Page 153 of The Texas Sterling Collection
They carried the bags into the bedroom, but they remained packed. They stripped and crawled beneath the sheets, curled up together, and floated into slumberland.
* * *
Friday morning,they awoke early.
“How did my cowboy sleep last night?” Wyl gazed at the man he adored.
“Great. It’s good to be back in our own bed on our ranch again.”
Wyl loved Rod’s use ofour. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling good,” Rod said. “I want breakfast, and then I want a horseback ride. I missed being on our horses.”
“Yessir…Mr. Cowboy, sir. One breakfast and one horseback ride, coming up!” Wyl leaned over to kiss him.
“I love your kisses,” Rod said. “Let’s get going, or we’ll never get out of this bed.”
They showered and dressed, then went into the kitchen to fix breakfast.
“Sausage and eggs okay with you?” Rod put a skillet on the stove.
“Perfect.” Wyl put bread in the toaster and poured two glasses of orange juice.
Rod fixed breakfast while Wyl put plates, silverware, and juice on the bar. He placed a slice of toast on each plate, then added more bread to the toaster.
Rod dished up the egg mixture as Wyl made two mugs of coffee. They sat down to breakfast.
“I wonder if our horses missed us. Do you suppose they know when we’re here and when we’re gone?” Rod shoved eggs into his mouth.
“I think they do. Horses are sensitive animals. That sensitivity helps them do well in competition. They are in sync with their riders and can react to every movement the rider makes. I watched you ride, Princess.” Wyl took a bite of toast. “She definitely has that connection with you.”
“Really?” Rod sipped his coffee. “I felt like she responded well to me, but my horse experience is shallow. I’m not familiar with the connection between horse and rider.”
“Oh, it is definitely there. You’re more of a horseman than you realize. Just because you are still learning the technique doesn’t mean the connection doesn’t exist.” Wyl forked the last bit of sausage on his plate and popped it in his mouth.
“Gosh… I’m glad to know that. No wonder I missed riding. I missed that connection,” Rod said. “I guess it is similar to when I’m not around you…I miss you.”
“So, you’re comparing me to a horse?” Wyl cocked an eyebrow at Rod.
Rod winked. “Sure, babe. I love it when I can ride you bareback.”
“I can’t say no to that little riding crop you carry down there.” Wyl stifled a grin.
“Little?” Rod laughed and leaned in for a kiss. “Now, let’s get these dishes cleaned up so we can get to that ride.”
Wyl noticed the answering machine light flashing again. There was one message from the mayor.
“Wyl and Rod, I need to alert you to a situation. Mitzi Sterling submitted a request to appear before the city council. She didn’t give any details but said it is a matter of concern to the citizens of Blackfield. I know the trouble she caused after Walt’s death, and I thought you both might want to be there. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:00. I hope to see you both there.”
Rod came up beside him as the message played. “I wonder what that’s all about?” He frowned.
“This must be that final showdown Mitzi mentioned in San Francisco,” Wyl said. “I’ll call Sam. He’ll need to be present if she’s trying to pull something.”
Tuesday morning, Wyl called Sam and scheduled an appointment for 11:00.
“Let’s hope this gets rid of Mitzi once and for all,” Wyl said.
“Sam will help us get this matter settled,” Rod said.
