Page 15 of Head Above Water

Bryce nodded and hummed softly. Moments later, Hazard’s fingers worked open his buckle and then the button on his jeans. The pressure eased for an instant until Hazard slipped his fingers inside his boxers, drawing out his cock. Hot pressure surrounded him, stroking slowly. Bryce swallowed the cry that threatened, nearly ripping open Hazard’s jeans before pushing him away from the tree and then down onto the grass. He kissed Hazard with everything he had as Hazard pushed his jeans down partway.

They both moaned softly as their cocks slid alongside each other, Hazard stroking his back under his shirt and then his butt. Damn, the heat and pressure were delightful, and everywhere Hazard touched him seemed to come alive in seconds. Bryce held Hazard close, their hips grinding, pressure building. “I want you,” Bryce whispered, and Hazard gripped his ass, fingers sliding between his cheeks.

“Me too. But that has to wait…,” Hazard whispered, touching his opening, sending a shot of unbridled desire through him. He wanted Hazard badly, and it thrilled him that Hazard not only returned his feelings, but seemed to understand exactly what it was that Bryce needed. He ground his cock against Hazard’s, their own desire slicking the way.

“Bryce,” Hazard whimpered, and Bryce hummed softly as pressure built.

“Just let go,” he said softly back to him, kissing Hazard as he came unglued under him. Molten heat splashed between them, and Bryce passed his impending groan to Hazard through their kiss until he couldn’t take it any longer. He pulled back, pulling air into his lungs as he tried to hold off his pleasure for just a few seconds, but Hazard’s pull drew too great, and he flew off the ledge of desire, adding his release to Hazard’s.

Bryce floated, holding Hazard, and for a few seconds, it was like they were on a cloud together, with the rest of the world far away. But slowly, their surroundings reasserted themselves, and Bryce cautiously got up.

Hazard chuckled softly. “I’m a mess,” he whispered, and Bryce fumbled in his pockets, coming up with a couple of tissues. He handed them to Hazard, who snickered. “You really think these are going to do much?” He got to his feet, and they put themselves back together. A vehicle approached the drive, and Bryce tugged Hazard behind the tree. They stood still as the lights swept over the yard as it turned in.

“It looks like Willard is back,” Bryce whispered, standing still to see what his brother was up to. The truck doors didn’t open right away, but then Willard got out of the truck. Someone else did as well, the higher-pitched voice a clear giveaway. The doors closed softly, and then Willard took her by the hand, leading her toward the barn.

“He could treat her better than that,” Bryce whispered.

“Better than a romp in the yard under the tree?” Hazard asked, and Bryce turned to him, kissing Hazard once more.

“As I recall, it was you who brought me here.” He stroked Hazard’s cheek. “And it was amazing.” He shook his head. “Do you think I should go check on things in the barn?” He would love to mess with his brother.

“What would your father do if it were him?” Hazard said, adjusting his buckle. “You know we smell like sex.”

Bryce put an arm around him. “I know. It’s good on you.” He kissed him and then took Hazard’s hand, holding it for a few seconds before letting it go. “Come on, and follow my lead.” He strode across the yard and pulled open the barn door. He suspected Willard and his date were in the tack room or the loft. He had no intention of going into either one.

“Which horse was it?” Bryce asked, and Hazard nodded.

“This one. Chance. The farrier said to keep an eye on him.” Bryce flipped on the lights and opened the stall. Chance came right over, and Hazard fed him a carrot. “I think he’ll be okay. But it doesn’t hurt to watch him.”

Rustling from above told Bryce exactly where Willard was, and he shook his head. Making out in a hayloft was a hell of a lot more romantic sounding than it was in practice. The hay itched something awful, and it could easily cut through sensitive skin.

“We’re going to need a few bales of hay for tomorrow. Do you want to get them now?”

The rustling came again.

“It’s all right. I’ll do it first thing in the morning. Is there anything else you wanted to see?”

“No. It’s good for the night.” He headed to the door and flipped out the all the lights before closing it, knowing he was putting the barn into near complete darkness. Then he smiled, and they headed to the main house. Hazard made his way around to the side entrance where he and his mother lived. Bryce wished he could follow him, but he had no excuse. He waited until Hazard disappeared inside, then went around to the mud room.

“That was pretty lame,” a female voice said from outside, and Bryce smiled as truck doors slammed closed. Then the engine started, and Willard pulled out of the yard. He grinned as he went inside.

“What’s was all that?”

“Willard came home, and he had a girl with him. But she wasn’t interested in whatever Willard had to offer.” He wasn’t prepared to say any more, but he knew his mother had gotten the idea. “How is Dad?”

“Sleeping. He has another treatment in a few days.” She pulled her robe tighter around her, and Bryce wished he could offer some hope. “I have a feeling that he’s going to be fine.”

Bryce nodded and hoped she was right.

ChapterSeven

Hazard sawBryce most every day, but Danny kept him really busy. Bryce was working with Hazard’s mom to go over the books, and apparently, he had a lot of catching up to do. At least that’s what Mom said. She also told him with a slight smile that Bryce was a quick study. That had Hazard smiling as well. He wondered if it was strange that he was proud of Bryce for that.

He exited the barn where he’d spent the morning preparing four stalls for horses that were coming in. It seemed, Bryce’s father had made an arrangement to board them some time ago and didn’t tell anyone. Mrs. Maverick told him that morning after she got a call that the horses were on their way.

“Good job,” Danny said. “Appreciate you dropping everything to get the stalls ready.” He followed him out of the barn. “We’ll put them out in the paddocks during the day.”

“Okay. But we’re going to have to supplement feed. There isn’t enough new growth.”

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