Chapter 18
“Come on, asshole. Push harder. You’re getting soft.”
Bodie knew better, and he was tempted to tell Jacob that, but he was too busy doing burpees and trying not to die, while simultaneously trying not to upend his iPad.
He didn’t mind his workouts, but Jacob was wrong—he wasn’t getting soft. He’d been hiking and camping. He’d jogged and done his upper body workout every single day.
He was rocking it.
It got a chuckle from Cole as he walked by though.
“Really?” Jacob sighed dramatically. “You don’t allow distractions on that bull, do you? Make the last ten one-handed push-ups.”
“Don’t make me mute you. Which hand? Riding or free?” Now he was aggravated. He’d had his shoulder fixed three times, and one-handed pushups could be a stone-cold bitch.
“Your good side. I’m not actually an asshole; I just play one during our sessions.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Free arm it was. That riding arm was his baby.
Jacob was quiet until his last two. “And… nine, and… ten. Nice work.”
Cole came through and set a note on the floor where he could see it before leaving.
Errands. Back in an hour. Text me with your lunch order. xo
He nodded and waved, sitting hard. “Somebody’s bringing me lunch, so there.”
“Stretch,” Jacob told him. “So, you have a somebody? Where are you? His place?”
“I do. In Boulder, and yes.” He bent at the waist, stretching his lower back, his muscles screaming.
“Good for you. You want to tell me about him? Is he a rider?” Jacob was always asking questions about his career, but rarely about his personal life.
“He’s a suit. He’s my agent.”
Jacob’s eyes went wide. “No shit.”
“Nope. None.”
“I’m surprised. You strike me as more of a cowboy’s cowboy.”
“Shut up. He’s hot, kind, smart, and he makes me tingle in the right places.” He’d been burned by a lot of cowboys, in the heart department.
“That checks all the boxes, then.” Jacob smiled, leaning against the weight rack in his studio in Las Vegas. “Has this been going on for a while, or is it new?”
“A few months, but it’s gone from nice to serious. Like he’s my person, you know?” He wasn’t sure how it happened, but it had, and he loved it.
“Oh. Oh wow. That’s great, man. I’m happy for you. I won’t make you do push-ups if he walks through anymore.” Jacob laughed. “I thought he was a booty call.”
“Nah. He’s… well, I’m hoping for all the things, but…” That didn’t happen a lot.
“Just enjoy it. No buts. Uh, no… excuses.” Jacob grinned at him, leaning closer to the camera. “I hope there are butts.”
He stuck his tongue out. “Oh, I assure you, there are most definitely butts. Don’t you worry about it.”
“Awesome. That’s great. So how are you feeling physically? How is the shoulder?”
“The shoulder’s holding up. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I know if it’s fixin’ to rain, without fail, but it’s holding strong.” And it was par for the course.
“I intend to make sure it stays that way. I heard another rider got injured last weekend. That’s not going to be you.”
“It’s eventually going to be, but I want it to be a little career ender, not a huge one.”
“I’m with you. A little knock to your subconscious. Until then, we’ll keep you healthy. You’re headed to NOLA soon I assume? Where are you now?”
“Boulder. It’s gorgeous up here. Utterly beautiful. I might love it.”
“The right man is in the right place? Sounds like it was meant to be. Send some of those vibes my way.” Jacob was big in the same way that bull riders were small, and he was just as hard-bodied. Who would pass him over?
“I will do my best juju.” He wasn’t sure how that worked—candles and crystals, maybe? Or salt and silver? Maybe he’d just say a quick prayer.
Jacob snorted. “Save your juju for the arena. Are we all done here? Same time tomorrow?”
“Same time tomorrow, man. I will be here with bells on.”
“Ring-a-ling. Go enjoy your man.” Jacob gave him a wave, and the screen went dark.
He ran upstairs and took a shower. He wasn’t sure how long his guy would be gone, but he wanted to not be stinky for it.
“Hey, you.” Cole was putting together lunch when he came downstairs, and it looked very much like someone had his fighting weight diet in mind. There was a big, colorful salad, cold cuts rolled up on a cutting board and Cole was stirring tea in a pitcher. “No sugar, just lemon.”
“You rock. How’s it going?” He headed over for a kiss, snuggling right into Cole’s side, getting in his business.
Cole gave him his kiss and curled an arm around him. “Oh. Much better now. Are you all pumped up from your workout?”
“You know it. Exercised. Showered. Ready to snuggle.”
“I know the payout isn’t as high, but you’re a champion snuggler.” Cole picked up the salad and slipped away to set it on the kitchen table, which had another great view and lots of sun coming in the window.
“What can I do to help? Anything?” He wasn’t useless, mostly.
“Bring the meat over? I’ll get a couple of glasses for the tea.” Cole passed behind him, one hand sliding affectionately across his back.
“Mmm… you got it, gorgeous.” He was buzzing, just vibrating in his bones.
“You’re in a good mood.” Cole chuckled, pouring two glasses of tea. “I mean, you’re always in a good mood, but this mood is particularly sweet.”
“I am. It’s a beautiful day. I had a good workout, and we’re together.”
“Those are all excellent reasons.” Cole sat the glasses down along with forks and a couple of brightly colored plates. “Eat up, champ. It’s back to work soon.”
“I know. I do like Albuquerque, and it’s not a bad drive at all, you know? Nine hours, nice views—I love it.”
“Should be a great drive. I like it there too. It’s one of my favorite stops on the tour. If I didn’t live here, I’d be there.”
“Yeah? I’ve looked into Santa Fe, but I never have found the place.”
Cole shrugged. “It would take someplace pretty special to get me to leave this house now anyway.”
“I understand that. Why would you? This house is perfect. It’s exactly right.” There were mountains, the city was close enough for concerts and shit, Boulder was crunchy granola and fun, and the house was a little slice of heaven.
Cole nodded. “I actually couldn’t afford it when I bought it, but I didn’t feel like I could mentally afford to give it up either. It was a struggle the first year or two, but it’s all good now.”
“I know about that. Seriously. Sometimes, you have to take a risk and go for it.” Sometimes he did it a lot.
“Like your whole entire career?” Cole winked at him and served the salad.
“Yep. Exactly like.” He stuck his tongue out at Cole.
That got him a chuckle. “I guess I better make you rich quick then.”
“There you go. Let’s do this thing.” He wasn’t in love with bull riding, but he was good at it, and he knew how to do it.
“In ABQ. Not now. Now we’re still playing house.” Cole gave him a smile. “I hope you know that you’re welcome here any time you want.”
“I hope you know that I’m going to want to be welcome a lot.” That was clear, right?
Cole reached for his hand, smiling. “Well then, I guess you better leave a toothbrush. Do you want an underwear drawer?”
“Yessir. I would love that.”
Cole stood and moved around the table, settling in his lap. “You can have the nightstand on your side of the bed too.”
“Yeah? That’d be a nice place to store my good buckles…” Except his championship one. That one was at his dad’s, in his room.
Cole leaned down to kiss him, lips hovering over his. “Maybe that second closet in the bedroom?”
“You would do that for me?” He searched Cole’s eyes. “Oh, honey. I’m in.”
“Or for me. Spin it any way you like.” Cole’s kiss was slow and hot, and fingers slid across his chest.
He’d never been so stupid for a lover. Not ever. He was so in love he felt as if he could fly.
Like he was riding for 100.
Cole looked into his eyes as the kiss ended. “I’ve never said this to anyone before and I don’t know if I’m timing this right, but I love you, Bodie. I’ve fallen for everything about you.”
Well, thank God for favors large and small. “I’m all in, honey. You’re my person, and you got my heart.”
“Mm. I’m glad of that. Want to give me the rest of you too?” Cole kissed him again and that hand slipped under his shirt.
“You know it. Which part would you like next?” Bodie loved this—playing with Cole.
“Gosh, I don’t know. I like this part.” Cole rolled his nipple between warm fingers and nibbled his earlobe. “And this part too.”
He gasped softly, his toes curling unexpectedly. Okay, that was hot.
Cole tucked a hand over one butt cheek. “This one I really like.”
“Mmm…” His cheeks went hot, and he clenched, bouncing that hand. “I like how you like it.”
Cole chuckled. “Show off. How about this part? Oh, now. This part…” The hand on his chest slowly moved lower, making no secret where it was headed.
“Oh, I think that part is totally into you. I’ll warn you, though…” He shot Cole a grin. “It’s got a mind of its own.”
Cole laughed, covering his fly with a hot palm. “Don’t you hate that? Oh, hello. That part is interested.”
“That part thinks you are the greatest thing since sliced bread.” Bodie arched into the touch.
“Mm. I feel the same way. I don’t think it’s excited about the space in the empty closet though.” Cole pressed harder and nipped at his jaw.
“No? Do you think it’s your hot little hand instead?” He lifted his chin and offered Cole his throat.
“Could be.” Cole took his invitation, licking and nibbling down to that soft divot. Cole shifted to sit straddling his thighs and went after his fly. “We should find out.”
He shorted out, and all he could do was nod and stare, eyes huge, his heart slamming in his chest.
“I love it when you look at me like that.” All of a sudden, his jeans were open, and Cole pushed at the fabric and maneuvered his cock with hot fingers until it was free.
He wasn’t sure what his look was like, but he didn’t care. He just wanted Cole’s touch, so hopefully he’d do it again.
“I want to taste you.” Cole planted his feet and stood. “Slide your chair back, baby.”
“Jesus.” His heart hiccupped a little bit, but he slid back, his thighs parting like there was a button.
Cole bent and kissed him, then held his gaze and knelt, hands moving up his thighs. Cole tugged his jeans lower before nuzzling his shaft. “I got you.”
“You do.” He reached out and stroked Cole’s hair, the strands curling around his fingers.
The touch started out gently, Cole dragged his tongue up his length and slowly bathed the tip of his prick, but once Cole had tasted every little inch, his cock disappeared into his lover’s hot mouth, sliding deep to the back of Cole’s throat.
He had to force himself not to clench his fingers and tug Cole’s hair. A strangled sound escaped his lips, and he stared, fascinated by the sight of his cock disappearing in that needy mouth.
Cole was telling the truth when he’d said that he enjoyed giving head, and he was good at it too. Cole tasted and teased and sucked and rubbed his balls through his jeans and then that clever tongue slid through his slit with just the right amount of pressure.
He could die a happy man, no question. Just boom.
But Cole wasn’t letting him off that easy. Cole turned on the suction and swallowed, then let him slide, enough that Cole could drive his tongue through again.
“Jesus…” He bucked, damn near losing his seat. “Fuck, that’s hot.”
That was possibly the greatest understatement of all time.
Cole apparently took that as his cue to do it again. And again. And again. One hand tucked under his jeans and cupped his ass.
“I can’t… babe, I’m fixin’ to…” He was going to blow like Moby Dick.
The other hand joined the first and tugged on his ass, encouraging him.
That was all she wrote, he tumbled over the air, hollering out pure nonsense.
Cole was right with him, intense at first, then easing back as he started to relax, settling him back down to earth. “Mm. Hell, yeah.”
“I—fuck, honey.” His head lolled on his shoulders as he waited to catch his breath.
“Later.” Cole stood slowly, unfolding just enough to slide back onto his lap. “Kiss me.”
He dragged them close together, humming deep in his chest as he surged up to steal a kiss. He could taste himself on Cole’s lips, and it was so fucking hot.
Cole wasn’t in any hurry and lingered over their kiss for a while, smiling between breaths.
He found a handhold on that sweet butt, fingers digging in and holding on. “Damn, honey. You do it for me.”
“I do. I do it all for you.” Cole laughed, teasing. “You want the rest of your lunch?”
“I do. I need my protein to make you a very happy man.” Both in bed and at work.
“I’ll remember that.” Cole kissed him again, softer, quicker, then slid back over to his own chair. “I’m glad you want to stay.”
“I want to stay.” His cheeks were on fire, but he was so fucking happy.
“Then this is your home now too.” Cole pushed the cold cuts closer to him. “I didn’t think this house could get any better, but it just did.”
“Thank you. I… I can’t say how tickled I am.” He had a home.
How fucking cool was that?
He had a home.