Page 103 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Me too?” Rod stared open-mouthed at his man.
“Yeah. You know how people try to find common ground when they are first in a relationship, and almost everything they say is met withme too?”
Rod laughed. “I get it.”
“I was hesitant to let you know I leaned that way.”
“Youleanedthat way? Babe, the first time I stroked your rock-hard dick, you stopped me because you would blow too fast. You were far more thanleaning that way.”
Wyl chuckled. “I prefer to think a certain college professor turned me gay.”
“Shut up. You can’t be turned gay.” Rod grabbed the towel from Wyl and dried his hands.
“Even though I did things with a man years ago, he didn’t turn me on as much as you.” Wyl leaned in close to Rod’s face. “So, I think you turned the gay switch to full-on.”
“I’m glad I did.” Rod kissed Wyl lightly before tossing the towel on the counter and hurrying out of the kitchen.
Chapter Nine
The Westex County Coliseum hosted the annual rodeo. Pickup trucks of all sizes filled the parking lot, with the horse trailers parked south of the main building. Horses and cattle occupied the annex until the event took place. Rod bought their tickets, and they strolled toward the stairs leading to the stands.
“Aren’t y’all the guys in that video?” A cowboy standing near the stairs piped up. He was talking to another cowboy and interrupted their conversation to speak.
“What video?” Wyl asked.
“The one on YouTube.” The other cowboy said.
Wyl threw an uneasy glance at Rod.
Rod sensed this could be uncomfortable if the cowboys had the same attitude as Shifty.
“Yeah, it’s you, all right.” He removed his hat and offered his hand. “I’m George Bradley, and this here’s my partner, Tom Simpson. We’re right proud of you two for what you did.”
“I’m Rod Sterling,” Rod shook George’s hand and turned to offer his to Tom. “Pleased to meet you both.”
Tom turned to Wyl and offered his hand. “And you’re Wyl. Man, are you a tall drink of water.”
Wyl grasped Tom’s hand and shook. “You saw our video?”
“What’s a tall drink of water?” Rod asked.
George laughed. “It’s a welcome sight to a thirsty cowboy, Rod. Same as a sight for sore eyes. It’s a compliment.”
“Ah,” Rod said. “I’m still getting used toboy howdy.”
George and Tom laughed. “You fellers want to join us in the stands? We’d be right pleased to share a row with you.”
“Sure,” Wyl said. “Okay with you, Rod?”
“Fine with me,” Rod said. “Maybe these fellers can splain rodeoin’ to me.”
George and Tom chuckled as they turned to climb the stairs. Wyl poked Rod in the ribs and whispered, “Be nice.”
Rod grinned as they followed Tom and George up the stairs and into the stands.
They took their seats, and Rod noticed banners hanging from the rafters at one end of the arena listing the rodeo records for Westex County. One name caught his attention on the banner for calf roping, and he jabbed Wyl in the ribs with his elbow.
“Wyl, check out the banners hanging from the rafters. Do you see any familiar names on the calf roping list?”
