THEWRECKEDUNIVERSE
ReadtheWreckedNovels Wrecked
FlyingBlind
SpecialDelivery
SeedsandSunshine
PickUpMan
JacklivedfortheAnaheimevents seriously Hegottoseethekids,butthentheyallwenttoDisneyland Therewasaton ofaffordablefood,decenthotels,and…Hudson.
For years, he’d had his ownpersonal hot little bastard inAnaheim Hours inbed, makingthe bedsprings scream Pizzadeliverytwenty-four-seven.Fournightsofblisswithoneoftheonesheneveroncegottiredof.
He’dspentmoretimewithHudsoninbedthanout,anditwaseasytopicturethemanwithalockofblondhairplastered acrossawideforehead,andhalf-liddedblueeyesstaringupfromthepillows Thatwasthefirstimagethatcametomind,but Hudsonknewhowtowearapairofjeans,too,thearmsofapolostretchingaroundmuscledbiceps.
Notbadforageek
Hudsoncouldn’trideahorseorthrow aloop,andJackwasfairlysurehedidn’tknow whatapiggin’stringwas,butthe finemotherfuckerdidmakehiseyescross
HehaddrivendowninaconvoywithMackey,Sid,andTommy andtheyhadbeenhavingaballontheprettydrivealong the coastfromPortland. He’d expected to hear fromHudsonbynow;he’d eventexted twice, whichwas once more thanhe usuallywouldforanyotherbootycall,butnothing Noteventhoselittledots Shit,hehopedHudsonwasokay.Itwasn’tlikethemannottoreturnhistexts,butifJackdidn’thearsomethingsoon,well, he’djustcall
Itwasthedecentthingtodo,afterall.WhatifHudsonhadbeeninanaccidentorsomething?
“Sowewon’tbeseeingyouatdinner,Ihear.”SidwinkedathimasMackeywascheckingin. “Oi.”Tommylaughed.“Onlyplaceyou’llseeJackthisweekendisonthedirt.Healwayshas plans inAnaheim.” “Plans?”Sidasked,andMackeynodded.
“Plans plans Pervydirtymany-condomplans” “Wait.”Sidgavehimaconfusedlook.“Howisthatdifferentthaneveryotherweekend?”
ThatgotalaughfromMackeyandTommy,andhewasabouttosaysomethingsnarkyhimselfwhenhisphonevibratedin hishand.
[PlanewasdelayedandtrafficinLAsucks.]
Oh,hellyeah.Thatwasthebestpossibleanswer.[GotaroomattheHiltonAnaheim.322.CUSoon] [Soundsgood.]
Tommypeeredoverhisshoulder “Isloverboystandingyouup?” “Heisnot,thankyou.Nosy.”Hecouldn’thelphisgrin,though,notforloveormoney.“Hisflightwaslate.” “Hefliesinforyou?”Sidasked,andhisgrinjustgotwider “I’mthatgood.”
“Everyyear,sofuckingsmug.It’sdisgusting.”Mackeyclappedhimontheshoulder.“Speakingofdisgusting,seeyouonthe dirt I’mtakingSidupstairsforanapbeforeshowtime”
Tommysighed.“Soundslikemycuetofindthetwins.Weshouldhavemadethemdrivewithus.” “Youshouldjustgetyourownhotelroom,man”
“Oi,thetwinswouldcauseadisaster.Canyouimagine?They’dbebouncingoffthewallslikea‘roo.”
“Quickbeforehechangeshismind”MackeylaughedandsteeredSidtowardtheelevator “Later,y’all!” “Motherneedsadayoff.”Tommywinkedathim.GraingerandHayden thetwinsonthebull-fightingteam stumbledinto thehotellobbylookingwide-eyedandlost.“Oi!Boys!”Tommywaved.“Offtobabysit,mate.Later.”
“Seeya”Jackwavedandheadedforthebar,gettingabeerwhilehewaitedforHudson Helovedwatchingthefinesonof abitchwalkintoaroom.
Oroutofaroom
Anditwasn’tlongbeforeHudsonshowed,wearingjeans,acheckeredbutton-downthattuggedathisshoulders,andthat unforgettable wide smile Hudsongave hima lazywave and headed his way, longlegs and tight hips weavingaround the diningtables.
“CanyougetmetwoBudLights,please,honey?”heaskedthebartender,eyesonthattautbelly.
“Well, JackBoers. Fancyseeingyouhere.” Hudsonstucka hand outand pulled himinto a bro-hugwhenhe tookit, the familiarlightcolognefillinghisnostrils “Andatthebarnoless”
“IorderedyouaBud.Goodtoseeyou,darlin’.”Oh,maybetheycouldtaketheirbeersuptotheirrooms.Hecouldorder roomservices
“Thankyou.Ineedabeerafterthatflight.”Hudsonsettledonastool.“You’relookinghealthy.Everythinggood?”
“Doinggreat Youknow how it is I got mydreamjob” He rode for three events a weekend whenever he wanted, his horseswerehappyandhealthy,andhehadbothhisthumbs.
“Idoknowhowthatis,sinceIgotminetoo.”
“TwoBuds Areyourunningatab?”Thebartendersetoutcocktailnapkins,thensettheglassesontop “Justtheoneforme,thanks.”Hudsonputatwentyonthebar.
“So,youlookingforwardtotheweekend?FeelslikeforeversinceIgottohangoutwithyourhappyass”Jackwrotehis roomnumberonhisreceipt.“Wanttofindaseat?”
“Well,it’sbeenaboutayear,likealways Alongone”Hudsonstood,andhissharpblueeyesscannedtheroom “There’s atableovertherethat’llwork.”
“Youbeenokay?Youdon’ttextlikeyouusedto.”AndhehatedtobotherHudsonifhewas…doingwhateverhedidnow. Hudsonwaswayquickertochangethanhewas Way
“Yeah.Sorry,I…I’vebeenbusy.Igotanincredibleofferonmycompany,andIsoldit.NowIworkforthem.”Hudsondid some kind ofworkwithmedical technologythathe didn’tcompletelyfollow, buthe knew the companyhad beenimportant “Butit’sgood.I’mconsultingnow,soIhavewaymoretimethanIusedto,youknow?”
“Soyousoldtheplacesotheycouldhireyou?”Jackguessedthetaxesonthatweregood?Hedidn’tknow.“Timeisgood.” HecouldgiveHudsonsomethingtodoforafewhours.
“Sortof?Isolditfor over threetimeswhatIputintoitandnow Idon’trunitanymore.Ijustworkthere.Itwasagood deal” Hudsonleaned backinhis chair He might onlysee Hudsononce a year, but he could tell there was somethingoff, somethinginHudson’seyes.“I’mturningmytalentstomyfavoritesport.”
“Yeah?”Surelythatwasrodeo,right?Itneededtoberodeo Rodeorocked Justaskhim,he’dtellyou.
“Yep.I’mworkingonaglove.I’vebeenworkingwithacoupleofridersoffcircuit,butwe’retryingtofindsomeprosto tryitout.I’vegotaprototypewithme.I’llshowyou.”
“Noshit?Goyou,man!I’dlovetoseeit.”Hewasall over that.“Whatdoesitdo?Protectthehandor keeptheminthe rope?”
Hudsonsmiledandseemedtolikethequestions.“It’ssafetygear,soprotectionmostly,buttheridersseemtolikethegrip too”Hudsonshrugged “We’llsee It’sjustnicetohavethetimetofocusonthingsIenjoy” “Ihearthat.IbeenstayingwithMackeyandhisnew guyforabit.It’snicetobeabletojustgetoutandride.”Hecould outruntheworldonthebackofGhostorPrincess,eitherone.
“HeboughtaplaceinColorado,right?Hehasaguy?That’samazing,goodforhim”HudsonsippedhisBud,thenstudied theglass.Hudsonhadn’tevertalkedaboutwantingsomeonesteady,andJackknewtheguywouldn’tbehereifhehadsomeone else Neitheroneofthemwerecheaters.
Jackdidn’tpromiseanyonemonogamy Heknewhowthatworkedout “Sid’sokay.Smartlikeyou.IlikehimforMackey.”
Hudsonchuckled.“Youdon’tlikesmartpeopleforyourself.”
Hefrownedover becausehesurroundedhimselfwithsmartguys Helovedfuckingthehot,smartones becausetheyhad imaginations.
“Justcurious”Hudsonfinishedhisbeer “Ican’tbelievehowlongwe’vebeendoingthis” “Longtime,andeveryyearitgetsbetter.”HelovedtheCaliforniaair,yessirhedid. “Youthinkso?Mustbeallthepracticeyougetinbetween”Hudsongavehimawink “Yougottouseit,sotheysay.”Hewasn’tgettingiteveryweekendthesedays,buthewasn’tafuckingmonk. Hudsonwatchedhim,thenpushedhischairbackfromthetable.“Youwannashowmewhatyougot?”
“Youknow it”HestoodandofferedHudsonhisbestsmile ThankgoodnessHudsonseemedmore normal “Igotusa niceroom.”
“Mhm Okay I’vegotaroomdownthehalltoo Ijustdroppedmysuitcaseinit” Weird.“Youdon’twanttostaywithme?Youknowyou’rewelcomeastheflowersinMay.” Hudsongavehimasmile,butitseemed…complicated.“Oh,Iknow,cowboy.Thankyou.ButI’mhereonbusinesstoothis time,soitjustseemed…Ijustgotmyownspace.”
Thatsorta made sense, he guessed. He wasn’tmuchfor business. “Well, youwantto cancel your room, Igotyoua key
made.First,though,IwanttogetyousomewhereIcankissthefireoutofyou.” Hudson’sblushwasanswerenough.“Let’sgotoyours.”
HudsonhadspenttheentireflightfromDenverrehearsinghowhewasgoingtohandlethismeeting
Listen, cowboy. We need to talk.
Talk He was going to talk first Set some ground rules and tell Jack what he needed He’d chosen his words carefully,madesuretheyweren’tmean,andthathewasn’tbeingunfair.Butafterovertenyearsofthesemeet-upshewanted more,andhewasfinallyinapositiontogetit.
IfJackwouldgiveittohim
Butfuckhim,JackBoerswashotterthanacitysidewalkinJuly,andasmuchashewantedmore,whathereallywanted wasJack Now.
Hedidn’tcarethathewasblushing;itwasn’tasecretwhatthecowboycoulddotohimwithalookortherightwords And Jackhadsaidalotofveryrightwords.
“C’mon, darlin’. Ido love the lookinyour prettyeyes.” Jackstood back, waitingonhimto come around, and Hudson couldalmostfeelthegazeonhisass
He shookhis head butcouldn’thelp his smile. Jackwas usuallymore discreetand saved things like thatfor whenthey werealone “You’rekillingme”
“Oh,that’sthefarthestthingonearthfromwhatIwant,now.”No.HeknewfullwellthatJackwantedhim ineveryway possible.
Heswallowedastheysteppedontotheelevatorwithahandful ofotherpeopleandkepthimselfincheckbygrippingthe railingbehindhisback.Jackleanedupagainstthewallbesidehim,heatradiatingtowardhim.God,thecowboysmelledgood. Hedidn’tknowanyoneelsethatworethatcologne hedidn’tevenknowwhatitwas itwasjustJack
Jacksmiledover athim,sotannedandeasyinhis skinthathe couldhardlybear it.The flatbellywas punctuatedbyan openneckonthewhitebutton-downatthetopandabigsilverbuckleatthebottom
Somewhereontheothersideofthiseveningwastheconversationtheyneededtohave,butheunderstoodnowthatthishad tohappenfirst.They’dbothbeenwaitinga year for it.This was the promise they’dmade toeachother lastyear,andevery yearbeforethat.
Thedoorsopenedandhe’dneverbeensorelievedtofollowthecowboyoffanelevatorbefore.“ThankfuckingGod.” “Mmhmm ”Jackmanagedtogetthedooropenanddraggedhimintoafancyhotelroombeforethathungrymouthfellon his,devouringhimlikehewasabuffet.
Hiskneeswenttojelly,andhehookedahandbehindJack’sneck,mostlytoholdhimselfupwhileeverynerveandevery musclehehadrespondedatonce.Hiscockpressedupagainsthisfly,hisskinbrokeoutingoosebumps,andtheresuddenly wasn’tenoughoxygenintheroom.HegroanedandletJack’stonguedoasitpleased,searchingandclaimingeverybitofhim.
“Fuck,baby Youtastesogood”Jackgrowledlowanddraggedthemtogether,fingertipsdiggingintohisass
“Youkisslikeafuckingbeast.”Andhelovedit.HehauledonJack’sshouldersandrockedintothosebig,stronghands. Jackwas laser focused,watchinghimlikehewas theentireworld,liketherewas nothingelseonearthJackwantedbut him.
HetwistedinJack’sarmsmakingenoughroomtounbuttonhisshirtandgiveJacksomethingmoretolookatit Hehadno idea if Jack was this engaged with all of his lovers, but it had always been like this between them. There was never any questionhewasthecenterofJack’suniversewhentheyweretogetherlikethis.Hetossedhisshirtandflexedhisshoulders heknewhowtokeepJack’sattention
“Fuckingperfect.”Jackfoundhisnipplesunerringly,tuggingandtwisting,pushinghimjusthardenoughtomakehimwant toscream
CaughtbetweenbeggingJacktostopandbegginghimformore,heyankedthehatoffJack’sheadandflungitatthedresser, thenfumbledwiththebuckleonJack’sbelt “Fuck,yeah”
Jack’sheavyclubofacockwashardandfullforhim,apromisethathewasmorethanwillingtobelievein.“Wantyou.I
wanteverysinglebitofyou,darlin’.”
“We’vegotallnight,andIdon’thavetoridetomorrow.”Heleftthejeansopen,thentuggedJackfartherintotheroomby thecrotch,fingersbumpingupagainstthatstunningcock “Letmeshowyouwhatyou’regetting” “Hell,yes.”Thebutton-downshirtwascarefullyremoved,hungonthebackofthechair.“Bootsfirst,huh?That’ssucha painintheass”
“Ihaven’tforgotten,cowboy.Sitdown.”Hekickedhissneakersofffirst,thenkneltandlookedupatJackbeforeworking offthefirstboot Thiswaspartoftheirritual,hislittlemomentonhisknees,makingitclearheunderstoodtheirdynamic Jack justateitup.
“Dammit, I’ve missed your face.” Jack let himremove the other boot, and then curled down to capture his lips again, holdinghisfacebetweenthosecallusedfingers
Fuck, he needed to hear that. I’ve missed you too. More thanJackknew, probablymore thanJackwanted to know. He whimperedintothekiss;hecouldn’tkeepitin
Jackpulled himinto his lap, quickenoughthat their bellies slapped together, and it was so frigginghot, so fierce and sensual
HerockedintoJackandgroaned.“Wantyou.Getthesefuckingjeansoff.”HeslidoffJack’slaplongenoughtogethisown offandwatchJackkickhisWranglerstotheflooraswell.
EverytimehesawJack,therewasalittlesomethingthathadchanged anewscar,anewtattoo,alittlemoresilverinhis hair. Such a strange way to mark the time. He moved back into Jack’s lap and slid his finger over a deep scar he didn’t recognizeinthecowboy’schest “Newone”
“Barfight.Sucked,andIendedupinthehospital,buttheotherguyleftinacopcar.”
Hudsonsnorted,droppingonehandbetweenthemandpalmingtheheadofJack’shotcock.Hewouldn’tmesswithJackin abar,oranywhere.“Obviouslyhedidn’tknowwhohewasupagainst,”hesaid,teasing.“ButIdo.”
“Do younow?” Jackleaned backonhis elbows, exposinghimself, baringhimselfand lettingHudsonsee as muchas he wanted Jesus,heknew,butrightnow,hehadahardtimebelievingit.HeslidbothhandsoverJack’shipsandupoverhardabs. “Mhm AndIwantallofit”
“Hellyes.I’llmakesureyou’rebowleggedandachingtomorrow.You’llremembermeeverysecond.”
“Fuck,yes.Please.”That’swhathewanted.That’swhyheshoweduphereeveryyear.Nobodyunderstoodwhatheneeded likeJack.Helineduptheircocksandtuggedhard,barelyabletohearJack’sroughgroanoverhisown.“Where’sthelube?” “Mydittybag.Ibroughttwotubes.”
Howcouldtwoshortsentencessoundsohotinthatrough,hungryvoice?
“Dittybag.Wayoverthere?”Hesighedashelettheircocksgo,butslidoffthebed,andmadeapointofgivingJackagood lookathisbareassonthewaytothebathroom,andaview ofhisachingcockonthewayback “Rubbersandlube”Heset themdownonJack’schest,thenbentoverthebedandkissedthetipofJack’sfatprick.
“Mmhmm…”Jack’sthighstightenedandactuallymovedhiswholebodybeforeeasingbackdown.
He reachedfor the lube,thenstraddledJack’s hips “Enjoyingthe view?” He openedthe lube andslickedJack’s fingers withit,raisinguphightogivethecowboyeasyaccess.
“Youknow you’refinetome”Itdidn’ttakeanytimeforthoserough,wetfingerstopushintohim,spreadinghimwitha wildburn.“Fuckingtight,darlin’.”
He knew Andhe couldwatchJackmove all fuckingdaylong Graceful andstrong,everytwitchdeliberate he should havesaidthatoutloud hewantedto,butitwentthroughhisheadsofastandthepressurefromJack’sfingerswassofucking righthe’dalreadyforgottenhowtomakewords.Whatcameoutwas“Mrrugh,”followedbyalong,needymoan.
Closeenough
“Yeah.Let’slightyouupandmakeyouscream.”Jackcouldplayhisbodylikeaguitar,andthetipsofJack’sfingersstarted dancingonhisgland,sendingshockaftershockthroughhim
Fuck,Jackwasgoingtomakehimpopofflikeateenager.“Jack,don’t.Jack…you’llmakeme…oh,fuck.”Likeanyofthat wasgoingtostophim Theassholeknewexactlywhathewasdoing Hudsonduckedhisheadandfoughttheurgetoarchinto thatperfecttouch.
“Iwill,andthenI’llmakeyoudoitagain.Iknowyouhaveitinyou.”Demandingsonofabitch.
“Jack!”Hegasped,eyesgoingwideasanothershockshotthroughhim Fuck it Hegrabbedhisneedycockdesperatelyand archedbacktoridethosefingers.
“That’sright,darlin’ Showmehowgooditis Iwantyoutoletmehaveyou”Jack’svoicepouredoverhim “Haveme,”hewhispered.Hisbellyfilledwithfire,andheshothardenoughtomakehimdizzy.
“Prettybaby…”Jack’stouchgentled,butitdidn’tdisappear,andtheaftershocksdidn’tletup.Itwaslikebeingcaughtina tornado,likehecouldbarelycatchhisbreath.
Heshiveredreflexivelyandliftedupalittle,tryingtoescapetheintensityofthetouch.Jack’sfuckingpatiencewasgoingto
drivehiminsane.
“Breathethroughit,darlin’.Rideitout.Igotyou,andIwon’tletyoudown.”Jackcaughthisgaze,andfuck,heseemedlike hemeantit
He nodded, suddenlyfindinga real breathas he held thatgaze and letitsteadyhim. Another breath, and he was able to relaxandletoutasoftmoan “Fuck,cowboy”
“Yes,sir.Thatis the idea.” Jackpulledbackandaddedmore slicktohis fingers,easingthree inthis time,andhe could barelybreatheagain
Itwasn’twhathe wanted either itwasn’tnearlyenough. He wanted Jackinside him, the full lengthofthatthickcock. Unabletogetthewordsout,hegruntedinfrustration,fingersgoingafteroneofJack’sruddynipples.
“Pushy,pushy”Thatgaspandgrinprovedthathewasontherighttrack,sohekeptrightongoing Hepinchedandtugged firmlyonone,andthentheother,lovinghowitmadeJacksquirmjustalittle atinycrackinthearmor.
Jackpushedin,alittleharder,alittlemorefirmly,andhealmostlosthisfocus,butnotquite Notfuckingyet He slid his hand backand circled itaround Jack’s prick, strokingfirmly, teasingthe head withhis thumb oneachpass. “Evenyoucan’tholdoutallday,”hewhisperedroughly,slickinghisthumbwiththeliquidatthetipofJack’scock “Notgonna.Ineedinyour ”Jackbaredhisteeth.“Sweetfuckingass.” HeboredownonJack’sfingersandmoaned.“Wantyou.”
“Thenrideme I’mreadytowatchyoucomeonmycock Morethanready”Jackhandedhimthecondom “Lazybastard.Makingmedoallthework.”Heknewbetter,Jackwastheleastpassiveloverhe’deverhad,buthelikedto taunt Heshiftedandgrinnedashesmoothedthecondomon “Yep.I’mgettingold,lazy,soft.”Jackwaggledhiseyebrowsathim,teasinghimmercilessly.
HereachedbackandshovedatJack’swrist,forcingthosefingersaway,andreplacedthemquicklywiththeheadofJack’s decidedlynot-softprick.“Neversoft.Literallyalmostnever.”Hesankdowneasy,eyesrollingwiththesweetstretchandburn. “Fuckyes…”Jack’sexpressionwentblissful,butthoseeyesneveroncelefthis.Sopretty.Sofine.
HesighedasJacksliddeeper,fillinghiminthebestway Everythingwasrightinhislittlefuckingworld Hestaredback, willingJacktoseeit.Tounderstand.“Sogood.Fuck.”
Jacknodded,handslandingonhiships,thepressureastightasironbands “Youareperfect”
He didn’tlike to admitto himselfhow muchhe craved thatpraise fromJack. He swallowed hard as his ass metJack’s hips.Jackheldhimthereforalongfewseconds,bothofthembreathingtogether,andallhecoulddowasbreatheandwaitfor Jacktoshifthim.
Whenithappened,hiseyesrolledbackinhishead,andtimestoppeduntilJackslammedbackupintohim.Andthatwas that HewasJack’s
Hudson gripped Jack’s hands, holding on as Jack took everything he wanted, exactly how he wanted it. It was fucking perfect
He gulped for breathwhenhe could, exhalingwithgrunts and groans ina haze ofsensation, lovinghow Jackfilled him overandover.
Jackmovedhimanddraggedhimdown,sweatbeginningtomakehislovershine “Yeah.Sogood.Givememore,cowboy.”Hetightenedupwhenhecould,givingJackalittleresistance,makingthemboth moan Jackrespondedbynailingthathotspotandsendingboltsofelectricityuphisspine “Fuck ” “Oh,rightthere,hmm?Ilikethatsound.”Jack’sgrinwaspurewickedness,puresexasherepeatedthemove.
“Smugasshole”Thatwasatermofendearmentatthispoint Hiseyescrossed,andhecriedoutasJackdiditagain He’d bedamnedifhewastakingthistripaloneagain,though,soheclenchedhard,makingJackworkforitthenexttime.
“Uhn…”Jack’sshouldersrolledup,liftingupoffthemattress.“Fuck,that’shot.”
“Uh-huh” Everythingwas litup He was goingto lose his mind He reached for a nipple again, fingers fumblingacross Jack’schest,andgaveitatwistwhenhefinallyfoundit.“Showme,Jack.”
“Everything EveryfuckingthingIgot”Jackspunthem,thefuckingbecomingadesperaterutting Fuck yeah. He had no hope ofholdingoutnow, butneither did his cowboy, so he pushed backto meetJack’s bodyand gavein,hisclimaxovertakinghiminshudderingwaves
Jackleaneddown,bitinghisshoulder,teethsinkinginjustenoughtosting.
“Fuck!”Hudsoncouldn’tmove,tornbetweentheinstincttopullawayandneedingtorelaxandletthatstingsettleintohis body Hecurledhisfingersintothesheetsandheldon,knowingthiswildsidemeantJackwasclose Jackletgo,grunted,andslammedindeep,eyesrollingbackinhishead.
Jackletthemstaythereforabitwhiletheyfoundair,andtheroomcamebackintofocus HepulledJackdownforakiss, onemuchlessheatedthantheirlast.Jackalwayslefthimwrungoutandexhaustedinthebestfuckingway.Hepulledawayjust enoughtowhisper,“Bettereveryyear.”
“Hell,yes.Youblowmymind.”Jackgrinnedathim.“Everyfuckingtime.”
Then why don’t you ever ask me to stay?
Everytime…thistime…andJackstillwasn’tasking. Heshovedthefeelings,thethingshewantedtosayawayforlater.Tonight,hecouldenjoythis.
JackheadeddownstairstograbacoupleofcoffeesandsomethingsweetandrichtosharewithHudson Maybechocolate flakythings.
Helikedthose
He’dleftHudsoncrashedoutonhisstomachinbed,sweetbareasspeekingoutfromunder thesheets,sohewasn’tina hurry.Thatwasgood,becausehecouldseeacrossthelobbythattherewasadecentlineatthelittlehotelcafe.
“Jack!Savemeaspot!”Mackey’sSidcameoutoftheelevator “Mackisneedingacup” “Yougotit.”Hechuckledandwinkedatoneofthetwinkridersbehindhim.“Y’alldon’tmind,doyou?” “No,sir”
Hedidn’tthinkso.
Sidslippedpastthemandgotinlinebesidehim,grinning “Thanks YouknowhowMaverickiswhenhehasn’thadmuch sleep.”
Jackchuckleddeepinhischest.Infact,hehadbeenonthereceivingendofMackey’sneedforcaffeine.“IndeedIdo,my friend”
Sidsquintedathim.“And…howdidyousleep?”
Hecouldn’thelphisgrinforloveormoney “Sleepisfortheweak”
Thatgothimagoodlaugh.“Igotthewholestoryaboutthis guylastnight.Ayearlybootycall?AndMavsays hebarely knowsthisguybecauseyoubasicallykeephiminyourhotelroomallweekend.”
“He’sspecial.”AndJackdidn’twanttowasteasecondofitonanythingbutriding.Hudsonwasoneofthebest.
“Butnotspecialenoughtowanttoseehimmorethanonceayear?”Sidwinkedathim.“Gottakeepthoseoptionsopen.” “Shutup,asshole”Hewinkedbackover,becauseHudsonhadaskedonceforacommitment,andhe’dsaidno He’dbeen hurtingbadandhadn’tbeeninaspacetobeagoodmanformorethanafewdaysinarowbackthen.
Sidchuckled “Damn,orderyourcoffee,man You’regrumpy”
“Justwantingtogetbackupstairs,ormaybeyoutwojustmakemybuttitch.” Sidcrackedup,bumpingintohimwithagrin.
“Well, Iamfromthe darkside ofevent management.” Sid stepped up and ordered first, askingfor a nice strong, black coffeeforMackeyandsomesweetcaramelsomething-er-otherthingtoo.
Hewasgoingtogetahazelnutlatteandacinnamondolcedealio Thoserocked “I’mgonnaruntheseupbeforetheygetcold.Yougotenoughcash?”Sidlovedtopokeathim. “YougonnacovermeifIdon’t,suit?”hepokedrightback “Sure.It’sthebullridersthatneverpayyouback.”
“Hey!”Twink-ridersaid.“That’snotfair.”
Hewasgoingtolosehisshitlaughing
Sidgiggledandgaveawave,thenpickeduphiscoffees.“Seeyoutonight,Jack.”
“I’llbethere I’mtheoneonthehorse”
“Therearehorsesinbullriding?Whoknew?”Sidwasstillgigglingashewalkedaway. “Hazelnutlatte and a cinnamonone withthe creamontop” He pulled outhis phone to pay, whichstill feltjusta little weird.
“Dolce. Yes sir, Mr. Boers.” The barista smiled shylyathim, thengotbusymakinghis drinks. He lethimselfgrinatthe recognition,butdidn’tmakeabigdealofit
“Mr.Boers,”oneofthekidsbehindhimteased,andheshotoveraglare.Hedidn’tmeanit,butalittlerespectdidn’thurt, right “Ooh.You’reintrouble.”Theotherkidelbowedhisfriend.
He could squishthose tinybull riders withone boot He was thinkingabouthow funitmightbe to trywhenhis coffees landedonthebar.“Thankyou.Lookingforwardtowatchingyoutonight.”
“I’llbetheoneonthehorse.”Hewinkedandgaveherawarmsmile,justpouringiton. Sheblushedandsmiledback.
“I’mridingtonight”Oneofthebabybullriderstoldher “Metoo.”
“O kay Andwhoareyou?”heheardheraskashewalkedaway Itwasgoodtobethesafetymanwiththehotmaninhishotelroom.
“Isthatmycoffee?”Hudsonslippedoutofbedashecameinandwanderedhisdirection,slowlyandbucknaked “Youknowit,darlin’.”God,hedidlovethisview. Everyinchofit.
HeletHudsoncometohim,allthewaytothedoor Thatgothimagrinandaneyeroll.“Whatisthis?Isthereatoll?Givemethat,cowboy.Whichone’smine?” “Notoll,justwatchingyouwalk”Andlettinghimselfjonesonit Hudsontookacoffeeandsniffedit.“Gotit.Now youcanwatchmewalkaway.”Andhedid.Hudsonsippedhiscoffee, thencrossedtheroomagain “Mm Sore”
“Yeah?Youneedmetorubitforyou?”Hefollowed,lickinghislipsashereachedforthattautbutt. “No…” Hudson batted his hand away. “It’s just fine as it is, thank you. And I do mean thank you.” After another sip, Hudsonsethiscoffeedownandstartedfishingclothingoffthefloor Huh.Hehadbeenhopingforanothergo-round.“Yougotsomewheretobethisearly?” “It’snotearly,youknow”Hudsonwinked “Butyeah I’vegotameetingwiththesportsmedicineteam” “Shame.Icouldtotallymakesureyouneedtoseethem…”
Hudsonpulled his briefs on, thenturned around to show hima fuckinghotpurple bruise. His mark. “Yeah? YouthinkI shouldgetthemtolookatthisbiteforme?Someanimalgotme.”
“Mmhmm…Itsuitsyou.”Hetracedthebite,hummingdeepinhischest.“Ilikeit.”
Thatwasanunderstatementandahalf
Hudsontookadeepbreathandnodded,turningtolookintohiseyes.“Ilikeittoo.”
Thoseblueeyesmadehimshiver,madehimwanttograbHudsonupandjustfuckhimuntilneitherofthemcouldbearit “Jesus.Whenyoulookatmelikethat…”Hudsontookastepbackandlookedaway,findinghisjeans.“What’syourcall timetonight?”
“I’mdueatthearenaaroundfive-thirtysoIcanwarmup.Wanttohaveroomserviceforlunchafteryourmeeting?” Want to have a long, hot shower, fuck again, then have a nap?
“Well, Idon’t know how longthe meetingwill go Maybe I’ll see youafter the event” Hudsonpulled his shirt onand buttonedit.
“Maybe?”Oneofhiseyebrowsliftedlikeitwasattachedbyastringtotheceiling Whatthehell? Hudsonbenttotiehissneakerswithagroan.“Imean,we’llseehowthenightgoes,right?”
“Well,Iain’tlikelytobruise myballs inthe saddle,darlin’.I’ll be readytoturnyouinside outbytenp.m..” Infact,he mightbereadybynineforty-five,butitwasadrivefromthearena
“I’llfindyou.”Hudsonpickeduphiscoffee.“HowareGhostandPrincess?Stillridingwell?”
“Always They’regoodbabies,bothofthem”Andhelovedthemtodeath
“Good,good.Lookingforwardtoseeingthemtoo.”Hudsonsatonthebed.“AndMackey?Howishe?”Itsaidsomething abouthowwellHudsonknewhimthattheguyaskedabouthishorsesbeforeaskingafterMackey
“Inlove.Livingwithhis guy.Dreamhouse,dreamguy,dreamjob.” He stayedthere quite a bit there was roomfor his horsesandplentyofworktodo.
“So livingthedream”Hudsonshookhishead “Jealous?”
“Youknowit.”Butwhenwashegoingtobeabletojustbuyahouse?Hehadhorses,andnoonethatwantedtolivewith hishappyass
Hudsonglancedathimcuriously,thengotupandfoundhisshoes.“Yeah.Metoo.”
“Youain’t got a house? Like a fancyone?” He thought for sure Hudsonhad told himthat Some condo deal withhigh ceilingsandbigwindows.
“Yep.Idohaveahouse.”Hudsonlookedinthemirrornexttothedresserandfixedhishairwithhisfingers.
“Ithoughtso”He’dneverbeen,becausehetraveledwithhishorses Itwasathing Horsesweren’tfancy Orcondo-friendly.
Hudsonsighed “Right Well,Ibettergetgoing”Hegotaquickpeckonthecheekandasoftsmile Hudsonlookedtired, butthey’dearnedtheirsleeplessnight.“Thanksforthefuck,cowboy.Andthecoffee.”
HehauledHudsoninforakiss,makingsurehisloverknewtheyweren’tdone.“I’llseeyoutonight.Hollerwhenyou’reall donewithyourmeeting.Wecanlunch.”
Hudsonflusheddeepandnoddedashebackedtowardthedoor.“Seeyoulater.”
Jackfrowned,butletHudsongo.Maybehewasn’tfeelingwell. Maybethewholebusinessthingwasn’tasgoodashe’dleton.
Jackwasn’tsure,buthewouldbeheretohelp,ifHudsonwantedit
Hudsonmissedtheliveshow HewatchedalotofbullridingonTVonSundaysandkeptupwiththeriders,butthatwas nothinglikebeingheretoseeitinperson.
Andhedidn’thavetostaygluedtothescreenhopingforaglimpseofhisfavoritepickupman,hecouldwatchallhe wantedfromhisseatsinthefamilysection,andhehadagreatview.
“Excuseme.Sorry.Thanks.”Hescootedpastafewpeopletogetbacktohisseat,carryingtwobeers.“Hey.”Heheldone outforthewomansittingnexttohim Ellie ShewasmarriedtoScottHamish,oneoftheveteranriders
“Yourock,man.Thanks.” She beamedathim.“This is the firsttime ina few ofthese Ihaven’tbeenpregnant,man.Yay beer!”
Helaughedandsat.“It’sthelittlethings.Howmanyhaveyouguysgotnow?Wherearethey?”
“Theyareinthehotelwithmymom Wehavetwoboysandthreegirls,andI’mdone Done-done”
Thatwas alotofkids inahotel room.Someonewouldhavetoblackmail himor somethingtosetfootinthatroom.No, thankyou.Kidswerenothisthing,and five kidssoundedlikeunimaginablehell.
Butheknewcowboys “IsScottonboardwiththat?”
“Scottistotallyonboard.Atsomepoint,wewanttotravelsomewherenothere,andmyfolksareoverwhelmedwithfive. Five,Hudson WhatwasIthinking?”
“Ihavenoidea.But,inyourdefense,IfindwhenI’minthatmoment,I’mnotreallythinkingmuchatall.”Hewinkedather.
“Well,youdohaveJack.Imean,he’salegend.”Shewinkedback,teasinghard.Shewasoneofthemostopen-anddirtymindedwomenheknew.
“I don’t reallyhave Jack. I don’t thinkanybodyhas Jack.” He sure as shit has me though. That was the truth. But he couldn’tgoonlikethatanymore He’dlethisplansgolastnight,buthewouldn’ttonight Probably.Okay,possiblyatleast.
“Butyou’re you’readorable,man,andsmart Andyoucareaboutpeople Youtextmeonmybirthday!”
Hegaveherabiggrin.“Well,youhavetocelebratethefactthatthoselittleparasites Imeanchildren haven’tkilledyou yet.”AndwhathadJacktoldhim?Smartguyswerecreativeinbed.Ithadn’thelpedhimmuchoutofbed.Yet.
“They’restillyoung.”Shebumpedshoulderswithhim.“Youshouldtotallymakeahardplayforhim.Hewatchesyou,all thetime.”
He leaned closer, not that anyone was goingto hear himover the cheering “I’mkind of tryingto, but ” But But this morningwhenheaskedifJackwasjealousofMackey,allJackseemedtoregisterwasthathealreadyhadahouse. Yeah,thehousehehad Hehadthejobtoo,infact Itwasthe dream guy partthatheneeded Thedreamguyhewanted.
Thecrowdwentnutsafteraneight-secondridescoredhighenoughtobumpanotherrideroutofthetopspot.Heapplauded witheveryone,buthiseyeswereonJackashewentroaringbyonGhost,makingitlookeasylikealways “Damnit,he’sso fuckingsexy.”
“Herideslikethewind Likehewasmadeforthesaddle”Sheshookherhead,eyesscanningtherowsofcowboysasshe searchedforherhusband,hewassure.“YoueverwonderwhatitwouldlooklikeifhecouldjusttakeGhostorPrincessout andjustrun?”
He nodded. He couldn’t imagine Jackanyhappier thanthat. “Sounds like maybe he has done that out at Mackey’s new place.Scott’slookinggoodtoo.”Bullriderswereadorable,fresh-faced,young.Nothistype,buthelikedtolook.
“He’sthehottestthingonearth”Anditwasn’tlikeElliewasblowingsmoke Hereyesprovedshemeantit “Ibelieveyou.Fivekidsandall.”Hechuckledandsippedhisbeer. Somedayhe’dlookatJacklikethatinpublic Soonerthanlater,hehoped Hejusthadto…well,hehadtodowhatheknewworked.Makeaplan,sticktoit,andworkforhisgoal.Thisweekend, he’dkeephispromise He’dspendhisnightswithJackbecausethatwasonlyfair that’swhyhewashereafterall Andfuck him, he wanted to have thattime withJacktoo. Buthe did have a job to do, and atthe nexteventinLas Vegas? Well, Jack
wouldn’tbeexpectinghimtobetherethen,wouldhe?Andthatcouldworktohisadvantage. HeneededJack,andJackneededhim.
Dammit
“So,talktome.How’slife?How’syou?”
He blinked at the question How long had it been since someone asked how he was? Like, someone that was actually interested?
“I’mfine Isoldmycompany,andnowI’manemployee well,aconsultant insteadofanowner Imakemyownhours;I workwhereIwant.Igettopickpetprojects.It’sgreat.”Heshrugged.“But life?Lifeiskindofonholdforthemoment.”He tiltedhisheadtowardJack.“Ormaybeforthelastfewyears.”
“Yeah Ithink well,Ijust hedoesn’tsmilelikeheusedto,huh?”Okay,whatwasshetryingtosay?
“Whatyoumean?”Jackhadsmiledalotsinceheshowedup.WhenJackwasn’tgivinghimsmolderinghotlooksormaking fuckinggorgeousgrimacesofpleasure Hewas totallyJack
“Ijustremember thathe used to lightup, all the time. Now, he’s relaxed whenhe’s riding, and he laughs, butit’s notas easy”
HefrownedandfoundJackinthe ring,hangingbackwaitingfor the nextride.Didhe lookless…easy? “Youthinkhe’s okay?”
Sheshruggedforhim “Ithinkso?Imean,IcanaskScott,ifyouwant”
“Yeah?Yeah.Iguess,ifyoucould.Ifyoudon’tcatchme,justtextme.”Shouldheworry?ShouldheaskJackhimself?He wasn’tsureJackwouldtellhimthetruthanyway
“Totally.”Shesqueezedhishand,justacasualpressureofthefingers.“Yougoingtomakeaplayforhim?”
Helookedather.Hemightaswell behonest,evenifitfeltlikehewastellingasecret.“IfIcanfigureoutwhatplayto make.”
“Goodforyou,man.I’mrootingforyou.”Sheglancedup,thenstood.“Scott’sgettingreadytoride.Timetocheermybaby on!”
Hewouldcheer,buthestayedsitting.ShewastheoneScottwantedtosee,nothim.Hewatchedthechuteandcouldsee Scott’shelmetandanantsybull
“Youdon’tletthatbastardcrouch,now.Idon’twantyougoingdowninthechute!”Foralittleblondemomoffive,shehad themouthofatrucker.
“Helovesthefeistyones.He’snotgoingdownanywhere.”Scottwascoolasacucumberonananimal’sback.“Hangtight, cowboy!”heshoutedtoo,moreforhersakethanScott’s.
“YoulistentoHudson!Hangtightandbuymomma a new pair ofshoes!” She glanceddownathim “AmIembarrassing you?”
“Hell,no”Hestoodthenandclappedhishands “Forgettheshoes,mommaneedsacruiseandananny!”
“I’mtotallybringingyouwithmeonspaday,lovely.”Shewinkedathim,andthenherattentionsnappedbacktothechute asthegateopened.
Thebullwentspinningout,rightintoScott’sridingarm “Comeon,baby!Ride!Ride!”
ItwasalmostlikethisbullwasborntomakeScottlookgood Acoupleofspinsthatway,agoodbuckandthenacouple theotherdirection,andallthewhilethatfreearmwasup,andScott’sbuttmightaswellhavebeengluedtotheanimal’sback. “Makingitlookeasy!”
“Lookathimspur!Thereyougo,baby!Ride!Ride!”
Scotthitthateightsecondslikehewastakingawalkinthepark.Hehadamomentoftroublegettinghishandfreebutnot enoughtomakethemnervous,andthenhehitthedirt,stumblingatfirstandthenbookingitforthefence
Mackeyjoggedover,handinghimhisbullrope,butmostofHudson’sfocuswasonJack.Theropeswung,thatcowboybutt fitinthesaddlelikehewasborntoit,andthenJackthrewtheloop,catchingthebullbythehornsandleadinghimaroundthe arenaandbacktothechutes.
HedidlovetowatchJackride
Ellie went nuts along with everyone else when Scott’s score went up and he was distracted from Jack, clapping and whoopingalongwithher.“Whataride!”
“I’msogettinglaidtonight”Herwinkwaspure-Dwicked,buthegotit
EspeciallysinceJacksearchedforhim,thoselaser-focusedeyesscanningthecrowduntiltheyfoundhim.
That felt good Jack was usually in the zone and didn’t seemto know or care who was watching Hudson smiled and clappedinJack’sdirectiontomakesureJackknewitwasforhim.“Metoo.”
“We’reluckybastards.”Shepoppedhimintheupperarm.“He’satthetopoftheleaderboardandthereareonlyfourrides togo.”
“Momma’scruisingtotheBahamas!”Hehuggedhershoulders.“He’sreallyatthetopofhisgamerightnow,huh?”Atleast
twoofthosefourriderswereseriouscontenders,butScott’sridehadbeenspectacular.Anythingcouldhappen.
“Yeah.Nowifhejuststicksandstayshealthy?Wemightendupinthemoney.”
“I’mrootingforhim”Ofcoursehewas Elliewashisonlyfriendonthecircuitrightnow “Webetterfinishourbeer”He ploppedbackintohisseattowatchthenextrider.
“Yeah Youwanttohavelunchtomorrow?Thereareatonofgoodrestaurantscloseby”Shesatandcrossedherlegs “Soundsgood.Ihaveameetingwithsomeoftheridersintheafternoon,wecouldmeetupbefore.I’lltextyou.”Thenext riderbustedoutofthegateandwentdowninthewell,andtheywatchedthebullfightersgotowork “Ooh Ow” Mackeywentflying,andJackpulledGhostbackoutoftheway,handonhisrope.Whenthebullstartedrunning,therider’s handtwistedintherope,everyonestood.
The rider was out, floppingaround, and Mackeyand Tommywere fightingto getto him Jackand Ghoststepped in, the ropeflying,catchingthehorns.
Together,cowboyandhorsegotthebullslowed,justenoughforthebullfighterstojumpontheback
Thebulldidn’tseemtonoticeatall,buthesuresawJack,andheloweredhisheadtocharge.Ghostdancedoutoftheway, andJackthrewanotherrope,tanglinghimupsothatMackeycouldgettheriderdown
“Shit.”Hudsonperchedontheedgeofhisseat,fightingtheurgetojumptohisfeet.“Shitshitshit.”MackeyandTommycut thecowboyfree,andtherestoftheteam apairoftwins duckedintopullhimoutofharm’sway.Jackwasstillhaulingon thebull’shead,keepingitdownuntilMackeyjumpedfromitsback
ThenJackstartedfightinghim,draggingthewildbastardbehindthechutes.
Hudsontookadeepbreathandrelaxedbackinhisseat “He’ssofuckinggoodatwhathedoes”
“He’sthebest.I’veheardScottsayso.Everyonewantshimtoworkforthem.”Ellieshookherhead.“Apparentlythesuits arescaredhe’llgotoanotherleague.”
He snorted. Jackwasn’t goinganywhere. These were his friends. But it would be just like Jackto worrythe suits into keepinghimhappy.“Heknowshowtoworkthesystem.”
“Goodforhim Hehashorsestofeed That’snotcheap Iknow Myhorsesareeatingmachines”Andshelovedit,Hudson couldtell.“DidItellyouJennyisstartingtoracebarrelsalready?”
“No”Heshookhishead “Already?Issheadaredevillikeherdad?” BuckWilliamsrodenext.Itwasagreatride,andthescorewasclose,butdidn’tquitebeatScott.Elliehadtobelosingher mind.
“She’samazing.She’sgoingtobeourrodeoprincess.”Elliewasbouncingontheseat.Boing.Boing.Boing.
“Ibelieveit.”Heleanedcloser.“Onemorerider.JimDorry.”Jimwasgood.Andhewasaniceguy.Scottcouldn’tpick anyonebettertobeathim ifJimbeathim
“Ihopeherides.ForfewerpointsthanScott.”Shestuckhertongueout.“Isthatevil?”
“Nope That’sbackingupyourboy”Hetookherhandasthegateflewopen,andDorryshotoutofthechute Hedidn’tmakeitthreesecondsbeforebuttanddirtmet,andElliesqueezedhishand. “Wewonthenight!”
“Yeah,baby!”Hejumpedupandhuggedher,cheering Hewas happyfor Scott,andher too Inasportthis dangerous,it couldbeawinjusttostayonthebull,buttowinthenight?“Woo!”
“Youknowit!Andyou’vegotsomeone’seyesonyou Icanseehimwatching”
“What?”Helethergoandlookedouttowardthedirt.Ittookhimnotimeatall tofindJackandlockeyeswithhim.His cheeksheated,andhegotbutterfliesinhisstomach “Right Iseehim”ThelookwassointensehecouldalmostfeelJackfrom wheretheystood.
“Whereareyoumeetinghim?Ibethecan…giveyouaride.”
Evilwoman
“Naughty.”Helaughed.“Wedidn’tsaywhere.ItoldhimI’dfindhim.IguessIshouldwanderbackthere.”Hehadn’tmet Jackforlunch;he’dendedupeatingearlywiththemedguysandtalkingaboutinjuries Sohe’dmadeJackwaitallday
JACK Needaride?Loadingthehorses Andtherehewas.
Heglancedathisphone “Yep Ibettergo Lunchtomorrow,right?I’lltextyou”HegaveEllieahug “Ifyou’reoutofbed bythenanyway.”
“Ditto.Ifnot,we’llmeetbeforetheevent.Loveyou,man!”ShewavedtoScottbehindhisshoulder.“Baby!Congrats!” “Greatride,man”HeshookScott’shandandgotoutofthecowboy’sway Scottwasonamission Hewastoo.
HetextedJack,thenpickedhiswaythroughthecrowdtowardthebackandtheparkinglot.
GhostandPrincess were intheir fancytrailer,nickeringandshiftingaround,andJackwas lockingthemupfor their trip backtothehotel.“Hey,darlin’.Haveagoodday?”
“Idid Busy Goodshow ElliewasexcitedforScott” Did you miss me? Even a little?
“Gooddeal.Hopinthetruck.”Wasthatagrowl?Arumble?MaybeJackjustneededwater? Washemadaboutlunch? Shit MaybeJackwasmad
Fuck.
Hejoggedaroundtothepassengersideandclimbedin,justtryingtobecool.“Youlookedgreatoutthere.Asusual.” “Thanks”Jackleanedovertheconsole,grabbedhim,andkissedhimhardenoughhisheadspun Damn.Okay,notmad.
HecaughtthefabricofJack’sshirttosteadyhimselfandletithappen,moaningintothekiss Jackdidn’tbackoffuntiltheywerebothbreathinghard.Thenheleanedback,lickinghislips.“Better.” “Fuck,”hemanagedbetweenbreaths Better?“Foryoumaybe Ithinkmyballsareonfire” “Better. Iwanted thatkiss all fuckingday.” Jackstarted the truck. “Youwantme to jackyouoffhere, or canIfuckyou senselessbeforeweorderroomservice?”
“Don’trushit,cowboy Canweeatoursteaksnaked?”They’deatenmanyaroomservicemealinbed “Iwillorderyoufilet,mediumrare,andfeedyoueverydamnbite.Yougotmyword.”
“Righton”HewasstillcatchinghisbreathasJacklefttheparkinglot,thinkingaboutJackwantingtokisshimallday He probablycouldcallthatawin,butreally,hewasjustsodamnhappythathe’dbeenmissed.HerestedahandonJack’sthigh andthelittleshiverhegotinreturnmadehimsmile
Thiswasgoingtobeanepicnight.
Jackcheckedonhishorses,madesuretheywerebothgood,andthengrabbedcoffeesandheadedbackupstairswherehe undressedandslippedbackintobedandcuddledupagainstHudson.
Helikedthispart,andhewastiredthismorning Sleepy Hepulledthecoversoverthemanddozed,hisnoseagainstthebackofHudson’sneck. Evenaftertheireveningactivities,Hudsonstillsmelledlikehotelshampoo they’dsharedashowerwhentheygotback anddidn’tseemanymorereadytogetupthanhewas Itsuitedhimtothebone.Heneededamorningofrest.MaybeonewithHudson. “Ismell coffee,” Hudsonsaid softly, stirringa little and pressingbackagainsthim “Whendid yougetup? Imusthave reallybeenout.”
“Mmm hadtocheckthehorses”HekissedtheshellofHudson’sear HudsontookthehandJackhadaroundhimandtuckedittighterwithasigh.“Allgood?” “Perfect.”HelovedthewayHudsonsmelled,asamatteroffact.Itsuitedhimtotheground. “You’reawfullysnugglyforanon-snuggler”
“Mmm.” Was he? Probably. Jackliked to hold on. He didn’tindulge itoften, because thatwas aneasywayto a broken heart
He’dtriedthatwholebeing-in-lovething,andhe’dsuckedatit. Hudsonrolledtofacehim.“Ilikeit.”Hegotakiss alazy,gentleonefollowedbyasleepysmile. Henodded,hiseyelidsgoingheavy.HudsonandMackey theywerethetwopeopleonearthhecouldsleepwith. “That’sit.Youcloseyoureyes.Wecanhavebrunchlater.”Hudsonnuzzledintohischest.“I’llstayrighthere.” “Mmm Ilikebrunchingwithyou”HelikedtheflavorofcantaloupeonHudson’slips “Imeantfood,youone-trackcowboy.”Hudsonkissedhischest.“Don’tmakemyromanticmomentsoundsodirty.” “Imakeeverythingsounddirty,darlin’ It’satalent”Herelaxed,though,andletthemorninghappenaroundthem Thiswas thewaytodoit,longmorningswherenothinghurt,andthebedwassoft.
Thesunhadshifted,andtheroomwasbrighter whenhefeltHudsonslipoutofbedanddisappearintothebathroom.He heardtheflushandrunningwater,andthenthesoundofthemicrowave.
“Oh,youareabrilliantbastard,aren’tyou?”Hehadintendedtodrinkhiscoffeeand,tobehonest,he’ddrinkitcold,but hepreferredithot
“Maybe. You’re the one thatgotthe snazzyroomwiththe microwave.” Itbeeped and the scentofcoffee filled the room whenHudsonopenedthedoor Hudsonsetonedownonthenightstandforhim,climbedbackintobedwiththeotherandsatup againsttheheadboard.
“Mmm…mornin’.”HekissedHudson’sshoulder,tongueflickingouttotaste.
“Almost afternoon” Hudsonbent and kissed his forehead “Iwas supposed to have lunchwithEllie, but Itexted that I couldn’tmakeit…Shesaidshehadtocanceltoo.”ThatmadeHudsonchuckle.“IguessshehadagoodnightafterScott’sgood night”
“Goodonthem.Youreckonwe’llendupwithbabynumbersix?”Hedidn’tgetit,butfolkssurelikedhavingthem.
“Sheinsistednomore,andshesworehe’sonboard”Hudsongrinnedathim “Thisnarratorisskeptical” “Well,IswearIain’tnevergotanyonepregnant,andthat’safact.” Hudsonnearlychokedonhiscoffee.“ThelastthingthisworldneedsisJackmultipliedbythreeorfourorfiveanyway.I’ll taketheoriginal,thankyou”
“Preachit.Thereain’tbutoneofmeinalltheworld,thanktheLord.”Hisonlybrotherhaddiedinthearena,andthathad beenthat Hewasalone
“That’splentyforme.”Hudsonstrokedhisjawwithwarmfingers.Heknewthatstory,andafewotherstoriesJackdidn’t justupandtellotherpeople
“I’malottodealwith.”Andheknewit.Helovedsex.Helovedmakingaloverneed.Andnoonewantedthat,long-term.
“Yeah, I hear that. I think you’re the only person that didn’t bat an eyelash when I shouted, ‘do me harder, asshole’.” Hudsonpartlyhidagrinbehindhiscoffee,thentookasip.
“Youdohollersopretty Ilovethewayyoutakemycockin” Hudsonpattedhischeek.“Iloveyourcock.Butdon’tgetanyideasrightnow.I’minrecovery.”
“Aww poor babybutt Does itneed a little tender lovingcare?” He cupped said butt, stayinggentle This was about teasing,nothurting.
“Maybe Butthatwouldbeweird,comingfromyou”
“Weird?Moi?AreyousuggestingI’mnotgentle?”Hepinched,justenough. Hudsonhissedsopretty.“Mm.Insisting.”
“Insisting Icanbegentle,darlin’ ”Hecouldn’thelphischuckle,butHudsonlikedthingsalittleroughanyway “Drinkyourcoffee,liar.”Hudsonrolledhiseyes,buthewaslaughing.“So…I’mgoingtoneedashower.AndthenIthink youshouldtakemetobrunch I’mtalkingwithsomeoftheriderslaterthisafternoon” “Bothofthosethingsaretotallyinmyrealm.Shower.Cantaloupe.Bacon.”Oh,thosewerethreethings.
“Andcoffee Alltheimportantfoodgroups YouknowIlovecantaloupe”Hudsonsethiscoffeedown “Youthinkyoucan showerwithme,andwe’llstillmakeittobrunch?”
“IthinkIcantry.Imean,thatsweetheinieisspecial.”HepattedHudson’scock,thenrolleduptositting.“Let’sdothis.” “That’sbreakingarule,I’msureofit”Hudsonhoveredcloseallthewaytothebathroomandlethimdoeverything turn onthelights,thewater,putouttowels justwatchinghim.
“Youokay,darlin’?”Hiscockwasfilling,niceandsteady,Hudson’sgazelikeatouch “Mhm.Justadmiringyour scars.Youhave a couple ofbigones thatare new since Isaw youlast.Didyouwreck,andI missedit?”
“Itwasthatbarfight.Theybroughtaknifetoafistfight.”HimandTommyhadbothcomeoutworsethanthey’dwadedin, buttheylookedbetterthantheotherguys.
Hudsonshookhisheadandrolledhiseyes “Jesus,Jack You’retoooldtobetearingitupinbarsanymore” Hismouthdroppedopen.Tooold?Him?“I’llhaveyouknowIkickedassandtooknames!” Ithadcosthimanightinthehospitalandthirtystitches,buthe’dpaidit
“Oh,Ihavenodoubtyoudid.Iwastalkingaboutuphere,babe.”Hudsongrinnedandtappedhisforehead.“Cowboys.” “Don’tmakemebeatyou,darlin’.Yourbutt’ssore.”Babe,huh?Okay,hecouldhandlethat. Hudson snorted playfully and stepped past him into the shower, fingers trailing over his hip as Hudson passed by. “Everythingisafightwithyou.”
“Yeah,it’shardbeingthatguy”Buteveryonehadaroleinlife,heguessed “Youdon’thavetobethatguywithme.”Hudsonpulledhimintotheshower.“Notallthetimeanyway.”
Nowthatwouldbeathought “WhatguydoIneedtobewithyou,darlin’?” “Rightnow?ThatguyIwokeupwith.Thesnugglyone.”Hudsonkissedhim,thatsameslowgentlekisshe’dgottenearlier. Workedforhim.Hedidn’thaveanywheretobeforafewhours,andhewaswarmandhappyrightwherehewas. Fingerswrappedaroundhiscockandstrokedslowly,teasinghimastheykissed “See?That’snice,right?” Nice?Thatwasn’tthewordhe’duse.Notreally.“Youokay,darlin’?Thereain’tneverbeenathingwrongwithyourhand onme”
“Cowboy,youaresoliteral.AndIcan’tkeepmyhandsoffyou.”Thatgriptightenedandhegotanotherkiss,thisonetohis jaw,thentohisear,hisneck
Hiseyelidsgotheavy,andhefoundhimselffocusingonnothingbutthatstrong,suretouch.Itwentonandon,steadyand knowing,andsodidHudson’skisses,pushinghimslowandeasytowardsomethingheusuallylikedtoworkhardfor. “Damn,darlin’ Makingmedizzy”Histongueflickedout,andhetriedtobreathe “Good.Lightheaded?Hot?Areyouclose?Gonnacomeforme?”Thetouchgotalittlefaster,justatouchharder,justright. “Uhn”Thatwasadecentanswer,right Hehopedso,becauseitwastheonehehad “Yeah?Comeonthen.”Hudsonstrokedfromtherootupandpinchedthetipofhiscock. Hebuckedup,hislipsparting Ohfuck,thatwasnice Heleanedback,throatworkingashecame “Hot,Jack,”Hudsonwhispered,strokinghimthroughtheshudders.“Jesus,you’rebeautiful.” “Blowmyfuckingmind…”Andthatwouldscarethefuckoutofhim,ifhewasn’tsogoddamnmelted. HefloatedthroughtherestoftheirshowerwhileHudson’shandsmovedoverhisskinandwashedhishair Hudsondidn’t askhimforanything,justlethimenjoythetouchandthehotwater.
Itwastheoddestthing,lettingsomeonetouchhim,andifithadn’tbeenHudson,he’dhavefoundareasontogo Thatwasprobablyagoodreasontogoinandofitself,buthedidn’twantto. Hudsonwassmilingasheshutthewateroff,kissedhimquickly,andgrabbedtheirtowels.“Lookhowrelaxedyouare.” “Youmeltedmyhappyass.”Hewassuremovingslow.“Ioweyoubrunch.”Andanorgasm. “Damnright.Iwantbacon.”Hudsontoweledoffhishairforhim,stillgrinning.
“Crispybacon, over-easyegg, hashbrowns, cantaloupe fruit salad if theyhave it, and a cinnamonroll.” He knew what Hudsonliked.
“Gottahavemycinnamonroll”Hudsonwinkedandpokedhimintheabs,chucklingashewrappedthetowel aroundhis ownwaistandwentforhistoothbrush.
Hegothimselfshavedandcleanedup Man,hewas all graythesedays NotthatHudsonseemedtocare Hudsondidn’t seemtohaveany,butmaybetheblondhairwashidingit.
Mackeysaiditmadehimlookhot He’dgowiththat Jackgrabbedhisjeansandtuggedthemon.Timetopushhisrubberbandlegsintobootsandfeedhisman.
llie EllieEllieEllieohmyGod”Hudsonjumpedontothebarstool besideher They’dtextedafterhismeetingwiththe bullridersandagreedtomeetbeforetheevent,andhecouldhardlyholdineverythingheneededtosay.
Ellielaughed,eyeswide “Well,hello,Hudson I’mfine Howareyou?” Oh.Right.Manners.
“Sorry. How are you?” He tooka deep breath. But he was dyingto tell her, he needed another opinion. Aconspirator. Something
“Sore.Happy.Alliswell.Margarita?”
“Metooandyes,please”Hefeltlikealittlekidwho’dbeentoldtositonhishands “Ihavetotellyousomething” “Tell.Tell.Iwanttoknowall.”Sheliftedherglasstowardthebartenderandliftedtwofingers.
“Well, we slept late this morningand Jackwas kind of snuggly Whichhe’s not much Youknow him gruff, manly, cowboyfucking, right? But it was awesome. And so… I… might have seduced himinthe shower.” He rolled his eyes. “I totallyseducedhimintheshower.”
“Ooh hedoesn’tseemliketheseducedtype Hereadswaymoreseducer-y”Shechuckled “Isthatevenaword?”
“Idon’tknow,butthat’stotallyright.Well,Idon’tknowthathedoesmuchseducing;it’smorelikeincapacitating,but…” Heblushedandsighed “Anyway”
“Okay,butthat’sgood,right?Imean,isthereaworldthat’sbad?”
“No…no,it’sgood.It’sallverygood.”Hewouldn’tbehereotherwise,wouldhe?Jackcouldpushallofhisbuttonswith alook.“Imadeamove.Onehedidn’texpect,andhelovedit.”
“Hey,Ithinkthat’sagreatsign.Imean,youhavetofigureheneedsalittleTLCtoo,right?”Hervoicedropped.“Myguy does”
“For sure, but that’s not usually our MO. He doesn’t usually give me an opening, you know? He’s a cowboy with an agenda” And he loved it He had zero complaints Butthis morning thatwas somethingelse Itgave himsome hope that maybeJackcouldbemorethanaonce-a-yearhookup thathecouldconvinceJacktheyweremorethanthat.
“Yeah.HeseemsliketheMarlboroman,kindof.Likehe’sdear,buthe’s…alooftoo.Likehehasapast.” Heraisedaneyebrow.“Apast?”HeknewalittleaboutJack,butnotasmuchasheprobablyshould,consideringhowlong they’dknowneachother.
“Yeah Don’tyougetthatvibefromhim?Likesomecrazystuffhappenedtohimbackintheday?”
“Yeah.He’sgotthatvibe,Iguess.He’sbeenonthecircuitforhalfhislife,soI’msurehe’sseensomecrazyshit.”Thefew things he knew weren’tfor himto share, though He shrugged He should ask, buthe never did IfJackwanted to share, he would,right?
“Icanonlyimagine.Imean,dude.Howmanyclosecalls,anditwasn’taseasytobegaywhenhewasakid.I’mnotsaying he’soldandstuff,butyouknow ”Sheshruggedforhim “It’seasier,evenifit’sjustafewyears”
“It’seasierinmostplaces;Idon’tknowaboutthecircuit.”Jacknevertalkedaboutthateither.Buthewasgettinginfights likehehadsomethingtoprove “He’snotold,butheisgettingupthereforthesport,Ithink”
“He’snotridingbulls,atleast.Sohecouldrideanotherfortyyears,ifhekeepsbuyingyounghorsesandkeepsmostofhis fingers”
HestaredatEllie.Seriously?Seriously,thatwaswhatshewentwith?
“Jesus,El.Ilikeallofhisfingers,thankyou.”Jackshouldrideaslongashewantedto,evenifitwasfortyyears.Ghost and Princess mightneed somewhere to retire though “Iwonder how old Ghostand Princess are Itfeels like he’s had them forever,butIhavenoidea.”
“IrememberGhostcomingin maybe?Princessisolder That’swhyheonlyusesherifGhostgetsworn” “Idon’tremember.IonlygettoseehimrideonTVifI’mverylucky.”Hetookthelastsipofhismargarita.Thatwasquick. HereallyoughttoaskJackmorequestions,especiallyifhewastryingtobringJackincloser “IbetterswitchtoCoke” “Yeah,thisisnumbertwoforme.Iunderstand.So,whathappensnext?CanIhelp?”
He kind of had a plan. But he had to think about it. “No. Or not yet, maybe? I’mgoing to be at the Vegas event next weekend, buthe doesn’tknow thatyet. Ihave some marketingstuffdo, so I’mtotallythere onbusiness.” He didn’twantto admittoherthattheyonlysaw eachotheronceayearforabootycallinAnaheim;shehadtobelieveitwasmoreoftenthan that.“Iwasthinkingaboutbeingverybusy.Seehowmuchhereallywantsme.Isthatmean?Itfeelsmean.”
“Playingalittlehardtogetisn’tmean,ifyoudon’tcheat Cheatingmakesitweird”Sherolledhereyes “Ofcourse,y’all aren’tmarried.”
Cheating That was a weird concept Jack was with a different guy every weekend Hudson had plenty of close calls himself.Hewasn’tjealous.Theyhadanarrangementanditwaswhatitwas. Hejustwantedittobesomethingelsenow.
“No No,I’dnevercheat Hewouldn’teither”Forsomereason,heknewthat IfJackdecidedhewastheguy,he’dbethe onlyguy.
“Thenyouneedtogethimandmakehimallyours Youlovehim,Icantell”Herhandcoveredhis “I’llprayfory’all” Hepickedherhandupandkissedit.“Iguessweshouldgoseeyourguyride,huh?”
“Weshould We’llwatchthembothride,justintotallydifferentways” Heslidoffhisbarstoolandofferedheranarm.“Scott’sgoingtokillit.He’sonaroll.” “Hesois.He’sridinghigh,andI’mthankful.”Shetookhisarmandkissedhischeek. Hewasfeelingalittlehighhimself Hetriedtoremindhimselfthathemightbesettinghimselfupfordisappointment,butit wasn’tworking.HewasreadytogowatchJackdohisthing,andhewasn’tinthemoodtothinkaboutanythingelse.
IT HAD BEEN A WEIRD-ASSED SHOW. Mackeywasinthehospital Fourriderswereinthebackatsportsmedicine Acoupleguysrode,butthewholethingwas justfucked.
Totallyfucked
HewalkedPrincessaround,coolingherdown,tryingtoseebothwhereHudsonwasandwherethey’dtakenMackey.
HUDSON
tryingtofindyou
Hudson’stextcamein,thenotificationcoveringtheGooglesearchhewasdoingforthehospital.
JACK atthetrailer Coming?Got2findMack
HUDSON
waitforme
Hudsonwasjogginghiswayamomentlater.“Jack.Hey.Youokay?”
“WorriedaboutMother You’recomingwithme,right?BelindaJackson’sgoingtokeepaneyeonthehorsesfor mesoI don’thavetokeeptheminthehospital.”Hehatedwaitinginemergencyrooms.
Hudsonnodded,alreadymovingtothepassengersideofhistruck “Let’sgo” “Letmeputmygirlup.”HetossedHudsonhisphone.“Canyoufindoutwherehe’sbeentaken?Sidwillknow.” Hudsoncaughtiteasily, and thumbed inhis passcode, whichhadn’tchanged ina hundred years “Gotit Whata fucking night,huh?”Hudsonwastextingwhilehespoke.
“Yeah.Everythingwas horked.Scottendedupontop.Twomorerides andhecantaketheevent.”HegotMiss Princess settled,checkedGhost,andthenunhookedthetrailer
“IthoughtElliewasgoingtopassoutworryingabouthim,buthestayedupright.So,SidsaysUCI…I’vegotdirections.” Hudsonclimbedintothetruck
“Thanks,darlin’.Youneedanythingtoeatontheway?IcanpullthroughaMickeyD’sorTacoBellorsomething.”Hewas lesshungrythanhewasthirsty,ifhewashonest.
“I’mnot hungry, but if it’s easy, I’d love a Coke.” Hudsontouched his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I know you’re anxioustogettoMackey.”
“Ijustwanttomakesurehe’sgood Sid’sthereforhimnow,buthe’smyoldestfriend I’llgetCokes” “Iknow.Idon’tevenknowwhattosay.Itwaschaosouttheretonight.”
Hegotthemmoving “It’slikethatsometimes Somenightsarejustfuckedup Iusedtotryandfigureit,butyouknow,I don’tknowthatIcan.I’mnotsmartlikeyou.I’mmore…fromthegut.”
Hudson’shanddroppedtohisthigh.“Idon’tthinksmartfiguresintothis,babe.It’sjusta…vibething.Everysporthasoff
nights.It’sjustthatmostaren’tthisdangerouswhenthathappens.”
“Noshitonthat.”Hudson’shandwaswarm,solidashell,andhelikedfeelingit.“How’dyourmeetingdealgo?”
“Good I’mgettinggreatfeedback,somenew ideas theridersknow whattheywantforsure Ifiguredeveryonewould havedifferentpriorities,butmostlytheyallhavethesameissues.ButIneedtogetbacktothelabandworkoncustomfit.It’s earlyindevelopmentso,allgoodstuff”Hudsonsoundedprettyjazzedaboutwhathewasdoing
“Goodforyou.Ibetyou’llbefamousinrodeocirclesinnotime.”Andhe’ddeserveittoo.Hudsonwasasmartcookie.
“Nah”Hudsonchuckledastheypulledintothedrive-through “I’mnottryingtobefamous,justtryingtobe involved Maybehelpalittle.Idon’tneedfamous.”
“Meeither.”Helovedhisjob riding,roping,helping.Nooneknewwhohewasbutthecowboys.
“You’refamousamongtheriders,thefamilies that’senough,right?”
“Yes.It’smorethanenough.”Andhewashappyasapiginshit.
HegottheirCokes,andhestuckathingofFrenchfriesonthedash,whichHudsonimmediatelyreachedfor Hudsoncould neverresistfries.
“Sidsaysthey’restillevaluatingMackey,”Hudsonsaid,lookingathisphone,mouthfulloffries “Dammit.He’sawakethough,right?”
Hudsontextedandhisthumbswentstillashewaitedforaresponse.“Uh.Sidsays‘mostly’.”Hudsonglancedathim. “Well,mostlyisn’tno,Ireckon Hispoorbraingetsjostledaroundalot”
“I guess that’s what happens whenthat gene for self-preservationis missing. He’s brave I guess, but… damn.” Hudson shrugged “Takealeftuphere,andyourfirstright Almostthere”
“Onit.”Hecouldseethehospitalnow,andhismusclesstartedtoclench.Lord,hehopedMackeywasn’trealaddled. “He’sgoingtobefine.”Hudson’shandsettledonhislegagain,heavyandwarm. “Yeah.Ihopeso.”Hehuffedoutabreath.“Thanksforcomingwith.Iappreciateit.” Hehatedwaitingalone.
“Ofcourse WhereelsewouldIbe?He’syouroldestfriend,right?” “Yeah.We’vebeentogether ontheroadalotofyears.”Andhethoughttherewas onlyanother twoor threeyears leftin Mackey’scareer,ifhewashonest Theyparked,andHudsonhandedhimbackhisphoneonceheshutofftheengine.“I’llfollowyou.” Followhim?Hudsonhadnoreasontofollow notatall.“GrabyourCoke.Iain’tashamedofhavingyouwithme.” Hudsonstared at himfor a second, lookingconfused, but that disappeared and he got a smile instead. “Okay.” Hudson grabbedhisCokeandhoppedoutofthecab.
Theyheadedin,findingSidandTommywaitingtogether,thetwinsheadinginwithcandybarsandCokes “Y’all.Howishe?Y’allknowHudson?” “Hudson”Tommynodded Sidstuckouthishand.“Wehaven’tmet.I’mSid.”
Hudsonshookit.“I’veheardaboutyouthough.Goodtomeetyou.Mackeytookquiteahit.”
“Iwasjustwithhim,andhe’salittlerattled They’reputtinginacouplestitches,andhe’sgrumpy,butIthinkthey’lllethim gosoon.”Sidsighed.“RightafterItextedyou,hewascursing,andhetriedtogetup.”
“Pukedalloverthedamnfloortoo”Tommyrolledhiseyes “Betthey’regoingtotryandpullhimfortomorrow” “Gladhe’ssleepingwithyou,Sid.”BecauseJackwasn’tinterestedindealingwithpissed-offMackey.
“Luckyme!”Sidlaughed,butitwasn’treallygenuine Jackcouldsensethetensionunderneathit Pukingwasn’tgood,not forMackey,andifsportsmeddidn’tpullhim,Sidwouldprobablyinsistanyway. Itwasn’thistohandle.
Aroarsoundedfromtheback,andJackknewthatsound “Sid,buddy,you’dbestgogethimbeforehetearsouthisIV” “Yep,”Sidansweredandtookoffatajog.
“Wow”Hudson’sgazefollowedSiddownthehall Tommyletoutalaughsoloudeveryheadinthewaitingroomturnedtostare.“Wow…” “Hehasatemper,doesourMackey”Jackrolledhiseyes Notthathewasgentleornothing,butstill Tommyshookhishead.“Hedoesnotlikeanyone,especiallydoctors,tellinghimwhattodo.” “Mmm.Stubborn.WhoelsedoIknowwhoislikethat?”Hudsonwinkedathim. Heflutteredhiseyelashes “Moi?I’maseasygoingas ”Hecouldn’tthinkofasinglething “ aneasygoingthing” Sidtextedhim,thephonevibratinginhishand.
SID
He’sfine Youguysgoahead Heappreciatesthatyou’rehere,buthedoesn’twanttoseeanybodytonight Not sureyetabouttomorrow,Docissayingno
HeglancedatTommy “Yougetthat?”
“Yeah.”
“Shouldwestay?”Hedidn’twanttobeashit,buthedidn’twanttobeabadfriendeither.
“I’mnotgoinganywhere,butIthinkyou’reokaytogo”
Hudsonwaslookingbetweenthem.“Hewantsustoleave?”
“That’swhathesays”Hegrabbedhisphone
JACK CanIruninandseehimorno?
Thedotspoppeduponhisscreenandstayedthereforawhile,thenSidfinallytexted, SID
yeah
“I’mgoingtoseehim I’llberightback”HewinkedatHudson “Berightback,darlin’” Thenheheadedtoreception.“Ma’am,Ijustgotatexttogobacktoseemybuddy.”
Sherolledhereyes “Cowboys” “Yes,ma’am.”
Shepointeddownthehall.“Curtainseven.”
Sidwasstandinginthehallwhenhegotthere “Hey He’llbeokay,buthe’s mad He’sevenmadatme” “Fair enough.” Mackey couldn’t hurt his feelings. He didn’t have any of those. He walked in, grinned at Mack. “Hey, pukemeister”
“Fuckyou,Boers.”
HeblewMackeyakiss.“Yougavethatupwhenyougotalltaken.Besides,Idon’tbottom.” “Youmighthaveforme.”
Hesnorted,becausetheybothknewbetter.“Right.”
“Theyain’tgonnaletmework”Mackeypinnedhimwithaseriouslook “Ineedyoutolookaftermyteamtomorrow” “YouknowIalwaysdo,Mother.Igotthem.”Heheldonehandouttoshake.“I’mtheoneyoucancounton.”
MackeyreachedforJack’shandtoshake,andifhemisseditonthefirsttry,nooneelsewouldeverknow “Iknow Jesus, myheadhurts.”
“Youneedtorest,Mother.Youain’tgotawholelotofbraincellslefttodestroy.”God,hehatedseeingMackeydown. Mackeygavehimalopsidedgrin.“Gotthatright.Sid’sgotme.I’llbefine.”
“Ofcourseyouwill.You’remyrideordie.”
“Noshitonthat,myman”Mackeywinkedathim “Gohangwithyourguy” Hisguy?WasHudsonhis?
Hudsonwaswaitingforhimwhenhegotback,sittinginachairandscrollingonhisphone “TommytookSidtogetsome decentcoffeeandsomefood.”
“Oh,gooddeal.I’lljustwaitherewithyouuntiltheygetback.”Mackeyneededsomeonetowatchhim. Hudsonpattedtheseatbesidehim “Youokay?Howishe?”
“Badheadacheenoughthathe’sknowingtheywon’tlethimworktomorrow.”Thatwasnevergood.Justnever. Still,atleastMackeywasadmittingit
“Well, he’ll have a weekbefore he has to workagain. That’s good, right?” Hudsonshookhis head. “He’ll be okay. He mightactuallybemorestubbornthanyouare”
“Maybe.”Jackwinkedover.Heknewbetter,though.Mackeywaswaymorestubbornthanhim,whenitcamerightdownto it,butthatcouldbetheirsecret.
“Didhethrowyouout?”SidcrossedthewaitingroomwithacupofcoffeeinonehandandTommyonhisheels “Ithinkhewasgoingtoclosehiseyes.Heseemedtomelikeheneededit.”Mackeyhadtoldhimtocomesitwithhisguy. “Thanks,Jack”Sidgavehisshoulderasqueeze “I’llcallyouinthemorning” “Fairenough.I’llbekeepinganeyeonhisteam,likeheasked.”
Sidseemedtorelax “Oh Ohgood Thankyou”SidtookafewstepsdownthehallandtowardMackey’sroom “Thanks, Jack.Seeyousoon.”
“Anytime,friend.Anytimeatall.”HenoddedtoSid,thenwinkedatHudson.“Wanna?” Hudsonstoodandsmiledathim “Yeah Iwanna” “Metoo.”Andhedid.Whateveritmeant.Hewanted,andhethoughtHudsoncouldgiveittohim.
SidtoldJackthismorningthateventhoughMackeywasfeelinggood,Docwasn’thavingitanddidn’tclearhimtowork thelastdayoftheevent.
TommywasperfectlycapableofrunningthebullfighterteamwithoutMackey,andtheteamswingwassolid,butthat didn’tstopEllieandalotofthefamilymembersintheVIPseatingfrombeingalittlenervous.
Hudsonwasn’tnervousthough.Jackwasfocusedonthework,andtheshowhadgoneprettymuchastheyalldid. Plus,ScottHamishrodewellandwontheweekend
“So…LouboutinorPrada?”HegrinnedatEllieastheymadetheirwayfromthestandstothecages.
“Oh,honey Lucchese”Shewinkedathim,shimmying “Iwanttheostrichonesintheburgundy”
“Thathadbetterbetheleastyougetafterthatnail-biterofaride.”Hehuggedhershoulders.“Tellhimcongratsforme.I wanttofindJackbefore he leaves town” Sometimes Jacklikedtogetonthe road;sometimes he stayedanother night They hadn’tdiscussedplans,butusuallythey’dgotheirseparatewaysafewhoursaftertheSundayevent.
“He worked his butt off. Ibet he’s headed to Mackeyto debriefhim.” Scott surprised themboth, kissinghis wife with passion Okay,thatwasadorable.
Heslippedaway,knowingfull well he’dseethembothinVegas,andwentlookingforJack Elliewasright;Jackwould probablywanttoseeMackey,andthatmeantgoingbacktothehotel,sohejoggedouttowardJack’struck.
Tohisshock,Jackwaswaitingthereinthelate-afternoonsun.“IgotthemloadedupandhadaCoke.Helluvashort-go.” “Right?Alotofgoodrides.IbetyouwanttotellMackeyallaboutit.I’mgladIcaughtyou.”Heleanedupagainstthetruck nexttoJack.
“Ifiguredyoumightbeheretonight Ididn’tknow”Thatsmilewasslowandeasy,butHudsonsawexhaustioninthelines writtenthere.
“I’mhere Iuh Ihaveanearlyflighttomorrow Ithoughtyoumightwanttohavedinner”Intheroom Inbed Afterhelet Jackhaveanappetizer.
“Ido.Hopin.I’llgiveyouaride.”Jackwinkedonce,teasinghim.“You’llgetare-ridetoo,Ireckon.” Hepushedoffthetruck,whisperingashebrushedpastJacktothepassengerdoor.“Promise?”
“SweartoGod,darlin’.Iwillmakesureyoudon’tforgetme.”
AsifhecouldforgetJack He’dspentyearswishingtheycouldspendmoretimetogether,beinthesameplaceatthesame timeforawhile,anything.Andhewasstartingtofeellikeifheplayedthisright,hecouldtiedownthecowboyforgood. Notonlythat,buthebelievedJackwouldbeintoit,wouldbehappierwithsomeonewholovedhim,thatwantedsomething morethanaweekendayear.
HejustneededtomakeJackbelieveit.
“Don’tworry Youareunforgettable”Heclimbedupintothetruckandshutthedoor beforeJackcouldcommentonthat too.
Although,thatgrin?
Man,thatsaidalot.
Thatsmilesuitedhimdowntothebone
Jackdidn’tsmilealot.Hewassmilingaswellwhentheylefttheparkinglot.“AreyoutakingyourtimetogettoVegasor headingrightthrough?”
“I’mgoingfromheretoBarstow,spendingthenightthereandlookingatanewhorse;thenI’llheadtoLasVegas SoI’llbe thereWednesday.”
“Ohyeah?Areyouretiringsomeone?Princess?”JackhadhadPrincesslonger,buthewasn’tsurewhichhorsewasolder “Maybe?She’sgettingalittlelonginthetooth,andMackeysaysshecanstaywithhim,but…”Jackshruggedoneshoulder withafrown “Idon’tknow”
He understood. For Jack, leavingPrincess withMackeywas leavinga friend behind. He’d miss her. He kind ofthought
