Page 36 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“I’m so sorry, Rod.” I gazed again at the floor. “I never pursued Stella. She and I met for a drink at the Deli, and I spent the entire hour thinking of you.”
Rod sighed. “She told anyone on campus who would listen about the wild time she and her boyfriend were having. I realize now the boyfriend she bragged about was made up, but she sounded so convincing. I hated the thought of you and her.”
I paused, unsure if I wanted to open another can of worms. “Can I ask you something?”
Our eyes reconnected.
“Sure. We’re talking…so spill.” Rod reached for the bottle and topped off his glass.
“Why didn’t you come to the ranch this afternoon?”
“I guess Walt didn’t tell you,” Rod said
“Tell me what?”
“I’m dealing with a situation on campus, and I thought coming to the ranch might not be the best idea.”
Now, I grew curious. “What kind of situation?”
Rod shook his head. “Because the situation involves campus personnel and is ongoing, I can’t discuss specifics.”
“Am I in danger?” Memories of my time in the Marines and my need to be on the watch for trouble came to mind.
“No. Not at all. When I can tell you, I will share all the details. Until then, you must trust me.” Rod took another sip. “Now, can I ask you something?”
I nodded. I wasn’t sure what he could ask me, but I would do my best to answer as long as we were back on speaking terms.
“Why did Walt call me? Did you ask him to?”
I shook my head. “No. He called all on his own. I told him about that night, the kiss, and my thinking I’m gay, and he took it from there.”
“You told him everything?” Rod emphasizedeverythingas if I had released a top-secret formula.
“I did. He said I needed to fix this.”
“What do you mean?”
I sighed. “Friendships are worth fighting for. You’re my first friend in years, and I’m a total nerd at the friend thing.”
Rod chuckled. “Friend thing?”
My turn to chuckle. “Whatever. I’m just glad my brother is so insistent. But he was okay with me waiting until Monday. I was the one who cleaned myself up and came into town tonight. I needed us to be okay so we could both have relaxing weekends.” I stood. “And I’d better go.” I walked toward the open front door. “I’m sure you have weekend plans.”
Rod stood and walked with me into the foyer. “I had planned to drive down to my place in the Hill Country. Why? Do you have something else in mind?”
I grabbed his arm, pulling him to me. “Let’s have our second kiss.” I leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips. Nothing frantic, just a “welcome back” kiss that let us both know we would be okay. “And how about you come to the ranch and spend the weekend? I missed you, and the ranch is nice and private. No snooping secretaries.”
Rod leaned in and kissed me. “Our third kiss. And fuck being cautious. I’d love a weekend on the ranch with my favorite sexy rancher.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
ROD
That night in Wyl’s bed at the ranch, my body covered his as our hard cocks rutted together. I wanted more contact with my amazing man. Yes, my man. At last, my man. My man, whom I probably loved, and someday would tell him. I clamped my lips over his. Our tongues writhed together like snakes in a mating dance. Wyl's flavor invaded my taste buds. Wyl’s scent, laden with testosterone, fueled my libido.
Panting, Wyl broke away and rolled me onto my back. I gazed into Wyl’s eyes, seeing blown irises, dark with passion.
“My turn to examine you.” Wyl’s finger trailed from my forehead, down my nose, across my lips, over my chin, and down my Adam’s apple. “You have such a beautiful face.”
