Jake put down the fork he was using and was across the room in three long strides, pulling Ryan up against him before leaning down to claim Ryans lips in a passionate kiss.
Ryans hands came up to hold onto Jakes shoulders for support, because Jakes kiss was leaving him literally weak in the knees. Jake pulled back a bit before resting his forehead on Ryans.
Ryan nodded before giving in to the urge to run his fingers up and down Jakes strong arms, loving the feel of the muscles twitching under his touch. Ryan kissed Jakes jaw, loving the feeling of the stubble under his lips.
“You shouldve woke me. I wanted to help with the horses.”
Jake smiled. “Dont worry; there is plenty to keep you busy around here.” He raised his eyebrows suggestively, causing Ryan to chuckle.
“You know, I came here to work, not to be your sex toy.”
Jake nuzzled down into Ryans neck, loving the warm, still-sleepy smell that lingered there. “God, you smell good.” His tongue darted out to lick Ryans neck, causing the smaller man to shudder. “Mmm, taste good too.” He hugged Ryan tighter for a minute before letting him go and turning back to the stove. “Suppers almost done, and Im starving.” Ryan started moving around, grabbing plates and silverware, setting the table, liking how it felt to just be around Jake, not having to talk, just being there.
They ate, talking about nothing and everything. Ryan told Jake stories about his family, the brothers and sisters he was missing, his folks who adored him. He had two grandmothers, who were so different yet so important to him. Jake just smiled, taking it all in, loving listening to the sound of his voice, watching the play of emotions over his face. He could tell that Ryans family meant so much to him, and the thought that he was missing out on them because of someones cruelty caused him to frown. Ryan saw it, and his words faltered.
“Jake, whats the matter?”
Jake stood up and pulled Ryan into his arms. “Nothing, just a random thought.” He smiled to let Ryan know it was okay before pulling him into a spine-melting kiss. Ryan pressed harder against him, moaning deep in his chest. “You know, we never did get to finish what we started this afternoon, did we, Ryan?” Jake knew he needed to let Ryan know that he wanted this, that Ryan wasnt pushing him. So he decided to push Ryan.
He started backing toward the stairs, wanting to take Ryan to his room, kissing his neck, licking his way across his jaw, unable to stop tasting him. He pulled him, stumbling, up the stairs, down the hall, and into his bedroom. God, he was so hot. Just touching Ryan made him so flustered and horny and hard. He started taking Ryans clothes off, starting with his shirt, so that he could touch that warm skin and hard muscle. His body was a little softer than Jakes, but the muscles were toned from hard work, and he liked how they felt under his hands.
He pulled his own shirt off, eager to have bare skin next to his own, loving the feeling of Ryans nipples rubbing against his. Ryan was gasping for breath, trying to pull him closer and get his jeans off, all at the same time. Jake pushed Ryan back, watching as he landed on the bed, before reaching up to quickly undo Ryans jeans and pull them off in one tug, catching his breath when he saw that Ryan was commando under them.
Ryan lay there before him, breathing hard, naked, beautiful, and Jake had never seen anything so gorgeous. He stretched out on Ryan, giving him an almost chaste kiss on his lips before trailing lower, sucking a nipple into his mouth, relishing the groan that came from that perfect mouth. He bit the nipple gently before licking it again, then trailed over to do the same to the other side.
Ryans hands came up to frame Jakes face, pulling him back up. He kissed his way from Jakes lips to his ear. “Please, Jake, make love to me?” He sounded so scared of the answer that Jakes heart broke a little.
“I want to make you feel so good, Ryan. You have to help me, though, okay? Im a little lost.” They were speaking in whispers. It just seemed right. Ryan smiled shyly, so different from the confident man who had rocked his world this afternoon but just as appealing. He wanted to take care of this man who had taken such good care of him. He kept kissing him and soon became aware that Ryan was trying to get his jeans undone. Jake chuckled at the fact that Ryans nakedness had made him forget about getting that way himself. He pulled back to his knees and slowly popped the button before sliding the zipper down, watching Ryans tongue reach out to lick his lips and knowing he did it without thinking.
Ryan sat up suddenly, grabbing Jake and turning them over so that he could get his jeans off
now!
Ryan was desperate to have a naked Jake over him, around him,
in
him. Once Jake was naked, Ryan rolled them back over so that Jake was on top of him, their erections rubbing together, sending sparks up both their spines.
“Jake, have you got your magic bag of supplies up here too?”
Jake smirked at him before reaching into the drawer of his nightstand. “Will a magic drawer work?” Seeing the surprise on Ryans face, he explained.
“I brought them up earlier, when you were sleeping. I wanted to make love to you here, in my bed. Is that okay?” He kissed Ryans nose.
“Not only is it okay, but I am so glad that one of us doesnt have to run down and get them. Im not sure either of us could walk that far.” Now it was Ryans turn to smirk.
Jake kissed it away, both of them back to breathless in less than a minute. Jake worked his mouth down Ryans body, licking and tasting, nibbling down his sides, stopping to dip a tongue into his bellybutton, listening to the gasps coming from above him. He nuzzled his way into the crease where thigh meets hip, intoxicated with the musky scent there. He licked his way up Ryans hard cock, feeling him grab at Jakes hair and shoulders, anywhere he could reach, back arching and babbling nonsense that made Jake hotter, if possible. He kissed his way back up to that perfect mouth and begged.
“Please, Ryan, need to be in you.” He could feel Ryan nodding, almost beyond words in his lust. Jake grabbed the bottle of lube and drizzled some on his fingers, Ryans eyes on every move.
“Touch me, Jake, please, touch me.”
Jake reached down, slicking his hand down Ryans hardness once, making him whimper, before reaching back behind his balls to gently begin his explorations.
With one finger, he rubbed the soft skin he found before touching that tight muscle for the first time. His eyes never left Ryans as he carefully slipped one finger inside that velvet heat, and he was surprised that he was the one who moaned first. It was amazing, that tight feeling, and the thought of it squeezing his cock almost had him coming right there.
Then Ryan was pushing back against his finger, and the need in his eyes was almost Jakes undoing. Soon another finger joined the first, and he curled them as he stroked in and out. He felt something against his fingertips, and the effect of that touch on Ryan was electrifying to watch. His eyes rolled back, and he almost bucked Jake right off the bed, so Jake did it again. The rough groan that came from those lips was the sexiest thing he had ever heard, and he wanted to hear it more.
He slid in the third finger, remembering to twist and stretch a little, making Ryan writhe under him.
“Jake, please, need you, now, Jake, please.” And he couldnt say no, didnt want to. He grabbed the condom, ripped it open with his teeth, and rolled it on himself before finally removing his fingers from Ryans willing body to slick up his cock.
“Ryan, you have to tell me if it hurts, dont wanna hurt you.”
Ryan put his left leg up on Jakes shoulder while wrapping the right around his waist, using it to pull him closer. “Just go slow, Jake, I trust you.”
Jake kissed him fiercely before lining himself up and slowly pushing past the first resistance of muscle.
Holy shit, how was he supposed to do this? It was so tight and hot, and for a moment, it felt like he was pushing against something solid. Then Ryan relaxed, and he could move a little. He waited there, looking for permission to go on in Ryans eyes. But Ryan was impatient and pulled Jake closer with his leg, pulling him inside until it was skin against skin, and Jake felt his brain short-circuiting.
“Please, Jake, move.” And he did, with slow, shallow strokes until he felt Ryan stretch a little. But it was still so tight and amazing, and for a moment, Jake was almost overwhelmed by the feeling. He balanced himself on one hand, hips thrusting harder, wanting Ryan to make that groan again, like when Jakes fingers had been inside him. And Ryan was pulling Jake down to kiss him, and that changed the angle. Jake knew he had found what he was looking for when Ryan got that frantic look in his eyes, and he started slamming himself against Jake, and the short, harsh groans he made went straight to Jakes cock.
Ryans hand found his own cock, but Jake slapped it away, wanting to make Ryan feel as good as he had felt earlier. And there was something about the way Ryans cock felt in his hand: hot, hard, and soft at the same time.
“Harder, nngg, faster.” Ryan was begging again, so he did move faster. Soon he felt Ryans body tighten, and then ribbons of come were on his chest and stomach and hand, and Ryan tightened almost painfully around his cock, and that was it. Jake was coming harder than he ever had in his life. He finally collapsed, wrapping himself around Ryan, trying to catch his breath. He pulled out slowly, trying to take such care with this man—his man, he hoped. He got rid of the condom and pulled Ryan to him, feeling the smaller man snuggle into him.
“You okay, Ryan? Did I hurt you?” He was worried, even though Ryan wasnt showing any signs of pain. Ryan just draped himself over Jake like a blanket.
“You could never hurt me, Jake.” Ryans body was tired, but his heart was so happy. It felt lighter than it had in two years. “M going to sleep now, okay?”
Jake grinned and rubbed his hand soothingly down Ryans back. “Okay.”
Jake lifted the blanket from the bottom of the bed with his foot and covered them both. They drifted off, holding each other, content for the first time in their lives. Jake couldnt wait till morning.
woke up to the sound of the alarm, feeling warm, safe, and happy. This was not how he was expecting to feel anytime soon, when he left his old job, four days ago. He was lying with his head still on Jakes chest, amazed that he had slept through the night that way. He was usually a very active sleeper, moving all over the place.
He looked up to see crystal-blue eyes smiling down at him. “Mornin.” That drawl was something Ryan could listen to for a long time.
Jake nodded, somewhat reluctantly. “Yeah, those horses arent gonna take care of themselves. And I need to run into town today. Grab a few things from the feed store and stop at the vets, because I want some vitamins for the pregnant mares. Plus, I gotta pay my bill.”
The whole time he was talking, he was running his hands up and down Ryans back, and it made Ryan smile because he was sure Jake didnt realize he was doing it.
“Ill come with you. Need to go to the store to get the stuff to make the poultice for Bellas sores, anyhow.” He reached up to gently kiss Jake before starting to get up. He was almost standing when he was pulled back against a hard chest.
“Better, huh?” Ryan cocked his head to one side before reaching up to take Jakes face in both his hands, moving in for a toe-curling kiss. He started slow, just running his tongue across Jakes bottom lip before sliding his tongue into Jakes mouth, and morning breath be damned. When he pulled back, those blue eyes were two shades darker, and Jake was looking extremely happy.
Jake just grinned and tried not to let Ryan see how much the kiss affected him.
Ryan got up again, this time managing to get all the way off the bed, and sauntered naked and uncaring to the bathroom while Jake just watched him go for a second. Then he got up and started getting ready for his day.
Ryan decided that he loved coffee makers with timers, because the coffee was ready when they got downstairs. They both got their caffeine fix before grabbing a muffin each and heading out to the barn. The horses obviously knew the routine, and they were eager to get out. Ryan checked on Bella, making mental notes of things he thought would help her sores, before leading her to the corral. Despite the treatment she had suffered at the hands of man, she was an affectionate little thing, rubbing her head on Ryans back as he led her out.
He went back to the barn to give Jake a hand with the rest of the horses, loving Jakes habit of greeting each one by name. The morning chores of food and water were done quickly, and they decided to go to town first, getting what they needed, and then head back to get started on some repairs.
They checked the gates, hopped into Jakes truck, and headed for town. They turned up the radio, and pretty soon Jake was looking at Ryan, sitting by the door. He reached over and grabbed Ryans handed and kissed it.
“What are you doin all the way over there?” He arched his eyebrow and pretended to frown. Ryan ducked his head shyly.
“I wasnt sure if youd want me to sit closer. I mean, we are heading to town.”
Jake undid Ryans seat belt with one hand and grabbed the side of Ryans waistband, sliding his butt across the bench seat so that he was beside him. He motioned for Ryan to do up the middle belt, and when he was done, he grabbed Ryans hand and put it on his thigh, putting his on top of it. He looked at Ryan and arched that eyebrow again. “Are you understanding me, Andrews? This conversation is over!”
Ryan reached up to kiss him on the cheek before grinning. “I think a conversation usually involves words, but yes, I get your point.” He snuggled a little closer to Jakes side and quietly sang along with the radio, ironically, the song being, “Any Man of Mine,” by Shania Twain. Jake just kissed him on the temple and kept driving.
He was amazed he could be so comfortable, just sitting with someone and not feeling the need to talk all the time. It took about half an hour to get to town, and Jake could feel Ryan tense up when it swung into view.
“Relax, its gonna be fine.” Ryan was pretty sure he would believe anything Jake told him in that drawl. He might even believe the sky was pink, if Jake told him so. He smiled at the silliness of the thought, and Jake saw it.
“Whats so funny?”
Ryan just shook his head. “Nothing, just happy.”
And Jake knew from the way Ryan was looking at him that he was the reason for Ryans happiness, and it made something in his heart swell. Jake squeezed his hand, bringing it up to kiss it again before letting go to park in front of the vets office. “Come on in, Ill introduce you to the doc.”
They climbed out of the truck and walked into the office. A tiny blonde woman of about sixty sat at the desk, just inside the door. “Jake Evans, its so good to see you. I see you brought a friend with you. Im Cora, Cora Lance.”
Ryan could tell that she was one of those delightfully old-fashioned women, and he extended his hand to her. “Ryan Andrews, maam. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
She took his hand, smiling approvingly at Ryan. “Oooh, manners. I always knew you had good taste in friends, Jake. What can I do for you, young man?”
“Im here to pay my bill and get those vitamins for those pregnant mares. And I wanted to introduce Ryan to the doc. He has some ideas for the sores on Bellas legs. Hes my new hand, and my new friend.” They both blushed when he said it, and the sharp-eyed woman caught it. It made her wonder just how good of friends they were. Not that she cared. On the contrary, there was something lovely about the two of them standing side by side. But if it was true, they were not going to have an easy time of it. She shook herself out of her musing and smiled.
“Hes back there checking on supplies, so you came at the perfect time. Ill have your bill ready when you come back out. Although, Mr. Evans, with all you do for the horses around here, I am thinking we should be paying you. Go on back.” Jake blushed again and nodded before leading Ryan further back into the office.
They found Dr. Lance in the supply room, cursing under his breath. Jake knocked on the door to get his attention. “Good afternoon, Doc. Uhm, got a problem?” The older man looked up and smiled when he saw Jake standing there.
“Jake, good to see you, boy. No, no, no problem. Just my own foolishness for trusting that Deacon boy to organize my supplies. Hes a good kid, but apparently the alphabet is beyond him. So, what can I do for you?”
“Well, I just wanted to get those vitamins for those mares, and I wanted to introduce you to Ryan Andrews. He is my new hand, and hes got some ideas about how to help Bellas sores.”
The vet looked at Ryan and stuck out his hand. “Good to meet you, Ryan. And if youve got any ideas, lets hear them. I am about at my wits end with that.” It was Ryans turn to blush again.
“Well, sir, its just a poultice that my Gramma Ida used to make. We had a horse that got all tangled in some rusty barbed wire that someone dumped on our property one day. We were worried about tetanus, and the wounds didnt seem to want to heal up. Gramma made up her poultice, and they were better in about two weeks. Ill have to call her to get the exact measurements, but its all natural, and I can promise it wont hurt her.”
The vet nodded. “Sometimes those old recipes are the best. Things havent always changed for the better when it comes to medicine. Give it a try, and if it works, I might just ask you for that recipe.” The vet looked around the stock room, finally found the vitamins he was looking for, and handed them to Jake.
“Now, just shove one of these into an apple and give it to those horses, once a day. Those are the two pregnant mares from the old Mercer place?”
Jake nodded. “Yes, sir. They were starved for a while. The fact that neither one lost their foal is amazing.” Ryan looked up at the tone in Jakes voice. He could see that Jake was both angry and sad that anyone could be so cruel. Without thinking, he put his hand on Jakes arm. Jake looked at him and smiled and patted his hand.
“Well, Doc, I guess we best be on our way. Thanks for the vitamins. Ill settle up with Cora on the way out.”
The vet stuck out his hand, shook Jakes and then Ryans. “Well, good luck, and let me know how it goes. Ill be out next Monday to check on things, oh and, Jake? Add a little extra oats to those mares feed. They could do with the extra nutrients.”
“I will, Doc. And good luck with your organizing.” The vet was already immersed back in his task, and the two men left, stopping by the front desk to pay Jakes bill. Cora hugged them both, patted their cheeks, and they left.
“Wow, Jake, they both sure like you.”
Jake just grinned. “They love animals, both of them. We make a good team when an animal is in trouble. And let me tell you, Cora is fierce when it comes to protecting those in need, animals or people.”
“Yeah, I could see that. She reminds me of my Gramma Ida, all protective and caring. So, where to next?”
“Well, I need to stop at the grocery store and the tack shop. Anywhere else you need to go?” They were walking side by side, hands brushing but not holding. They were both well aware of the fact that there was not hiding, and then there was being prudent. They knew that not everyone would be happy with their relationship and thought that discretion was the better part of valor.
Ryan thought for a second. “I need a drugstore, and thats about it.”
Jake nodded. “Okay, well lets hit the grocery store first, then the drug store, cause they are right beside each other. The tack shop is at the other end of town.”
They got the groceries they needed, and then Ryan called his Gramma Ida from his cell to get the exact ingredients he needed for the poultice. Fortunately, they were all available in the drugstore. Jake kept smiling, well aware of the fact that things never felt so easy with Mikayla. Everything had to be a production with her. They climbed back into the truck and headed for the tack shop.
There they found new bridles and halters for the horses, and they stopped to admire some hand-tooled saddles that were on display. “That reminds me, Ryan, I guess we had better find a saddle for you when we get home.” Ryans breath caught on the easy way Jake used the word “home.”
“Its okay, Jake, I have one. Its in the back of my truck, under the cover. My dad had it made for me years ago.” He smiled at the memory, but there was a touch of sadness in it too. Jake quickly reached to squeeze his hand in empathy. Ryan looked at him, and the sadness faded.
“So, Andrews, you hungry? Wanna stop at the diner for lunch before we head home?” Jake said it deliberately this time, liking the effect it had on Ryan.
“Sure, I could use a burger. Got somewhere good around here? Somewhere not McDonalds, but, like, real burgers?”
“Just so happens, Ryan, that we have the greatest diner in the state. Megs has the best burgers, and the fries are to die for. What do you say?”
“I say, lets go. All of a sudden, Im starving!”
They went back to the truck and dropped their stuff off before walking to the diner down the street. When they walked in, Ryan was delighted to find an old-fashioned soda shop, complete with red leather booths and mini jukeboxes at every table. “Wow, Jake, this is awesome.” They slid in on opposite sides of a booth and grabbed the menus from the stand on the table. “Oh my God, they have floats. Thats it. I am officially in heaven. Burgers, fries, floats”—Ryan leaned in to whisper—“and a hot date!”
Jake just grinned. He didnt think he had smiled so much in years. “I know, right? And the food is awesome!” Just then a redheaded woman in an old-fashioned waitress uniform came to the table. “Jake, what a pleasure to see you. You havent been here in ages!”
“Sorry, Meg, just been busy lately. Meg, this is Ryan Andrews. Ryan, this is Meg Callahan. Owner of this fine establishment and queen of the diners, as far as I am concerned!” Meg blushed, but Ryan could see she was tickled by the compliment.
“Pleased to meet you, Meg!” It amazed Ryan that everywhere they went today, Jake was loved by everyone. The next thought hit him hard. Would they still love Jake so much if they knew about him? Ryan didnt want to be the cause of any pain for this special man. He was beginning to wonder if he hadnt made a mistake.
Jake saw the frown and was concerned. But Ryan looked at him and smiled.
“So, what are you boys having today?”
“Ill have my usual, Meg. Ryan?”
Ryan looked at the menu. He wasnt sure he was hungry anymore but didnt want to worry Jake. “Ill just have a cheeseburger with bacon and some fries.”
Jake looked at Meg. “And hell have a float.” He saw Ryan start to argue. “Shut up, Andrews, we can share if you are too wussy to drink it all. What flavor?”
Ryan couldnt help but smile, for real this time. “Root beer, of course! And I aint no wuss!”
Meg finished writing it down and went off to order it. The two men just sat and chatted about nothing in particular, and Ryan could feel Jakes leg pressing against his under the table. He liked it because it made him feel connected. The food came, and it was delicious, like Jake promised.
Watching Ryan take so much pleasure in the ice cream float turned out to be a big turn-on for Jake. All of a sudden, he couldnt wait to get home. “You done, Ryan?”
Something in Jakes voice made Ryan sit up and take notice. Jakes eyes had gotten darker and his voice deeper, and he realized that something had really aroused him. Ryan licked his lips, getting the ice cream off of them, and he watched Jakes breath quicken. His eyes widened when he realized that what was turning Jake on was him.
“Lets get out of here, Jake. Weve got, uhm, stuff to do back at the ranch.”
Jake nodded and went to grab the bill. The bell over the door rang, and he looked up to see a large man coming in, glowering at Jake. “Shit!”
It came out a whisper, and Ryan looked at him questioningly. “Ben Johnson, Jens husband.” He was still whispering, but when the man reached the table, Jake looked up at him. “Hello, Ben, what can I do for you?”
The big man reached out, grabbed Jake by the front of the shirt, and pulled him to his feet. “What did you do to my wife, Evans?”