Page 22 of Head Above Water

“Got it.” Bryce said, and then sighed. “I thought you were going to tell me to go take a hike….”

Hazard paused. “No. But you and I do need to talk, because everyone is going to look at me differently after this. I’m sleeping with the boss, and it could cause friction. Or at least things will be strange. Up until now, I’m just the guy who manages the stables and horses. No big deal. But now that I’m seeing you….”

“Look, if anyone gives you trouble, you let me know.”

“That isn’t what I’m talking about. I can fight my own battles.” Bryce seemed confused, so he went on. “Guys are going to come to me when they want something from you. They’ll be my friend and hope that I’ll pass you some message or argue their case. God knows what. And I don’t want that. I just want to be Hazard, the same guy I was before.” His stomach felt like it was filled with butterflies, and he didn’t know how to make it stop. “I just want things to be quiet, like they were before.”

“Before me?”

Hazard shook his head. “No. I didn’t mean that.” It was hard for him to explain. “I’m going to get thrust in the middle of things.”

“Then step out of them. If the guys come to you because they want something, simply tell them to speak directly to me. You’ve always done that. Haven’t you noticed that the men all listen to you? They followed you out to that old water hole after they had worked the entire day because you led them out there.”

“That was because I told them that there had been water there, and if we found it now, they might get to keep their jobs.” God, he had been so full of shit.

“We aren’t letting all that many of the men go, and attrition over the next month will probably handle some of it.” He drew closer, his scent filling Hazard’s nose, making it hard for him to think straight. He blinked and forced his mind to stay on what was important. “A bunch of the guys followed you, not just the short-timers or those on the bubble.”

“Well… I don’t know about all that.”

“I do,” Bryce told him. “So you don’t need to hide or worry about what everyone is going to say or think. We spent a whole lot of years doing shit like that, and I’m proud to have you as my boyfriend. I really am, and I’m not going to hide anymore.” He seemed so strong and sure of himself that Hazard felt some of that himself, and he found himself smiling and nodding. “Okay?”

“Okay. Now, can I get back to work and leave this drama behind for a while?” He needed a chance to think, and he did that best when he was alone, working on the stalls and hauling bales through the barn and making sure his barn was as clean as possible.

Hazard went about putting the horses out into the pastures and set to cleaning the few stalls that needed it. He had a list of chores to finish. Familiar activity soothed him and that was what he needed at the moment.

Damn, theday was hot. His shirt stuck to his skin. Hazard drank a glass of water in the tack room before climbing the stairs to the loft and dropping some bales of straw down the chute so he could replace the soiled bedding.

“What do you think?” Danny asked as Hazard returned to the main floor of the barn and began spreading the new bedding. “Can we leave the horses out overnight?”

“I think so. They seem calm, and it isn’t supposed to storm or anything. It will do them some good.” And it would keep the stalls fresher and bring him some relief from the constant cleaning. “We should also get one of the guys to haul the mulch pile out and spread it on one of the hay fields. It doesn’t need to be done right away, but maybe if there’s rain in the forecast.”

“I’ll put that on my list,” Danny agreed. He was usually all business, but seemed like there was something on his mind.

“What is bothering you? Is it Bryce and me?” God, he felt so self-conscious.

“No… well, yes. Do you want my job?” Danny asked.

Hazard groaned. This was the shit he had been afraid of, and it had only taken a few hours to start. “No. You do good work, and I’m not after anyone’s job,” he said, setting his shovel in the tool closet with more force that he needed, sending all the tools clanging the floor. “Son of a bitch.” He began putting them back there they belonged. “Why are you asking?”

“I don’t know. You’re the boss’….”

“Stop,” Hazard snapped sharply. “I just want to do my job without these kinds of questions. Okay? No, I do not want your job or anyone else’s. I’ve known Bryce since my mom came to work here. I’m grateful for this job, and this ranch is my home. Bryce is my home. But I am not going to act like some dickhead weasel and start pushing people around or looking to take their jobs. I like what I’m doing, and I’m better with horses than cattle. You always let me run the stables, and as long as you continue to do that, I’m going to be really happy.”

Danny didn’t seem totally reassured. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Bryce, and I thought….” He shook his head.

“Do you want to get married someday?” Hazard asked. Danny hesitated and then nodded slowly. “Cool. When you do, will you talk over everything in your life with your wife?”

“Yeah.”

“And will you support her and expect her to support you?” he asked. Once again Danny nodded. “Then that’s all I’m doing.” He had said more than enough on the matter and pointedly cleared his throat. “Okay? Enough talk? My skin feels crawly.”

Danny laughed. “Okay. Go back to your quiet, stoic cowboy shit.” He left the barn, and once again, Hazard was alone, but still anxious. Still, he got to work and finished up the last of his chores before saddling Custer, who needed exercise, and after checking that everything was as it should be, he rode out to the south, needing a little fresh air and quiet to clear his head.

He reachedthe edge of the tall trees around the old water hole and dismounted. After tying Custer to one of the smaller tree trunks, he headed into the shade. The air cooled as soon as he stepped under the limbs. The sensation felt strange and was one he hadn’t been expecting. He stopped and inhaled deeply, the air fresh on his skin. He stood still, enjoying the shade before sparkles caught his attention. It was like stars had fallen from heaven and landed on earth.

Hazard reached for his phone, but his pockets were empty. He stared for a few seconds before racing back to Custer. He untied him and mounted quickly. “Come on, boy. Let’s get back. Fast as you can.” He urged his horse into a gallop, giving him his head and letting him race like the wind. His head beat almost as powerfully as Custer’s hooves by the time they both reached the yard. Hazard left Custer saddled and put him in his paddock, making sure he had plenty of water.

Hurrying to the main house, he knocked on the front door. Mrs. Maverick answered it. “Where’s Bryce?”

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