CHERRYBLOSSOMS

DevynMorgan

Copyright©2017byDevynMorgan

Allrightsreserved.

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,including

informationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuse

ofbriefquotationsinabookreview.

CHAPTER1

JULIANTURNEDOFFtheengineofhisToyotaPriusandlookedoutthewindowatthetall,

sprawlingbuildingcomplexbeforehim.Itsatinthemiddleofthefield,red,withwhitepaintedtrimanda

gray,steelroof.Thepasturesweresurroundedbyawhitefencethatreachedchest-high,andwasmadeof

threewhiteplastic-and-wirestrips.Hesawbrownshapesonthefarendofthemeadow,andassumed

thoseweresomeofthehorseshewassupposedtolearnhowtoride.

Hisgrandfatherhadmeantwell.HedidgivehimawholeyearofridinglessonsforChristmas

becauseJulian’sfamilywasfromTexas,andeveryguyfromTexasjustmagicallyhadtoknowhowto

rideahorse.

“Justbecauseyou’requeerdon'tmeanyougottabeapoof,”hisgrandpahadsaidwhilechewing

onhisunlitcigar,hisStetsonpushedintohiseyeslikeusual.ThathadbeenlastThanksgiving,when

Julianhadbeentheretoseetherestofthefamily.TheyhadallaskedhowwasVirginia,andhowwas

WashingtonDC,andhowcouldheeverstandlivinginsuchacrowdedenvironment.Allthosecars,all

thosepeople,justsittinginacubiclealldaylongsurroundedbycomputersandglowingscreensand

doingnothingbutwritingcodeandcheckingInternetsecurityprotocols.

BecausethatwasJulian'sjob.Helikedit,andhediditwell.

“Itwon'tdoyouanyharmtogetawayfromthosecomputers,”hismotherhadagreed.“Why,when

youwerealittlekidyoulikedridingwellenough!”

Andthiswas,moreorless,true.Juliandidlikehorses.Itwasjusttheheighthedidn'tcarefor.

Whenhewassittingupthereinthesaddle,hefeltlikethewholeworldwasshimmeringandundulating

aroundhim,andnothingwasstable.Nothimselfandnotthegroundandnotthetreesorthehills,andhis

stomachchurnedlikeitwasgoingtoturnhiminsideoutjustamomentbeforehefellflatonhisface.

Climbingatreewasnodifferent.Onlylaterhefoundouthereallydidn'tcareforbeingmorethan

sixstoriesupandlookingoutthewindow.Whenhisworkhadtotakehimtoahigh-risebuilding,Julian

scheduledhismeetingsinthedownstairslobbywheneverhecould.Healwayscameupwithsomekindof

anexcuse,suchaswecangoforawalkanddiscussourbusinessinthepark.Orwouldn'ttheclientrather

talkaboutthisprojectoverlunch,oroveracupofcoffee?

Andthatdidworksomeofthetime.Therewhere,however,thoseunfortunatetimeswhenhehad

totaketheelevatoruptothe30thfloor,andthosewerethedayshebroughtalittlebottleofbrightcolored

pillsrightalongwithhim.Theydidnothingforhissenseofdisorientationathighheights,butatleastthey

suppressedthesenseofpanicthatcamewithhisfear.

OnceJulianmanagedtoconquerhisanxietyandfacethescreen,oncehewasabletoforgetthat

hisbackwasturnedtoahugewindowthatopenedintoanemptyspacehundredsoffeetabovethehard

sidewalk,hewasabletosinkintohiszoneandimmersehismindinthecomputercode,whichhe

controlledsomuchbetterthangravity.

ThebigreddooronthestructureslidopenwithacreakingracketthatstartledJulianfromhis

thoughts.Helooksover,andsawayoungwomanleadahorse.Itwasbrown,withawhiteblazeonits

forehead,prancingwithpent-upenergy.Julianvisualizedhimselfsayinghitoit.Puttinghishandout,

offeringitacarrot.Pattingitsneck,ifthehorselethim.Heknewthatnotallhorseslikedthat,andsome

ofthemtendedtobite.

Andthatwasokay,becausehewasprettyquicktomoveaway.Herememberedthesigns–the

earspricked,flattenedback.Thewidenedeyeswiththewhitesshowing,andthelittlestresscrinkles

aroundtheeyelids.Thelittleprancebackasthehorsedancedoutofreach,nervousandskittish.

Theyprobablyfeltwhathehadbeenfeelingbackthen.Julianonlyhopedthathedidn'tspookthe

horseswithhisowncaseofnerves.Furthermore,hehopedhecouldconvincetheinstructortogivehim

lessonsinsomethingelse.Itwastruethatheneededtogetawayfromtheofficeandoutofthecomputer

chair.Hewasinadecentphysicalcondition,butabitofexercisewouldn'thurtandbeingaroundhorses

andoutonafarm–ifyoucouldcallthestablesafarm–wouldbeanicechangeofpace.

Butbeingheredidn'tmeanheactuallyhadtoride.

CADEWAITED.HEproppedhiselbowsagainstthewindowsillofhisoffice,carefulnottopress

hisnosetothegrungywindowpane.Hedidn'twanttobespottedbythisnewandshycreaturethatwashis

student.Somekindofarichkid,someonewhosegrandfathersawitfittogethiminthesaddle,apparently

onawhim.

Butridingwasn'tforeveryone.Cadewasawareofthataskeenlyashestillfelttheplacewhere

twoofhisribswerebroken,butfinallyonthemendenoughthathecouldgetaroundifhekeptthemtaped

up.Fallingoffahorsehehadbeentraining,andgettingsteppedon,wasprobablyoneoftheworstcase

scenariosofhisprofession.Itgothimoutofthegameofridingforawhile,andhesureashellcouldn't

shovelthestablesandtakepropercareofhiseightanimals.Andallthoseequinedarlingsrequiredhis

careeveryday.

Feedingtwiceaday,turningthemouttoexercise,ridingthemandgroomingthemandchecking

theirfeet,gettingthemledreadyforlessons.Hisoperationwassmall,andheownedonlyfourofthem,

whichwasjustaswell.TheownerswhoboardedtheirhorsesatClearwaterprovidedhimwithmuch-

neededfundstokeepthelightsonandhisownanimalsfedwithhayandgrain,andvisitedbythefarrier

onaregularbasis.

Onaregularday,hecleanedthestableseverymorning.Shovelingeightstallswasn'tthatbiga

dealandwasevenadecentworkout,butwithhisribsbroken?

Therewasjustnoway.

Hewouldn'thaveagreedtotakeonanewstudent,letaloneonewhodidn'twanttobethere,a

hesitantandgreenbeginner,ifitweren’tforhisinjury,andforthesubsequentneedofextramoney.

Ayear’sworthoftuition!Andathisprices?Thatamountedtothousandsofdollars,andCadeonly

hadtoshowuponceaweek,chooseahorseappropriateforthenewguy,andgiveaone-hourlesson.

Excepthisnewguywasstillsittinginthecar.Cadestraightenedhisshouldersasmuchashis

healingribspermitted,suppressedasighofexasperation,andsaunteredoutofhisoffice.Hepassedby

thestallrightacrosstheaisleandoutthroughtheslidingdoorwhichDonnahadopenedonheronherway

outwithMonroe.Thered,sleekcarwasalotsmallerthananythinghewouldeverdrive–acarthat

couldn'tpullahorsetrailerwasofnousetohim.

Cadelookedaround,tryingtoseehisplacethroughtheeyesofastranger.Thepavementwasnew,

safeforhorsehoovesandhospitabletovehicles.Theparkingapronsprawledwideenoughto

accommodatethehugehorsetrailerhetooktoshows.Thelandscapingwasn'tmuchthough,andit

occurredtoCadethathemightwanttobuysomeplantsandspruceupthefoundationsoftheridingarena,

andthebarn,andmaybegetalittlewaterfeature...

Hecutoffhisdreamingwithawrygrinasheinhaledthefamiliarsentofhorseandhay,zippedup

hisbarnjacketagainstJanuarychill,andwalkedtothecar.

Themaninsidewasasskittishasanewhorse.Nosenseknockingonthedriversidewindowand

spookinghim.Instead,Cadewalkstothefrontofthecarand,notevenlookingathishesitantstudent,he

leanedhisbuttagainstthecar’sshinyfender.

Hedidn'tlooktoseewhatwasgoingoninside,andsincehisfacewasaverted,healloweda

smallsmileatthealarmedcrashingnoisesthatbrokeoutfromtheinside.Eventually,thedooropened.

“Hi.”Amalevoice.Thespeakerclearedhisthroat.“I…um...I'msorryifI'mlate.”

Cadeturnedhishead,lookingoverhisshoulderslowly.Themanwhoclimbedoutsoclumsily

wasabouthisheight,andabouthisage.Hisauburnhairhadwarmthtoiteveninthepallidwintersun,

andhispalefaceshowedwhatwasleftofasmatteringoffreckles.Hewonderedhowlonghasitbeen

sincehisnewstudenthadactuallyspentanytimeoutdoors.

“MynameisJulian,”thenewcomersaid.“JulianJackson.I'msupposedtobehavingalessonjust

aboutnow.”Helookedaway,kindofshy,possiblyembarrassed.

“I’mCadeThorsen,”heintroducedhimselfasheturnedtowardhisnewstudent,andextendedhis

hand.

Julianlookedup,closethecardoor,andcametwostepscloser.Hereallywaslikeahesitant

horse,feelinghisway,assessingthreat.

Maybelookingforabitofsugar.

ThethoughtdrewasmileonCade'sface.

Theyshook.

Julian'shandwassoftandhardatthesametime,anditwaswarm.WarmlikeahandCadewould

liketofeelinhisownmoreoften.Anelectriczingraceduphisarmanddownhisback,justaboutdriving

theairoutofhislungs.

Cadeclearedhisthroat,hopingtodisguisethegaspthatthetouchrippedoutofhisthroat.He

squeezedJulian'shand,reluctanttoletgo.“Yes,”hesaid,andwasshockedtofindthathisownvoice

cameoutinarasp.“Yes,”herepeated.“Yourhorseiswaitingandready.”

CHAPTER2

JULIANFOLLOWEDCADEasthoughinahaze.Heknewhedidn'treallywanttobethereand

actuallyride,butthattouchtheyhadshared–thathandshakethatwaslongerthanperhapsappropriate–it

waslikeaswitchwasflippedinhismind.HewasreadytofollowCadethroughthewetandsoggygrass

ofthepastures,throughtheunspeakablemudofthepaddockandtheinevitablehorsemanurethatinfused

thecoldmuckwithascentofhorse.

HewasgoingtofollowJulianupanddownthebarn,inandoutofeachstall,andaroundthe

coverageridingarenajustsohecouldtouchhishandagain.

Well,maybenotallthat,butitsurefeltclose.

HecertainlyfollowedJulianintothebarn.Theystoodrightinthemiddle,whereawhitehorse

waitedinthecrossties,withasaddleonitsback.

“ThisisCherryBlossoms,”Cadesaid.“He'sreallynice,wellmannered,butstillyoung.Great

temperament.Whenitcomestobasicriding,youwillbeagoodmatch.Yourgrandfathersaidthatyouhad

riddenbefore?”Cade’stonewasuncertain.

Julianclearedhisthroat,hatingthewayhisvoicealmostwaveredwithnerves.“Ihaveridden

someasakid,”hemanagedtosay.“ButwhenIturned12orso,itgotreally…Hard.”

“Hard?”Cadesaid.

“Well,yes.”Julianshiftedhisweightfromfoottofoot,buyingtime.Howwashegoingtoexplain

tothisexquisite,gorgeous,andentirelyenticingmanthathewasacoward?Howwashegoingtotalkhis

wayaroundtheindisputablefactthathewasscaredofelevatorsandtallbuildings?Eventreesand

horses?“IrealizedIwassittingprettyhighup,”hefinallysaid.“And,itfeltlikereally,reallyhighup.”

HefeltCade'ssearchinggaze,whichwassoonfollowedbyhisownhotblushthatroseuphis

neckandstainedhischeekwiththeembarrassing,incriminatingcrimsonwhichfollowedhimthrough

everyawkwardmomentofhislife.

“Iknowriderswhoarescaredofheights,”Cadesaid.Hesoundedneutral.Non-judgmental.“I

knowawoman,Andreaishername,whousedtobeabsolutelyterrified.She'sacompetentdressagerider

now.”Cadebeamedanencouragingsmile.“Willyoutryanyway?”

Juliansizedupthehorse.CherryBlossoms?Really?ButCherryBlossomswasn'treallyhuge.He

wasnotasmallpony,buthewasn'tastallashisgrandfather’sblackShadow.“Iwilltry.”Julianslidhis

gazedownCherryBlossom’slegs.Theyendedinlargehorsefeetwithtuftsofhairaroundtheankles.

Pasterns.Whatever.Horseanatomyhadneverbeenhisstrongsuit.

“Great,”Cadesaid,asthoughhehadn'texpectedanythingelse.“Doyourememberhowtotack

up?”

“Well,”Juliansaid,“yesandno.Idorememberalittlebit,butwerodeonlyWesternandthisis

obviouslysomethingelse.”

Cadereachedtoahookbythewoodenstalldoor,andremovedtheharness.“Thisisthehead

tack,”hesaid.“See,thereinsaredifferent,andsoisthebridle.”

JulianlistenedtoCade’smelodicvoiceashenamedallthepartsofthetack,andwatched

carefullyasCadeslidtheleatherstrapharnessoverthehorses’head.Heknewhewouldbedoingthat

eventually.Ifhedecidedtoride,thatis,andthatwasbynomeansacertainty.

HISHEARTSOAREDinCade'schestashecontinuedexplaining,andtackingup,andgently

steeringJuliantowardfasteningthebuckles.Hegothimtotouchthehorse,hegothimtohandlethe

unfamiliarequipment,andeventuallyheevengotJuliantoleadCherryBlossomsoutthebigslidingdoor

ofthebarnandtowardthehugebuildingofthecoveredridingarena.Astheyspannedthedistanceof20

feet,goingfromdoortodoor,CadekeptglancingatJulian.

Hisnewstudentwouldbesorewhenthiswasover.Cade’shopewasthatJulianwouldn’tbe

sorry,though.Hedidn'tknowwhy,butsuddenlyhehopedthatJulianwouldcomeback,weekafterweek,

eagertolearnmoreandalsoeagertospendtimeinhiscompany–evenifhehadtoteachforfree.There

wassomethingaboutJulian,somethingsweetandvulnerable,andCadewashopinghewouldgetto

explorethataspectofhisneweststudentinperson.

Theystoppedbythegrayslidingdoor.“Here,letmegetit,”Cadesaid,andpushedhisshoulder

againstthehugesheetofmetalthatkepttheweatherontheoutsideandthehorsesontheinside.Itwasn’t

heavy–hecoulddothatifhewascareful.HeflickedonthelightsandwavedJulianin.

“I’VENEVERRIDDENinside,”Juliansaid.Hewaslookingaroundcuriously,exploringaspace

thatcould’vehousedasmallsoccerfield.Thehardpackeddirtfloorwascoveredwithagenerouslayer

ofsawdust,whichstillborethesignsofhavingbeenrakedearlierthatmorning.

“It'seasierthanridingoutside,”Cadesaid.“You’llhavefewerdistractions.Nocars,nobirds...

here,yougettocontrolyourownenvironment.Andyou'relucky,youhavetheSundaymorninglesson.

Therearenopilesfromotherhorsesyet!”

CherryBlossomssnorted,whichstartledJulianandrippedaninvoluntarylittlelaughfromhis

throat.“Nowwhat?”Julianasked.Helookedaround.“Wealwaysmountedoffthefence,”hesaid.

“Here,weuseamountingblock.”Cadetookafewstepstothesideandliftedatwo-stepplastic

structurewithagrunt.Hesuckedinsomeair,walkeditover,anddroppeditnexttoCherryBlossom’sleft

side,heldthereins,tightenedthegirthofthesaddle,andturnedtoJulian.“I’mgoingtomount,justsoyou

seehowit'sdone.ThenI'lldismountandit'llbeyourturn.Okay?”

Julianpaled.Hetightenedthestrapofhisridinghelmet,andtookadeepbreath.“Okay,”hesaid

onanexhale.“Okay.Letmetry.”

Cadegotinandoutofthesaddlebybreathingthroughthepain,butJuliandidn’tneedtoknowthat.

Hejustneededtopayattention,andcopyCade’sactions.

WhenJulian’sturncame,hehoveredbehindhim,tryingtobeassupportiveaspossible.Hewas,

afterall,halfwaybetweentheriderandtheground.HeknewJulianwouldseehimasasecurebetween-

point,avisualreferencethatmadethegroundnotsofaraway.ItmadeCherryBlossomsseemnotquiteso

tall,too.

Juliangatheredthereinsinhisrighthand,grabbedthesaddlewithhisleft,andslidthetoeofhis

rightfootintothestirrup.

Hehesitated.

“Don'tworry,I’mholdinghishead,”Cade,whowasstandingbyCherryBlossoms’head,saidina

lowandencouragingvoice.“Justsettleinandseewhatitfeelslike.Ifyoudon'tlikeit,I’llhelpyouget

off.”Cadeheldhisbreath.Thiswasthehardpart.IfhecouldmakeJuliansitinthesaddle,thefirsthurdle

wouldbeovercome.

JULIANHESITATEDAGAIN.Thenherealizedthatstandingonamountingblock,withhisfoot

inthestirrup,wasmoredangerousthansittinginthesaddle.

Hehatedhimselfjustthen,feelinglikeadamncoward,afraidtodosomethingotherpeopledidall

thetime.Heusedtodoitasakid,andithadn’tbeensuchabigdealbackthen.

Julianpushedthenegativethoughtsoutofhismindandswungintothesaddle.Thesmoothleather

surfacecaressedtheridingbreecheshewaswearingforthefirsttimeever.Withafitandfeelunlikethe

jeansheusedtowearasakidinTexas,hefeltitoddandalsosomewhatsensuoustobethatawareofthe

shapeofhisthighsandhisbuttocks.

Hesettleddowngently,feelingtheshapeofthemetalbarthatpiercedhisperineum.

Hisguiche.

Onethinghisgrandfatherwasn’tawareof–andanunexpectedcomplicationinthesaddle.This

wouldbeeitherverygood,orverybad.

“Good,good!”Cadebeamedhimasmile,whichdistractedhimfromthesensationunderhisballs,

andremindedhimthathewassixfeetofftheground.Cadecamearoundtheotherside.“Letmecheckthe

lengthofyourstirrups,”hesaid.“Let'slengthenthisabit,”Cadesaidaftercheckingthestrap.“Yourtwo

sidesneedtobeeven.Ineedyoutomoveyourlegtothefront,thisway.”

SINCEJULIANHADnotriddeninalongtime,themaneuverwasnolongerfamiliar.“Here,”

Cadesaid,“letmehelp.”

HehemovedJulian'scalfandthighwithhisowntwohands,acutelyawareofthebodyheatthat

radiatedthroughJulian'sridingbreeches,aheatthatwasn'tstoppedevenbyhistall,blackleatherhalf-

chapsthatresembledknee-highridingboots.Hemadehimselfhurryup.HandlingJulian'slegtoomuch

wouldcausenothingbuttrouble.

OnceJulianwassettled,hisstirrupsattherightlengthandhislegsinacorrectposition,Cadeled

CherryBlossomsoutabit.“Iwantyoutowalkfirst.Straightenup,loosenthereins,andsqueezewith

yourcalves.”

HefullyexpectedJuliantodojustthat.

ButJuliandidn’t.

Hejuststayedthere,sittinginthesaddleandbeingvery,verystill.Likeanequestrianstatueata

warmemorialatoneofthemanylocalcross-roads.HereinVirginia,suchlandmarkswerecommon.

“Julian?”

Noresponse.CadelookedatJulian’spale,drawnface.

“Julian,Ipromiseyou,youareverysafe.CherryBlossomsisacalmhorse,Iamrightnexttoyou,

andyouwillbefine.Just...justsqueeze!”

Julianflashedhimawildlook,onethatindicatedthathewasattheendofhisrope.

“Talk,tome,Julian.”Cadekepthisvoicecalmandsmooth.“Saysomething.Tellmethissucks!”

“N..n...no.”ThewordstruggleditswaypastJulian’sgrittedteeth.“It’s...fine.”

Wellitcouldhardlybefine,withJulianpaleandflushedallatonce,butCadegavehimpointsfor

grit.“What’stheworstthingthatcouldhappen,Julian?”

“Ch...cherrycouldtakeoffwithme.”Julian’svoicehadstabilizedsomewhat,andCadewondered

howmuchithadtodowiththefactthathedidn’ttrytowheedleJulianintomakingthehorsego.And

CherryBlossoms,thedarlingthathewas,juststoodtherestock-still,waitingforsomeonetotellhimwhat

todo.

“Andthenwhat?”Cadepressedon.

“I’d...f...fall.”Theblushcameback,andCaderealizedthatJulianwasn’tjustgrippedbyhisfear

ofheights,butalsowashorriblyembarrassed.Atthatmoment,hejustwantedtopullhimoutofthesaddle

andkissallthatunhappinessoffJulian’sface,and–

Wait,what?Cadebithislip.No,no,no,no,no.Hewasn’tgoingtogothere,noteveninhismind.

Julianwasscared,paralyzed,even.Cadewasn’tgoingtotakeadvantageofhisdistressnomatterhow

muchofagayvibehewasgettingfromhim.

“Okay,”Cadesaid,rallyingquicklyandhopinghisgrowingbulgewouldstayhiddenbyhisloose

jeans.“Howaboutthis.I’llputhimonalungeline,andhe’llgoaroundmeincircles.Thatway,you

controlthespeed,butI’llbelikeyoursafetybrake.Wouldthatmakeyoufeelmorecomfortable?”

AmomentpassedbeforeJulianansweredwithaminisculenodofhishelmetedhead.

CHAPTER3

TWOHOURSLATER,Julianwalkedoutofthebarnandtowardhisshinyredcarsoslowly,he

would’vehadtocallit“statelyprogress,”hadheseentheancientQueenofEnglandwalklikethat.

Hehadto.

Otherwise,hewould’vebeenstumblinglikeadrunk.

Hisegostillsmarted.Hiseffortatdismountingafteronehourofintermittentwalkandtrotina

circleendedupwithhimrightonhisass.Hadhefallenstraightdown,itwould’vebeenfine,butno.He

hadtostumblebackwardinavainefforttoregainhisfooting,spanningthesixfeetbetweenthehorseand

thefreshpileofmanureCherryBlossomshadsoconsideratelyleftforhim.

Andwhich,tobefair,Cadetried,equallyconsiderately,toavoid.

AndthenJuliancouldn’tgetup.Hetried,buthisthighsquiveredwithexertionandlacticacid

build-upandoxygendeprivation,andtheyjust.Wouldn’t.Obey.

Cadehadnotlaughed.HeorderedCherryBlossomtostay,asthoughhewasadog.Thenheturned

toJulianandgavehimahands-up.Afterwhich,heofferedhimashowerandapairofcleansweatpants,

andaplasticbagforhisridingbreeches.

TheshowerwastheonlyreasonJulianwasabletodrivehome.Hewascertainofit.Hejustabout

emptiedCade’shotwatertankwhileCadewastakingcareofthehorse,untackinganddoingallthose

littlethingsthataddeduptoasolidhalf-hourofwork.

Andnow,Julianwasbeatingaretreatataslow,statelyprogressofageriatricoldlady.Itrankled

himtoknowthattheancientQueenofEnglandwas,inalllikelihood,anexpertriderandwould’vemade

ittohercaralotfasterthanhemanagedtohobbletohis.

Fuckthisshit.Grandpameantwell,buttherewasjustnowayhewouldsubjecthimselftothis

levelofhumiliationandpain.

“Wait!”Cade’ssmoothvoicerangoutbehindhim.

Julianstoppedandturnedinplace,slowly,asCadestrodetowardhimwithpepinhisstep.He

resentedhimforhislackofsoreness.“Yeah?”

“IwantyoutotakeahotbathwithEpsomsaltswhenyougethome,”Cadesaid.“ThenIwantyou

togoforawalk.Nothingintense,justmovearoundforhalfanhour.Andafterthat,Iwantyoutodothese

stretches.”HehandedJulianaprint-outwithpicturesandinstructions.

“Why?”

“Becausethisisnew,”Cadesaidpatiently.“You’reingoodshape,buttodayyouusedthose

musclesinanentirelynewway.Also...”Cadesighedwithexasperation.“Thisisacommonproblem,but

thewayweuseourlegstostayonthehorsetendstotightenthehips.Youdon’twanttoloseyourhip

flexibility,thatwouldhurtyourbackdowntheline.”Hegavehimaglare.“Dothese.Promiseme!”

Julian’slegsweresore.Theinitialhard-onthatcamefromhispiercing’sreactiontotheswaying

walkofthehorseretreatedashetookthepoundingofsittingtrot.

Hehadnoplansoncomingback,butCade’sobviousconcernforhiswell-beingtouched

somethingdeepinside.OrmaybeitwasthebossysparkleinCade’seye,andforsomereason,Julian

didn’twanttodisappointhim.

HelookedCadeupanddown,searchingforevidenceofexpertise.Cadewasfit,andseemed

flexible,although...well,hedidmoveratherstifflyattimes.Maybehehadapoint.HerecalledCade’s

grimaceashehadpulledhimtohisfeet,asthoughhelpinghimuptookextraeffort.Hehadlookedsolid,

andJulianhaddoneenoughbarnworkasakidtoknowthatshovelinganythingwasawaytobuildup

strength.NotthatCadelookedweak,butsomethingwasoff.

He’dpegitlater.

Rightnow,however,Julian’sassessmentmadehimnoticeotherdetails,too.Suchastheadorable

wayCade’shair–whichwasabitlongerthananofficejobwouldtolerate–curvedunderhisears.Or

thewayhisthree-daybeardwassculptedintoatidy,sexydisplayofmanlyscruff,accentuatinghis

handsomecheekbonesandjawline.

Andhewaskind–he’dlethimusetheshower.

Hecared.

“Okay.”Julianswallowedwhatwasleftofhismortification.HehadtoreturnCade’ssweatpants

anyway.“Ipromise.”

“Andyou’llbebacknextSunday,readytoride?”Cadeasked.Helookedabitanxiousashe

waitedforJulian’sanswer.

“Maybe,”hesaidtruthfully.

“Pleasesayyes,”Cadesaid.And,yeah.Thesmallestbitoffear,theparthedidn’tquitedisguise,

revealeditselftoJulian.Itspoketohiminalanguageheunderstoodalltoowell.Herewasastrong,

capable,sexyguywhowasafraidofsomething.

Probablyrejection.

Thatwasnothingcomparedtohisownfearofheights,surely,butitstillelicitedsympathy.

Whatthehell.He’dshowup.Hedidn’thavetorideifhedidn’twantto,hecouldfakeasprained

ankleorsomething–buthewouldn’tturnCadedown.“Okay.I’llbehere,dressedincleantightsand

wearingmyridingboots!”

“Alright!”Cadepumpedhisfistintheair,andthesmilethatlituphisfacewarmedJuliantothe

core.Hisill-advisedpromisewas,itseemed,worthit.

THEGYMWASbusyonFridayafterwork,withallthecubicleslavestryingtogettheir

workoutsinbeforetheyranhometofixafamilydinner,orbeforetheyheadedoutandpartiedtheirlittle

heartsout.OrsoJuliansurmised.

Heranonthetreadmillfortwomiles,takingiteasierthanusual.Themachinesupaheadwere

prettybusy,butthefreeweightsareastillhadabenchortwoopen.Julianrefilledhiswaterbottleand

saunteredover.Davidfromfinancialwasdoingsquatsinthecage,liftingheavy.

Juliansaunteredover.“Hey,youaboutdone?”

“Eight...nine...ten!”Davidrackedthebarwiththreebigdiscsoneachside.“Hi,Jules,you

wannaworkin?”

Juliannodded.“Sure.Letmetakesomeoftheplatesoff.”Andhedid,onebyone,asDavid

lookedonwithashit-eatinggrin.

“What,justone-forty-five?Seriously,man?You’restillthatsore?”

Julianassumedhispositionunderthebar,grabbedit,andpoppeditoffthebarrest.“No,butifI

liftheavy,Iwon’tbeabletoridecomeSunday.Ijustwanttodoabitofmaintenance.”

Hestartedhisset,goingjustdeepenoughtomakeitcount,butnotsodeepthatitwouldmessup

hisrightkneeagain.

“Soyou’regoingthroughwithit,huh,”Davidsaidasheclimbeduptowardthepull-upbar.He

hungoffitforawhile,crankingoutpull-upsforaslongasJuliandidsquats,andthenhejumpedoffagain.

“Ithoughtyouhadabadtime.”

“Nah,”Juliansaidasherackedtheweight.“I’mjustnewatit,andIhateheights.And,honestly?

Achangeofactivitywilldomegood.”

Fortherestofhisworkout,ashebanteredwithDavidandlaterwithJefffromtheinsurance

companyacrossthehall,hisminddriftedtothefactthathehadriddenahorse.Forawholehour.Sure,it

hadbeenjustonalungeline,buthehadstillbeenupfromtheground,andhedidn’tfreezeuporfall,and

hedidn’tthrowuplikehehadinPariswhenhismommadehimgouptothefirstplatformoftheEiffel

Tower.

Besides,hewantedtoseeCadeagain.Hehadhissweatpants.Hehadneverhadtoborrow

clothingfromanyonebefore,anddidn’tknowwhattheexactetiquettewas,soheputthemthroughthe

wash,andfoldedthem.Henoticedthathewaslininguptheseamsjustso,presumablysotheylookedthe

waytheyhadwhenCadeboughtthem.Notthatheeverfoldedhisownclothesthiscarefully,butthiswas

forCade,andtherefore,ithadtobejustright.

Thenhefeltitwasadorkythingtodo,butscrunchingthemupintoabachelor-worthymessfelt

equallystupid.

MaybeCadewouldn’tevennotice.He’dbebusyexplainingthetackingupinthatsmooth,sexy

baritoneofhis,runninghiscapablehandsovertheflanksofthehorseintheprocess.Anice,heartfelt

caress.JustthinkingofCade’shandsthreatenedJulian’sdignity,withhisbloodmakingitswaysouthatan

alarmingrate.

Yeah.Sundaycouldn’tcomefastenough.

HISGRANDFATHERCALLEDinonSaturday.“Sohowdiditgo,Jules?Didyafalloffyet?”

Julianknewtheoldmandidn’tmeananythingbyit.Heaskedthesamequestionofeveryonewho

rode,beitathisownranchorelsewhere,andJulianharboredasuspicionthathisgrandpawasa

superstitiousoldcootwhotriedtokeeppeoplefromfallingbytalkingaboutit.

“Hi,Grandpa,”hesaid.“Uh,didn’tfall.”

“Goodboy.Sotellmeaboutit.”

AndJuliandid,thewholenineyards,includingtheunfortunatestumbleandevenmoreunfortunate

landing.

“Hoohoohoohoo!Whooohooohooo!”Hisgrandfathersoundedlikeaowl,andJulianlaughed

along,knowingthattheoldmanwascontorted,slappinghiskneewithhisfreehandandatthemercyof

uncontrollableglee.

Servedhimright,too.Theridinglessonswerehisidea.

Julianwasn’tabovepouringsomefuelontothefireofhisgrandfather’smirth.“Soheletmeuse

hisshower,andloanedmehissweats,”hesaid.

“Didhenow?Whoohooohooohooohooo!”

Julianwaitedforabitsilence.“Yeah,mightyniceofhim.SoIwashed‘emanddried‘em,and

foldedthemallpretty.Justtoreturnthemingoodorder,y’see.”

Thelaughterdwindledtoaconfusedstop.“Sonny,youdidwhat,now?”

“Ifoldedthemintoperfectgeometricshapes.”Julianwasbitinghischeek.Ittookallhehadnotto

breakoutinlaughter.

“But,Jules,seriously.Nowhe’llknowforsureyou’requeer.”Theoldman’svoicewasall

seriousnow,fulloflovingconcerninsteadofjudgment.

Julianclearedhisthroat.“I...uh...Idon’texactlymindifheknows,Grandpa.”

“Huh.”Thesilencestretchedforabit,andthenhisgrandfatherrecoveredwiththatfamiliar,

forcedcheerwhichtoldJulianhowmuchhelovedhim,andhowhewasconcernedforhim.“Nowif

that’showitis,youbecareful,hear?Andifthatmandoesanythingoutofturnandmakestohurtyou,you

letmeknowandI’llstraightenhimout!”

Juliansmiled.“Okay,Grandpa.Thankyou...Ithinkitwon’tbenecessary,though.Heseemslikea

niceguy.”

Heenduredmoreconcernedlecturing,andafterhehungup,hegrinned.

Tomorrow’slessonwasonlyeighteenhoursaway.

CHAPTER4

JULIANSTEEREDHISPriusdowntheroadandpastashortstretchofwoodstoasmallclearing

withadriveway.Hisreallandmarkwasn’ttheclearing,asmuchasadistinguished-lookingsignspelling

“Clearwater.”Thebrassletterswereaffixedtoarustic,stonewall,archingoverabrasssilhouetteofa

rearinghorse.Thewallwassurroundedbyanartfuljumbleofboulders.Evennow,inJanuary,hesawthe

littlepatchoflandwaslandscaped,withitsornamentalgrassescutbackandthebonsai-likeMugopine

turningthepileofrocksintoalovelylittlelandscape.

HewonderedwhyhadCadebuiltsuchanelaboratenameplatetowhatwas,really,averysmall

ridingstable,attachedtoagenerouslyproportionedresidentialhome.Thisledhimtoconsideringthereal

estatepricesfewmilesawayfromtheoutmostAlexandria,VAsuburbs.

Maybeitwasinherited.Hadtobe.

Cadewashisage,probablyhoveringsouthofthirty.Stillayoungguy,stillgettingsetupinlife.

TheonlyreasonJulianhadboughtahousewastherealestatebubbleanditssubsequentfallout.Andhe

boughtitonlybecauseitwasaduplex.Rentingouttheotherhalfwaswhatmadebuyingpossibleinthe

firstplace,consideringthecollegeloanshewasstillpayingoff.

Thewide,asphaltdrivebroughthimtotheridingcomplex,withthebarnontheleftsideandthe

behemothridingarenaontheright.Thedoorsofbothwereopen.

Juliansprangoutofthecarandsaunteredin.“Hello!”

Noanswer–butCadecouldbeinthepaddock,orinthehouse.Aglanceathisphonetoldhimhe

wasfifteenminutesearly.Hewalkedintothebarn,takinginthedetailshehadmissedlastweek.

Arowofstallswithhorsesrandowntheleftside.Therightsidewassetupforstalls,butthe

gatesandsomeofthepartitionsweregone.Thespacewasdividedintothreeareas:baggedfeed,a

toweringsupplyofhay,andanequipmentareawithbarntoolsandhorsecareononeside,andsaddleand

tackracksontheother.

Theofficewastohisleft,andJulianpeekedinthroughtheopendoor.Thedeskwastidy,the

computerwasoff,andCadewasnowheretobeseen.

Well,then.Notimelikethepresenttovisitthehorses.Julianhadabagofbabycarrotsinthe

pocketofhiswindbreaker.Assoonashecametothenextstall,abig,blackhorseheadappearedbehind

thebarsasthoughoutofnowhere.“Well,hithere,bigfella,”Juliansaidinaquiet,soothingvoice.

Thehorsehuffedgently,pokinghissoft,velvetnosebetweenthebars.

“Okay,okay,”Julianchuckledandpresentedhishandforthehorsetosniff.“What’syourname?”

Thesignonthedoorsaid“Thor.”

“Hi,Thor.Wannacarrot?”Julianfishedthreecarrotsoutofhispocket,andpresentedonetoThor

forhisconsideration.

Thorsampledtheairabovehisopenhand,thennearedJulian’spalm,andwithagentletouchhe

lippedthecarrotrightoff.

“Ooh,you’reasweetone,”Julianmarveled.Suddenlyhewasbackinhisgrandpa’sbarn,feeding

thehorses,smellingthem.ThesofttouchofhorselipsandthetickleofThor’swhiskersawakenedaflood

ofoldmemories.“Yeah,”hesaid,withonlythehorsetheretohearhim.“ThisiswhatI’vebeenmissing

allalong!”

Hestoodthere,feedingThorcarrotsandrevelinginthemoment,whenathudandapainedgasp

broughthimtothehereandnow.

CURSEDCOLLEGEVISITS,CadehadthoughtyesterdaywhenRyanhadtextedhimtolethim

knowhewon’tbetheretocleanthestalls.Atleasthehadbotheredtogivehimaheads-up,whichwasn’t

agivenforahighschoolstudent.

Butdidajuniorreallyhavetogovisitcollegesyet?Wasn’tthatabitpremature?Eitherway,Cade

wasstuckwithouthishelpertoday.MonawasonavacationinJamaica,Jessicawasthreehoursawayat

hermother’shouse,andSergiowasn’tthetypetocallupandasktodobarnchores.No,ofhisfour

boarders,Sergioexpectedfullservicewithoutliftinghiswell-manicuredfinger.

SergioalsoownedHolly,whohadthrownCadethreeweeksprior,andsteppedonhimforagood

measure.Butthatdidn’tmatternow.

Whatmatteredwasthathewasoutofhelpers,whoallhadsuddenandlegitimatecommitments,

andthestallswerefullofhorsemanure.CadeknewalltoowellthatleavingittillMondayforNick

wouldbebadforthehorses’feetandlungs,anditwouldtakeNickthreetimesaslongtofinish.Areally

messystallmeantremovingeverythingandbeddingitwithfreshsawdustalloveragain,adelaythat

wouldwastebothtimeandmoney.

Thiswashisbarn,dammit.He’dmanage.

Thefirsttwostallstookhimasolidhour.Hehadtogoniceandslow,loadinguphismanurepick

withjustonesmalllittlepoopatatime.Then,carefully,likeaperfectlyalignedballetdancer,hewould

spinandgentlydeposittheloadinthewheelbarrow.Heevenpulledthewheelbarrowallthewayintothe

stalltomakehislifeabiteasier.

Afterthefirsttwostalls,Cadetrudgedupthehilltothehouse,wherehedrankanothercupof

coffee,poppedtwoibuprofencapsules,washedthesweatofpainedexertionoffhisface–usingawet

toweltoavoidbendingoverthesink–andtroopedbacktothebarn.

Nineo’clock.HehadanhourbeforeJulianshowedup.

Exceptfatigueandpainaddedupintheworstkindofway,andthethirdstallwasputtorightsat

thecostoftearsprickinghiseyes.“Breathingthepainout”tookhimonlysofar.

Hetookanotherbreak,andwhenhegotstartedonthefourthstall,whichwouldhavemadehim

almosthalfwaydone,heheardcardoorsopenandshut.

Julian,inhiseerilyquietPrius.Andhewasearly.

Wellthen,itwastimetopausehisbarnchoresandsaddleupCherryBlossoms.Itwasalsotimeto

putonahappyface.Cadewastheteacher,theoneincharge.Showingvulnerabilitywoulddolittlefor

Julian’sconfidenceinhim.

Heleanedthemanurepickagainstthewall,grabbedthehandlesofthewheelbarrow,andpushed

itoutthestall.

Thesmallledgebetweenthestallandtheconcreteflooroftheaislestoppedthewheel,which

jammedhimup.Theshocktraveleduphisarmsandstraightintohisbody.

Hispoor,healingribshadenough.Theyscreamedinpain.

Hebithislip,hopingnosoundcameout.

“Cade?Cade!”Julian’svoicebrimmedwithalarm.

Shit.Hemust’vemadeasoundafterall.

“Cade!”Theclickingofridingbootsonconcreteechoeddownthebarn.

“Hithere,”Cademanagedtogrindoutthroughhisclenchedteeth.

Julianappearedintheopendoorway.“Hey,Cade,”hesaid,scrutinizinghimwiththatpenetrating

gazeagain,justlikelastweek.

Exceptthistime,Cadedidn’tfeelthecaressofhiseyes.Hefeltnothingbutpain.Hejustnodded

hello.Hehadtopushthisdamnthingoutoftheway,butdammit,hedidn’twanttoaskforhelp,and...

“Areyouhurt,Cade?”Julian’svoiceborejustahintofaTexasaccentjustthen.

Heshrugged,unwillingtoadmitwhatcountedasdefeatinhiseyes.

Defeatedbyhorseshit.Justfuckingdamnit.

Withoutaskinganymorequestions,Juliangrabbedthewheelbarrowbythefront,lifted,and

pulled.Cadetriedtoliftfromhimend.

“Don’tyoudare,”Julianhissed.“Igotthis.”Heslippedintothestallandwheeledthemanureout.

“Nowwheredoesthisgo?”

Cadeleanedagainstthewall,hatinghimselfforhavingtodoso.“Outtheotherdoorandtothe

left.”

“Don’tgoanywhere.”Julianfixedhimwithaglare.“I’llberightback.”

Hestayedput,wonderingwhowasthisbossystranger,andwhatdidhedowiththetimidJulian?

STUPIDMACHOASSHOLEposturing,Juliangrumbledashepushedtheemptywheelbarrow

intothebarn.HewasallsettoripCadeanewone,andhesureknewhow.Whenhewasn’tseparated

fromthesafesurfaceofMotherEarthbysixfeetormore,Julian’sacerbicwithadmadeitcleartomany

ofhisteammembersthatdeadlineswillbefollowed,bellsandwhistleswon’tbeaddedontothe

softwarejustbecausetheyarecool,andeveryonewillcommunicateassoonastheyseeaproblem,

insteadofholingupintheirofficeandsharingthenewsofanimpendingdisasterinnextTuesday’s

morningmeeting.

Hewasallcockedandreadytofireasheletthewheelbarrowthunkonthefloor.Twostepsanda

turngothimtothethresholdofthestall,wherehehadleftCade.

Atthesightofhim,Julian’sfirefizzledtoatamesparkofconcern.Cadewasstillproppedagainst

thewall,likearakesomeonehadleftbehind.Hewasrubbinghisrightsidewithhiselbow,gently,and

withfocus.Hisfacewasdrawnwithlinesofpain.

“Hey,”Juliansaidasheslowlyentered,steppingaroundthehorsedroppings.“Whathappened?”

“Oh,it’snothing,”Cadesaid,obviouslytryingtosoundcavalier.“Just,uh,brokenribs.”

“Shit,really?Andyou’remuckingoutstalls?”Juliandidn’tknowwhatwasmoreincredible,the

factthatCadehadbeendoingphysicallabor,orthathehadtriedtoshrugbrokenribsoff.“It’snot

nothing,”hesaid,comingallthewaytoCade.“Iknow.Mygrandpa’sforemanbrokeafewribsonce.He

wasinthehospitalforafewdays.Youdon’twanttopuncturealung.”Hewantedtosay‘youidiot,’but

stoppedhimselfjustintime.

“It’sbeenthreeweeks,”Cadewhispered.“I’mokayaslongasthey’retaped.”

“Brokenbonestakesixweekstoheal,andyouain’tokaynow,”Juliansaid.“Comeon,mylesson

willconsistofhands-onhorsecarethisweek.Andyouneedtogetsomewheremorecomfortable,yeah?”

“Ican’tdothat.”ThepaininCade’svoicewasn’tjustphysical.“I,shit.Nevermind.”

Julianwantedtohughim–butthatwouldbepainfulrightnow.Hewantedtotakecareofhimand

makehimallbetter.He’dhavedonejustaboutanythingtoputthatsunnysmilebackontoCade’sface.

“Tellyouwhat.I’llwalkyoutothehouseandsettleyouin,andI’llfinishuphere.Whoisscheduledto

feedthemtonight?Iassumeyoufeedthemtwiceaday?”

“Ido,”Cadesaid.“Ryancouldn’tmakeitintoday.Highschoolkids,youknow.”Hewincedas

hetriedtoshrug.

“Well,asithappens,it’sSunday,andIdon’thaveanythingelsetodo,soI’lljuststayhereand

playwiththehorses.”JulianflashedCadeabrightsmilethatbrooknodissent.“AndI’lltakecareyou,

too,andthatincludestakingyoutoseeadoctorifyouhavereinjuredanything.”HeexpectedCadeto

object.

“Really?”Cadesaid,lookingathimasthoughhe’dgrownanotherhead.“Youfeelcomfortable

doingthat?Iknowyourodeasakid,but...”

“ButI’vebeenhelpingaroundevenafterIstoppedriding,Cade.Ilikeit,andI’mokayatit.It’s

fine.”Julianpaused.“Look,you’renotalone.”

Hemeantitinageneralway.Tohisconsternation,Cade’slowerlipquivered.Hetightenedhis

jaw,butdespitehisefforttobearitallstoically,aloneteardetacheditselfandrolleddownhischeek.

Hadthelightsbeenoff,Julianwouldn’thaveevenseenit.

“Oh,man...Look.”HebrushedCade’steardrywiththeknucklesofhishand.“Iknowhowitis.

You’reresponsibleforthehorses,andthey’relikeabunchofkidstoyou,right?Andit’skillingyounotto

beabletodoityourself.ButIgotyou,andIgotthem.”Julianleanedcloser.“Trustme,Cade.”

Cadeturnedhisheadandmethisgaze.Theyweresoclose,Cade’swarmbreathbrushedJulian’s

cheek.

Therewassomethinginhiseyes,somethingabouthim,thatdrewhimevencloser.

Hopinghewasn’tmisreadingthewholesituation,Julianclosedthedistancebetweenthem.Helet

theirlipsbrush,thenpressingentlesweetness.

“Igotyou,”hewhisperedintothekiss.“AndIwon’tletyoufall.”

CHAPTER5

CADE’SARMWASlodgedsecurelyinthecrookofJulian’selbow.Thewarmth,thestrength,the

determinationthatwasJulianbolsteredhisownresolvetowalkataregularpace,eventhoughevery

breathachedandeveryinadvertenttwistofhistorsosentoutneedlesofpain.

“Almostthere,”Juliansaid.

Hishouseloomedaheadofthemonitslittlehill,declaringwithallitswindowsandandangles

androofsectionsthatthiswasnoordinaryhouse,butaplacewheretheluckylivedtheirperfectlives.

Thetall,red,doubledoorwasclosed.

“Idon’tlockup,butthere’sanalarmsystem,”Cadesaid.

Julianpushedthedooropen.Theyenteredthewide,tiledfoyerwithitscurvingstaircasetothe

right,andthekitchenrightahead.HegaveJulianthecode,andJulianpuncheditin.

“Boots,”Cadesaid.

“Okay.”Juliansatdownonthebenchandpulledhisridingbootsoff.Hethenpointedtothebench.

“Ifyousitdown,”hesaidtoJulian,“I’llpullthosebootsoffforyou.”

Cadestoppedinhistracks.

“Comeon,hurry.Wedon’thaveforever,right?”Julianusheredhimtothebench.Oncehesat

downandbracedhisbackagainstthewall,Julianloweredhimselftohisknees,sittinglikeageisha.“Do

theyjustpulloff?”

“No,”Cadesaid.“Thereabuckleontheoutside...yeah,there.”HefeltitloosenunderJulian’s

fingers.Firstleft,thenright,andhisbootswerenexttoJulian’sonthetraybythedoor.Julianwasstill

kneelingbyhisfeet,lookingupathimexpectantly.

“WhenIcomeinfromthebarn,Ichangeandshower,”Cadeansweredtheunspokenquestion.

Julianrose,andheldouthishand.“Let’shaveyoudothat,then.”

Dammit,butwhydidthatmanhavetobesoobliging?Andsoeasyontheeyes?Nowhe’dinsist

onhelping.Cadecouldmanage,eventhoughitwouldtakehimtwohoursinsteadoftwentyminutes.He

couldusethehairdryertogetthehard-to-reachparts,likehehadduringtheweekafterhisinjury.The

painwouldkeephisdickundercontrol,butstill.

“Comeon,Cade.Iknowwhereeverythingisfromlastweek.Please?”Thesmiledidit,whenMr.

BossyturnedintoMr.Beguiling.Hedidn’tquitebathiseyelashes,buthesuredidcomeclose.

Hishandwasstillout,waiting.

“Okay.”Cadetooktheprofferedhelp.“Ioweyou.AndeventhoughIhateneedingyourhelp,I

reallyappreciateit.”

TENminuteslateritbecameratherobviousthatCadehadtroubleundressinghimself.Thewhole

bendingandtwistingbusinessthataccompaniedpullingoffT-shirtsandhoodiesandpantsdidn’tagree

withhimwhatsoever,whichishowCadeendedupstandinginthemiddleofhisbedroomwithJulian

stalkingaroundhim,thinkingoutloud.

“Firstyouneedtoletmeknowwhatyou’llbewearingafteryourshower.Andno,justpoint.I’ll

getit.”

Cadegrittedhisteeth.Couldthisbeanymoreembarrassing?Hewaslikeahelplesstoddlerwith

ababysitter.Everysingleaspectofthissituationwentagainsthisgrain.Everyone,exceptforJulianbeing

soperfectinhisearnestdesiretomakehimmorecomfortable.“Inthechestofdrawers.Themiddle

draweronthelefthasthepantsIwant.Thedrawertotherightofithaslong-sleeveT-shirts.

AfterabitofsearchingonJulian’spart,Cadeapprovedapairofyogapantsandatightsilk

thermaltop,whichheknewwouldkeephimwarmafterhisshower.Theyweregoodforsleeping,andif

hecouldn’tdomuch,well.Hemightaswellcatchanap.

Julianappearedbeforehim,allauburnhairandfrecklesandsmilingeyes.“Don’ttakeitthe

wrongway,butI’mgoingtoundressyounow.”

AsignificantportionofCade’sbloodsupplymovedsouth.Badtiming,badtiming,hethought

hard,tryingtotalkhisbodyoutofbetrayinghim.Heliftedhisarmsup,gaspingslightlyasJuliangently

easedhishoodieup,andoff.

“Good,”Julianwhispered.“AndnowtheT-shirt.”

Cadecouldn’tlethimreachunderhiswaistbandforthehemofhisT-shirt.

Hecouldn’t.

Orcouldhe?

Theireyesmet.Julianinclinedhishead.“TheT-shirtisnext,”hesaidpatiently.

Cadecouldn’tmove.Julian’seyesweredownrighthypnotic,andnotfarunderthoseeyeswerethe

softlipshehadtastedsobrieflyearlier.So...sosweet,andspicy,and...

“Okay,”Juliansaid,asthoughitwassettled.Heskimmedhisfingersdownthefabricofhisnavy

blueT-shirtwithahorse-feedadvertisementonthefront,pinchedthewornfabricdelicately,andtugged

up.

ThereliefthatwashedoverCadewhenJuliandidn’tdiveintohispantsmust’vebeenvisible,if

theslightupturnofJulian’slipswasanyindication.

Julianwalkedhisclothestotheplasticlaundrybasket,cameback,anddroppedtohisknees.From

themischievousglintinhiseyes,hewaskeenlyawareoftheeffecthisactionshadonCade.“Andnow

thepants,”hesaid,soundingjustalittlecoy.

Cadeclearedhisthroat.“I...Icantakethemoffmyself.”Thefabricofhisjeansgottighterdespite

theirfairyloosefit.Hegrappledforthebutton,andwinced.

“Please,”Juliansaidfromdownbelow,peekingupthroughhiseyelashes.“Allowme?”Without

waitingforCade’sassent,hesnappedthebuttonopen.“Oooh,”hesaid,presumablyacknowledgingthe

stateofCade’sdistress.“I’llbecareful,don’tworry.”

Cadeclosedhiseyes.Itwaseitherthat,ordyingonthespot.Ifhedidn’tseeJuliandownthere,so

suggestiveinhiscloseness,maybehisraginghard-onwouldsubside.Maybehisdignitycouldstillbe

saved–buthedoubtedit.YetJulianrespectedhisboundaries,andmanagedtoeasehimoutofhisjeans

withouttouchinghisskinatall.

HalfofCadewasimpressed.Theotherhalfhowledwithdisappointment.

“Andnowyourbriefs,”Juliansaidinaquiet,non-committalvoice,asthoughthiswasjusta

routineoperation,likeshoeingahorse.Thelighttouchofhiswarmfingers,however,wasasfarfrom

ordinaryascouldbe.

Searing,suggestive...sexy.

“Julian,”Cadegrittedthroughhisteeth.“Quitteasing.”

“Youwantmetogetserious?I’mafraidto.Ifyouhaveanorgasm,yourribswillhurt.”

Anorgasm.Hecouldn’tbelieveJulianactuallysaidtheword,whilehisfingerswerestuckunder

theelasticofCade’sunderwear.Worse,Cade’sdickwastryingtoescapeandreachJulian’smouth.

“Butwecan’t.You’remystudent.”Cadegaspedascoldaircaressedhishot,rampantcock.“A

client,”hewailed.

“Correction.Mygrandfatherisyourclient.I’mjustavictimofhisgoodintentions.Nowliftyour

foot.”

Cadestoodtherenakedexceptforhiswhitetubesocks,greetingJulianwithaproudsalute.

“Yourleftsock,”Juliansaid.Cadewavered,andJuliangrabbedhislefthand.“Grabmyshoulder,

there.See?”

ButasheheldontoJuliantostabilizehimself,Cadewasforcedtobendoverabit.Hiscock

swayedand,asJulianstraighteneduptoshiftaroundanddealwithhisrightfoot,ithappened.

Hishard,sensitivephallus,havingamindofitsown,slappedJulian’ssmoothcheek.

“OhGod,I’msosorry!”Cadestraightenedupwithdistincteffort.

“I’mnot,”Juliansaid.“But,shower,right?Letmegogetthewaterjustright.”Hestoodupand

saunteredofftothebathroom.Hisbodylanguagescreamedconfidence,asthoughworkingCadeintoa

stateofmindlesslatherwashismissioninlifeandhehadfinallyfoundhistruevocation.

Cadefollowedhim.Whatelsecouldhedo?Heneededashower,andhewasn’tgoingtohidein

thecornerlikeatimidteenager.

Whenthewaterwasgoodandhot,Julianeyedthelayersofwhiteathletictape,reinforcedwith

silverducttape,aroundhistrunk.“Ithinkonceyougetitwet,wecoulddryitoutwithahairdryer.”

“That’swhatI’vebeendoing,”Cadesaid,saggingwithrelief,nowthattheconversationhas

turnedtopracticalmatters.“Ican’treallyretapeitbymyself.”

“Okay.We’lldealwiththat,too.”Julianglancedthroughtheglassdoors,eyeingthehairandbody

productsonthestoneshelf.“Doyouwantmetowashyourhair?”

“No!”Cadejustaboutbarkedtheword.“Ifyougetinhere,itwon’tleadanywheregood.I

promise,youareahorribleteaseandI’llgetevenwithyou!”

“Oh,butyoualreadyhad,”Juliansaid.“Youmademerideforthewholehourlastweek!”He

eyedCadeupanddown.Julian’sgazewasaneagercaress.Cadefoughtoffashiver.

“Letmegiveyousomeprivacy,”Juliansaid.“Andcallmewhenyou’redonesoIcanhelpyou

dryoff.”

CHAPTER6

JULIANADJUSTEDHIMSELFandtookinCade’sbedroomasthoughforthefirsttime.Aking-

sizebed,ahis-and-hersbedroomsetindarkcherry,butstreamlined,notfussy.Awealthofmirrors,anda

fewsmallfamilyphotographsoverthegasfireplace.

Hetiptoedovertotakealook,trustingthelushcreamcarpettomuffleanysoundhemightmake.

Thewaterwasstillrunning–andCadejustmighttakeawhile.Forasecond,Julianfeltbadoverhispart

inhisunintendedandinconvenientarousal–butonlyforasecond.

Cadewasdeliciousandbeautifulandsweet,andJulianwantedhimbad.

Hecouldn’thavehim,though.Notuntilhisribshealedagain,bywhichtimetheywouldeither

workoutgreat,ortheywouldfindoutitwasn’tmeanttobe.

Thesmallphotographswereframedinadisplaythatindicatedthedecadeanditsfashion.All

family,itseemed.Agroupoffriendsatgraduation,but–andthiswascrucial–nosignificantothersof

eithersex.

DidCadereallyleadalonesomeexistence?Ifso,therewasprobablyagoodreasonforit,in

whichcaseitwasjustaswellJulianhadtoreininhisferventdesire,andsettleinforaslowcourtship

enforcedbyCade’shealingribs.

DRESSEDinhisyogapantsandalong-sleeveshirt,allblackagainsthisdovegraysheets,Cade

sulked.Afterallthatfussofgettinghimundressed,hehad,sortof,hopedthatJulianwouldbedeliciously

naughtyand...continue.

ButJulianhadn’t.Juliandriedhimoffchastely,usingbothaplushbathsheetandahairdryer,and

dressedhim,hard-onandall,andtuckedhiminbed.“Wecanretapeyourribsinadayortwo,”he’dsaid.

“I’llgotakecareofthehorses.”

Cadewasfamiliarwithallkindsofinjuriesinhislineofwork.Horseswerebiggerandstronger,

andevenwhentheymeantnoharm,humansendedupwithbrokenbonesorpulledmuscles.Hewasused

topain,andheknewthatifJulianusedhismouthonhim(theoreticallyspeaking,ofcourse,)he’dpayfor

hispleasurablereleasebyfeeingthosebrokenribsalloveragain.

He’dbeenwillingtodoitanyway.

OhGod,Julian’smouth.Hishands,hiswell-balancedshoulders.

Hissnark.

Cadesmiled.Julianwasadelight,andifhe,Cade,knewwhatwasgoodforhim,hewouldtake

carenottochasehimoffbybeingaslut.

ACOOLhandwokeCadeup.“It’sthree-thirty,”Julianwhispered.“Ididn’tknowifyouwantedto

getoff-schedulelikethat.”

Cadepoppedhiseyesopen.“Hi,”hewhisperedback,asthoughtheywereengagedinasecret

liaison.“Youclosedtheshadesforme?Thankyou.”

“Yourwelcome.”Julianleanedcloser,asthoughtokisshim,butstoppedhimself.“Anyway,

wheneveryou’reready,Imadeussomethingtoeat.Iraidedyourpantryabit,isthatokay?”

Cadesmiledatthethoughtoftiptoeingthroughhishuge,first-class,seldom-usedkitchenjustto

findpastaandtake-outleftovers.

“I’llletyougetupatyourownspeed,”Juliansaid.“I’llbereadingdownstairs.”

CadewatchedJulianslipoutofhisbedroomandpullthedoorshut.

Whathappened?Nothing,that’swhat,andthatwastheproblem.Hisnapdidhimgood,though.

Cadeshiftedexperimentally,andfrownedattheachyreminderofhisfoolishness.

Maybeheshould’veleftthestallsforMondaymorning.Orheshould’vecalledSergioafterall,if

onlytoaskhimwhetherheknewanyonewhowouldbewillingtomakeabuck,ortradebarnchoresfor

ridinglessons.Itshould’vebeenobviousyesterday,andnowCadewaskickinghimselffornotthinking

thingsthroughanddoingwhathadseemed,atthetime,theeasiestthingratherthanthesmartestthing.

Andwhataboutthehorses?HeurgentlyneededtohearJulian’sreportonhisfirstinteractionwith

them.

Caderolledoutofbed,wipedhisfacewithawet,coldwashclothtochasehispost-nap

drowsinessaway,andslowlymadehiswaydownthestairs.Barefoot,hecrossedthecoldmarblefoyer

andfollowedthesoundoffainttappingintothewarmdiningroom.

Juliansatatthefarendofthelongdiningroomtable.Hisfacewaspartiallyhiddenbehindalarge

computerscreen.Anopenlaptopsattohisleft.Hewasfullyfocused,wearinglargeearphones,and

appearedoblivioustoCade’spresence.

“Hey,”Cadesaid.

Noresponse.

Hewalkedcloser,andwaved.

“Amoment,”Julianmurmured,typingfuriously.“There.”Hepulledtheearphonesoffandbeamed

Cadeanuncertain,distractedsmile.“Sorry.IhavethisdeadlineIabsolutelyhavetomeet.”Hestoodand

wavedhishandatequipment.“Itookthelibertyofmovinginforafewdays,figuringyou’llneedabitof

help.Icansleeponthesofaandtelecommuteforthemostpart,aslongasIgetmyworkdone.AndIcan

driveinfortheteammeetings.It’sallarranged.”

Cadewasfloored.“I...”Heclearedhisthroat,andstartedover.“Youdidn’thavetodothat.Ican

callSergio,hecanputmeintouchwithsomeonewhocantradebarnchoresforextraridingtime.”

“Youdon’tmind?”Julianaskedseriously.“IknowIdidn’tevenask,butitseemedsological.AsI

wascleaningthestalls,Iwentoverthelogisticsofallthehands-onworkthatneedstobedone,andyou

needsomebodyhere,period.Thehorsesarefine,bytheway.Icouldn’tfindyourfeedinglist,soifyou

don’thavethatwrittenup,wecandothatbeforetheireveningfeedsoIknowwhogetswhatandhow

much.”HemetCadewithyetanotherless-than-confidentgaze.“Imean,Grandpa’shorsesallhad

individualdiets.Ifigureyoursdo,too.”

“Theydo.”Cadehadtosaysomething,anything,butJulian’spresenceandthefacthesimply

movedinwithhimrobbedhimofspeech.

Howwouldhesurvive?

Blue-ballsalltheway,dammit.

Thenhebrightened.Surely,livingwithsomeonewouldshowalltheirwarts,too.Theirclose

contactwouldcreatefriction,andnotthegoodkind,either.Theywouldcollideintheirroutines,and

Julianwouldn’tlookallthatattractivethreedaysfromnow.Thereversewastruetoo,andCade

consideredmakingJulian’slifemiserablejusttodrivehimaway.

Hewasgoingtoleaveanyhow.Everyoneelsealwaysdid.

ExceptJulianwassokind.

Cadeexhaled,gatheringhisthoughts.“IshouldletyouknowthatasmuchasIappreciateyour

offer,thisain’tgonnabeeasy.You’llprobablyhatemewithinthreedays.”

“Ohyeah?”Julianleanedacrossthetablewithcuriosityalloverhisface.“Whywouldyousay

suchathing?”

“BecauseI’mmoreofahorsepersonthanapeopleperson,”Cadesaid.HeglancedatJulian’s

smallsuitcase,andallowedasmiletotugonhislips.“Therearetwoguestroomsupstairs.Justpick

one.”

VICTORIOUSJOYFLOODEDJulianashesettledintoaroomacrossthehallfromCade’s.He

hadhisownbathroomdownthehall,onethathadanordinarybathtubandnotafancywalk-inshower

stallandawhirlpool.Thatdidn’tmatter.HewouldhaveachancetogettoknowCadebetter,andonce

hisribshealedup...

Ahotflushroseuphischeeks.HepushedawaythememoryofthewayCade’sfirmlipssoftened

tohiskiss,ofthescratchofhismanlyscruff.Hisscentturnedhimonsomuchhewasparalyzed,andhad

totilthiseyestowardtheceilinginCade’spresencehalfthetime.

Julianmovedhisclothesfromthesuitcaseintoasmallchestofdrawers,andopenedtheburgundy

curtainstoletthewintersunshinein.Theroombrightenedwithgold-tonewallpaper,richhardwoods,and

cheerfulsplashesofredaccentpillowsandartworkthroughout.TheroomwassodifferentfromCade’s

minimalistbedroom,heaskedaboutitoncehecamedownstairs.

“Sodidyoudecoratetheredguestbedroom?”

Cadegroanedfromhiskitchenbarstool,wherehewasdrinkingatallglassofcoldtea.“OhGod,

noway.Mymomdidthat.That’swheremyparentsstaywhentheyvisittwiceayear.”

“Ohyeah?Ilikeitalot.Wheredotheylivenow?”

Cadeturnedhisglassinhisfingersashelookeddownmorosely.“Florida.Theyretiredearlyafter

grandpadied.”

“OH.”JULIANPAUSED.“I’msorryaboutyourgrandfather.”Cadefelttheweightoftheunasked

questions,andhesawJulianpresshislipstogetherasturnedtotherefrigerator,openedit,andpulledout

abakingpan.HewasobviouslycuriousaboutCade’splace,thehuge,emptyhouse,andthefactthatCade

didn’tseemtodoanythingbuttakecareofeighthorses–andallthatinaplacewherelandwassoldata

premium.

Buthedidn’task.

“Mygrandpamadeakillinginthedot-comboom,”Cadesaid,notreallyknowingwhyhewas

volunteeringthekindofinformationheusuallyheldveryclosetothevest.“Weallinheritedenough

moneytofollowourdreams,prettymuch.MyparentsliveinagatedcommunityinFloridaandgettosail

andplaygolf.IboughtthisplaceandI’mtryingtomakeanameformyselfonthedressagecircuit.”

“Dressage?Seriously?”Julian’svoicewasfullofasmilehedidhisbesttohide.

“That’sright,andthisistheplacetodoit.Therearesomegoodtrainerslivingnearby,soIteach

newerriders,butItakelessonsfromthenationalleveltalent.”

“Oh,”Juliansaid,turnedontheoven,andslidthebakingpaninside.Hesetthetimeronhis

phone.“Okay.Soyou’resetinthehorsebusiness?That’sgreat.Andyouteachbeginnersonthestring

horses,andhaveonespecialonejustforyourself?”

Cadegrinned.“Wecallthemschoolhorses,notstringhorses.And,Itrainallofthemtoberock-

solid.LikeCherryBlossoms.”

“Butwhichone’syourpersonalhorse?”Julianjustwouldn’tletitlie.

Cadeschooledhisfaceintoaneutralexpression.“CherryBlossoms.”

Julianstared.“Really?Youletmerideyourhorse?”

“Yeah.”

“Butwhy?”

“Becauseyourgrandfathertoldmeyou’rescaredofheights.Ofallthehorses,he’stheleastlikely

todosomethingstupidandscareyouoff.”Itcameoutwrong.Cadewould’vekickedhimself,hadhebeen

moreflexible.

“Oh!”Thatsweetsmile,thosehypnoticeyes,theweightofJulian’sattention–itwasbackinfull

force,andaimedhisway.AndsowasJulian.Hecrossedthekitchen,slidingacrossthehardwoodinhis

socks.HeleanedintoCade’spersonalspace,thenabitcloser.

Theireyesmet.

Timestopped.

Slowly,gently,Julianbrushedhislipsagainsthischeek.“Thankyou.Thankyousomuch.”Then,

asthoughhe’dtouchedahotstove,hesprangaway.“Sorry!Sorry,gotcarriedawaythereforamoment.”

AnendearingblushroseupJulian’sneck,staininghiscreamyskinallthewayuptohisauburnhairline.“I

bettergetsomecodewrittenbeforethelasagnacomesoutoftheoven,”hesaid,anddisappearedintothe

livingroom.

CadetouchedtheplacewhereJulianhadkissedhim.Itstilltingledwithtransferredenergy,and

thegratefultoneofhisvoiceechoedlikesweetmusicinCade’sears.

CHAPTER7

CADEWASLAYINGinbedonhisbackindeferencetohisknittingribs.Hewaswideawakeand

staringintotheinkydarknessofthenight.Ifhecouldonlytossandturn–buthisribsdidn’tlethimdo

that,andthecorsethenowhadtowearhelpedonlysomuch.Thesilenceofthehousewasunderscoredby

thequiethumofforcedairastheheatkicked.

Acrossthehall,behindcloseddoors,sleptJulian.

Thatinsufferablepest.

HehadtakenCade’slifebyastorm,andithadtakenhimonlytwenty-fourhours.Notonlyhadhe

movedin,andshoppedforgroceriesandhadmadealasagnaandasalad–heturnedhalfofthedining

roomtableintoanofficeandhetookcareofthehorseswithminimumsupervision.

Butworstofall,hehadwheedledhimtogoseeadoctoragain.Hell,Julianhadjustaboutpushed

himintothecaranddrovehimtotheoffice,wheremuchpokingandproddingensued.

TheunpleasantnessofthephysicalexaminationwasfollowedupbyX-rays,whichwastoppedoff

byasternlecturebyDr.Malard,amassiveAmazonwithahelmetofsteelgrayhairwhocalledhimon

hisbullshitandprescribedhimmildpainkillers,tobeusedatnightonly.

“AndI’lltalktoyourboyfriendandmakesureheknowsyoudon’tgetanyforatleastfour

weeks,”shesaid.“IfyouthinkIbelieveforonesecondyoure-brokethemshovelinghorsemanure,Ihave

abridgetosellyou.”

TheonlybenefitofthewholedebaclehadbeenwatchingJulianblushasthesternDr.Malard

instructedhimnottofuckCadeuntilhehadadoctor’snoteandwasclearedforheavyphysicallabor.

“Becauseyouboysobviouslyhavenocommonsensewhatsoever!”

Tohissurprise,Juliandidn’tcorrecther.Hehadbeensubduedonthedriveback,andafterthe

lasagnaleftoversfordinner,hebeggedoffandretreatedintohisdigitalworld.

Thewholeexperiencehadbeenmortifying.

AsCaderecountedthedayinhishead,herealizedhispainkillersmust’vekickedin,becausehe

could,finally,relaxinthatsupportivecorsethenowhadtowearinsteadoflayersofducttape.

Actually,thecorsetwasn’tsobad,hethought,rightbeforehedriftedofftosleep.

THEBEDOFtheredguestroomhadbeendecoratedbyCade’smother,andknowingthatmade

Julian’sstateoferoticdistressextraawkward.

Shehad,hethought,probablyneverimaginedthat“her”bedwouldlendsupportivecomforttoa

manwhopinedafterherson.Julianjustsimplycouldn’tstopthinkingaboutCade,abouthisperfectsetof

shouldersandthecutescruffonhisstrongjawline,andaboutlegshonedbyyearsofhorsebackriding.

ThatutterlyembarrassingandratherexplicitlecturebyDr.Malarddidn’tmakethosethoughtsgoaway.

AndhowhadshemanagedtoreadJulian’smind?Theycould’vebeenjustfriends.Hewas,afterall,just

anotherstudent.

Or,notjustanystudent.Hewasthestudentwhoaspiredtobetheteacher’spet.

Julian’shandcreptunderthewaistbandofhispajamapants...andheletit.Thefirsttouchmade

himstiffenandgasp,butthiswasjusthishand,afterall.He’ddonethisacountlesstimesbefore,heknew

whathelikedandwhattoexpect.Juliansoonrelaxedintoacomfortablerhythmofsilent,discretepulls

andtugswithhisrighthandasheusedtheleftonetoplaywithhisguicheandhisnipplebars.

WhatwouldCadethinkofhishardware?Hadheeverseenaperineumpiercing?Ordidheharbor

secretsofhisown?

Thethoughtsentasurgeofbloodtohisshaftsofast,hehadtosuppressawhimper.

Halfwaythrough,hekickedawaythecomforterandstrippedofftheT-shirt.Itwasdirtyanyway,

andwoulddoasacumrag.

Thiscouldn’tbeoverfastenough–but,perversely,hewantedittolast.Hewantedtobleedoff

thetensionthatresultedfromCade’sproximity,buthewantedtosavorit,too.

Amentaltrackofimagesandactionsranthroughhismindlikeavideo,bothjumbled,improbable,

andintenselyerotic.He,fuckingCade,hardandfast,justlikehe’dbeenaccusedofearlier.

AndCademoaningandrisingintoeachthrust,likingit.Cadewithatremendous,thick,hardcock

thatwassatin-smoothandhottotouch.Heavyonthetongue.

Cade’scockinhisownass–bentoverabaleofstrawinthefeedsectionofthebarn,withnobody

aroundbutthem.Cadeinhistightridingpants,tallleatherbootswithshiny,metalspurs,grabbinghiships

andpressinggentlybeforehepushedinalltheway.Cade’smuscledass,flexingwitheverythrust–it

would,Julianjustknewit–

-andthenheexploded.

Therewasnowhitelight,noalmost-blackout.Thosethingsdidn’thappenwhenhewasflying

solo.OnlythemessyT-shirt,asweatybrow,andhiselevatedheartrateborewitnesstothefactthathe,

Julian,justgotofftothewildandsensuousfantasyofbeingbentoverbythemanwhoseribswerestill

growingbacktogetherandwhowasasleepacrossthehall.

Asheslowlycleanedhimselfup,hewonderedwhetherheshouldbeembarrassed.Thiswasa

certainbreachofdecorum,masturbatinginabedroomdecoratedbyCade’smother.

Buthewasn’tfeelingit.Theshamejustwasn’tthere,justlikehehadfeltentirelywantonoverthe

existenceofhispiercings.Helovedthesubtlepresenceofametalbarthatpressedagainsthisprostate

fromtheoutside,andherelishedthetugoffabricagainstthelow-profilebarsinhisnipples.

Hishanddrifteduphischest.Hetoyedwiththebar,twistingit,feelingthelivelywarmththat

echoeddowntohisspentandtiredballs.HewishedthathadbeenCade’shand,toyingwithhimand

elicitingthatreaction.

Cadewasattractedtohim,thatmuchwasclear.Hewasalsoinjured,andbusy,andmaybenot

evenlookingforarelationship.TherewasadistinctpossibilitythatCadewouldnevergettoevensee

anyofJulian’shardware,letaloneplaywithit.

Likewise,therewasnoguaranteethatthetwoofthemweregoingtobecompatiblelong-term.

Long-term.

Juliangotstuckonthatword.Isthatwhathewanted?Washereallydonewiththeoccasional

randomhook-uporyetanothertryatadatingservice?Thatoneguyatthegym...washetrulydonetrying

tocatchhisattention?

Yes,yeshewas.TheirfirstlessonwasfirmlyetchedinJulian’smind,inhisbody.Thewarmthof

Cade’shandonhiscalf,amixtureofsympathyandno-nonsensetoughnessinhiseyes.Theexpectation

thathe,Julian,wouldsucceedandrideCherryBlossomsandnotthrowupfromsheerstressafterward.

Thekindness.Theself-sacrificeitmust’vetakentopullJuliantohisfeetafterhehadlandedin

thatpile.Notforthefirsttime,JulianwonderedwhetherthatoneacthadbeenwhatgotCade’sribs

rebroken.

Oh,yeah.HewantedCadefornow,buthealsowantedtheslow-burn,themutualuncoveringof

secrets,thehaphazardrevealoflikesanddislikes.Thesharedexperiences–hewantedtodatetheman

andtakehimplaces.

Andmaybehewould.Infact,he’dtryanddothatassoonasthehorsesweretakencareofinthe

morning.

Havingdecideduponacourseofaction,Juliancouldfinallyresthiscrush-wearymind,andfall

asleep.

AKNOCKONthedoorwokehimup.Cadejolted,thenhissedwithpain.Hecouldn’tbounceout

ofbedlikehedidfewweeksago.Hecouldn’tevengetup.

Buthewaswearingpajamas–atleastthatpartofhisdignitywasintact.

“Comein!”hecroaked,immediatelyfeelingself-consciousabouthisdrowsyvoice.

Thedoorswungin,andJulianstuckhisheadthroughthecrack.“MayI?”

Cadeclearedhisthroat.“Sure.”

OneglanceatJulian,andheknewhesleptin.Dammit,howcomeJulianwasshoweredand

dressedalready?“Whattimeisit?”

“Ten,”Juliansaid.“Igotthehorsesthesameamountsofgraintheygotbefore,andIgaveCherry

Blossomtheordinarystuffinsteadofthehigh-octane.”Heshiftedfromfoottofootself-consciously.

“Since,youknow,heisn’tgettingridden.They’djustgonuts,beingonhigh-caloriefeedlikethat,andI

figuredI’lllungethemlater.Isthatokay?”

Cademadeanefforttositup,butthecorsetwasintheway.Hekickedoffhiscomforterandgently

rolledtotheright.Rightfootwasonthefloor,nowjusttopressupwithisarms...there.

ThankfulthatJuliandidn’tevensuggesthelpinghimup,hestoodtohisfullheight,andshiftedhis

shouldersaroundtofeelwhetherhispartswerestillattached.“Uh,yeah.That’sokayfornow,butI’ll

needtocallpeopleandgetthehorsesonanexerciseschedule.Didyouturnthemout?”

“Yeah.”Julianwaswringinghishandsslowly,asthoughhewasaschoolboyintheprincipal’s

office.“Ididn’tdothestallsyet.IspentanhourreviewingthecodeIwroteyesterday,andthenIsaw

whattimeitwas,soIfiguredI’dwakeyouup.”

“Thanks.”Cademadeanefforttomakehisbed,butbendingwasuncomfortable,sohedecidedto

blowitoff.“Ican’tbelieveIsleptlikethat.”

Juliangrinned.“It’sthepainpillstheygaveyou.Igotthoseforabrokenlegonce,soIfigured

you’dneedit.”Sheepishly,headded,“I,um...Iturnedyouralarmoff.”

“Julian...”Cadewasmad.Heknewhisresidentpestmeantwell,butsomethingswerejusttoo

much.Supposetherewasanemergency?

“Sorry.Igotyourback,though,don’tworry.Andthere’sbreakfastifyou’rehungry.”

Cadethoughthard.Hecouldn’tpossiblyaskJuliantodoeverything.Itwasjusttoomuchforone

person.Heknewthatfromhisownexperience,andifhetookadvantageofhim,he’ddrivehimaway,and

thatwouldneverdo.

Thethoughtmadehimpause.Itrequiredmorethinking,whichrequiredcoffee.“Letmetakea

shower,andI’llcomedownstairsandjoinyou.”CadeexpectedJuliantogobackdownstairs,butJulian

wasstillstandingthere,awkwardbutdetermined.

“Oh,no,youwon’t,”Cadesaid.Thememoryofyesterday’sblueballswasfirmlyetchedinhis

mind.

“Unlessyouwanttobeinwaytoomuchpain,”Juliansaidseriously,“You’llletmeundressyou

again.Andafteryou’reallpresentable,I’dliketotakeyououttolunch.”

CHAPTER8

EVERYDAYOFtheweek,Cadeendedupwithamassive,Julian-inducederectionasJulian

carefullystrippedhimoutofhispajamasbeforehisshowerinthemorning.Hehadanotheronecome

bedtime,whenJulianhelpedhimundressandchangeforbed.

EverytimeJuliankneltonthefoyerfloortoputonCade’sboots,ortakethemoff,Cade’scock

tooknotice.

Hedidhisbesttoignorehisreaction.HetriednottostareatJulian’slovely,almostluminousskin

andfrecklesandauburnhairthatcurledaroundhisears.HefirmlydidnotnoticeJulian’sdefined

forearmsasherolleduphissleeveanddidbarnchores,andhemostdefinitelydidn’tsoftenatJulian’s

culinaryefforts.

Andthatlunchtwodaysago–whowould’vethoughtthatgrabbingabowlofThaicurryinanew

placeatthemallcouldfeelsogood?So...romantic.

Hehatedusingthatword.Amarketingtermfraughtwithdanger,whichhadneverdonehimany

good.Heusedtocraveromance,butafterPhilhadmovedoutayearago,andwiththehorsesdemanding

allhisattention,Cade’ssocialcontacthadbeenlimitedtootherhorsepeople,andtoanoccasionaldance

clubforay.

Andthathadgottenboring,too.Hedidn’twanttogrowoldfuckingstrangersinthesemi-private

mazeofagayclub–buteventhatwasbetterthanbringingthemhome.Becauseifhebroughtonehome,he

mightrealizethiswasnoexciting,urbanplacetospendhislife.Orhemightstay,andCadewouldhavea

roughtimegettingridofahopefulsuitorwhowas,essentially,incompatible.

That,too,hadhappenedbefore.

ExceptthisJuliansituationwasdifferent.Cadewasbeingtakencareof,maybeforthefirsttime

sincehisrebelliousteens.Hetriednottolikeit,hestrovetokeepastiffupperlipanddoasmuchashis

bodyallowedhim,andherelishedthepainwhenhetookonabittoomuch.

HisribswerehisJiminyCricket,andtheirunpleasant,sharpreminderstotakeiteasywerea

fabulousantidotetohisfrequent,Julian-inspiredarousals.

OnthisFridaymorning,Cadehadresolvedtomakeitintothebarnandvisithis“kids.”The

temperaturehaddroppedbelowfreezing,andsmall,whitesnowflakesbegantodriftdownfromthesky.

ThankfulthatJulianwasinthebarnalready,Cadestretchedhislegstogetinsidefaster.He

slippedinthroughthesmallsidedoor.

Thefewlightsdidlittletodispelthedarknessofthetall,broadspaceanditswoodenstructure

agedwithadark,antiquepatina.Thescentofhorsesweatwaswarmandfamiliar,andsoothedasore

spotwithinhissoul.Cadeexhaled,andsmiled.Hemissedthissomuch–ithadbeenbeenbarelyfive

days,buthesoneededtogetouthereandsayhello,andmaybegetawaywithdoingalittlebitofwork.

Hesawthewheelbarrowbythethirdstall,andcameover.Julianstoodinthemiddle,shoveling

freshsawdustandspreadingit.

“Hi,”Cadesaid.

Julianturned.“Hey,goodtoseeyouup,”hesaid.“IsMorganalwaysthismessy?Iswear,hisstall

needstoberebeddedjustabouteveryday!”

“Yeah,heis,”Cadesaid.“Iwantyoutoputdownsomeofthebeddingpelletstogetherwiththe

sawdust,Julian.Whenit’scoldlikethis,thebeddingdoesn’tdryout.”

“Okay.”Juliansqueezedhimselfoutofthestall,pastthewheelbarrowthathadenoughsawdustto

freshenupthreemorestalls.“Iguesstheweatherhere’sdifferentthaninTexas.Grandpaneverused

anythinglikethis.Showmewhereyoukeepit.”

Theysaunteredacrosstheaisleandfurtherup,wherethebigsectionservedashayandfeed

storage.“Overthere,”Cadesaid.“Thosewhitebags?Yeah,oneofthose.”HewatchedJulianswingone

uptohisshoulderandwalkoutagain.

Itwasasexysight.

ButCadewasignoringsexysights,becausethey’djustresultinhimgettingallhotandbothered,

andunabletodoanythingaboutit.Hedid,however,slidehisglanceupanddownJulian’slongbody,and

Juliannoticed.

“Likewhatyousee?”heaskedinalighttone.Thesortofjokingtoneacomedianwouldusetodo

aparody.

Cadeshrugged.“Justlooking.”

Juliansmiled,thebagofbeddingstillonhisshoulder,andastrandofstrawstuckinhishair.

“Wait,”Cadesaid.Hereachedover–Julianbackedup.“Holdon,”Cadesaid,shakinghishead.

“Youlookridiculous!”

Julian’sbackpressedagainstthewoodenpartition.Hehadnowheretogo.

“Here,”Cadesaid,andpickedthehayoutofJulian’shair.Hehadtodigabittoteaseitout.“I

don’tknowhowyoumanagedtodothis,”hewhispered,feelingasmiletughislips.

Juliandroppedthebagofbeddingwithathud.

Theireyesmet.

Julian’shazeliriseswerebarelyvisibleinthedusk–orwerehispupilsthatwide,blownwith

arousal?Andhisbreath,itdidhitch.Definitely.Cadewassureofit.

“Cade,”Julianwhisperedonanexhale,voiceladenwithwant,withneed.

“Uh-huh,”CadegruntedintelligentlybeforehepressedhischestgentlyagainstJulian’s.Gently,

becausehewasmindinghisstupidribs.

Julianwhimperedunderhim.

Cade’shandlandedonthewornplanksofthewall,rightnexttoJulian’sheadandsoclose,he

couldfeeltheheatthatradiatedfromhisneck.Carefully,waitingtoberebuked,heranthefingersofhis

otherhandupJulian’schest.

Nothing.Justthosewide,expectanteyes.

Cadetracedapathhigher,offtheroughfabricoftheoldbarnjacketJulianhadborrowedfrom

him,andontohispale,smoothneck.

Julian’slipsparted,breathcomingabitfaster.

CadesankhisfingersintoJulian’shair,cuppingthebackofhishead,andpulledhimin.

Theyclashedhard,lipspressedwithwantonneedinakissofpent-updesireandfrustration.

Juliansnakedhishandsaroundhiswaist,avoidinghistorsowiththecorset.Instead,hewentlow,cupping

Cade’sbuttandpullinghimin.

LipsandtonguesdancedasCadepressedhimself,gently,intoJulian.Hefelthisshaft,ashardas

steelandsohot,hethoughthe’dburnhiswaythroughthefabricofhisjeans.Exceptitwastrapped,stuck

totheside.

“Letmemakeyouabitmorecomfortable,”Cademurmuredastheybrokeforair.Hereached

downbetweenthem,unsnappedJulian’sjeans,andcarefullyslidthezipperdown.

“Cade!”Julian’sexclamationdidn’tsoundlikeacomplaint.

“Youundressmeeveryday,”Cadesaid.Hisvoiceraspedwithdesire,yethestillsmiled,fullof

mischief.“Letmeadjustyouabit.”

OHGOD.OHGodohGodohGod.Thekiss...andthen...andthefeelofCade’serectionthrough

theirjeans–Julianthoughthe’dmelt.Orfaint.OrjuststaystillandbreatheinCade’suniquescent,that

masculinesmellJulianhadcometoexpecteverynight,whenhewashelpingtheamazinglyenticingCade

outofhisshirt.

“Letmeadjustyouabit,”Cadewhisperedagain.

JulianwasstandinginCade’sbarn,pressedintoawall,withhisflyopen.Surelythatwasn’tthe

kindofentertainmenthisgrandfatherhadinmind–andtheridinglessonshehadprepaidinvolvedriding

horses,nothorsemen.

Withslow,easyconfidence,asthoughtogivehimachancetoobject,Cadeslidhishandinto

Julian’sbriefs.

Hetouchedhim–hetouchedhiscock–andthatfirstcontactofskinsentshocksofbright-colored,

electricalpleasurethroughhisentirebody.

Julianmoaned.Itwaseitherthat,orhavehislegsfailhim,andhewasn’tgoingtoslidedownto

thegroundatCade’sfirsttouch.

“Sonice,”Cademumbledintohisneck.“Sohard.”Hedidadjusthim,buthealsocurledhis

fingersaroundhisshaft,andgavehimalanguidstroke.AllthosetimesJulianhadbeeneyeingCadeashe

undressedhim,allthoselovelyhard-onsCadehadhadtosufferatJulian’stouch–oh.Paybackwasa

bitch.

“Whatareyou...d-doingtome,”Juliangroundout.“Thinkof...thinkofthehorses,Cade!”

“Youthinkthehorsesmind?”Cadepulledhislipsbackinaferalgrin.“Youwantmetostop?”

Cade’shandonhisneedyshaftstilled,buthedidn’tletgo,andsomehow,himjustbeingtherewaseven

worse.

“Ungh,”Julianwhimpered,andthrustintoCade’shand.

“Yes,that’sright.”Hisvoicewassosoft,Juliancouldbarelyhearhim.Somehow,Cade’sface

wasburiedintohisneck,softskinandroughwoolandCade’ssoft,warmbreathraisinggoosebumps

downJulian’sleg.

“You’resosmooth,”Cadecrooned.“Andsostrong.Notsoft,just...longandstrongandperfect.”

Julianshudderedagain,thistimeatthetouchofCade’slipsonhissoftandvulnerableneck.Hetensed,

knowinghismuscleswouldstandupinridges.

Cadelickedavalleybetweenthemandlatchedon,nuzzlingandsucking.“Thismightleavea

mark,”hemumbled.

Julianrealizedhewantedtobemarked.Hewantedasetofenviablehickeys,thekindthatwould

lastallweeklong.Thesortthatwouldtelltheguyshegotsome,thekindthatwouldsignaltothewomen

thathewastaken.

Julian’scockwasinCade’shand,pumpinginandoutofhisloose,slightlyroughfist.The

deliciouslittlesoundsthatJulianwasmust’vebeenmusictoCade’sears.“Iwantyou,”Cadewhispered

betweenlovebites.“Iwantyou,Julian.”

ToJulian’salarm,Cadedroppedtohisknees.

“No,”Juliangroundout.“Don’thurtyourself!”

“IWON’T,”CADEsaidashetuggedJulian’sjeansoffsomemore.

Julianpeereddownathim,butCadewasfocusedontheerectbeautythatthreatenedtowhackhim

onhisnose.Inthedimlightofthebarn,Julian’sruddycockstoodproudandeager,withatuftoftrimmed

hairarounditsbase.

Cade’sintriguegrew–Julianapparentlygroomeddownthere.Hisballs,smoothandpendulous,

werebareofhair,andtheirskinwasshinyandtight.Cadecradledtheminthepalmofhishands–andto

hissurprise,Julianwiggledandspreadhislegsasmuchashisjeansallowed.

Aninvitation.

“You’resogorgeous,”Cadesaid,admiringtheview,beforeheslidtwofingersunderJulian’s

balls.Heknewwhatfeltgood–thetaintwouldbesensitive,andmostlikelyhair-free,too.

Hepaused,surprisedwhenhisfingerssomethinghard.Alittlebead?A...

“Ooooh,”Julianmoanedfromabove,hishipsstutteringinvoluntarily.

“You’repierced?”Cade’svoicesqueaked,incredulous.Hedidn’twaitforareply.Thebeads,one

oneachside,weretheendsofabarthatwasembeddedundertheskinofJulian’sperineum.Abarthat,

theoretically,pressedonJulian’shappyspot.Andwhatfunitwoulditbe,slidinghiscockinsideJulian,

havehiscockheadstrokethatplacewhilethebarpressedonitfromtheotherside?He’dbewrithingwith

pleasure,and...

“Cadeyou...you’rekillin’me,”Juliansaid,andCadethrilledatthathintofaresonantTexas

twanginJulian’svoice.

Oh,Icandobetterthanthat,CadethoughtashelickedatrailupJulian’scock.Hesuckedhishead

in,wrappedhislipsaround,andrelaxed.Hewas,afterall,theinjuredone.Itwasentirelypermissibleto

letJuliandoallthehardwork.

HEGRIPPEDCADE’SshoulderseventhoughJulian’sshoulderbladeswerestillanchored

againstthewall.

And,ohGod,thosefingersonhisguiche!Hisballstightenedinwant,andjustashebarely

restrainedhimselffrompushinghiscockintoCade’sface,Cadesuckedhimallthewaydown.

Julianbithislip,breathheavyandhotandfightingitswayouthisnose.HeexpectedCadetotake

himasfarashefeltcomfortable,butCadejuststayedstill,kneelingonthehaythatescapedfromtheopen

bale.

Hethrusted,justaninchorso,carefulnottohurtCade–exceptCadespreadhiskneesand,

holdingJulian’sthighsforsupport,angledhisheadjustso.Likehe’ddonethisbefore.

Overandover,withCade’shandparkedonJulian’sguicheandCade’sthroatopen,Julianpumped

away.Gentlyfirst,thenharder,deeper.

Cadeswallowedaroundhiscockhead.Hisfingers,thepiercing–itallcametogetherinone

massive,needyexplosionoflustanddesperateneed.

“Watchout!”ItflewoutasonemumbledwordoutofJulian’smouth,butCadestayedthecourse.

LettingJulianmouth-fuckhim.

Justthethoughttippedhimovertheedge.Julianexploded,whitelights,ballstighteningandass

pulsing,andCadetookitalland,slowly,heswallowed.

“Fuck,Cade,”hewhispered.“Weweren’tsupposedtodothat.”

“Noreasonwhyyoucan’thaveagoodtimewhileIhealup,”Cadesaidwithagrin,andJulian

sawathinlineofshinyliquidbythecornerofhismouth.

“Butyou,”Juliansaidearnestly.Heshiftedhisfeettomakespace,anddroppedtohiskneeseven

ashiscockwasstillhangingoutathalf-mast,gettingcoldfromallthatspitandcumandwinterair.

HeleanedinandlickedthecornerofCade’slips.Itwasbitterandmuskyandsalty,likehiscum.

Andsweet,likeCade.

Julianembracedhim,makingsurehedidn’tdomoreharm.Theirlipsmet,softandflushed.

Passionateandsensitive.Cadeopenedforhim,andJuliandippedintotastehimselfonCade’stongue.

Theactofdoingsowasintimate,evenmoresothanbeingblown.

“I...thankyou,Cade.Areyouokay?”

“It’smyturntothankyou.Youdoalltheworkaroundhere.”Cadeproducedasleepy,self-

deprecatingsmile.

“Youdon’thavetothankmelikethat,”Juliansaid.“Ilove...Ilovebeinghere.Foryou.Imean,

withyou.”Andthatwasn’tawkwardatall.

“Ilovethatyou’rehere,”Cadeadmitted,andJuliancouldseeithadcosthimalottosaythat.

TheoutlineofCade’shardcockwasstillvisiblethroughhisjeans.“Butyoudidn’t...”Julian

pointedtoCade’sgroin,butdidn’ttouch.“Canyoueven?Imean,yourribs...”

“Withyouaround,I’musedtohavingblueballs,”Cadesaid.HekissedJulian’sneck,awakening

placesthatfeltbothtinglyandsore,andJulianjustknewhe’dhaveaslewoflove-bites.“Butdon’t

worry,”Cadesaid,hiseyesfocusedinanearnestpromise.“Assoonasmyribsarehealed,I’mgonna

fuckyousenseless!”

CHAPTER9

SUNDAYROLLEDAROUND,andJulianrealizedhe’dbeencampedoutatCade’shousefora

wholeweek.Hesprawledonbrowncorduroysofaintheden,enjoyinghisprivacywhileCadewasinthe

barn.PartofJulianwantedtogotothebarnandmakesureCadereallylimitedhisactivitiestohisoffice

andtoabagofcarrotswhichhewouldsharewiththehorses.Hehadpromisednottodoanythingstupid,

andtoaskCadeforhelpifhecouldn’tmoveoneofthemorefractioushorsesbyhimself.Althoughitwas

closetofeedingtime,andJulianwasprettysurethatallCadehadtodowasopenthedoorfromthe

paddock,andthehorseswouldmoveintotheirstalls,walkingfastandwiththeirnecksswaying,manes

flyingastheyheadedtotheirfeedbuckets.

No,hedidn’tneedtocheckonCade.

Thenagain,hewasn’tusedtolivingwithsomeone.

Wait,washeactuallylivingwithsomeone?

Whenhehadexplainedthesituationatworkwhiletheywerewaitingforateammeetingforwhich

hehadtodrivein,hisworkoutbuddyDavidhadstoppedhookinguphislaptoptotheoverheadprojector,

lookedathim,andraisedhiseyebrows.“Thisguyyou’relivingwith,he’sgottobesomethingelse,ifthe

stateofyourneckisanyindication.”

Suzannehadsnortedfrombehindhernotebook,whichpromptedtherestoftheteamtojoshJulian

abouthisnewloveinterest.

No,really,hejustneedsabitofhelpforawhile.

Hedoesdressage.

Heseemsnice,but...

Hishalf-hearteddenialswereshotdowninflamesashotasJulian’sfacehadfeltatthetime.

Butreally,washedefactolivingwithCade?Wasitpossibletojustassumetoomuchandmovein

andendupinarelationshipbothofthemwouldcometoresent?Heneededagoodsoundingboard.

Someoneexperienced,andtrustworthy,whowouldkeepismattersconfidential.

Hecouldn’ttalktohisparents,whowerebothunavailableandeasilypanickedoverhispersonal

matters.Hisfriendsweren’toftheDearAbbyvariety,andhisco-workersweresimplyoutofbounds.

Buttherewasone,supportive,jadedsoulwho’dseeninalljusttwotime-zonesaway.

Julianopenedouthis“Favorites”listandtappedon“Grandpa.”

ONCECADETOOKcareofhise-mail,orderedmorefeed,andscheduledthefarriertocomein

andshoefourofthehorses,hegrabbedthebagofcarrotsJulianhadthrustintohishandsbeforehehad

madehisescape.

Hehadtothink,andhecouldn’tdothatwithJulian’sgorgeouseyesdistractinghim.Norcouldhe

thinkhisquietthoughtswhenJulianalwayshappenedbyatoneofthosechallengingtimes.

TimeswhenCadeneededahelpinghand,andwastoostubborntoask.

ItseemedasthoughJulianusedhishigh-techwizardrytospyonhimwithcamerassetup

throughoutthehouse,orsomething.Orreadhismind–andthatwasn’tcreepyatall.

Itwasuncanny,thewayJuliancouldbeimmersedinhisworkatthediningroomtable,eyesonthe

screenandearphonesplayingthesoundsofrainstormsandwind–andthen,asthoughhe’dgottenan

invisibleandurgenttext,hewouldappearinthesameroom,andsilentlyhelpCadewithwhateverneeded

tobedone.

Socksandshoes.

Makingthebed.

Reachingforabookthatwasabovehisshoulderheight-andyes,stretchingupwasabigno-no.

He’dtriedthatonce,andshiftinghisribcagelikethatwasasbadasactivatingallthoselittlecore

muscleswhilehe’dtriedtoopenajaroftomatosaucewithoutpoppingthevacuumsealfirst.

CadewantedtohateJulian,becauseCadewasn’tonetoaccepthelpfromotherseasily.Hewas

fiercelyindependent.Buyingthisplaceagainsthisparents’protestsservedtoprovehowpig-headedhe

couldbe,evenwhenpresentedwithreasonandfacts.

Excepthehadagoodfeelingaboutit,he’dalwayswantedtoownhisstableandhorses,andthe

extralandthatcamewithitdeferredtherisksomewhat.Heknewhecouldsellanacreortwoifhis

situationbecamedireenough,buthetriednottothinkinthatdirection.Thelandwasalong-term

investment,andbesides,helovedit.

Helovedthesmallstandofwoodsthatdividedthepasturefromtheroad,andhelovedthestream

thatcutthroughit.Helovedthealmost-flatfrontyardwithitsstatelyhorsechestnuttrees,andhe

absolutelyadoredtheorchardoutbackwithallitsapplesandpeachesandcherries.

Andnowanewstudent–Julian–wasmuckingouthisstallsandfixinghisdinners,andhe’deven

takenhimouttolunch.

Thelunchparthadfeltsuspiciouslylikeadate.

Ithadbeenadate.

AnddroppingtohiskneesjusttoblowJulianinthemiddleofthedayhadbeenapleasure.

Aweek.It’dbeenafuckingweek,andhewashornyandfrustrated,andJulianwastherewithhis

sweetmannersandearnesthelpfulness,and...dammit.Hejustcouldnotworkhimselfuptobeangrywith

thatman.

Hisstudent,Caderemindedhimself.Hisstudent,whoneededtolearntorideinorderto

overcomehisfearofheights.

Therehadtobeaway.IfhecouldtalkJulianthroughtackingup...andifhelungedCherry

Blossomsfirst,sohewasn’ttoopeppy...no,wait.Julianbetterlungethehorse.EvenifCadeusedhis

goodarm,therewasnoguaranteethatCherryBlossomswouldn’tgetalittletooenergetic,anddelayhis

recovery.

JULIANSATONthebrowncorduroysofa,motionlessandimmersedindeepthought.Hisphone

satinhispocketagain,heavyandstillwarmfromthelongconversation.

Howawkward,hearinghisgrandfathercacklelikeanexoticbird,andallbecauseofhisfrustratinglove

life!Julianhadskippedthegraphicdetails,butapparently,theyhadnotbeennecessary.TrustGrandpato

haveavividimaginationofhisown.His“don’thurttheboy”admonishmenthadreferredtoCade’s

emotionalstateandasenseofmasculinepride,aswellashisribsandtheharmhecouldcometo“ifhe

wouldgoonwiththoseactivitiesgaymendo.”“Grandpa!”TheheatshotupJulian’sfacelikemercuryin

athermometer.Onemorewordmightpopthetopofhisheadoff.

“Whatthematter,boy?Iwasbornatnight,butitwasn’tlastnight.”And,ohjoy,Grandpahadleft

thesubjectthere.

Thathatedblushpaintedhimcrimsonjustthinkingbacktothatpartoftheirconversation.Hehad

toadmit,however,thatGrandpahadmadeseveralsalientpoints.

IfCadewastofeelcomfortableacceptinghelpfromJulian,Julianhadtoaccepthelpfromhim,

becauserelationshipsneedbalance.

IfJulianwantedtomovetheirrelationshippast“thethingsyouguysdothatcomenaturally,”he

hadtotalktoCadeandfindoutmoreabouthim.Themanwasmorethanjusthishorsesandhisbroken

ribs.

And,mostimportantly,Julianhadtowoohim.

ThatwasthetermGrandpahadused.Woo.Asin,court.Asin,makefeelspecial.

Wooingwasn’tsomethingJulianhadmuchexperiencewith,sincehewastheoneusuallybeing

pursued,andthatonelong-termrelationshipthatdidn’tworkoutdidn’tcountanyway.

Hefrownedwitheffortashepushedhislastbreak-upoutofhismind.

Positive.Staypositive.

Butsupposeithadn’tworkedoutbecausehehadn’tknownmuchaboutwooing?

Whatastupidword.

Flowers.That’swhatchicksliked,anyway.Butwhatdidaguylike?

Juliangotoffthesofa,stretchedhislegsandhisback,andlookedaround.ProvidedthatCade’s

motherhadn’tdecoratedmorethantheguestbedroom,thefurnishingsanditemsondisplaywereboundto

tellhimmoreaboutCadeandhisintereststhantryingtointerrogatethepoorman.

Yeah,thatwouldgowell.

“Hey,Cade,Iwannawooyou.Whatareyouinterestedin?”Hiswhisperslicedthroughthethick

silenceoftheden.

Uh,no.Julianglancedathisphonetocheckthetime.Knowingwhatheknewofbarnchoresand

feeding,hehadhalfanhourtosnooparound.Fifteenminutes,justtobeonthesafeside.

JULIANracedupstairs.Thismightbehisonlyopportunitytocheckouttheotherrooms–and

haveapeekinCade’sbedroom.Nothingtoointrusive,nomedicinecabinetraidsandnosearching

throughdrawers,thatwouldbejusttoointrusive.

Butbooks,maybe.Andmusic.And...whatelsedidpeopleliketodo?Asidefromridinghorses,

thatis.

Cade’sbedroomwasspartanandstreamlined,withitsexcessoffurnitureandnotmuchintheway

ofdecorationsonthewalls.ThenighttablehadadockingspeakerforCade’sphone,aglassforwater,a

bottleofpainkillers,andtwohorse-orientedmagazines.

Nothingnewhere.

JulianrippedoutofCade’sroomandintothenextbedroom,whichhadbeenoneofthetwoCade

hadmentionedearlier,andwhichwasasplainasthe“motherbedroom”hadbeencolorful.

Thenextdoorhidasmallroomfullcarefullystackedboxes.Nowthatwasinteresting–butit

probablywasn’thobby-related.

Julianwasalreadyfamiliarwiththeguestbathroom.

Thedownstairs,then.Helaunchedhimselfdownthestaircaselikethedaredevilheseldomwas,

andtooktheroomsonebyone.

Diningroom–basicfurniture,industrialart.

Livingroom–abitstuffy,withsignsofCade’smother’stouch.Thebig,flatTVonthewall,the

Bosespeakersystem,themediaaccessories...wait.

Thespeakersweretop-notch,andthebookshelftotheleftofthetelevisionheldmostlyCD’s.Too

manytoglanceoverquickly–he’dcheckthemoutlater.

Thekitchenheknewwell,dittoforthebreakfastnookandtheden.

Hespiedadoorintheden–onethatpresumablyledtothebasement.Orgarage.Or...

Julianflickedtheswitch.Thestairwellwascleanlypainted,carpeted,anddeep.Hedescended

carefully,scanningforanythingunusual.

Adoor–heunlockeditandpeekedintothethree-cargarage,whichhousedaF-150pickuptruck,

amotorcycle,andamodestshop.

AsJulianclosedthedoor,hewonderedaboutthemotorcycle.Nowtherewasaninteresthe

would’vebroughtup,haditnotbeenforCade’sinjury.

HemadehiswaybacktoCade’sCDcollection.Musicconnectedpeople,andpeoplelikedtogo

toshowstogether.Musicwasawesome.

WhenJulianfoundhimselfstaringatCade’smusicalhoardagain,hefiguredhehadatleastten

minutes.HecouldcertainlyfindoutwhatfloatsCade’sboatintenminutes...

hereachedforone,thenanother.

Classicalguitar,musicals,jazz.

Moremusicals.

Disneysoundtracks.Wait,Disney?Really?

Juliansetthemaside,alongwithhisprejudiceagainstkidmusic.Iftherewascountrymusic,then

he’dbeset.Ormaybesomeclassicrock,or...

“Whatareyoudoing?”Cade’svoicebrokeintohisthoughts,andfromthetoneofit,Julianknew

hegotbusted.

CHAPTER10

JULIANgaveCadehismostwinningsmile.“Exploring.Sorry,Ididn’trealizeyou’dmind.”He

sawCade’slipstighten,andraisedhishandsasthoughtoholdoffCade’sjustifiedwrath.“Actually,

sorry,letmerephrasethat!Iwasprettysureyou’dmind,soItriednottosnooptoomuch,but...butI’m

doingabitofresearch.”

“Researchonwhat?”Thebittertonedidn’tcomeasasurprise.

“You,actually.Butnotinabadway.Wait...thisjustcameouttooweird.Ispokewithmy

Grandpa,andwewentoveroursituation,and...”

“Fuck,didyoureally?”Cadethrewhishandsupintheair,andhissedwithpain.Juliandidn’task

himwhatwaswrong.Heknewbetterthanpushingrightnow,andheknewCadewasprobablysickand

tiredofhimasitwas.

“Iwastryingtothinkahead,”hesaidinasmallvoice.“Becausewhatwehaveherecouldbe

good,and...”Julianrubbedhishandsoverhisface,hopingtostemtheblushthathefeltcomingon.

“Nevermind.I’manidiot.Pleaseforgiveme,andeithertellmetogohome,ortellmewhatyouwantfor

dinner!”

CADEexpectedsomekindofastory,buthewastakenabackbytheunexpectedlytimidtoneof

Julian’svoice.Hewasabashed,totallyembarrassed,and,wow.Genuine,too.Therewasnodoubtin

Cade’smindthatJulianwasbeingastruthfulwithhimashedared–justashecouldclearlyseethat

Julianwasn’treadytospillallthebeans.

He’dnevermakeaviablesecretagent.

Caderolledhistonguebetweenhisteethinaneffortnottosmile.

Theblushwasback.WhythefuckdidJulianhadtobesoadorable,turningredallthewayupto

hisears?Hedidn’tlooklikeamanwhowastryingtodohimharm.No,helookedlikeaguywhohad

beensnooping,andgotcaughtfairandsquare,andprobablyhadsomehalf-bakedplantodosomething

terriblyconsiderateandsweet.

“Putmymusicback.Iseeyoufoundallmydarksecrets.”

“Idid,”Juliansaid.“Well,Ifoundonlysomeofthem,likemusicals.I’veactuallybeenhopingto

findyourrockhardsection.”

Cadegavehimthestinkeye.

“Imeanyourhardrocksection.”Juliantriedforadisarminggrin.

Caderelented.“Comeon,Snoopy.Letmecleanupandchange,andthenwecandecidewhatwe

wantonourpizza,andonlythenyoucantellmeaboutyourmasterplan.I’malmostafraidtofindout.”

Julianwalkedupthestairstwostepsaheadofhim,themusclesofhisshapelybuttflexingunder

hispants.“That’sokay,”hetossedoverhisshoulder.“I’msortofafraidtotellyou.”

HALFANHOURlater,Cadewaswearingcleansneakers,longworkoutpants,andathickbutton-

downflannelshirt.Hedidn’tcomplainwhenJuliancametohelp,buthedidnoticethathishousemate–

wait,didhenowcountasahousemate?–wassomehowsubdued.

“Thankyou,”hesaid.

“Mypleasure.”Julianshiftedhisweight.“Sothehorsesaretakencareoffortheday?”

“Yeah.AndIwantpizza.”

Julianbrightened.“Wouldyouliketogoout?There’sthispizzaplacenearwhereIlive...“His

voicetrailedoffuncertainly.“Youmightlikeit.Whatdoyoulikeonyourpizzaanyway?”

“Hamandpineapple.”

“Anythingmeatandbasilonmyend,”Juliansaid.“ButI’llbehappytotryhamandpineapple.

Tryingnewthingsisgood,andsinceyou...well...”hestammered,andthatblushwasback.

“Julian.”Cadecameuptohim.“Julian,talktome.What’sgoingon?”

Julianblinked.Shutterscamedownoverhiseyes–hewasdefinitelyhidingsomething–andthen

hesaidinavoicefullofdeterminedcheer:“Iwanttotryyourpizza.”

Cadetookinthetensioninhisforehead,theeyebrowsthatdrewtogetherwithdetermination.The

mouththatwashardandprim,unlikebefore,whentheyhadkissed.

AndthatkissstilllivedinCade’smemoryasoneofthemostsensualexperiencesofhislife.

HegrabbedJulian’sarmsandpushed,walkinghimtothekitchenisland.Julian’seyeswerebig

andexpectant,waitingforwhatmightcome,andCadewasn’tgoingtodisappoint.Hepushedhimagainst

thegranitecounter,slidhishandupandcuppedhishead,andgentlybrushedhislipsagainstJulian’s

determinedmouth.

Juliancranedhisneck,wantingmore,andbeforetheyknewit,theywereinacrushing,searing

kiss.Tonguesdancing,teethnipping,andgroinspressedtogetherinadesperateeffortatconnectionthat

promisedtobenakedandwild.

“Fuck,”Cadesaidashebrokethekiss.“Ican’ttakethisanymore.You’rejust...justtoomuch.”

Hisvoicefloatedouthoarse,gaspingpants.“Julian,shit.Thisisbad.”

“Iknow.I’msosorry.”Julianchasedhimwithachastepecktohischeek.“Doesithurtnow?”

Cadenodded.Ithurtwitheverybreath,butJuliandidn’tneedtoknowthat.Theforceofanorgasm

wouldtwisthimintoahopelesswreck,movingthehealingribsapart,andbacktosquareone.

“Wecan’tdothisanymore,babe,I’msorry,”hesaid.“You’rejusttoomuch,andIcan’tbe

walkingaroundhardallthetime.”

Juliannodded.Heschooledhisexpressionintoaseriousmask,probablyhopingtohidehistrue

feelings,butdevastationwasspelledinhiseyes.“Youwantmetogo.”

“No,”Cadesaid,evenashetookastepaway,givinghimhispersonalspaceonceagain.“I...I

wantyou.AndIcan’thaveyou,andit’skillingme.”

“Iwantyoutoo,andit’skillin’methatIcan’treciprocate,”Juliansaid.Mercifully,hedidn’t

describewhatCadehaddoneforhim,buthedidn’tneedto.Theirconnectionwaspalpable,theair

shimmeredwithachargeofsheeranimalmagnetism,andtheirunbrokeneyecontactmadeitobviousthat

theywere,evennow,relivingeverystrokeandeverygasp.

Cadetookanotherstepback,thenanother.

“Iwantyoumorethananything,butIrefusetohurtyou.”Julian’sno-nonsenseexpressionwasat

oddswithhisvoice,whichwasclosetobreakingwithsorrow.

“Let’sorderthatpizza,”Cadesaidgently.

THROUGHOUTTHEEVENING,theywerecarefultoavoideventhemostcasualbrushof

fingertips.Thelockedgazesthathadbrimmedwithlustandemotiondisappeared,andonlyafleetingeye

contactremained.

“Ishouldgobackhome,”Juliansaid.“It’sbeenaweek,andyou’reinabetterplacenow.Youcan

dosomethings,and...andI’llcomeandcheckonyou.Didyoumanagetoschedulethebarnhelp?”

Cadegrimaced.Sergiodidrecommendayoungwomanwho’dbeendyingtorideandcouldn’t

affordit.Theyagreedtotrade.“There’sSam.”

Julian’screstfallenexpressionwarmedCade’sheart.Jealousycouldbearealego-boosterat

times.Herelented,however,andtookJulian’shandinhisown.“SamanthagoesbySam.She’sabarista,

straightoutofcollegeandlookingforsomethingpermanent.She’llcomeinbeforehershiftstartsthree

daysaweek,andI’llcreditheralessonforeverydayshehelpsout.”

“Isshenewatthis?”Julianasked.

“That’sthething,sheusedtorideasateen,andknowsherwayaroundastable.Shewantstoget

backtoit.Sono,notreally.”HesqueezedJulian’shand.“AndRyanwillcovertheotherdays.AllIneed

isanotherweekortwo.”

“Youneedfourweeks,maybefive.”Juliansqueezedhishandback.“Remember,that’showyou

reinjuredit.AndDr.MalardwantsyoutocomeinandtakeasetofX-raysnextweek,soI’lltakeyou,

okay?”

“Okay.”Capitulation,followedbygratitude,floodedCade’schest.Heblinkedawaytheprickling

sensationinhiseyes.“Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutyou,Julian.You’vebeenabsolutelyfantastic.I

just...Iwishwecould,youknow...”

“Fuck?”Juliansaid,withmischiefinhisvoice.

“Fuck,”Cadesaidwitharesignednod.“AndIdon’twanttotalkaboutthedetails.”

“Notforatleastaweekortwo,”Juliansaid.Cadewould’veswornhealmostlickedhislips.

CHAPTER11

FUNNYHOWITwasperfectlypossibletooccupyonegivenvolumeofspacewithhisbody,but

bemilesawayinspirit.JuliandidhislaundrywhileremindinghimselfthatCade’sclotheswereallclean

andputaway.HewenttobedthinkingofCadeinthatbig,emptyMcMansionthatjusthappenedtocome

withthelandandthestables,andhewokeuppiningforthesoundofCade’svoice.

Also,hewasnervous.Thatgirl,Sam,bettershowup.Andshebetterdoagoodjob,andRyan

bettermakesuretofollowalltheinstructions.

Comemorning,hewokeupearlierthanheusedto,andrealizedhewasonhorse-feedingtime,just

likebackwhenhewasakidandhadspentthesummersatGrandpa’sranch.

Theextratimedidn’tgotowaste.Heshoweredanddressed,andsetuphispoor,travel-weary

computerinthestudycornerofthesecondbedroomofhisduplex.Thenhescroungedupabreakfastof

eggsandtoastedbread.Therewasn’tmuchelse.Asthecoffeewasbrewing,hetossedallthespoiled

thingsoutofhisrefrigerator,andmadeashoppinglist.

WhichmadehimthinkofCade’spantry,andCade’srefrigerator,andthefactthatCadehadbeenin

visiblepainthelasttimehehadtriedtodrivehisbouncytruck.

Julianpickeduphisphone.

I’mgoingshoppingtoday.TextmealistofwhatyouwantandI’llsetyouup.

HefiredthetextofftoCade,tryingnottooverthinkthesituationtoomuch.Hewasbeingamother

hen,heknewit,butthesadfactwasthathejustcouldn’thelphimself.

Hisphonedingedmomentslater.

Thanks,butthere’sastorethatdelivers.

Oh.Well,then.Julianfeltstrangelysupplanted,asthoughhewastheonlyoneallowedtolavish

succorandcareuponCade.

Idon’tmind:-)

Hepressed“send”justamomenttoosoon–hereallyshouldn’thaveusedthatemoticon.Cade

wasamanlyman,afterall.Hewrangledbiganimalsanddroveabigpickuptruck,andhe,uh,hehada

bigdick.FromwhatJulianhadbeenabletodiscern.Notthathewascloselyacquainted–buthewanted

tobe.

ComeoveronWednesdayforaridinglessonandbringthatThaicurryfordinner.

AwidegrinsplitJulian’sface.IfCadewasbeingbossy,itmeanthemightbefeelingabitbetter.It

alsomeanthewasfeelingcomfortableenoughbeingadickaroundJulian,insteadofwalkingonegg

shellslikehewasbefore.

Whattosay?“YesSir!”wasloadedwithunintendedmeaning,“Yourwishismycommand”was

justasbad.“Asyouwish”soundedlikethatfunnymoviewiththehotpiratedude.

OK.Sinceyouasksonicely.

Whenindoubt,resorttosnark.

Anotherreply:

:-)

Okay,somaybeCadewasn’taboveusingemoticons.ThethoughtwarmedJulian’sheartallthe

waytowork.

HISSTUDENTSCAMEandleftthatWednesday,allsolicitous,askingCadehowhewasdoing.

Theyalsomadesuretofeedthehorsesandfilltheirbucketswithfreshwater,andoneofthemstartedup

thetractorandrakedthesawdustofthearenaintoapristinesurfacefreeofhorsedroppings.

Cadewashappytoseethem,andhewasevenhappiertowatchthemleave.Heglancedatthe

clockonthewallofhisbarnoffice.Theblackhandsthatbravelyshowedtimeeventhroughthedusty

covertoldhimitwouldbetenminutesuntilJulianshowedup.maybeless,iftherewasnotraffic.

Acardoorslammedshutintheparkinglot.

Cade’swholedaybrightened.Onlyanelectriccarcouldsneakupthisquietly.Apeekthroughhis

smudgedwindowrevealedapristine,cherry-redPriusinthemiddleoftheparkingarea.

Juliangotout,allprimandproperanddamn,didthatmancutafinefigure,orwhat?Hisriding

tightshuggedhisshapelyassandwell-muscledlegs,andtheblackleatherbootsheworeinsteaofhisold

half-chapsandankle-heightridingbootstoldCadethatJulianwasseriousenoughabouthislessonstoat

leastmakeaninvestment.Thedownjacketthattoppeditoffsortofspoiledtheeffect,butCade’sactive

imaginationcouldjustseethoseperfectshouldersencasedinaproperridingjacket,astrideahorseand

withacropinhand...

Betternotthinkofthat,forthatwaylayeternalfrustration.

Juliancamearoundtothetrunk,pulledoutabagofwhatlookedalotliketake-outfood,anda

duffelbag.

Huh,interesting.AllkindsofscenariosranthroughCade’shead.

Anovernightbag?

Hetookaquickinventoryofhisachesandpains.It’dbeentendays.Hehadbeenusingthecorset,

hedidcutbackonhispainmedstwodaysago...butheprobablyshouldn’triskanythingtoovigorous.

AndthatwasassumingJulianwasstillonboard.Julian,whohadbeentothegymwithfriends,

wholivedacityfullofbarsandclubs,andwhowassoeasyontheeyes,hecouldgotrollingfordick

anytimehepleased.

Hecouldprobablysetuphisowncatch-and-releaseprogram.

Cadegroaned.

“Youokay?”Julian’svoice,clearasabell,startledhimfromstaringoutthewindow.

“Yeah.”Nowthatyou’rehere–buthecouldn’tsaythat.“I’mgood,theribsarejustabitbetter.

Andhowaboutyou?”

Juliansethisdufflebagonthefloor,andplacedthelargepaperbagwithtake-outcontainerson

thedeskthatseparatedthem.Thescentofwarmspicesmingledwiththeearthyandfamiliarsmellofthe

barn,andJulian’ssmileprovidedthescintillatinglightmadeitallseemfamiliarandwarm,justlikea

homeshouldbe.

Cadeclearedhisthroat.“Letmesee,”hesaid,andpeekedinsidethebag.Surprisemadehis

eyebrowsshootallthewayup.Hereachedin,andpulledoutaflorist’ssleevewithasingleredroseinit.

Sheernervesmadehishandsabitclumsyasherippedtheloud,crinklingwrap.Thestemofthe

enclosedbaby’sbreathbrokebyaccident.“Oops,mybad,”hewhispered.Therosebudwassmooth,like

hardcock,butcooler,andhehadasuddenurgetoputitinhismouth.

Heresisted.Thatwouldbemean,especiallybeforeJulian’sride.He’dprobablyberidingwitha

hard-on.Hisguichemightbefuninbed,butJulianmightaswellhaveputaburrunderhisownsaddle.

plushehadthatpiercingtokeepthesaddleinteresting.Itwasawonderhehadn’tfallenlasttimearound.

Julianshiftedhisweight,oozingself-consciousnessandstudyingtheoldcalendarpadonCade’s

desktop.

Cadeglancedupathim,finallycatchinghisgaze.“Thankyou,”hesaidquietly.“Letmefind

somethingtoputitin.”

AGatoradebottlefromtherecyclables,rinsedatthehoseandfilledwithwater,didthejob.Cade

cutthestemsshorttomatchthebaby’sbreath.“Thisistemporary.Ihavejusttherightvaseatthehouse.”

Juliangaveahesitantlittlelaugh.“Iwasn’tsure...isittoomuch?”

“I’venevergottenflowersbefore,”Cadesaid.“Thankyou.It’snice.”Hecamearoundthedesk

andpulledJulianintoacarefulhug.“Thankyousomuch.”

Julianbeamedathim.Thenheleanedin,andgentlykissedthecornerofhismouth.“Icamehereto

ridethehorse,”hesaid,withemphasison‘horse.’“Theflowerisentirelycoincidental.”

THESAMEOLDbutterfliesbeattheirwingsagainsttheinsideofJulian’sskin,flutteringagainst

hisshoulderblades,invadinghisthroat.

Liftinghim.

Hehadforgottenhowhighuphewouldbe–andthistime,hewasn’tonthelunge.Notafterhe’d

seenCadehandlehisbodysocarefully,asthoughhewasfragileandabouttobreak.

Well,hewas.Thatwasthewholepoint,andthat’swhyJulianhadproclaimedwithacertaintythat

wasonlyskin-deep,thathedidn’tneedalungeafterall.

TheflickerofreliefonCade’sfacetoldhimthathemadetherightchoice,andonlyknowingthat

hewassavingCade’sribsfromcertaindiscomfortkepthiminthesaddle.

“Iwantyoutopressyourheelsdown,”Cadesaid.“Niceandstraight,keepbreathing...there.

Handsabitmoreforward–hewon’tmoveunlessyougivehimmorerein.”

Butmovinghishandsforwardmeantmovingthemawayfromthepommelofthesaddle,andfrom

theattachedsissystrap.Whichhefullyintendedtograbifhefeltinperiloffalling.

Julianswallowed,andwithoutmovinghishead,heglancedatCade.

Cade,whowasstandinginthemiddleofthearena,expectantyetpatient.“Justaquarterofan

inch,Julian.”

Aquarterofaninchwouldn’timbalancehim.Hecouldstillgrabthestrap,orthepommel,oreven

thesaddlepad.

OrthewhitehorsemanethatwassocarefullybrushedoutbySam,hewassurprisedshedidn’t

braiditintomacrame.

Julianmovedhishandsforwardthesmallestbit.Hepushedhisheelsdown,andwithgreat

trepidation,hegentlysqueezedCherryBlossomswithhislegs.Hestillrememberedhowtodothatfrom

wayback,usinghiscalfandnothisheel.

CherryBlossomshiftedunderhim.

Panic!Destruction!Hepulledhishandsback.

Thehorsestopped,thenstartedbackingup.

“Shit.Shit!”Thewordsflewoutofhismouth.

“Stoppullingbackonthereins,”Cadecalledout.“Relax,breathe...“

Wellfuckitall,Cadehadn’trealizedhe’dbeenpulling.“Iwasn’tpullingmuch,”hesaidonce

CherryBlossomssettledintothattolerantandpatientstillnessunderhim.

“He’strainedtobackupwhenyoudothat,”Cadesaid.Therewasnohumorinhisvoice,no

ridicule.Justanintensedesiretoconveyaconcept,andapassiontoseeJuliansucceed.

“I’lltrymakehimwalkforwardnow,”Juliansaid,toCadeaswellastohimself.

Andthat’swhenherealizedhehadjustmovedonahorseinanunexpecteddirection,andhewas

stillhere,aliveandwell.

Hepressedhiscalvesin,pushedhisheelsdown,andallowedhistightfistsforwardthesmallest

bit.And,miracleofmiracles,CherryBlossommovedaheadinaslow,precisewalk.

“Nice,verynice.”Cade’svoicedriftedtohim,soothinglikealullaby.“Keepwalkingforawhile,

seehowthatfeels.”

Anditfeltfine.Sofine,hedidn’tfeellikethrowingupanymoreandthebutterflieshadsettled

downtomanageablelevels.HeexpectedCadetoshoutexhortationsathim,correctinghispostureor

tryingtomakehimrelax,likehehadwithhisotherstudent,butCadekepttothemiddleofthearenaand

onlyturnedortookafewstepstokeephiseyesonhim.

“You’redoinggreat.Goaroundtwicemore.That’sagoodwarm-upforbothofyou.”

Cadestiffened,andCherryBlossomscametoanabruptstop.Cadegrippedhimwithhislegs,

hard,fightingtokeephisuprightposture.

Relax.Hehadtorelax–andasherelaxedhishands,CherryBlossomsbrokeintoaconfidenttrot.

“God!”TheshoutrippedoutofCade’sthroatasthoughhewasfacingafiringsquad.Thefloorof

thearenamovedasfastasaracetrackwayunderhim,yethewasafraidtochangeasinglething.

“Great!Youaredoingsowell...now,lookstraightahead.Yougowhereyoulook,sodon’tlook

down.”

Theimplicationwasclear.Julianfixedasteelygazebetweenthewhiteequineears,andtriedto

breath.

“Relaxyourhips,”Cadecalledout.“Movewithhimalittle.”

Juliantried,butforthelifeofhimhecouldn’tletgo.Itwastoodangerous,toohighup,toofast.

Andthatdamnguichewastakingabeating,andnotinagoodway.

Deliberately,gently,hepressedhisheelsdown,andtightenedthereins.

“Thatwasanice,fullycontrolledstop,”CadesaidinavoiceasfilledwithprideasthoughJulian

haddonesomethingtrulymagnificent.“Areyougettingtired?”

AhotflushassaultedJulian’sskinallatonce.“Um,notreally.”

“Okay.Letmeknowwhenyouwanttogoagain.”

CHAPTER12

WHATTODO?Shouldhesuffer,orshouldhefessuptothecauseofhisdistress?Juliantriednot

tostirinthesaddle,notknowinghowCherryBlossomswouldreact.Heseemedtobeprettybomb-proof

asfarastemperamentwent,buthewasclearlytrainedtorespondtominuteshiftsandchangesofposition.

IftighthandshadmadehimbackuplikeaminivaninaTraderJoe’sparkinglot,therewasnotellinghow

hemightrespondtoabuttwiggle.

“Um,Cade?Thiswasgood,butIthinkI’mdonefortheday.”

AcrestfallenlookofdisappointmentwashedoverCade’sfeatures.Heeraseditwithacalm,

professionalsmile.“Okay.Youdidmorethanweprobablyexpected.Doyouneedhelpgettingoff?”

Thedoubleentendre,togetherwithhisirritatingguiche,wasimpossibletoresist.“Isthatan

offer?”

Cadeshiftedhisweighttohisheelsandback,andreleasedanexasperated,longexhale.“Doyou

needhelpasyoudismount,Julian?”

Heshookhishead.“IthinkIgotthispart.”Heshiftedhisreinsintohislefthandandgrabbedthe

pommelwithit.Thenhekickedouttherightfootoutofthestirrup,swunghislegoverthehorse’srump,

andquicklygrabbedthebackofthesaddle.Heleanedhisbellyacrossthesaddle,awarethathewashigh

up,hangingoveranabyss.

Thispartfeltbad.Sodangerous,heevenconsideredremounting.

“Justgetoutofthestirrupandslidedown,Julian.”Cade’scalmvoiceremindedhimthathewas

makingaspectacleofhimself.

Hefelllastweek,andlivedtotalkaboutit.Whatcouldgowrong?

Stillingtheriotofbutterfliesthatthreatenedtoburstoutandunbalancedhimwiththecombined

poweroftheirfranticallybeatingwings,hegothisleftfootoutofthestirrup,andslowlysliddown

CherryBlossom’sbarrel.

Justashislegstouchedtheground,theballendingofhisguichepinchedthesensitiveskindown

undersohard,hegasped,mis-stepped,andlandedonhisass.

JuliantookthereinsoffCherryBlossom’sneck,andturnedtohim.“Areyouokay?What

happened?”

“I,uh.Thisisembarrassing.”

Cadeglancedathimwithavaryeye.“Canyougetupbyyourself?Becauselasttime...“

“Ican.No,don’teventhinkofhelpingme.”Julianrolledovertohisbelly,thankfulthatthearea

hadbeenraked.Atleasthedidn’tendupinapilethistimearound.Hegothimselftohishandsandknees,

andthenup.

Cadesmiled.“Notbad.Youeventrotted,andsittingtrotisharderthanposting.It’sharderonyour

buttandback,though,ifyoudon’trelaxupthere.”

“That’snottheonlyproblem.”Julianwaswrithingwithembarrassmentontheinside.Thatpinch

wasstillthere,hisprostatefeltbruised,andinalllikelihood,hecouldn’tdrivehomethewayhewas.He

didn’tquitelookatCadewhenheasked,inaverysmallvoice,“Haveyoueverremovedaguiche

before?”

ASTHEYUNTACKEDCherryBlossomstogether,Cadekeptbitinghistongueso’snottosay

somethinghe’dregret.Suchas,whatkindofanidiotwouldridewithagenitalpiercing.Or,whatinthe

worldpossessedyoutogetitinthefirstplace?Notthatitwasn’tkindofhot,butsomethingssounded

betterinfantasythaninreality.

Feelingabitguiltyovernotgroominghishorsetowithinaninchofhislifethistimearound,Cade

escortedthesufferingJuliantothehouse.

Thistime,itwasCadewhopointedatthebenchinthefoyer.“Sit,”hesaid.

Julianshookhishead.“Notagoodtimetobesittingdown.”

Cadesuppressedapainedsigh.“Stand,then,andholdontothewall.”

Juliandid.

ItwasCade’sturntodroptohiskneesandhelpJulianoutofhisboots,excepthedidn’tdoitas

gracefully.Mindfulofhisribs,hehadnoqualmsaboutholdingontothebenchforsupportonhisway

down,andheevenusedtheboot-pullsothatJuliancould,forthemostpart,wigglehisbootsoffby

himself.

“Gouptomybedroom,”hedirected,asthoughhewasstillinthebarnandJulianwasan

inexperiencedhelper.“I’llgetsomesupplies.”

“Underordinarycircumstances,thiswouldsoundreallypromising,”Julianquippedashemade

hiswaytowardthestaircase,walkinglikeageriatricpenguin.

Yes,underordinarycircumstances,theywould’vealreadyhookedup,andmaybewouldhave

decidedthatthiswasabadideaafterall.Thelasttwoweeksofunexpectedclosenesshadbuiltupan

amazingchargebetweenthem,however.Achargesopotent,theyhadtoworkondissipatingiton

purpose.Andastheydidthat,outofconsiderationforeachother,theybeganearningeachotherquirks.

Asenseofhumor,apenchantofflowers.Fears,hopes,culinarypreferences...thecurveofasmile,

thatcarefulhesitationthatprecededastatementofdissent.

Julian’scourageinfacinghisfearofheights,andhisdeliberateefforttocontrolhisphysical

reactionbyfocusingonthehorseswhichhesoloved.

CadepausedatthethoughtofJulianbeingahorseman,affectionateandfirmandunafraidinhis

dealingswithallofthem–evenwithThor,Sergio’sshiftybeast,theonethathadsteppedonhisbodyso

carelessly.Betweenthat,andhissweetsexysmile,andthewayhehadinsistedontakingcareofhim,

Cadeknewthat,justthen,astupid,moon-strucksmiletookoverhisface.

PoorJulian,hethoughtashehurriedinassemblingtheessentialshethoughthewouldneedin

removingapieceofhardwarefromJulian’snetherregions.

CADE’SBEDDIPPEDsoftlyunderJulian’sweightashesatontheedgewithhisbareass.Naked

fromwaistdown,hekepthissockson,becausehavingtotakeoffhisridingbreechesandbriefswasbad

enough.Thelong-sleeveshirtstayedon,coveringhischestalongwithhisnippledumbbells.

Noneedtomakethesituationevenworse.

Heshould’veneverriddenwiththedamnthing.Heshould’vegonebacktothetattoostudio,and

askedKarentotakeitoutforhimwhenhedecidedtoride.Heshould’veconsultedheronthewhole

thing.

ThesoundofCade’sfootstepsonthestairsmadehisheartbeatfaster,butnotbecausehewas

sittingonhisbedwithpantsoff.Itwasmorelikenerves,andhorridembarrassment.

Cadewalkedinwithoutknocking.Hishandswerefull.Hecarriedaplasticbasinfulloffirstaid

suppliesinonehand,andabig,redtoolboxintheother.

Juliangawped.“Noway.What’sthatfor?”

“Ifyouwanttoremovehardware,you’llneedtools,”Cadesaid,deadpan.“Besides,it’sbetterto

haveandnotneed,thantoneedandnothave.Remember,I’veneverdonethisbefore.”Hepaused,and

gaveJulianasearchinglook.“Areyousureyoudon’twanttohavethisseenbyaprofessional?”

“It’sjustabar,”Juliangroundout.“Theball’ssupposedtounscrew.”Hepointedatthetoolbox.

“Isthissomekindofajoke?”

Theshit-eatinggrinthatspreadacrossCade’sfacewasworthathousandwords.

“Youasshole,”Juliansaidwithanexaggeratedeye-roll.“I’minpainhere,okay?Ishould’ve

takenitout,butputtingitbackiskindoftricky.It’shardtoreach.Andnowthearea’sswollen!”

Cadegavehimasympatheticlook.“Okay,okay.Sorry.Ijustdidn’tknowwhattoexpect.Gimme

somecredit,though-Ijustwantedtwosetsofpliers,incaseyourballsarestuck.”

ThephrasewasoutwithoutCadehavingthoughtaboutitmuch,andJuliandecidedtoletitslide.

“Canwetryitwithoutyourtoolboxfirst?”heaskedinstead.“Andtheanswerbetterbe‘yes’.”

“Sure,”Cadesaid.“Scootbackandletmehavealook.”

Hesitantly,Julianmovedhisbuttafootawayfromtheedge,leanedbackonhiselbows,and

spreadhisthighs.HehadhopedtobeinthispositionforCade’s,butnotlikethis.

Andhefuckinghatedneedinghishelp.

Oh.Oh.AndnowheknewhowCadehadbeenfeelingallthistime.PoorCade,withhisribs,who

hadappreciatedhishelpontheoutside,butwhowasseethingoverhisowninabilitytodoforhimself

everytimehethoughtJulianwasn’tlooking.ThatsheddifferentlightuponJulian’sownsituation.

“I’mgoingtotouchyounow,”Cadesaid,soundingallclinicalandallbusiness.

Hisfingerswerelightandcareful,likehewasusedtotendingtoskitterishbeastswhowerehurt

andlikelytokick.Warmfingers,acaress,thenagentleprodthatsentawaveofpainsharpenough,that

Julianhissed.

“Sorry,”Cadesaid.“Letmejustgettoit,okay?”

Juliangrittedhisteethinanticipation.“Uh-huh.”

HefeltCade’scarefulfingers.Anotherpinchofsharppainmadehimgasp.

“Sorry,”Julianmurmured.“It’sabitstuck.Letmegetthepliars,okay?”

Juliansatupinalarm.“Seriously?”

“Yeah.Icanseehowit’ssupposedtoopen,butthere’snowayIcangetitwithjustmyfingers.”

TherewasahintofguiltinCade’svoice,asthoughthiswasallhisfault.

“Goforit.”

AndCadedid,workingwithgentlecontrol,alwaystellingJulianwhatwascomingnext.His

voicebecamehypnotic,asoothinganchortorealityinasurrealworldwhichJuliannowseemedto

inhabit.

“Okay,it’sdone.”Cade’svictoriousexclamationfilledJulienwithrelief.

“Really?”Itdidn’tfeelmuchdifferentdownthere.Julianreachedunderhisballstofeelthesore

spot.Hedrewasharpbreath.“Damn.Thankyousomuch!”

Tohissurprise,Cadeshuckedoffhisclothes,unstrappedthecorsetthathelpedhisbodyheal,and

gavehimapleadinglook.“HowaboutwegetunderthecoverswhileIputanicepackonyou?”

CADEREALIZEDHEwasabletoundresshimselfforthefirsttimeinweeks.Thethought

thrilledhim,buthetemperedhisexcitementwiththehard-earnedexperienceofknowingheshouldn’tbe

doingtoomuch,toosoon.

“Okay,”Juliansaidwithanod,andslidunderthecomforteronhissideofthebed,leavingCade’s

sideempty.Cade’schestfilledwithsomethingwarmandfuzzy.Julianrememberedwhichsidehelikedto

sleepon,eventhoughtheyhadneverspentanighttogether.Oraday.

“Movetomyside,okay?”Cadesaid.“Iwanttosettledownonmyside,andthathastobemy

goodside.”

“Areyouokaywithoutyourcorset?”Julianaskedwithobviousconcern.

“Yes,ifI’mverycareful.”Theinjurystillhurtsome,andCade’sbreathswerestillshallowand

careful,butthesharppainfromboneendsslidingagainsteachothernolongerstartledhiminto

breathlessness.

CadejoinedJulian,bareskinagainsttheroughnessofJulian’slong-sleeveT-shirt.Hehanded

Julianabagoffrozenpeaswrappedinapapertowel.“Here,putthisbetweenyourlegs.”

“Thatsoundsdirtierthanitshould,”Juliansaidwithasmile.Hestartledashisbarethighbrushed

againstCade’sknee,andhebithislipasCade’ssleepysexpressedagainsthiship.“Youfeelsogood,”

hewhispered.“Whatarewedoing,again?”

“We’reenjoyingskincontact,”Cadereplied,asthoughgettinginbednakedwasthemostnatural

thingintheworld.

Amomentpassed.

“Thisissocold,”Juliansaid,“Idon’tthinkI’dgethardevenifitdidn’thurt.”

“Iknow.”Cadeleanedinandkissedhimonthetemple.“Butdoesithelp?”

“Yeah.”Juliantensed,asthoughpoisedforaction.“Letmetakethisshirtoff!”

Withinseconds,CadebaskedinthepleasureinJulian’sheatandscentandallthatsmooth,

touchableskin.Softnesswaspunctuatedbyasmatteringofhaironhischest,andatrailledhisfingers

towardthebellybutton.Evenlower–buthechosenottoexplorethat.

Heskatedhisquestingfingersup,followingtheswirlofhaironJulian’spectoralsfurtherin,

towardthenipple.

Juliangroaned.“You’rekillingme!”

“Yeah?Sorry.”AsCadewithdrewhishand,hissensitivepalmdetectedasmoothhardnessthat

didn’tbelong.Something...oh.Wow.“Areyournipplespierced?”

“Yeah!”Julian’svoicewasbreathynow.“Sincecollege.”

“Andtheguicheisnewer?”

“Verynew.Itjusthealed.”Cadeheardthebarelysuppressedfrustrationandembarrassmentin

Julian’svoice.Helikelyfeltlikeanidiot.

Cademovedhishandtoalesserogenouszoneandpulledhimintoahug.“Don’tworryaboutit,”

hemurmuredintoJulian’sshort-croppedhair.“Fewyearfromnowwe’llbelaughingaboutthis!”

Bothofthemfroze,butJulianmeltedintoCade’sembracefirst,andsmiled.“Fewyearsfromnow,

huh?”

“You’llbeagreatrider,”Cadesaid,tryingtoputaspinonit.“Youdowildcircusstuntson

horseback,andyourgrandpawillbemightyimpressedwithyou!”

AraggedlaughrippedoutofJulian’sthroat.Heturnedonhisside,facingCadeandwrappinghim

inagreedyembrace.“I’lljuststickwiththevisionofalong-termarrangementfornow,”hewhispered.

HislipslandedonCade’s,hardandfirmanddemanding.

Cadewhimperedwithneed.Therewasnothingwrongwithhisnetherregions.Hiscocksprangto

attentionasJulian’stonguecaressedhis.Feelinghim.Tastinghim.

Themaninhisarmswasexceptional,andsexy,andkind–andhelikedtheideaoffewyearsfrom

now.

“Webetternotgetcarriedawayyet,”Cadesaidafteramoment’shesitation.

“We’vewaitedthislong,wecanwaitfewmoreweekslonger,”Julianwhisperedintohisneck.

Fatigueofthedaywashedoverhim,andoverJulian,too.Cadethoughtbacktohisschedule.The

horsesweretakencareof,andhedidn’thavelessonsscheduleduntilthatevening.Heclosedhiseyes,

inhalingJulian,stillrecallingthesweetnessofhistongue.Theheatoftheirconnectionwasfrustrating,

sure–butitwasalsonice,inanintimatekindofway.

Anapsurewouldn’thurt.

CHAPTER13

THEFIRSTWEEKofFebruaryrolledinwithamassiveemergencyatwork,andthesecond

weekrushedinsofast,Valentine’sDaysmackedJulianasthoughoutofnowhere.Itsnuckuponhim,and

herehewas,withnoplanswhatsoever.Hewasn’tsurehowtodealwithCade.

Ifhedidtoolittle,hemightsendalukewarmmessage.Toomuch,andhe’dcomeacrossasa

needybitch.Hewantedtodosomething,though,and...

Hisphonerang,andJulianansweredit.“Hey,Grandpa.What’sup?”

“Thequestionismorelike,what’supwithyou?Howarethings?”

Juliancouldalwaystellhisgrandfatheranything.Ofallhisfamilymembers,theyconnectedforan

unknownandprobablymysticalreason,andJulianhadalwaysspilledthebeansaboutschool,orwork,or

friends.Evenhisromanticentagnlements,suchastheywere,gotasolidcommentaryfreeofjudgment.

Whenhisgrandmahadbeenalive,theygotalongwell,too,buteventhatwasnocomparisontotheway

hisgrandfatherjustsimplygothim.

Yeteventheirspecialbondhaditslimits,andJuliancouldn’timaginethecircumstancesthat

wouldmakehimtellhishorse-obsessedgrandfatherabouthisriding-relatedpiercingincident.Grandpa

didn’ttakewelltostupidity.

“It’scomingalong,”hesaid.“Icandopostingtrotnow.”

Therewassilenceforalong,longtime.Whenhisgrandpa’soldvoicebrokeitontheotherside,it

wasfullofbothhumorandderision.“Youwhat,now?Oh,that’sright.Youfolkouteastrideinoneof

themsillysaddles.Well,ifitain’tgotnohorn,whereareyougonnaputyourrope?”

Julianrolledhiseyes,andlaughed.“Grandpa,seriously.Don’ttellmeyoudidn’tknowCade

didn’tteachWesternwhenyoustrong-armedmeintothis.”Hepaused,thinking.“Whatmadeyoupickthis

place,anyway?”

Hisgrandfatherclearedhisthroat.“Well,allridingstylesgotofollowthesameprinciples.I

askedaround,foundwhat’snearyou,andthenIwentwithapersonalrecommendationastothequalityof

theteacher.Iknowthiswasn’tyourideaofhowtospendyourfreetime,Julian,but...areyoustartingto

enjoyit?”

Theoldmanreally,reallywantedhimtoloveridingagain,andhe’dgoneoutofhiswaytomake

itso.KnowingthatwrappedJulianinwarmfuzziesrightthen.“Yeah,”hesaid,kindofbreathlessly,as

thoughhewasstillalittlekidonaChristmasmornign.“I’mhavingagoodtime,actually.AndIdon’t

minddoingbarnchoresforCade.He’sreallyawesome.HehasthiswayofdistractingmesoIdon’tthink

aboutbeingup,soI’vestayedupinthesaddleforthewholehouralready.”

“That’sgoodprogress.”Theytalkedhorseseforawhilelonger,andtheconversationseemed

withoutdangerousshoals,whenhisgrandfathersaid,“Today’sValentine’sDay.Didyougethim

anything?”

The“him”partwasCade,noexplanationsnecessary.“Uh,no.I’mthinkingaboutit.”

“Uh-huh.”Hisgrandpaharrumphed.“Youbetterthinkaboutitquick,then,‘causeyou’reonyour

lunchbreakalready.What’swrongwithyou?Youlikehim,don’tyou?”

“Quitmeddling,”Julienbitoff.“I’llfiguresomethingout.Afterall,it’snotlikeyoueverhadto

getoutandgiveaguyflowers,oranything!”Ofcoursegrandpahadgivenhisgrandmotherflowers,but

Juliendidn’tcountthatthesameway.HehimselfhadgivenCadethatonerose,butthatdidn’tcountthe

same,either,becauseitwasn’tonahigh-riskholiday.

“I,ah.”Hisgrandfatherclearedhisthroat.“RememberHowie?”

“SureIrememberHowie.”Howiewasaforemanthatcametoworkontheranchtwoyearsafter

hisgrandmotherdied.Theguywassurly,withacuttingsenseofhumor,andcouldfixjustaboutanything.

“Whatabouthim?”Hisstomachplummetedevenashesaidthat.Therewasjustnoway.

“Itain’tnoneofyourbusiness,butwearefriendlywitheachother.AndIsureasheckgothim

flowerstoday,sothere!”

ThestatementjustaboutdrovetheairoutofJulian’slungs.“But...but...butyou’reold!”

“Asoldasdirt,butsixty-fourisn’tasoldasitusedtobe.”AcacklefilledJulian’sstunned

silence.“Look,Julian...don’ttellyourfolks.Yourmother,well.Idon’tthinkshe’dtakekindlytome

movingon.”

Bullshit,Julianwantedtosay.Wejustwantyoutobehappyandnotalone,hewantedtoreassure

-buthecouldn’t,becausehisgrandpaknewhisowndaughterwellenough,and,afterall,hewasagrown

manandknewhismindassurelyasJuliandid.

“Thankyoufortellingme,”hefinallysaid.“I’mhappyforyou,Grandpa.Howiewasalwaysnice

tome,soIfigurehe’llbegoodforyou,too.”Anditwastrue.Howiewaswelloverfiftybynow,talland

gruffandfullofsnark,butneveroncedidhemakefunofJulianforbeingscaredofgoinguphigh,ornot

riding.

“Sogotakecareofyourerrands,youyoungwhipper-snapper,andwhenyou’reready,youcan

bringthatCadeofyoursdowntotheranch,andintroducehimtous.”

Aftertheyhungup,Julianthoughtbacktothelastsentence.

Us.

Itgavehimhope.

CADEMADEApointofgoingtothedoctor’sofficeallbyhimself.Hedidn’ttellJulianitwas

time.TheValentine’sDayflowershegotfromJulianweredeadbynow,andJulianhadalreadyshared

backtheawesomedarkchocolatesCadehadgivenhim.Thosechocolatewerelonggonetoo,andjustthe

goldpaperboxremainedonahighshelfoftheguestbedroomclosetwhereJulianstillspentthenight

everysooften.Itwasfancy,andwellmade,andforsomestrangereason,Juliancouldn’tbeartothrowit

out.

CadewasdrivinghisbigF-150pickuptruckwithitsworn-outshocks,bouncingoverthe

occasionalpotholewithawidegrinonhisface.

Itdidn’thurt!

Hewasgettingjostledlikecrazy,buthisribswereholdingup,andthecorsetwasstashedina

plasticbagontheseatnexttohim.He’dgoandgetcheckedover,andifDr.Mallardclearedhimfor

heavyphysicallabor,hewasgoingtostopatthedrugstoreonthewaybackhome.

Hedidn’tseeJulianthedayafterhissuccessfulquest,butonThursday,Julianshowedupwith

pizzaandbeer.Theyhadn’treallyplannedongettingtogether,becauseeveningswereloadedwithan

unspokenhopeofatimewhentheycouldmakeittoJulian’sbedroom.Andsincetheycouldn’tdo

anythingyet,snugglingonthesofadownstairswasasfrustratingasitwassweet.

“Hey,”Juliansaid.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindmedroppingby.Ijust...”hesighed.“Ijustwantedto

seeyou.”

Theireyesmet.Thechargeofthetensionbetweenthemwaspalpable,andCade’sskintingledjust

fromCade’sproximity.“No,Idon’tmind,”hesaidinavoicethatsoundedgravellyeventohim.“Come

rightin!Youknowwherethingsare.”

CadefollowedJulianintothekitchen,andassoonasJuliansetthepizzaonthecounterandputthe

beerintherefrigerator,Cadepounced.

JULIANKNEWTHAThecameunannounced,andfromthestragelookonCade’sface,hecould

onlysurmisethathisspontaneousvisitwasinconvenient.Suppressingasigh,heputthepizzaonthe

granite-topkitchenislandandshovedthebeerinthefridge.Heturnedaround.“Hey,I’msorryif–”

Cadegrabbedthesleevesofhisworkshirt,spunhim,andslammedhimintothesmooth,stainless-

steeldoor.“Sorrynotsorry,”hegrowled.Hiseyesgleamedwithagray-bluelightthatyieldedtohis

wideningpupils.Juliansawhisnostrilsquiver.

ThenCadedoveforhisneck,breathinghimin,grindingagainsthim.

Itwashotasfuck,andJulian’sbodyrespondedsofasthegotlight-headed.“Cade,”hewhispered

inarasponlythetwoofthemcouldhear.Helethishandsskateup,fromCade’swaistuphisflanks,

expectingthefamiliar,thickfirmnessunderthefabric.

“Nocorset?”OhGod,it’sbeenanotherweek.

“Nocorset,”Cadesaid,andpressedhishungrylipsagainstJulian’s.Rough,hard,andwanting,

thekisswasasviolentasthelastfiveweekshadbeenmildandgentle.Allthatpent-uppassionandthe

desireforphysicalreleasebubbledupintheirkiss,intheroughsuckonJulian’slowerlip,inthetugand

nipofCade’steeth.

Cadehadasteelpipeinhispants.“Upstairs,”hesaid.Theireyesmet.

“Fuckyeah,”Juliangroundoutashiscocktriedtobattleitswayoutofhistrouserswithoutthe

benefitofhisassistance.

“Rawwwr!”CadegrowledlikeashifterinhorrorB-flick,pulledJulianin,andtossedhimover

hisshoulder.

“Hey,hey!”Julian’sasswasintheair,hisheadloomedoverCade’sbackasheflailedhisarmsin

searchofbalance–andhewasup,upandofftheground–withCade’ssteelgriponhisthighs.“I’m

heavy!”

“Nottooheavy.”Outofthekitchen,throughthediningroom...

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Julian’svoicecameoutlikeasqueak.

“BecauseIcan!”

Andupthestairs.

Oh,God.Witheveryrise,Julianwasgettinghigherandhigher.Hesawthehardandunforgiving

marblefloorofthefoyerrecede.

Panicthreatenedtorushin,butCadebrusheditoffhimwithafirmstrokeofhishand,slidinghis

palmupJulian’sleg,andcuppedhisassinacontactthatJuliancouldn’tignore.“Igotyou.”

Thewordsweresimple,andearnest,andtogetherwiththetouchthatdrawalineupanddownhis

crack,theygroundedJulianinaplaceoftrust.

Igotyou.Ofcoursehedid,Julianthought,asherealizedhewaswillingtotrustCadewithhis

life.

Cadeburstthroughthedoorofhisownbedroomasthoughhewasinvadingit.HedumpedJulian

ontohisbed,gentlybreakinghisfall,thentumblingdownnexttohim.

Overhim.

Ontopofhim.

“Julian!”Cadesaidhisnamelikeasupplicationtoahigherpowerrightbeforehedoveforhis

mouthandclaimeditinaferociousandpassionatekiss.

Oncetheyhaddrankenoughofeachother’sair,JulianranhishandsupCade’sbodyandcupped

hisface,gentlystrokingthescratchy,shortbeardandsmoothinghishandsomecheekboneswithhis

thumbs.“Whatgotintoyou,Cade?”

“Youdid.”CadeturnedhisheadandsuckedinJulian’sfinger.Thewarmthofhiswetmouthand

thescrapeofteethsentajoltoflightningtohisalreadyneedycock.“Andifyou’rewilling,”Cadesaid

onceheletJulian’sfingerpopoutofhismouth,“Iwanttogetintoyou.”

CHAPTER14

THEYHELDTHEIRgazeforwhatfeltlikeeternity.

“Yes,please,”Juliansaid,lookingupintoCade’sintenseeyeshazedwithlust,andmaybe

somethingmore.Hopefullyalotmore.

Wordlessly,Juliansprawledoverhim,framedhisfaceinhishands,andpressedasoftkissonhis

lips,hisnose,hisforehead.Thetenderness,soatoddswithhavingbeenhauledupthestairsina

fireman’scarry,madeJulian’sheartswellwithsomuchemotion,hiseyesprickledinanewand

unaccustomedsensation.

Hewantedtostaylikethisforever,sharingbodyheatwithCade.Sharinghisspace,hisbreath,his

life.Hedidn’tknowwhetherthiswasjustlustspeaking,orwhetherCadewasreallythebestthingthat

hadeverhappenedtohim.Onethingheknewwasthathehadtoseethistotheend,becauseifheducked

theriskofamessybreakupandnevereventriedtopursuethiswonderful,quirky,fieryman,hewould

alwaysregretnothavingtakenthechance.

Caderanhisthumboverhischeekbone,chillingJulian’sskinwithsomethingwet.“Whatisit,my

love?”

Cade’sendearment,sounexpectedandsoprecious,rippedthroughJulian’slastreserves.“I...this

justfeels...Ifeelsomuchrightnow.”

“Mmm.”Cadeslidoffhimpartway,givinghimspacewhileentwiningtheirlimbsintoa

comfortingtangle.“Areweokay?”

“Sookay,”Julianwhisperedearnestly.“Wehaveneverbeenmoreokaythanwearerightnow.”

Cadeproppedhimselfuponanelbow,andlethisgazecaressJulianfromheadtotoeandback.

“Doyouwanttogetnaked,orisittoosoon?”

“Ithinkthehorsesareoutofthebarnonthatone,”Juliansaid,andtheybothlaughed.“AndIwant

tomakeyoufeelabsolutelyfabulous.”

“Youalreadydo.”

JulianranhishandupCade’sflank,feelinghiswarmththroughhisblue,long-sleeveT-shirt.“I

wanttomakeyouexplode.Iwanttotasteyou,andIwanttomakeyoubegformore.”

Cadesatupandtookoffhisshirt.Hetosseditacrossthepristinebedroom,thenquirkedhis

eyebrowsatJulian.“Yourturn.

Suddenlyself-conscious,Juliansatup.Heunbuttonedthetopofhisshirtandthecuffsofhis

sleeves,andpeeledhisshirtandundershirtallinonego.ThecoolerairofCade’sbedroomhithisflesh,

andhisnipplesprickedupinresponse.

“Ohwow,you’repierced!HowdidInevernoticewhenwewereonthesofa?”Cade’sintrigued

toneofvoicepromisedfunandadventure.

“Iwaskeepingitasurprise.Aftertheguicheincident,well...”HeatpaintedJulian’sfacewitha

blushhedidn’teventrytosuppress.

Cadenoddedthoughtfully.ThenhebenttoJulian’schest,mouthonhisnipple,themetalofthe

dumbbeltoyingagainstCade’steeth.Histongueteasing,laving.Butwhenhesuckedandpulledthe

piercingbetweenhisteeth,Julianarchedoffthebed,gaspingincoherentexpletivesandwrithing,

clutchingJulian’sarms.

Cadeletgoofhim.“Takeyourpantsoff,”hesaid.

Juliandid.Underweartoo.Evensocks,andwhenherolledtofaceCadeagain,hewasstandingby

thebedasnakedasherememberedhimfromthefirsttimehehadhelpedhimundressandshower.

WhichiswhatwasonCade’smind,too.“I’dliketotakeashower,andImightneedsomehelp.”

Relieved,Julianfollowedhimintothespacious,luxuriousbathroom.Theonewhichhadawalk-

inshowerenclosurewithateakbenchinsideit,andenoughspaceforanorgy.

“Yourwishismycommand.”ItflewoutofJulian’smouthallbyitself,andheconsidered

amendingthestatement,butthenlettgo.

Minuteslatertheystoodunderthewarm,soothingrainoffatdropletsthatcameoutofthewide

showerheadintheceiling.Theyweretogether,embracing,anditwasenough.Juliandidn’tknowwhy.

Theyhadbothwantedtofuckeachother’sbrainsoutforweeks,andnowthattheycould,theyjuststood

there,envelopedbysteam,huggingeachotherliketheyneverwantedtoletgo.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Cadeasked.

Ahappilyeverafter–butitwastoosoonforthat.Maybelater.“Asidefrommakingyouhappy?”

Julianaskedwithasappysmile.“I’dlovetofeelyouinsideme.”

CADECLEAREDhisthroat.“Maybemycavemanimpersonationwasabitmuchforyou?”

“Maybe,”Juliansaidashepulledhimontothebed.“Andmaybenot.I’venevermetanyonecrazy

enoughtodothatbefore!”Hetuggedthecomforterdown.“Let’sgetunder?”

“Asec,”Cadesaid.Hescrambledforadrawerbyhissideofthebed,andproducedatubeof

lubricantandastripofcondoms.“Incasewewanttogothatway,”hesaid,feelingsuddenlyshy.“And

I’mnegative.IgottestedbeforetheNewYear,andIhaven’tbeenwithanyonesince.”

“I’vebeenashamelessslutincomparison,atleastuntilwemet,”Juliansaidwithagrinthatwas

supposedtoconveywickedbravado,butthatwas,asfarasCadecouldtell,tryingtocoverupagood

dealofembarrassment.“ButIgottested,too,and...negative.”

Theawkwardsexualhistorydisclosurebeingover,Cadeslippedunderthecomforterandpressed

hisbodyagainstJulian,whowasstilllyingonhisbelly.

Thatwasn’tbad,becauseCadecouldrunhisgreedyhandsoverhisshapelyass,andthelovely

backthatcamefromfocusedeffortatthegym.Andhislegs–thewayhiskneecaressedJulian’sstrong

legs,calfstrokingacalf–thecontrastofJulian’ssmoothandlightlyfuzzypatcheswasintoxicating.

Allofasudden,thelastfewweeksoffrustrationcaughtupwithCade.Hiscockwastoohard,too

hot,toosensitive.Andhewasn’tgoingtolast.

“Turnover,”hebeggedJulian.“Itsbeentoolong.”

“Yes,ithas.”Julianalmosthissed,turning,wrappinghisarmsaroundCade.

Alignedsidetoside,theircockstouched,smoothassatinandhotwithpoundinglifeblood.

Sensitive,too.Sosensitive,Juliancriedoutatthecontact.

“Iknow,”Cadegasped.“Metoo.”HewrappedhisfingersaroundJulian’shardlengthjustas

Julianwrappedaroundhim.

“So,sogood.”Juliancrooned,buthealsorolledthemover.OnceontopofCade,hereachedfor

thelube,andsquirtedagenerousamountintohishand.“Whatisthis,butterscotch?”

“Rumcaramel,”Cadesaidwithagrin.

Juliangraspedtheirshafts.Cade’sgrindisappearedasthecoldlubecooledtheirpassionforlong

enoughtogainasemblanceofcontrol.Hegasped.“Cold!”

“Notforlong.”Julianloomedoverhim,supportinghisbodyonhiselbowandlegsashestroked

theminhisgeneroushand.Thesmooth,eroticslideoftheircocks,theshelteringcaveofJulian’slimbs,

andthewarmandcleansmellofhimallmingled,sabotagingallofCade’sdelayingtactics.

Theendwasnear.Cadetriedtoholdoff.He’dhadhighhopesfordoingallkindsofthingsto

Julian,andhispiercingswereonlyapartofit.Butnotrightnow,becausenowhewasinJulian’shand,in

hisshelteringembrace,breathinghisbreathgaspaftergasp.

Hewasgoingto...oh.“Oh!Watchout!”

Alightningrippedthroughhisbodyfromnerveendingstohiscore,aclimaxsopowerfulitalmost

hurt.Areliefofstoredtensionthatdrainedaway,tobereplacedbyaawaveofwarm,sleepyrelaxation.

CadelethishandjoinJulian’s,savoringtheextraswellthatheraldedJulian’spleasure.

Atwistandasqueeze–

“Cade!”Julianfollowedhimwithhisnameonhislips,eyesrolledbackinhisheadinpleasure.

“Righthere,mylove.Igotyou.”Sayingthatdidn’tfeelsappyatall.

“Thankyou,”Julianwhispered,andbrushedasloppykissonthecornerofCade’smouthashe

slumpedtotheside,carefullyavoidingCade’sfreshlyhealedribsbysheerhabit.“Iloveyoutoo.”

CADEWOKEUPfirst,becauseitwashorse-feedingtime,andbecauseheneededtothink.Ashe

stoodunderthestreamsofmassaginghotwaterandletthefreshscentofhisbodywashrousehim,his

mindwasonJulian,andonwhattheyhadsharedthenightbefore.

Thatwasn’tjustarub-off,anditwasn’tahook-up.

Eventhoughtheynevermadeittothesweetpleasureofpenetration,ithasstillbeenmakinglove.

Thehadbeendancingaroundeachotherforweeks,andnowthatthelastofthesnowshowershadyielded

tothebrave,earlyMarchsun,perhapsitwastimetoheatuptheirarrangementaswell.

Wordswereexchanged.

Carewasgivenandreceived.

Cade’schestswelledwiththathot,tumblinggiddineswhenhesawJulianarrive,andthestomach

threatenedtofalloutfromunderhimwhenhesawhimleave,knowinghe’dbegonefordays.

Hehaditbad.Itseemedhewasingoodcompany,though.Ifthosewordswereforrealandnota

mereby-productoftemporaryinsanity,iftheyweren’tjustaproductofhappychemicalsbutstretched

furtherthanthat,thenmaybehecouldtaketherisk.

Popthequestion.

No,notTHEquestion,theotherquestion.AlthoughtheBIGquestionwould,hopefully,comelater.

Hehadtobepatient,though,andwaitforjusttherighttime.

CHAPTER15

ANOTHERBIGPROJECTthreatenedtoexplodeinJulian’sface.Hehadtostaylate,which

didn’tusetobeabigdealbeforehemetCade.Now,stayinglatewasanimpositionthatturnedhimintoa

surlysonovabitch,becausestayinglatemeantsleepingathome,instadofCade’scomfortablebed.

Heneverthoughtthreeweekswouldmakesuchadifferenceinhislife.

Threeweeksofdatingandsmoochingandstayingover,makingloveandcuttingtheirsleepshort

justsohecouldhelpCadewiththehorsesinthemorning.NotthatCadeneededthehelp,butitwasnice

towalkthroughthebarntogetherandgreettheirfour-leggedfriends.Theirmindwasononethingonly,

andJuliandidn’tthinkthehorsesweregreetingthem,asmuchasdemandingtheirmorninggrain.

Abunchofspoiledtoddlers.Thethoughtmadehimsmile.

“Ah,finallyacheerfulexpression,”Davidsaidashestuckhisheadintotheopenofficewhere

Julianmanagedhisteam.“Whathappenedtoyou,man?Ihardlyseeyouatthegymanymore.”

Juliansavedhiswork,peeledhimselfawayfromhisscreen,andstretchedhisback.“Iknow.It’s

beenhardtogetin.Andwhatareyoudoingherethislate?”

Davidgrimaced.“Thequarterlyreport.Lettingthestockholdersknowwhetheryou’repullingyour

weightornot.”

Normally,Julianwould’vetoldDavidtofuckoff,andhe’dtellhimtheywerealloverworkedand

underpaid,buthisteamwashere,andwhiningeveninjestwasnevergoodforteammorale.“We’re

toughingitout.Youknowhowtheseprojectsareasyougetnearabenchmark.”

Davidgavehimalook,thencrookedhisfinger.“Comeoutforamoment.I’vegottotalktoyou.”

Nowthatwasunusual.Abitannoying,consideringJulianjustwantedtofinishupandgetout,but

heneededabreakfromsitting,andDavidwasafriend.Hefollowedhimintothelunchroom,where

JulianpulledaMonsteroutoftherefrigerator.“Youwantone?”

“Nothanks,Iwouldn’tsleep.”

AcomfortablesilencesettledbetweenthemasJulianpoppedthecan,savoringitshissandthe

firsttouchoftherefreshingliquidonhistongue.“What’sup?”hefinallysaid.

“Sothatguy,Cade.Howisitgoing?Isthatwhyyou’vebeengone?”

Julianleanedhisbuttagainsttheshortkitchencounter,andlethiseyeswanderaroundtheroom.

Beigewalls,postersandcalendarsandapin-upboard,andafewframedcertificateslookeddownonthe

threecafeteriatablesandtheflockofcheapplasticchairsthatclusteredaroundthem.

“It’shard,”hefinallysaid.“We’regoodtogether,andIliketostaytherewithhimandthehorses,

butIstillhavethehousehere,andIneedtobethereoccasionally.Thetenants,youknow.Plusthelate

hoursdon’thelp.SoIcan’tdrivearoundlikethat.”

“Whichiswhyyou’vebeenundersleptandbitchy,”Davidsaidwithagrin.

“Iguess.”Julianwasexhausted.Hedidn’tevensmile.

“Canyoumoveinwithhim?Wouldthathelp?”

“Whyareyousointerested?”Itwasn’tlikeDavidtokeeppokingaround,andwhenJulianlooked

athisfacecarefully,hesawboththetensionandthehesitation.

“I’mlookingforaplacetostay,”Davidblurtedout.“MarlaandIaresplittingup.”

“Shit,I’msorry.”Julianthoughtback,tryingtorecallMarla.Theyhadmettwice,shehaddark

hairandworkedfor,uh...somelawfirm.“Sowhathappened?”

“Juststuff.It’snotthateitheroneofushaddoneanythingwrong,youknow?Iwishherwell,but

theplacewhereweliveisclosertoherworkthantomine,andwe’relookingintoouroptions.”

ThethoughtofrentinghisplacetoDavidwasextremelytempting,exceptforasmalldetail.“We

haven’tdiscussedmovingtogetheryet.I’dloveto,butconsiderIhadmovedinwithoutaskingbackwhen

hewashurt.Ican’tpossiblypullthesamestuntagainandhopeforthebest.”

Davideyeshadthatwild,defocusedlookofadesperateman.“Yeah.Yeah,you’reright.SorryI

asked,man.”Heturnedtogo.

Juliangrabbedhiselbow.“No,waitup.”Hecaughtupwithhim.“Seriously,David,you’re

welcometomoveinwithme.IhaveasparebedroomI’mnotusingforanythingparticular,andI’mthere

justhalfthetimeanyway.”

SeeingDavid’sfaceopenupashisstoicmaskfelloffwasbothgratifyinganddistrubing.Hewas

happytohelpafriendinneed,butseeinghimhurtsuckedbigtime.

“Hey,”Juliansaid,andpunchedhimlightlyintheshoulder.“Maybeyou’llgetbacktogetherina

bit.Ormaybeyou’llmeetsomeonemorecompatible.Itsucks,butI’mhereifyouwanttotalk,okay?And

letmeknowwhenyou’llwanttomovein.”

INTHEMIDDLEofMarch,theweatherhadturnedunseasonablywarm.Thegroundwasstill

wet,butthetreesinCade’sorchardbegantobud.Theplumsalwayspoppedoutfirstintheirpalepink

glory,followedbycherryblossomsandpeaches,thenbyapplesandpears.AsCadeinspectedthe

orchardwithCherryBlossomsintow,hehadlittleappreciationforitsnaturalbeauty.

HismindwasonJulian,andonthefactthathewashelpinghisgymbuddyDavidmoveintohis

apartment.

Agymbuddywhowasstraight,andstillmarried–butonlybarely.David’sdivorcewasgoingto

betheno-faultkind,thesortwheretwopeoplefindtheyhavelessincommonthantheyhopedfor,and

insteadofdraggingitoutfordecadesofmutualsuffering,theypartonfairlyfriendlyterms.

Notbest-friendfriendly,but“Istillkindofloveyou,justnotthatwayanymore”friendly.

DavidwouldbeinJulian’splace,andhe’dbesad.Perhapsevendespondent.Hemightevenneed

consoling,andCadeknewhowgoodJulianwasatthat.Hehadexperiencedthecurativepowersof

Cade’sattentionsfirst-hand.

Andthatguy,David,mightbegettingadivorcebecausehewasonlyalmoststraight.

Cade’snostrilsquiveredwithjealousrage.Notthatthiswasn’tJulian’sdecision,butCadeloved

JulianandJulianlovedhim,andhewasn’tgoingtoletsomebi-curiousdivorceemoveinonthemanthat

madehisliverquiver.Thatfloatedhisboat,thatmadehisheartsign.

NowaywashelettingJuliango.Itwastimetostakehisclaim.

Thatevening,hisphonerang.

“HeyCade,”Juliansaidfromtenmilesaway.

“Goodevening,beloved.”Cadesmiledatthesoundofhisvoice.“Ican’twaittoseeyoutonight.

Dinnerisservedatseven,atyourpleasure!”

HeheardJulianclearhisthroat,andknewtroublewasafoot.

“Um,aboutthat.WegotreallytiedupwithmovingDavid’sstuffin.Hehadrentedabigtruck,and

wehadtostashsomeofhisthingsinthebasement.”ItwastruethatJuliansoundedexhausted.“I’mso

sorry,love.Ireallyam.Youdidn’tmakeanythingspecial,didyou?”

“Imademymother’spotroast.It’safamilyrecipe.”Cadeletithangoutthere.

“Damn.”Juliantriedtosuppressayawn,butCadecouldtellanyway.Firsthisheavyworkload,

thenhissuddenhousemate.“Gimmeanextrahour,okay?IbettertakeashowerbeforeIheadover.”

AbrilliantthoughtflashedthroughCade’sheadjustthen.“No,no.Don’tdothat.Takeyourshower

andrelax.Yousoundlikeyou’retootiredtodrive,hon.”

Theyseemedtobetryingallthoselittleendearmentstoday.Hon,love...wassnookumsnext?

“Yousureyou’renotupset?”JuliansoundedlikeheknewalltoowellCadewouldn’tbepleased.

“Iamupset,andIwon’tlieaboutit,”Cadesaidwiththefirmnessofamanwithaplan.“Yougo

andshowerandkickback.Don’tyouworryonebit.And,Julian?”

“Yeah?”CuriosityandregretmingledinJulians’voice.

“Iloveyou.”

“AndIloveyou.”HeheardthesunshinesmileinJulian’svoice.

Assoonastheyhungup,Caderacedtothekitchen.Herememberedthosepotluckdinnershis

familyattendedalltoowell,andheknewwhattodo.Well,atleastintheory.

JULIANWASSHOWEREDanddressedinapairofsweatsandashort-sleevedT-shirt.The

weatherwaswarminguptheslightestbig,andhethoughtmaybehecouldhurryupwinter’sdemisewith

hisoptimism.

Hesettleddownonhissofawithagroan.PoorCade!Hewasn’tthecookingtype,andevenso,he

undertookwhatwas,tohim,afairlysignificantproject.

Hismother’spotroast.

AndJulianwasmissingit.Evenworse,hewasmissingitbecauseofsomeotherguy,althoughthat

wasn’thowhewasthinkingofDavid.Thiswasdifferent,withDavidbeingafriendandacoworker,and

inadifficultsituation.

Hisstomachgrowled,andherealizedtheyhadn’teatenanythingsincetheirdrive-through

sandwichesatnoon.HadJulianbeenhomealone,he’djustputafrozenentreeinthemicrowave,buthe

wasn’talone.Hehadaguest–well,sortof–andhefeltresponsibleforhiscomfort.

Julianconsideredhaulingassupstairs,whereDavidwassettinguphisroom,andaskinghimwhat

hewantedonhispizza,butthenhethoughtbacktoCade,andtotheirfirstpizzatogether.He’dorderHam

Hawaiianpizzawithextraonionsandpeppers,he’ddoctoritwithcayenne,andhe’dthinkofCadewith

everybite.

Andittookjustonephonecall.

Halfanhourofbrowsinghorsecaresiteslater,thedoorbellrang.Julianpulledatwentyanda

fiveoutofhiswallet,straighteneduptobattlethesorenessoftheday,andwenttogetthedoor.

“You’reearly,”hesaid,expectinghisregularpizzaguy.

Instead,hegotCade.

ONELOOKATJulian,andCadeknewhewasrightnottoconvincehimtodriveover.“Dinner

delivery,”hesaiddeadpan.

“Cade!”Julian’swornfacebrightened.“Comein,Iorderedpizza.”

“AndIbroughtpotroast,”Cadesaid.“IsitokayifIparkinfrontofyourhouse?”

“Yes.”Julianpulledhiminside.“Apotroast?Seriously?Youshoudn’thave!”Julian’seyes

lightenedup,though,andassoonasheshutthedoorbehindthem,Cadeheardhisstomachgrowl.

“Letmegoputupwaterforthenoodles,”Cadesaid,takingchargeofJulian’skitchenmuchthe

wayJulianhadtakenchargeofhis.Hehoistedthelarge,canvasshoppingbag.“Andwe’llwanttokeep

thepotintheovenonlow.Oh,andthere’splentyforDavid,too.”Becauseonedidn’tgetfarbybeinga

jealousbitchtoone’slover’sfriends.

OnceJulianpointedhimtotherightpastapotandstrainer,andopenedabeerforeachoneof

them,Cadegotbusywithfinishingwhathebeganhoursbefore.Hepulledoutabagofeggnoodles,a

frozenpackageofsteamablebroccolli,apanofbrownies,andacarefullywrapped,roundorangepan

withanorangelid.

Davidwalkedinatthatmoment.

“YoumustbeDavid,”Cadenoddedathim.Hedidn’tshake,becausehishandswerefullofpot

roast.“I’mCade.Hisboyfriend.”

“Hi,Cade.”Davideyesflashedtothepotroast.“OhmyGod,aLeCreusetpot!Thatproves

you’regay!”

“Itwasmygrandmother’s,actually,”Cadesaidwithasmalllaugh.“It’stheoldermodel.See?

Thelidhasahandle,notabutton.”HenoticedJulian’sbewilderedlookatthegaycomment,andgently

shookhishead.Noproblem.

“WehadLeCreuset,andmysoontobeex-wifewantstokeepit.Whichisaproblem,becauseI

wanteditsobad.They’rethebest!”

IfappreciatingtheculinaryqualitiesofLeCreusetequatedtogayness,Cadewasdoublygladhe

decidedtocaterdinnertonight.HeglancedatJulian,whoheldhisgaze.

HecouldseewhenthepennydroppedonJulian’spart,becauseJulian’sfacebloomedwithan

adorableblush.

“David,wouldyoupleaseopentheovenforme?”

Daviddid,Cadeslidtheroastin,andonlythenheturnedtoJulian.“Forsomeonewhoreadsthe

bodylanguageofhorsessowell,you’readorablydensewhenitcomestopeople,”hesaidashespanned

thedistancebetweenthem.

Hedidn’tevenhavetoslamJulianintotherefrigeratorthistime.Juliansnakedhisarmsaround

hisneckandpulledhimintoakiss.“You’resowonderful.Thankyousomuch,Cade.”Theirlipsmet,and

theydidn’tstopuntilDavidclearedhisthroatandlefttheroom.

Cadechuckled.“He’sprobablybeencrushingonyouforever.”

“Noway!”Julian’seyeswidenedinhorror.“Wearejustgymbuddies.”

“Hehasgoodtaste,butsodoI.”HetookJulian’shandbyhisfingers,broughtittohislips,and

kissedhimontheknuckles.“Julian,Ithinkwe’regoodtogether.”

Juliannodded,suddenlystill.

“Julian,”Cadewenton,“wouldyoumarryme?”

“Oh.My.God!”Julianwavered,andhaditnotbeenfortheirembrace,he’dhavestumbled.“You

serious?”

“Likeaheartattack,”Cadesaidwithanod.

“Yes.”Hesquinted.“Thisiskindofsudden,don’tyouthink?”Asuddenflashofunderstandinglit

uphiseyes.“Oh,you’rejealous!”

“Damnstraight,I’mjealous!Iwon’thavesomebi-curiousLeCreusetcookmoveinonmyturf!

Although...”CadepeckedakissonJuliancheek.“I’msorryIdon’thavearingyet.Itwaskindofsudden.

Imeanttoaskmetolivewithmefirst,andonlytheIwasgoingtopropose!”

JULIANSAWTHEsheepishlookonCade’sface.Itwassoadorable,thewayCadealwayssaid

whathereallywantedwhenhewaswoundup.Thatfirstdeclarationoflovemust’vebeenlikethat,too.

“Idon’tneedaring,butifyougivemeone,I’llbehonoredtowearit.Although,workingwithhorses,

ringscanbetricky.Dangerous,even.”

“Ohthat’sright.Wecouldwearthemonachain,asanecklace.”

“Or,wecouldhavegetaringtattoo,”Juliansuggestedwithaslygrin.HeknewCadewouldnever

goforthat.Therewasn’taspeckofinkonhisbody,forinstance.

“Youthink?”Hecockedhishead.“Yeah.Youknow,that’sbrilliant.Wecoulddoboth.Tattoo,

witharinggooveritforsocialoccasions!”

Oneofthetimerswentoff,andCadelethimgoandtendedtodinnersomemore.Juliansetthe

tableforthreeinthemeanwhile.

Fifteenminuteslater,hewalkedupstairsandknockedonDavid’sdoor.

“Comein,”Davidcalledout.

Juliancrackedthedooropen,andpeekedin.Davidwasmakinggoodprogressinsettingup.“Hey,

dinner’sready.”

“Idon’twanttogetinthewayofyouguys,”Davidsaid,notquitemeetingJulian’seyes.

“Youwon’tbe.Cadesaidhemadeplenty.It’sahouse-warmingdinnerforyou,andanengagement

dinnerforthetwoofus!”

“Noshit!”Davidstraightned.“Congratulations!”Thehegrinned.“Aren’tyousupposedtolive

togetherfirst?”

“No,”Julianwhispered.“Hegotjealousofyoulivinghere,andjumpedthegun.Justaswell,

actually,‘causeI’mcrazyabouthim!”

“Inthatcase,I’mreallyhappyforyou,”Davidsaid,andslappedJulianontheshoulder.“Come

on!Youguyscook,Iclean.”

Thepizzaarrivedassoonastheysatdowntoeat.

CHAPTER16-Epilogue

THEWARMAPRILeveningwasperfectforaride.JuliantackedupCherryBlossomsinsidehis

stall,sinceSergiowasusingthecrosstiesforThor.Overthelastthreemonths,JulianandCherry

Blossomsbecameastudent-teacherteam,wherethehorsetaughttheriderinexchangeforagoodbrushing

andextracarrots.

“Helikesyouabittoomuch.IthinkI’mgettingjealous,”Cadesaidfromacrossthebarn,where

hewasleaningagainstawall,observing.“I’llhavetoworkthemoreadvancedstuffwithhimandmake

sureyoudon’tteachhimbadhabits.”

Juliannodded.“IcanrideSunshine,ifyouwant.Idon’twanttoruinyourcompetitionhorse.”

“AndIdon’twantSunshinetoruinyou.She’sarightbitchattimes.Giveitayear,andbothofyou

willbeready.”

Theywalkedtothearenasidebyside,withthehorsewalkingnexttoJulianasthoughtheywereat

ashow.Cadepulledoutthemountingblock,andJulianmountedwithwhatwasbeginningtoresemble

liquidease.Headjustedhisreinsandcheckedthelengthofhisstirrups.“Therightone’slonger,letme

shortenit.”Heswunghiskneeoverthefrontofthesaddle,reachedundertheflapforthestirrupstrap,and

adjusteditsbucklebyfeelalone.Ridingthreetimesaweekhadtaughthimathingortwo.

Oncehewassettled,Cadehandedhimacrop,andsaid:“Didyoueventhinkaboutbeinguphigh

andfalling,whenyoujustdidthat?”

Julianthoughthard.“Alittle,”headmitted.“ButnowIknowIcandoit.AndIfelltwoweeksago,

andnothingbadhappened,soIguessI’lllive?”

“You’redoinggreat,”Cadereassuredhim.“Warmhimupthroughwalkandtrot.Ifyoucanterwell

attheend,I’llhaveasurpriseforyou.”

Thewalk,theextendedwalk,trotandextendedtrot,allthatwentprettywell.Thetwo-pointnotso

much,becausetrottingaroundwithhisbuttintheairandhishandsbalancedoverthelongneckstillmade

Julianrealizehewasuphighandabouttofallanysecond.

Hetriedit,though.Threefairtries,andCadelethimoffthehook.“Goodjob.Don’tworry,you’ll

getiteventually.Reverseandwalkhimforabit.Thenwe’llcanter.”

Thiswasstillnew,thatnewrhythmofhorsebackundulatingunderhim,andthegroundmovingfast

underhishooves.Julianbarelytriedittwoweeksago.Itdidn’tgowell,andithadleftCherryBlossoms

allfrustrated,becausethehorsewantedtorun,yetJulianwasafraidtolethim.Cadejumpedinthesaddle

afterthelesson,andexercisedCherryBlossomsupanddownthepastureinanintricatesetofstepsand

trick-ridingmovementsJuliansawinseveralonlinevideos.

Lastweek,he’dmadeithalfwayaroundthearenatwiceinarow.

Andnowhesatpoisedinthesaddle,backstraight,heelspresseddown.

“Kickandkiss!”Cadecalledout.

Juliantickledthehorsewithhisleftheelandmadeakissysound.

Musclesbunchedunderhim.

Heforcedhimselftorelax.

Thenajoltforward–andtheywereflying!

“Wristsdown!”Cadecalledout.“Loweryourarms!”

Thehorsecametoastopsosuddenly,Julianalmosttoppledoffhisback.“Whydidhestop?”

“Yourhandswereupsohigh,youpulledonhismouth.Tohim,thatmeansstop.”Cadesmiled.

“Yourstartwasprettygoodthough.“Walkhimhalfwayaround,andtryagain.”

WhenJulianrequestedcanterthenexttimearound,hemadesurehisforearmswerelevel.Heels

down,sittingstraight–andtheyran,makingitaroundonce,thenonceagain.

“Straightenup,thenpullgently!”Hecouldn’tseeCade,andhedidn’tdarelook.

Theystopped.

“Wow.”Julianturnedinthesaddle,nowthatCherryBlossomswaswalkingtocooloff.“Thatwas

prettyawesome!DidIearnmysurprise?”

“Youdid,”Cadesaid.“Stophim,willyou?Andholdtightwithyourlegs.”

Juliandid.

Cadetookarunningstart,vaulted,andlandedonthehorserumprightbehindJulian.“Goodboy,”

Cadesaid.“Praisehimforme,Julian!”

AndJuliandid.HefeltCadeshiftbehindhim.AheatofCade’schestreachedtheskinofhisback,

andtwofamiliar,stronghandsgrippedhiships.

“Takehimbehindthebarnandtotheorchard.That’syoursurprise.”

Julianhadn’triddenoutsideinsomanyyears,itfeltlikeabigadventuretodoitnow.Theywere

makingtheirwayoutofthearenaasSergioenteredwithThor.

“Youtwoaredisgustinglycute,”Sergiosaid,shakinghishead.“Poorhorse!”

Cadelaughedbehindhim.Whentheywereoutofearshot,hemurmuredintoJulian’sear.“Iliketo

ridewithyou.AndIlikewhenyousteer.”

FollowingCade’sdirections,Juliannavigatedthemtothebackoftheorchard.Theystopped,

Cadeslippedoffintheback,andcamearoundtoseeifJulianneededhelpdismounting.Whichhe

didn’t.

“We’lluntackhim.Hecandrinkfromthecreek.”Cadeledon,obviouslythemanwiththeplan,

andJulianfollowed,curioustoseewhatdevelops.Oncehesetthesaddleandtackontothewhitefence,

hetookJulian’shandandledhimbehindasprawlingoldcherrytree.

Anold,greenblanketwasspreadbehindit,andonitabucketwithabottleofchampagne.Julian

sawtwoglasses,andcheeseandcrackers,andturnedtoCade.“Isthisyourideaofdrinksbefore

dinner?”

“It’smyideaofrelaxingbeforeourfolksarrivetomorrow.”Cadepoppedthecorkandpoured

intoeachglass,carefulnotospill.“YouthinkyourgrandpawilllikeridingEnglish?”

“IthinkbothheandHowiewilltalkyourearoffaboutbreedinglinesandhoofdisease

prevention,”Juliansaidwithasmile.“AndIhopetheygetalongwithyourparents.”

“Theywill.Mymomwillwanttoteachyousomeofmyfavoriterecipes,nodoubt.”

Theyclinkedglasses.“Toalonglifetogether,”Cadesaid.

“Toalong,healthylifetogether,”Julianamended.Hesippedthewine,enjoyingtheeffervescent

bubblespoppinguptohisnose,bringingupthefragranceofhappiness.Helookedupattheblooming

cherrytree,whoseblushingbrancheslituplikecloudsasthesunwascomingdown.

Thenhelookeddown.“What’sthatthing...inmydrink?”

Cadedidn’tsayathing.Heonlysmiled.

“Didyoureally?”Julianlaughed.“Eitheryouareasappyromantic,oryouwatchtoomanychick

flicks!”Hedrainedhisglassandspilledthewetringintothepalmofhishand.

“Allowme,”Cadesaid.Hepoppedtheringintohismouth,thensliditontoJulian’sfinger.“Had

tomakesureitwasclean.Youdon’twanttohaveitallstickyfromthechampagne.”

“Goofball.”Juliansaiditwithaffection.“I’llbewithagoofballfor,like,ever!”

“Yeah.”AsweetsmilelitupCade’sface,reachingallthewayuptohiseyes.“Anddon’tyou

forgetit!”

THEEND

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