Page 271 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Good night, best friend.Felix tried to decide what to do with his rock-hard dick. He dare not touch it lest it goes off.
Chapter Eight
Felix clomped down the stairs. His stomach growled at the aroma of sausage and fried potatoes. He paused at the bottom of the stairs as a conversation between Joey, Ma, and Pa Sterling reached his ears..
“I’m glad you brought Felix here for the summer, Pa. I like having someone to help me with my chores. And Felix and I work well together. Since Jacob left, I’ve missed having someone else around.”
“You two are becoming fast friends,” Ma Sterling said. “But remember, Felix goes back to Blackfield at the end of the summer.”
Reality punched Felix in the stomach. Despite his fear that ranching wouldn’t work out for him, Felix enjoyed doing what Joey taught him and made a friend. Leaving was something far in the future. He still had much to learn with only a few days under his belt. His father sent him here to become a man. How is he considered a man if he isn't also a rancher? While his father does expect him back at the store, he enjoys being on the ranch and likes Joey.
“Yes, Ma,” Joey said.
With a beaming smile, Felix walked into the kitchen. “Morning, everyone.”
“Morning, Felix.” Mabel hugged him. “Did you sleep okay, honey?”
He started to welcome the hugs. But Felix was never calledhoney. His mother didn’t call him endearing names. “I sleep better here than I ever did at home.”
“I’m glad, son.” Grover smiled. “Have a seat for breakfast.”
“What are you teaching me today, Joey?” Felix sat and gazed across the table at his best friend. Joey’s smile sagged, and the twinkle in his eyes left.
“I’m going to teach you to rope today.” Joey kept his gaze on his breakfast, pushing potatoes around on his plate with his fork. “We’ll practice this morning on a wooden calf so you learn the art of throwing, then this afternoon, we’ll bring in a couple of goats, and you can practice on something moving.”
“Joey.” Felix raised his voice.
Joey jerked, then met his gaze.
Felix smiled and winked, hoping to draw him out of his down mood. “Sounds like fun. I’m sure you are tops at roping.”
“I’m okay, I guess,” Joey said.
“Okay?” Grover huffed and turned to Felix. “I remember telling you that Joey won a couple of events at the last county rodeo. He’s one of the best ropers around.”
“Both our sons handle a rope well,” Mabel boasted. “I bet our third son is going to be an award winner too.” She smiled at Felix.
The veins in Felix’s face got a workout over the last few days. Heat flushed his cheeks at thethird soncomment. “Ma Sterling, you sure do make me feel welcome here.” Felix smiled.
“Son, part of becoming a man is learning how the world works.” Grover popped a bit of biscuit in his mouth, then spoke with it stuffed in his cheek. “It’s not always about rules and regulations or things you should or shouldn’t do. Sometimes it’s about people.”
“People?” Felix asked. He lifted a chunk of sausage to his mouth, and the spicy flavor invaded his tongue.
“Sure, son. Your relationships are as important as your knowledge.”
Felix swallowed. “I’m not sure I understand, Pa Sterling.” He eyed Joey.
“I doubt you realize it, but your presence changed him.” Grover thumbed at Joey. “He hasn't smiled this much since Jacob left.” Grover glanced at Joey. “Well, except for this morning.” His gaze returned to Felix. “You make him happy.”
“I do?” Felix’s eyes moved to Joey. “I did nothing except try to learn from him.”
“You made a difference in his life, Felix. That’s what I mean about people. Out here, you are not following the rules your father set for you. The restrictions of your home life do not bind you. Your father wanted me to teach you to be a man, and part of your lesson is knowing you are free to learn all you can and be a part of this family.”
Pa’s comments made Felix realize a weight lifted from his shoulders. He never considered having his own thoughts and feelings. It means abandoning his father’s ways, but as Pa Sterling pointed out, it was part of being a man.
Joey scooted his chair back from the table and stood. “You ready to go roping?” He headed for the back door as he talked, grabbing his hat from the rack and placing it on his head while pushing open the screen with the other hand.
“Sure.” Felix slurped down the last of his milk. He rose and grabbed his hat as he ran after Joey, who had already made it halfway to the barn.
