Page 50 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

“I’m happy it worked, then. Feel better?”

Griff lifts his head and kisses me. It’s tender and lazy and so fuckingperfect.

“I feel like I could sleep for a week. That orgasm came from…I don’t know where, but I can barely stand right now.”

“Then let me tuck you in after we clean up again.”

He nods, sleepy and sated and fucking adorable.

“I want to be the big spoon.”

“Whatever you want, Griff.”

Griff still lay sleeping.

Despite his insistence on being the big spoon, he plastered himself to my front during the night. His head on my chest and our legs twined together are the most perfect things in the world. Even the drool that’s leaking down my chest.

This past week together has done more than just bring us together as a couple. It bonded us closer than we’ve ever been. We have a lot to work out, and Griff should probably get some professional help. I’m no expert, but after witnessing his panic over me rejecting him purely because of the way he prefers sex, I know my words and actions can only go so far. But I’ll do what I can.

Life throws all kinds of curveballs at us. My best friend in love with me for years wasn’t a pitch I could even jump away from. It kind of smacked me right in the gut, and I’m still in a daze.

A good kind, though, because nobody knows me like Griff, and it feels like this is where we’re both supposedto be. If I didn’t think the world revolved around me for the last ten years, maybe I could have saved Griff some of his hurt, too. That’s something I might need my own therapy to work through, but one step at a time, I guess.

We need to drive home today, and all I’ve done is lie here and alternate staring at the ceiling and Griff’s sleeping form at my side while replaying all my life’s choices. Caffeine is about to become my favourite food group.

My phone lights up, and when I glance over, it’s a text from my dad.

Dad:I know it’s early, but your sister said she saw on the rodeo site that you had one of your best rides ever. I’m proud of you and wanted you to know that.

Leave it to my sister to be the one watching so closely. But hearing from my dad and reading his works is the kick-start I need to make changes. Easing myself away from Griff, he mutters and clutches a pillow to his chest as soon as I stand. Grabbing my phone along with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, I dress quickly before stepping quietly into the hotel hallway.

The sun isn’t up, but it will be soon. The bustle outside on the highway has begun, and the hotel staff nod as I make my way to a quiet corner in the lobby and find a chair.

I hit call, and my dad picks up before the first ring is even over.

“Jamieson. I didn’t think you’d be awake this early. You didn’t need to call.”

My dad’s voice is more surprised than I’d like, but I know he hates to text, and I want to hear his voice.

“I was awake. Hard time sleeping, so I thought I’d call you.”

“Is there a reason you’re awake?”

My dad’s voicecarries amusement, and I smile at his innuendo.

My phone buzzes with an incoming text from my sister with a congratulations message, and for a moment, my heart aches that I have family texting me and congratulating me while Griff doesn’t.

“Just Griff. He hogs the blankets.” My dad remains quiet, and the lump in my throat that seems to be present whenever I think of Griff grows bigger. “Um…he’s more than a friend, and I have a lot to tell you.”

“Son…in case I never made it clear before, your sexuality was never an issue with me. I just want you to find someone who loves you and treats you well.” My dad’s voice is the gentlest I’ve heard it in a very long time. “If it helps, I’ve always liked Griff.”

“I have so much I need to tell you, Dad. I…” I squeeze my eyes closed and puff a relieved breath. “Thank you for saying that. It helps.”

“Anytime you’re ready, you call, or even come over. Your mom always loves to make that macaroni salad you like.”

I huff a small laugh. Dad may be comforting me, but he’ll never actually come out and say what he wants. At least not for this. He wants his kids to choose to visit their parents and not do it out of guilt. “Thanks, Dad. Tell her I’ll come over tomorrow.”

“I love you, Jamieson. I always will, okay?”

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