Page 90 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Rod grabbed the cash to count Shifty’s pay. “Your hands feel so good on my tense shoulders, babe. Reminds me of the first night you gave me a shoulder massage. You always know exactly how to make me feel better.”
Wyl cupped Rod’s head in his hands and tilted it back for an upside-down kiss. “Keeping my husband happy makes me happy too.”
With a contented sigh, Rod mouthed the numbers as he thumbed the bills. Coins clicked into the plastic tray before Rod put the cash and coins on the final pay sheet, folded it, and stuffed everything into an envelope.
A vehicle chugged and creaked to a stop outside the office. The engine coughed and sputtered before dying. A door slammed, and footsteps clomped up the office stairs.
“You ready for this?” Wyl moved to stand beside the desk.
“Yep.” Rod stood.
The screen door opened, and Shifty stomped in. “You got pay for me?” His weather-worn face was contorted in a snarl, and he gave them the hairy eyeball. Darts of disgust shot through his glare.
“Yes, I do,” Rod held the envelope, but didn’t offer it. Drawing strength from when he stood up to Dusty, a surge of confidence hit him. “Let me tell you something first, Anderson.” Rod glared at Shifty. “You can say whatever you want about me. I don’t give a fuck.” He pointed to Wyl. “But this man gave you a job with a fair wage and a comfortable place to live. Your comments this morning showed a lot of disrespect for him, and I don’t appreciate that.”
“Who the fuck cares.” Shifty wouldn’t meet Rod’s eyes, gazing at the floor instead.
Rod pounded his fist on the desk. “I the fuck care, Anderson. And if you want to find another job in this town or West Texas, you’d better learn how to treat your employers with respect.” Rod glowered at Shifty. “Now, here’s your pay,” Rod held out the envelope. “And if I hear you made any negative comments about Wyl or Sterling Ranch, you’ll deal with me. Understood?”
“Yeah,” Shifty snatched the envelope.
“Now get out of here, Anderson, and don’t come this way again. Your kind isn’t welcome on Sterling Ranch.”
Shifty turned and stomped out the door and down the steps, mumbling to himself as he walked away. “Oughta git a gun and take care of this.”
Rod rushed past Wyl and stood in the doorway. “Anderson,” Rod stated loudly, “I heard that threat. The sheriff will be glad to hear about it, too.”
Wyl joined Rod at the door, and they watched as Shifty got in and slammed the truck door. It didn’t catch the first time, so he cussed and slammed it again. The old engine clattered to life, and the gears ground audibly as he shifted into first. The engine revved before he let out the clutch and sped off in a cloud of West Texas dust and exhaust smoke.
Wyl turned to Rod, his arms across his chest. “Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?” The mile-wide grin on his face reflected the pride blooming inside.
“What?” Rod grinned.
“C’mere,” Wyl pulled Rod into a hug. The electricity he felt the first night they hugged still happened.
Rod snaked his arms around Wyl’s waist.
Wyl rubbed his palms up and down Rod’s back, enjoying the feel of the man in his arms. “I’m so proud of you. What happened to being afraid of gay bashing?”
“Wyl, back in Kerrville, when Dusty said those things about you and me, it made me angry.” Rod looked at Wyl. “When he grabbed my shirt and threatened me, a feeling of power surged. I realized the most important reason for defending myself was you.”
Wyl leaned in for a kiss. “What Dusty thinks, says, or does, doesn’t hurt me.”
“I know, but it hurts me when someone talks bad about you. I won’t put up with that shit.”
“Thank you, Roddy. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“I’ll call the sheriff and ask him to keep an eye on Shifty,” Wyl said. “He’ll end up in one of the local bars. After a few drinks, he’ll try to stir up trouble. Damn…and I thought Mitzi was trouble. Shifty has a screw loose somewhere, so both are trouble.” He picked up the phone. “Have you met the sheriff?”
“I don’t think so. I try to avoid interacting with lawmen.” Rod grinned again.
“Jack Johnson has been sheriff for several years. He’s been a Sterling ally since before he became sheriff. He came to Walt’s funeral, and no doubt noticed you sitting with me.” Wyl punched in the number. “I’m sure he is eager to meet you.”
Rod nodded. “Be sure to tell Jack about Shifty’s threat with the gun. Whether he meant it or not, he said it…and he could do it.”
“You’re right. I’ll tell him.”
