Page 76 of The Wounded Warrior

Luke glanced at Matt. “Five-ish? Five-thirty?” He wanted to help Matt load up at the feed store first.

“Let’s say six.” His twin, the bastion of imminent practicality.

“Six?” He was about to have a moment of overjoy, having his brother and his new man out for supper. Together. That was just too cool, and he didn’t have to drive, so he could have a margarita. Score.

He would grab a go bag too, because he needed to leave things at Rory’s house. He could get a toothbrush and deodorant at the feed store, but his undies and socks, a pair of pants and a couple of T-shirts, and some pajamas, would be really nice to have.

The stuff for hard-core melted relaxation after sex. Really wonderful sex.

Maybe he ought to stop at the CVS instead of the feed store. Get lube.

“Luke? I said sure. Six.”

“Sorry. I was, uh, thinking of hanging out after dinner. When Matt leaves. Is that okay?”

“Well, duh.” Rory’s voice dropped. “I changed the sheets and bought more lube.”

“Oh, then I can skip the CVS.” Cool. That made things easier on Matt for sure.

“You two stop that. Right now.”

“What?” He went for innocent, and Matt just stared him down. “Sorry.”

Rory laughed on the other end of the line. “Is he jealous?”

“Absolutely.”

That laughter redoubled. “Uh-huh. I’ll see you at six, honey.”

“You bet you will.” He hung up and grinned at Matt, “Seriously. Sorry. I get kinda silly.”

“Kinda? Lord have mercy, you’re a case.”

“I totally do.” Luke shrugged. “I feel good, bro. Like things are going better.”

“Good. You deserve some of that.”

“What about you, Matty?”

“Huh?”

He tossed another bale. “Don’t you deserve some good?”

“I got you here, Preacher’s recovering from his stroke, and none of the horses have hoof rot. I got what I want.”

Luke mulled that over. What had Matt said? Don’t bitch about someone else’s choices. He had a point. So he just nodded. “Sounds good, bud.”

“Yessir. If you want to make your booze and booty call, you’d best pick it up, man. We got an hour of work to go, at least.”

“Bitch, bitch, bitch.” Luke dutifully got back to work, though. Matt was right. The ranch came first. He’d best get used to that idea now.

Especially since he had an investor.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Rory was on Cloud Nine. Dos Equis and tacos were upcoming, then nookie. There was nothing wrong with this plan. Not a goddamn thing.

He changed in the office, getting rid of his meeting suit and changing into jeans and a button-down.