Page 6 of That Fateful Ride

By the time the dun entered the yard, he had made his way down to the hard-packed ground. He worked hard to mask his frown as he watched Robert draw to a halt and make a sliding dismount. Something was different but still, for the life of him, he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Hat lowered over his eyes obscuring his features, Robert made his way to him, the gelding following behind.

“Have a message for you from the station master.” A quick hand in a saddlebag and he offered it.

“Thank you. Did you…see Bill?”

A single nod. “Found him. He’s resting under Doc’s care now.”

That was it and they were walking away. No bragging that he’d been the one to rescue the man. Nothing that would indicate he wanted any recognition for doing so.

Who did something like that?

I’ve thought it before, Robert is acting different but I don’t know him that well.

He scowled and looked down at the message he’d been given.

Sent word to the Army. Hope they will help. Will let owners know about Robert as well. Joseph

He wasn’t sure the Army would help, but he also hoped they would. Before he knew it, he was on his way to the barn. The whickers which met him, made him smile. They’d gotten in more horses yesterday to replace those lost. He loved working with horses. Their smell, warmth, brutal honesty made him smile. It was a comfort no matter where in the country he happened to be.

Soft murmurs reached him and spark ran along his veins. That was no man’s voice it belonged to a woman. Low and husky, it stroked along his skin and sent lust to his cock. Instant heat thrummed through him, reminding him so much how long it had been since he’d had the pleasure of a woman beneath him. Above him.

Aww fuck. He gripped the hard length in his denim and adjusted himself. Time to get under control.

What the hell?

Was there a woman hiding in here? He moved through to check. Nothing. The only person he saw was Robert who stood brushing down his horse.

“Did you see anyone in here?”

Robert whirled only to flick his eyes over him before returning to his task of rubbing down Polaris. “Not other than you.”

“I thought I heard a woman.” And again, thinking about the soft, husky voice, his cock decided to pulse again.

He noticed the stiffening of the man by the horse. Was he hiding her here? A spear of jealously hit him and he didn’t understand why.

Cy ground his jaw. “You know you’re not allowed to have women here.”

“You think I have a woman in here?” Honest incredulity tinged the tone. “When would I have told her to meet me?” Robert didn’t face him again but dark fingers tightened so hard some of the color leeched out from where they gripped the brush.

Okay, so it wasn’t his smartest comment. “You’re right. Sorry, I’m…” he trailed off. What was there to say? It was obvious Robert had just arrived and yet he couldn’t help feel possessive over…he sighed.Over what? A feminine voice I obviously heard in my head? Yes that’ll boost confidence the men have in me. I’m hearing voices.

He cleared his throat and out of habit rubbed the thigh of his injured leg. “Bunkhouse is full, you’ll have to share a bunk.”

Now the following action was a definite tensing. He guessed he understood. Overall the riders didn’t have color issues but there were a few who did.

“Fine.” Robert ducked under the rail, hefted the saddle with ease, and slid it onto an empty spot amongst the other tack. Weapon in one hand and saddlebags with bedroll in the other, he strode from the barn.

Cy double-checked on the large dun then brought the next horse up so he didn’t have to chase him down when the time came. Once that was finished, he got to his daily duties of being a station manager at one of the more than one hundred stations along the two thousand mile trail.

Things didn’t differentiate much as the days went on. The Army didn’t arrive however, neither did they have more attacks. Everyone worked hard right along with everyone else.

Three weeks later, a severe storm overran them. The station was empty except for him and Robert since he’d just sent off the last rider two hours ago. Another few should be coming in within a few more hours, but he figured the storm would slow them a bit. He had a big pot of soup heating and some biscuits cooking in the oven. Cy got to his feet and went to the door. May as well call Robert to eat with him.

The young man had changed, not that he and Robert had ever been extremely close but since the incident with Bill, he’d become even more distant. Respectful and hardworking as always but he kept to himself. Never participated in card games with the guys. Slept and worked.

He pushed out the door and took a deep breath. The rainy onslaught filled the air with a fresh clean scent. It washed away the dry, hot air and replaced it with rebirth. He couldn’t hear the horses over the pounding rain. Nor could he see the bunkhouse.

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