. He hadn't finished the pulsing spurts of come into his boxers before Simon was on his knees, unbuttoning Luke's jeans, pulling them and his boxers around his ankles. He was startled when he felt Simon pressing his lips against Luke's

shaft, licking up the stickiness and suckling the head to bring him back to full hardness. Soft whimpers escaped Luke as he protested at the sensitivity of Simon's mouth around his cock. Simon lessened the pressure but didn't let Luke slip from his mouth. One of his hands slipped around Luke's ass, his long fingers slipping into the crack to press against his hole. Luke tried to spread his legs, to give Simon more access, but he was frustrated by his jeans tangled around his ankles. Simon took his hand away, giving Luke his fingers to suck. He took them in, sucking hard until it was Simon's turn to whimper. Then Simon was pressing in with one digit, and the burn was too much. It was good. It was so fucking right. "More!" he demanded. Sitting back on his haunches, Simon stared up at him. "Bossy." Daylight was fading as Luke stared back. "I want more," he enunciated clearly. A wicked grin spread across Simon's face. "Your wish is my command." Another finger was so good, and the third had Luke arching up on his toes. Balls drawn up tight and full, Simon's hand heavy as it cupped his sac, being tormented as Simon fucked him with his fingers, Luke knew that he was going to come again, despite his best efforts to hold back. No thoughts were in his head except the screaming need to come rightthefucknow! His nails were digging into Simon's scalp, and it must have been painful, but Simon kept up the pressure on his cock and against his prostate. Simon pulled back. "Come on, baby," he crooned hoarsely, "wanna see you fall apart." "Fuck, fuck, fuck." Luke tried to force air into his lungs, but he couldn't remember such minor details as breathing when every part of his mind and body was focused on that one inescapable need. "Do it!" Simon ordered and dove back down. His orgasm was fire snaking down his spine as Luke finally managed to climax, his spend swallowed by Simon's greedy mouth. Two mind-blowing orgasms, and Luke's legs gave up trying to bear his weight. Simon caught him as he slumped to the ground and maneuvered him to sit between Simon's legs, Luke's back against his chest. Luke's chest was heaving as he calmed down, his skin sweaty under his shirts. It was a while before he became aware of a hard, insistent press against his lower back. Of course, Simon hadn't come yet. Aware of fingers combing through his damp hair, he opened his sleepy eyes to see Simon smiling down at him. "Feeling better?" "Hmmm," Luke agreed, too fucked out to do anything else.

Simon wriggled underneath him. "My turn now." It wasn't a question. "Don't think I can come again," slurred Luke, still boneless and not sure he could move. Wiggling his eyebrows, Simon said, "Wanna bet?" Now that was definitely a challenge. "Couldn't I just owe you one?" Smirking, Simon moved so that Luke was lying on the grass, the stalks tickling his back. "You just lie back, baby, and let me do the work." Luke groaned, but he let Simon pull his boots and jeans off. His shirts were pushed up a ways so that Simon could bury his face in Luke's stomach and place soft, sucking kisses on a downward path to his flaccid cock. Not even Simon with his magic Luke-whisperer powers could get that beauty to rise again. Acutely aware he'd just described his own cock as a beauty, Luke blushed red. "Thinking dirty thoughts, cowboy?" Simon asked, raising his head. "More like odd ones," Luke admitted, flushing even harder. Simon sighed. "Is your brain still working?" "Not really." Luke shifted so his legs were wrapped around Simon, pulling him in closer. "Need to get my pants off before I can fuck you," Simon pointed out. Luke had kind of forgotten that, and the denim of Simon's jeans rubbed uncomfortably against his sensitive cock. He hissed as Simon moved. Getting to his knees, Simon unzipped his pants and pushed them down to his knees. He fiddled in his pocket for something, coming up with what looked like a triumphant look in his eye at the small bottle of lube. Luke watched as Simon slicked his hard, flushed cock with one quick jack up and down. He knew by the intense look of concentration that Simon was holding onto his control by sheer force of will. A perverse imp of mischief made Luke raise his legs so that his hole was fully exposed, still puffy and open from Simon's finger-fucking. The gasp told him his message was loud and clear. "Fucking hell." Simon licked his lips. "Got to get in there now." "Do it." Luke used his fingers to spread himself wider. "Yeah." Breathing fast and shallow, Simon leaned forward, one hand on Luke's hip, and guided himself in. Luke's body closed around him, and they both groaned as their bodies slid together. With his slicked hand, Simon slowly stroked Luke's prick, mindful of how sensitive it still was. Luke bit his lip but didn't stop him because honestly, the feeling was incredible. He still

wasn't going to get hard, though. The movement was slow and rolling, a brush against his prostate, a pull back leaving Luke feeling empty. "You gonna fuck me or make a cake with me?" Luke teased. Simon's lips twitched, but he obliged with a slightly harder roll of his hips and a harder jerk on his cock, a twist at the head. "Fuck!" Thrusting up, Luke aimed for more--just more. He knew this had to be killing Simon. He'd been ready to blow before he'd even entered Luke. Simon bent to whisper in his ear. "You got your strength back, cowboy?" "Why?" Luke asked suspiciously. The look Simon gave up was distinctly smug. "Because I wanna fuck your brains outta your dick." Luke thrust up again. "Better get on with it, then." He should have known better, he thought, as Simon slung Luke's legs over his shoulders and gave him the pounding of his life. Luke clawed futilely at the earth as Simon pumped into him, his entire world focused down to the inches of solid flesh in his ass. Watching Simon lose control was amazing. His face was flushed dark red, his eyes closed, and the cords of his neck stood out in stark relief. "Come on, Si, let go," Luke encouraged him. "You first," Simon bit out. And Luke wanted to scoff, but then he was, his channel clenching as he came again, no more than a small dribble over Simon's hand, and his ass full of heat from Simon's noisy, triumphant climax. This time it was Simon collapsing on him, his dick still pulsing inside Luke as they lay on the grass, breathing like racehorses after the run, and Luke stroked Simon's sweat-dampened hair tenderly. "Better?" Simon asked suddenly, from where he was resting on Luke's chest. "A little," Luke agreed and kissed the top of Simon's head. He needed to be here, just for a while, on his land and with his man.

AS THE two men rode back to the yard, Luke rather tenderly, Simon said, "Tomorrow we've got to look at the back pastures again. Pete isn't happy with them." Luke nodded. "Okay. Have you spoken to Lil?"

"Yeah. She's ready to move the cattle when we are. Did you know she's been approached about starting up a breeding program for the area?" "Who contacted her?" Luke frowned, thinking of the local landowners. Most of them wouldn't even talk business to her after Lil's husband passed away. "A consortium including Stevenson and Childes." Simon snorted in amusement and Luke joined in. These were the men who told Lil bluntly that they only did business with men. Luke ended up leaning weakly over Levi's neck, his stomach hurting from laughing so hard. "What... what did she tell them?" "Do you want the business version or the R-rated version?" "I'm guessing the language was strong?" Simon sidestepped Del so he could get closer to Luke. He leaned in for a kiss before he said, "She told them that she only did business with real men, not assholes who threatened her and her business partners. That was the polite version." "Hooboy." Luke winced. "She didn't do herself any favors. They're big players compared to us." "She says they'll be back, cap in hand, and she told me to tell you to expect some calls real soon." Luke raised his eyebrow. "I'm not sure whether to be grateful to that woman or just plain scared of her." "Both," Simon agreed. "I wouldn't want to be caught on the wrong side of Lil. She's one tough cookie." A sudden yawn caught Luke by surprise, and he saw Simon look over. "How about supper, a bath, and then bed?" "Sounds great," Luke said, "as long as there is some snuggling involved." Grinning at him, Simon nodded. "I think we can do that." He paused. "Sap!" "Your sap," Luke corrected. "My sap," drawled Simon, giving Luke an all-over look that would have made his dick twitch if it had any chance of ever working again. As they reached the stable, Luke's cell rang, the display showing Lisa's name. Immediately the tension slammed back into his body. He looked at the phone, unwilling to answer it, frightened of what he might hear. Wordlessly Simon took the cell out of his hand and looked at the display.

"Hey, Lisa," he greeted her. Luke slid off Levi and led him into the stable. Undoing the buckles of the saddle, he lifted it off, trying to avoid listening to the conversation going on outside. In all honesty, it was pretty onesided. Simon hadn't said much beyond a few yeses and nos. He looked up as Simon walked into the barn, desperately trying to gauge the expression on Simon's face. His heart pounded loud in his ears as Simon walked up to him. "It's all right, Luke. It's all right. Your daddy's woken up. She just wanted us to know they reduced his sedation, and he's been talking. He wanted to know how the ranch was and if there'd been any more problems." Luke closed his eyes against the tears of fucking relief and felt himself pulled against Simon's strong body. Simon was talking to him, nonsense words he couldn't hear. All he could feel were Simon's strong arms around him and the white staticky noise in his head was telling him that his pops wasn't dead. His pops wasn't dead. "He isn't dead. Pops is alive and kicking," Simon assured him. Cupping the back of Simon's head, Luke pulled him down for an open, sloppy kiss. "I love you," he murmured against Simon's lips. He felt rather than saw Simon roll his eyes. "Well, duh!"

Chapter 24

LUKE was talking to Greg about the breeding program when his momma walked in with a strange and extremely hot young man following hot on her heels. He was a few inches shorter than Luke, with dark skin and huge eyes of liquid brown. Luke had to tear his eyes away to avoid being caught checking out the hot guy. Getting up from the chair, Luke kissed Pamela and raised one inquiring eye at his momma. Pamela turned and smiled at the young man. "Noah Taylor, meet my son, Luke Murray." "Luke, meet Pastor Taylor. He's the preacher at St. Marks." Luke had been in the middle of holding out his hand when he cottoned onto what his mom had just said, and he stiffened, not sure whether he wanted to shake the pastor's hand or not. "Please to meet you, Luke." Pastor Taylor ignored Luke's crisis and stepped forward to shake his hand. His momma had brought him up to be polite so Luke reluctantly completed the action before she could scold him, and shook the pastor's hand, cool and dry in his own. Inclining his head, Luke said, "Pastor." He withdrew his hand as soon as he could without seeming rude. "Noah, please," the pastor insisted, "I'm not keen on formalities." Pamela gave her son a knowing look. "I met Noah on the ward. He came in to see one of his flock. He was kind enough to talk to me when I was upset," she explained. "He's been in to see Greg every day since then." "That's very kind of you," Luke said shortly. That was all he needed. Another preacher in their lives. "Momma's been looking after me since then." Noah smiled at him, ignoring his curt tone, and walked past him to Greg. "Good morning, Greg. How are you?" Momma? Luke's eyebrows rose. Even Pastor Jim hadn't called his mother anything but Pamela or Mrs. Murray.

"I'm fine, thank you, Noah," Greg replied a little shakily. Luke had been concerned as he seemed a little breathless today, but the nurses assured Luke they were keeping an eye on him. Noah frowned, but he didn't make any reference to it, just saying he had dropped by after visiting Mrs. McKay. Mrs. McKay, it turned out, was an acquaintance of Pamela's, who had a penchant for knitting extra-large sweaters in crazy colors. Noah was a recipient of several of these sweaters as Mrs. McKay felt he needed mothering, including a lime green and cerise pink version which apparently gave anyone looking at it an instant migraine. His own mother had banned him from wearing it within fifty miles of her location, which proved problematic as she only lived ten miles away, and Mrs. McKay liked to see him in it occasionally. "Just don't tell Mama in case she disowns me." Noah placed his index finger to his lips. They all laughed, including Luke. Noah Taylor was extremely engaging and not a bit what Luke expected from a preacher. Pamela smiled happily and sat back down next to Greg. "We're thinking of going to St. Marks when your pops gets out of here." She patted his hand. "If I ever get out here," he grumbled. "They might be taking me out feet first." "Shush, Greg. Don't say things like that." Pamela looked upset, and Greg patted her hand in an apologetic gesture. Luke bit his lip. His daddy was making more and more comments like that and the gallows humor was starting to grate on everyone. "You ain't going anywhere 'til you've sat through one of my sermons," Noah told him firmly. Greg groaned, breaking the sudden tension. "Thought I'd finally got out of listening to all them long-winded rambles." Noah looked outraged. "I'll have you know that my sermons are never rambles." "But they are long-winded?" Luke interjected. "Maybe just a little," Noah admitted. "I know I have to stop when our organist falls asleep." Another laugh, and Luke relaxed a little more. He had to admit Noah was very pleasant. "So will we see you at St. Marks in the near future?" The pastor suddenly turned his attention on Luke, and he felt trapped under the man's intense gaze. "I... uh... don't think so." Luke shook his head. He'd no desire to go down that route again. "But Luke...," his mother started, obviously wanting to argue, but Noah held up his hand, smiling at her to show he didn't mean to be rude. "Your momma told me 'bout the troubles you've been having."

Luke glared at his mother. He really didn't need a stranger knowing all his problems, man of God or no. She wouldn't return his gaze, and he sighed inwardly. "Yeah, well, you'll understand I'm not anxious to repeat the situation." "You wouldn't have that problem at my church. We are very welcoming of everyone, regardless of who they are," Noah told him, his eyes warm and compassionate. He snorted cynically. Luke couldn't suppress it, despite his momma's frown. Noah didn't seem to take offense, though. "I can understand your reservations, Luke, but it is true." "I was welcome at my old church before the new pastor took over and turned my friends against me and mine." Noah nodded. "I heard. You mean you and Simon?" "I do," Luke agreed. The pastor didn't seem particularly horrified to be talking to a gay man, but after the last few months, Luke wasn't sure what to expect from anyone he spoke to, friend or stranger. "I understand you've been together a long while." "A decade." "They got together in college," Pamela said, smiling fondly at her son. "That's wonderful. So many relationships don't last that long." It was Greg's turn to snort. "You haven't seen the two of them together, Noah. They're so ridiculous around each other. You wouldn't believe the amount of times I've caught them...." "Pops, I don't think the pastor needs to hear about that," Luke said hastily, his cheeks burning under Noah's amused stare. "Well, I have," Greg insisted stubbornly. "Luke and Simon are like newlyweds," Pamela told the preacher, and Luke groaned, hoping someone would shoot him on the spot. "Momma!" Noah laughed and patted him on the arm. "Don't worry. My parents are just as embarrassing. Mama still has baby pictures of me in her purse." "See!" exclaimed Pamela triumphantly. "It's our right and duty as parents to embarrass our children." Luke made a noise which indicated his disapproval. At least he hoped it did. "Anyway," Noah began, "none of this should prevent you from joining us at St. Marks." "Sorry, Pastor... Noah," Luke amended quickly, "I don't know you. You seem like a

tolerant sort of guy, but we've been through enough sh--trouble in the last few months to last me a lifetime. I'm not starting it all over again somewhere else." "You wouldn't get that in my congregation," Noah insisted. "You can't say that," Luke argued, just as stubbornly. "Yes, I can. I have several gay people and couples in my congregation." Noah laughed as Luke gaped at him. "And the others don't mind?" "Why would they?" Noah seemed confused. "Because this area isn't exactly noted for its welcoming attitude to all things queer," Luke said harshly. Noah placed a hand on his shoulder and looked steadily at him. "Luke, I'm gay, and I don't care if you're gay or straight. You're welcome in our church." Luke blinked and blinked again. He could have sworn the pastor had just told him he was queer. Maybe the Easter Bunny was Santa in disguise. Maybe there were unicorns after all. Maybe.... "Son?" Luke looked at his father. "Shut up. Noah will be thinking you're crazy as well as gay." Blushing again, Luke looked at Noah, who was nodding. "Yes, you did say that out loud." "I've really got to break that habit," Luke muttered to himself. "So, we'll see you next Sunday?" It wasn't so much a question as a statement. Luke had the feeling that this guy didn't understand that the word no sometimes applied to him. His momma looked so happy, and he knew that she would be ecstatic to have them all together on Sundays, worshiping like they used to. Luke wanted to please his mother, but he wasn't sure that this was the way he wanted to go. 'Sides, he needed to discuss it with Simon first. They were very big on "discussing" things at the moment. The last thing he expected was for Marion Benson to walk in, accompanied by Jeannie. The two women stopped short in the doorway, obviously unsure of their reception. Marion wouldn't meet Luke's eyes, but her daughter rushed over to hug him and pull his head down for a kiss. "Hey, you," she greeted him, and hugged him again.

Grinning against the top of her head, Luke enveloped her in an embrace. He hadn't seen Jeannie since she'd moved to Dallas with her husband and children. They'd grown up together, and she was pretty much his best friend in high school. "Hey, you," he mimicked, "what're you doing here?" Jeannie stepped back and smoothed her hair back. The gesture pulled her top tight over her stomach, and Luke realized she was pregnant again. Either that, or she'd had a few too many really good dinners. "Mom told me about Greg, hey, Pops, and we thought we'd come visiting. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out on your ranch?" "That's what we keep telling him," Pamela pointed out and held out her arms for a hug too. Jeannie carefully embraced her, minding her cast. Marion was still hovering uncertainly by the door. Luke suddenly remembered that neither of his parents knew of the confrontations with the Bensons after the accident, although both of them knew that they'd asked Luke not to return to the store when the trouble first kicked off. "Good to see you, Marion," he said quietly. The older woman hesitated, then said, "Good to see you, too, Luke." Everyone stared at each other as if they weren't sure what to do. Noah stepped forward and offered his hand to Marion. "Hello. My name's Noah. I'm the pastor at St. Marks." "You're a pastor?" she asked disbelievingly, and Luke wanted to thump her one for her bigotry. Noah smiled broadly at her. "Why yes, I am. I know. It's my good looks and charm that makes you unsure." Marion tried to smile back, but it wavered, and then Luke saw another side of Noah. "Shall we sit down and have a talk somewhere quiet?" the young pastor suggested. She nodded, and he guided her out of the room, leaving behind the others, staring at the door in confusion. Jeannie shook her head. "Mom's been like this since your accident, Momma. It'll do her good to talk to someone in the church." "What about her own pastor?" Luke asked bitterly. She shrugged. "They've left there. Not long ago, only a few weeks." "What?" "Yeah. Mom had a disagreement with Mary. Not sure what about. She and Dad didn't go

to church last Sunday, and that's the first time I can ever remember her not going. She was really upset but wouldn't tell me what the problem was." Jeannie looked at Luke shrewdly. "Do you know what's going on?" Suddenly Luke felt very tired, and he really wanted to be back home with Simon. "Come on, Jeannie, you can't tell me you haven't heard." "I had, but I thought it'd be over quickly. I'm so sorry, Luke. I should have intervened." Pamela came behind her and put her uninjured arm around her. "You're in Dallas, honey, with your husband and children. There's nothing you could have done." Jeannie still looked worried. "I should have discussed it with them." Despite Luke agreeing with that, he also knew his mother was right. There was nothing she could have done to change her parents' attitude. He held her hands. "It's all right, Jeannie. Momma's talking sense. Your parents wouldn't have listened. They believed in their pastor." The door opened. Luke didn't turn around, expecting it to be Marion and Noah returning. "You cheating on me, boss?" Simon! Luke swung round to see him leaning against the door frame. Damn, he looked good. It took five steps, and he was in Simon's arms, yanking his head down to kiss him as hard as he could. Behind him, he could hear Jeannie pretending to gag. Eventually, he let Simon pull back. "I'll take that as a no, then. Hi, Jeannie." Over his head, Simon smiled at the young woman. "Hi, Simon." "I see what you mean, Pamela." Noah sounded very amused. Luke groaned into Simon's neck. "Oooh, he's nice!" Simon breathed long and low into Luke's ear. "Shut your mouth," Luke growled as quietly as he could. "He's a pastor and you're mine." "You mean to say you haven't noticed?" Of course Luke had, he wasn't blind, but he wasn't going to tell Simon that. "You don't need to fight over me, boys. I would never come between a married couple." Luke could hear Marion's shocked gasp and his parents' groans, but Jeannie, the minx, snickered loudly. "Don't worry, Noah. Our Luke's just a tad possessive over his boy." God, it was like having Lisa here. "I can see that." Oh, that voice was way too self-satisfied. Pulling away from Simon, Luke looked over to Noah and Marion. She looked acutely uncomfortable at the byplay, but behind that, Luke could see how tired and upset she really was.

Catching his gaze, Marion gave him a weak smile. She turned to Noah, who gave her an encouraging nod. Luke could almost see her gird her loins, and where the hell had he got that description from? She walked over to stand in front of both of them. "Luke, Simon, I want to apologize for my behavior. We had no right to ask you not to come into our store. And my son had no right to threaten Lil. He tells me he wasn't involved in the vandalism. I'm not sure if I believe him, but I do know that while he's all mouth, he would never deliberately hurt the cattle, and he didn't hurt Tom to frame Simon." There was silence while everyone waited for the couple's response. Luke could see what it had cost her, and he really wanted to be the bigger man, but Marion and Dave had been more than just friends. They'd been almost family. In the end, though, Simon made the decision for them. He stepped around Luke, gently pulling Marion into a hug. "Thank you, Marion." Kissing her on the cheek, he stepped back for Luke's turn. She looked over to Luke. He nodded and said, "Thank you for your apology." But he wasn't so quick to forgive. Too much had happened for him to forgive on the basis of one lameassed apology. They had attacked everything that was precious to him, and no, this time he wasn't rolling over and playing dead. Pamela looked as if she was about to say something, but Greg caught her eye. Marion stepped back, her lips trembling, and Jeannie put her arm around his mother's shoulders. Noah looked a little sad at Luke's lack of forgiveness, but he wasn't going to be guilt-tripped into something he didn't feel by a dude he barely knew, even if he was hot. There was a knock at the door, and Tommy poked his head into the room. "May I come in? Oh...." He spotted the crowd, his eyes widening as he saw Marion Benson. "I can come back later." Greg waved him in. "Come on in, son. What's one more?" Tommy ventured into the hospital room, looking rather intimidated. His eyes darted around, alighting on the stranger in the room. Luke watched in amusement as the young man suddenly flushed bright red. A jab in the ribs made Luke look up at Simon indignantly. Simon nodded over to the pastor. Noah was staring at Tommy as if he were a three-course meal and Noah was a starving man. Simon's mouth brushed the shell of Luke's ear. "Do you see what I see?" he whispered. Leaning back into Simon's embrace, Luke said, "Yes, I do. They're both poleaxed." "I wonder if they realize how obvious they're being?" "Probably not." Pamela's voice interrupted their whispers. "I think it's time Greg got some rest. Perhaps you

could all find somewhere else to be. Haven't you got a ranch to run, boys?" Grumbling, Greg insisted he was fine, but everyone could see how tired he was looking. Leaning over to kiss his father on the forehead, Luke said, "I'll see you in a couple of days, Pops." "You get back to work. I'll see you at the weekend," Greg told him. Pamela looked up. "Luke, Shelley's missing seeing you. Why don't you drop in to see her?" "I'll do that, Momma," he assured her. "Shelley?" Noah tore his eyes away from Tommy. "At the diner?" "Yeah, do you know her?" Noah grinned broadly, his eyes twinkling. "She's one of my aunts, by marriage. I always visit her when I'm here. We could all go and see her." His eyes went straight back to Tommy. "We ought to go," Marion said. She looked emotionally wrung out, as if she couldn't wait to get away. "Nonsense, you should come too," Noah said, "the more the merrier." His gaze was still darting over to Tommy who was biting his lip, but it was obvious the hand was not objecting to the idea of spending more time with Noah. "I don't think you really want me there," Marion said hesitantly. "Yes, we do." Simon held out his hand to Marion. "Let's go and get some decent coffee. Shelley's coffee can almost turn Luke human." "I have got to see this," Jeannie scoffed. "Come on, Mom." Marion looked over at Luke. What the hell could he say in the face of united approval? He could be the bigger man. "Why not? You have got to try her strudel as well." Simon dropped a kiss on his head. "Good boy." "Woof!" snapped Luke. He jumped as a slap landed on his ass. "Bad doggies get firm handling." Rolling her eyes, Pamela asked, "Do you mind, Simon. Couldn't this wait until later?" "Sorry, Momma." Simon looked appropriately hangdog. They walked toward the door, Luke squawking as his butt received another slap. "Later," Simon hissed, and Luke shivered. He couldn't wait.

Epilogue

HIS mother's irritated voice disturbed Luke's intense concentration. "Boys, are you coming?" There's a possibility, he thought, if you would just stop interrupting. He arched his back as silent chuckles vibrated around the head of his cock. Two oceanblue eyes twinkled up at him, completely unrepentant, as Luke clutched at the sheets. "Luke Murray! We need to leave! Where are you?" Luke opened his mouth to answer. Then he stopped. He hadn't been given permission to speak. If he spoke, Simon could quite easily just walk away and leave him hanging a hairsbreadth away from orgasm. Licking his lips, he looked down at Simon, begging him with his eyes to let him answer. If they weren't quick, his momma would be up here looking for them. Oh God, he saw Simon's eyes track the path of his tongue, the flare of lust making them both catch their breath. Concentrate, Momma's on her way. Please, he begged. Simon gave a brief nod, not letting go of Luke's dick. "Nearly ready, Momma," Luke yelled, "give us five minutes." Simon's eyebrow quirked. Oh really? He licked over the head of Luke's cock, the tip of his tongue dipping into the slit. Bad move. Luke's hands clutched Simon's hair as his toes curled. Flat out on his back on his bed, his dress shirt up under his armpits and his pants around his thighs, and any minute now, his momma could be coming up those stairs, and where the fucking fuck was his orgasm? "Okay, but if you're not down here then, we're going without you." "Okay," he bit out as Simon bobbed down to suck him to the root. It didn't tail off into a squeak. Not at all. "Put him down, Simon!" Lisa yelled. "Lisa! There's no need to be crude." He heard Lisa give a snort. "You know as well as I do what they're doing up there." Luke nearly died when his mother replied, "If they're being quiet, I don't have to think about it and neither should you."

"Fucking hell," Luke hissed. His family was discussing him having sex while he was getting his brains blown out. He was going to die of mortification, of orgasm denial, and his mother and sister would be crowing over his body if he didn't get there soon. This was all Simon's fault. Luke had been ready, dressed in a smart, dark-green, striped button-down and charcoal gray pants, brushing his hair, when Simon came into the bedroom. It was like a fire had been lit in Simon's eyes. One moment Luke was pushing the brush through his hair and the next he was shoved down onto the bed, cock out and into the hot, wet mouth of his lover. Simon sucked harder. It was too much, not enough. Luke needed, God, he needed to get to that one precious point. Simon had one hand on his hips and the other wrapped around his cock, jacking himself. His balls drew up tight and hard, and the pressure in his spine tightened. He was going to make it, his climax was there, floating in front of him and then.... Luke thought he would shake apart with the effort of keeping quiet as he finally got the release he needed, sharp, pulsing spurts swallowed down by Simon's greedy throat. One of Simon's hands clapped over Luke's mouth, and he screamed silently into it, shaking with relief, his body tensing up as he shuddered through the aftermath of an explosive orgasm. Luke hadn't really come down from his climax as Simon wiped him up and tucked away his barely softened prick. Obediently, he stood up when Simon tugged him to his feet and tried to tidy him up. A giggle interrupted his post-coital haze. His sister was standing in the doorway, a huge mocking smile painting her face. "You'd think by now he'd have learned to dress himself." Too blissed to really care, Luke leaned against Simon, needing his support. For some reason his legs were wobbly. "Haven't you heard of knocking? We're coming downstairs now." "Not like that, you're not." Confused, Luke followed where she was pointing. He looked down at his shirt. Immaculate ten minutes ago, it was now completely crumpled. Groaning loudly, he pulled at the front of the shirt. "Momma's gonna kill me." "That she is," agreed Lisa smugly. Simon kissed him soundly. "No she won't." Walking over to their closet, he produced a navy button-down, blessedly crease-free. "Get a move on," Lisa urged, "otherwise she'll be up here and paddling your backside if you're not dressed." He stripped off the ruined shirt and threw it into the laundry basket, taking the new one from Simon and dressing quickly.

Simon stepped close to help with his cuffs and bent close to his ear to whisper, "Later on, I'm gonna strip you again and ream that tight ass." Lisa might not have been able to hear the words, but she didn't miss his shiver of anticipation. She rolled her eyes. "You two are disgusting," she informed them. "Yep," Simon said proudly, not a bit put out. "I'm leaving now, whether you're ready or not." His mother's patience had obviously come to an end. "On our way, Momma," Lisa yelled. She gave the two men a once-over. "Not bad, boys. Not bad at all." Luke had to agree with her. His man was wearing a dark-red button-down and black slacks, and looked, according to Luke's admittedly biased opinion, completely edible. Simon gave her a mock-bow, and the three of them trooped downstairs to find Pamela already helping Greg into the car. She sighed as she saw Luke and Lisa push and scuffle each other out of the door of the ranch house. "I thought we'd got past this stage twenty years ago," she confided to Simon, who was standing safely to one side. He laughed out loud. "I don't think Luke will ever stop behaving like a kid. It's nice to see them having fun." Luke straightened up before his new shirt got too rumpled and gave him a kiss. "Aw, baby, I can do fun." And oh yeah, he saw the promise in Simon's eyes. Lisa groaned. "Not here you can't. You're in public, remember?" Luke laughed at his momma's scandalized, "Lisa Murray!" "Get in the car, before you say something you'll really regret." He shoved her gently toward the door of the vehicle. They had agreed to go in one car. Simon wanted to drive, and it was easier for Greg to get in and out of the passenger seat, so Luke squeezed in next to his sister and mother. The trip took about an hour, and there was a surprising amount of traffic on the road. It was inevitable, he supposed. Everybody was visiting today or on their way to church. As they drew closer to the chapel, Luke could see Tommy waving at them from the sidewalk. He was gesturing for them to pull into the parking lot, which looked to be already full to overflowing. Simon turned in, and Luke saw Tommy standing by a vacant space. That was thoughtful of them. Greg still wasn't able to walk too far without tiring out. They piled out of the car, Greg accepting Simon's hand up. He was still recovering from his operation, but Luke could see an improvement every day.

"I was starting to think you weren't coming," Tommy said. "I was getting black looks for stopping folks parking here." "Simon was teaching Luke how to dress himself," Lisa informed him, a gleeful look on her face as Tommy's face turned bright pink. Luke wanted to throttle her. "That's enough, Lisa," Greg said firmly, "this is not the time to start another fight." "Sorry, Pops," she said, her contrite tone belied by the mischievous look in her eyes. Sighing, Luke took his place beside Simon. He loved having Lisa back for the holidays but right now, he was wishing she was on her way back to school. Perhaps she'd lay off when Liam and his family arrived later. She couldn't make those comments with her nephew around. Brad picked up on everything. Tommy walked beside Greg and Pamela, ready to offer his arm if necessary. Entering the small chapel, Luke found it as full as the parking lot. It was standing room only, however there was a seat near the front for Greg and Pamela. He was surprised when Tommy urged them all forward to one of the front pews. "We can stand. That's okay," he said. "Noah wants you to have a seat together today," Tommy told them. "Come on, there's room near my mom and dad." Simon's gaze snapped to his, his expression as startled as Luke's own. Gary and Evelyn were here? Tommy grinned at them. "I know. I can't believe it, either." "Miracles do happen," Simon said quietly in Luke's ear as they obediently followed the hand down the aisle. Luke knew that. His father was living proof. But Tommy's parents standing in this chapel was something he'd never have believed in if he wasn't seeing it with his own eyes. "'M not sure sitting near them is such a good idea," he whispered back. By then it was too late to back out, and he slid into place next to Lisa and his parents, murmuring Christmas greetings to Tommy's mom and dad. They both nodded pleasantly enough, and Luke knew that at some point he'd be having that conversation with Tommy. On the other hand, maybe it wasn't necessary, as the minute Noah walked out to face the congregation, Tommy's face turned dreamy. The preacher's expression when he found Tommy wasn't much better. Luke grinned. He knew that Noah was keeping things slow so as not to frighten Tommy, but the hand was starting to show a little frustration with the pace of things. He had a feeling that at some point soon, Tommy was going to take the initiative and move things along himself. Maybe that was what Noah wanted. Getting a nudge in the ribs, Luke realized he'd lost his concentration and everyone was

standing up for the welcome. Pinking slightly, he stood up, catching Noah's amused expression as he did so. "So glad you could join us on this special day," Noah began, and Luke groaned inwardly, knowing that was aimed at him on so many levels. It had taken a while for Luke to be willing to go back to regular church-going, despite Noah's repeated invitations. Part of it was the disbelief that anywhere would be willing to accept Luke and Simon for who they were. That was dispelled the second they walked into the chapel for the first time and were enthusiastically greeted by what felt like most of the congregation. The other part was purely selfish. He couldn't deny he liked having the ranch to themselves on a Sunday morning, to indulge in whatever they wanted, wherever they might feel like doing it. Still, Noah was nothing if not persistent, and Luke found himself going to chapel again every Sunday, with all of the other hands and a number of people from the town, including Jeannie Benson and her parents. Not entirely in jest, Noah had thanked the Murrays for swelling his congregation by a sizable number every week. For Luke, it was who had come with them that made the difference. Not only the Bensons and Tom Smith and his family, but people like Macken and Taylor Stephens as well. It was their way of making amends and spoke louder than any verbal apologies. Noah raised his hands to encompass everyone. "We join together, old friends and new, to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ." He smiled at them all, his gaze lingering on the front row as he laid a special emphasis on friends. Luke and Simon had accepted that some of the townspeople were truly sorry for what had happened to them and the Lost Cow, but they weren't in any hurry to reestablish ties with the town. In truth, they had no real idea if the problems had stopped for good. The perpetrators of the vandalism hadn't been brought to justice, and Pastor Jackson was still in place. In the meantime, Noah had introduced them to a new and more open community. His musings were interrupted by Simon's hand slipping into his. "Might be a polite thing if you pretended to listen," Simon muttered, "otherwise he'll only pick on you." This was true. Noah was evil that way. Dragging himself out of his headspace, Luke sat down to listen to the Christmas message, of course with Noah's inimitable spin. Leaning in close to Simon, he didn't let go of his hand. Here, he didn't have to.

About the Author

SUE BROWN is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she can be found at university listening to lecturers discuss long-dead theologians. In her head, however, she's plotting how to get her cowboys into bed together; she just hopes the lecturer doesn't ask her any questions. Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she's made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.