10. Lucas
Chapter 10
Lucas
“ C an’t wait to see you with that trophy, Beau!”
It was at least the fifteenth time some random passerby had said that to Beau as we walked down the fair’s midway. It seemed the cowboy at my side, the one I could still taste on my lips, had a bigger reputation than I thought. Being a three-time champion, I figured he’d be known, but this was much more than I expected.
“Thanks,” Beau called back with a polite, but shy wave.
The man, from what I could tell, didn’t take praise well. Ever since our little romp in his truck, he’d been awfully quiet, always keeping his gaze fixed on the ground in front of him. He barely even looked at me as soon as we were lost in the crowd. As far as I could see, not a single person thought it was odd we were walking together. But with the way Beau was acting, you’d think we were making out on top of the merry-go-round. It made me kind of sad to see him so reserved.
I mentally checked myself for having any concern for this stranger, not that it did any good. When I went over to Beau’s house for riding lessons, I fully intended to weasel my way into his trust and steal his recipes from him with no concern for his feelings. But after he’d saved me from that runaway horse and the way he held me in his arms as I fought to regain control of myself… well, things changed after that. Now I found myself worried about him, concerned for him, and worst of all… liking him. And the quick blowjob in the back of his truck only made those feelings stronger.
“You doing alright, cowboy?” I asked as we walked through the carnival rides and headed toward the food trucks on the far side of the fair. “You’re awfully quiet.”
Beau's blue eyes flickered to meet mine for just a moment before darting away again. He cleared his throat, his voice low when he finally spoke. “I'm alright. Just... not used to all this attention, I reckon.”
I nodded, trying to understand. It was hard to imagine someone as ruggedly handsome as Beau being uncomfortable with attention, but the way he acted so shy when he had every reason to brag tugged at my heartstrings.
“We could find a quieter spot if you'd like,” I offered, gesturing towards a less crowded area near the edge of the fairgrounds.
Beau seemed to consider it for a moment, then shook his head. “Nah, it's fine. I promised to show you around, didn't I?” He managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
“Something else bothering you?”
He glanced up at me again, his eyes giving it all away.
“They can’t tell, you know,” I replied, keeping my voice low. “I promise. And I won’t give you away. I know what it’s like to be in the closet.”
“I’m not in the closet,” he shot back quickly.
I lifted an eyebrow, but didn’t contradict him. As much as I wanted him to be comfortable, that was something he had to sort out on his own in the end. “Well, I guess show me to the food first because I’m starving.”
As we approached the food trucks, the aroma of sizzling meats and fried southern delicacies filled the air. Beau's shoulders seemed to relax a bit, his stride becoming more natural as we weaved through the crowd.
“What're you in the mood for?” he asked, his deep drawl sending a shiver down my spine.
“Surprise me,” I replied with a grin. “You're the local expert, after all.”
Beau's lips quirked up in a half-smile, the most genuine expression I'd seen from him since we left his truck. The tension in his shoulders seemed to melt away as he guided me off the midway down a side alley. From there he led me to a weathered food truck adorned with hand-painted cacti and longhorns covering everything but the menu.
“Two of the usual, Marge,” Beau called out to the older woman inside.
“Coming right up, sugar!” she replied with a wink. “And who's this handsome fella you got with ya? Single I hope?”
Marge was easily in her late fifties with a big toothy grin, permed brown hair straight out of the eighties, and lipstick the color of blood. If she donned a sweatband and leg warmers, she’d look like someone out of an old workout tape.
“I’m from out of town,” I replied, ignoring the part about my relationship status. “Came in for the fair to scope out all the food here for my marketing firm back in New York.”
Her eyes lit up. “Well bless my soul! A real live New Yorker!” She was suddenly completely unconcerned with making food and swung all her attention on me as if I could make all her wildest dreams come true. “I’ve always wanted to go to New York and see what high society looks like!” She reached up, fluffing her hair. “Maybe I’ll get discovered and end up on Broadway or somethin’! Do you know any producers, honey?”
“I’m afraid I don’t,” I grinned back, chuckling at her enthusiasm. Her reaction wasn’t uncommon. Everyone had big dreams of moving to the city and getting famous. “I’m just a lowly marketing agent at my company. I only know my coworkers and the hot dog guy I buy lunch from once in a while.”
Her smile remained, but I could see some of the sparkle leave her eyes. “Well, I suppose we all gotta start somewhere, huh? Who knows? Maybe you’ll be a big producer someday yourself!”
I just laughed, not really sure how to respond to that.
Beau cleared his throat, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Marge, darlin', I think we're holdin' up the line.”
I glanced behind us to see a small crowd forming, their eyes fixed hungrily on the food truck. Marge's cheeks flushed as she realized her distraction.
“Oh, goodness me! You're right, Beau. Two usuals comin' right up!”
As Marge busied herself with our order, Beau leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “Sorry 'bout that. Marge gets a little excitable 'round new folks.”
His proximity sent a shiver down my spine, and I had to resist the urge to lean into him. “No worries,” I murmured back. “She seems sweet.”
Beau nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. “Known her since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Makes the best damn brisket tacos you'll ever taste.”
As if on cue, Marge reappeared with two paper baskets, each filled with what looked like heaven wrapped in a tortilla. The aroma of smoky meat and spices made my mouth water instantly.
“Here you go, boys,” Marge said, handing over our food. “Enjoy!”
Beau paid, waving off my attempt to chip in, and we moved away from the truck to make room for the next customers. We found a relatively quiet spot near a cluster of picnic tables behind the ferris wheel, settling down to eat.
I took a bite of my taco and nearly moaned out loud. The brisket was tender and flavorful, the homemade salsa adding just the right amount of heat. There was something creamy in there too, like feta cheese that just made the entire thing perfect top to bottom .
“Good god!” I gasped, taking another bite. “This is delicious!”
Beau chuckled, a deep, rich sound that made my heart skip a beat. “Told ya,” he said, taking a bite of his own taco. “Marge's cookin' is legendary 'round these parts.”
“If her food is this good and you’re the one winning competitions, I can’t wait to taste what you make.”
“It’s nothin’ special…” he said, shaking his head.
“I seriously doubt that.”
Beau didn’t reply. He just glanced up at me, a small shy grin on his lips. We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, savoring the decadent mixture of flavors. I couldn't help but steal glances at Beau, admiring the way the lights of the ferris wheel danced in his eyes. He seemed more relaxed now, away from the crowds and the constant attention.
“So,” I said, wiping my mouth with a napkin, “you gonna tell me what's really bothering you? And don't say it's nothing, because I can tell something's on your mind.”
Beau sighed, setting down his half-eaten taco. He lifted his hat and ran a hand through his blonde hair, messing it up in a way that somehow made him even more handsome. But when he opened his mouth to speak, no words came out.
“Is it the gay thing?” I asked, glancing around to make sure nobody was close enough to overhear us.
Beau's jaw clenched, his eyes darting around nervously before settling back on me. He leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. “It ain't just that. It's... everything. The competition, the expectations, this whole dang town watchin' my every move.”
I nodded, encouraging him to continue.
“I love ranchin', don't get me wrong,” Beau said, his accent thickening with emotion. “It's in my blood. But sometimes I feel like I'm livin' someone else's life, you know? Like I'm playin' a part.”
His willingness to be vulnerable struck a chord in me. I reached out, placing my hand over his on the table. “I get it,” I said softly. “It's not easy living up to other people's expectations. ”
Beau's eyes widened at the contact, but he didn’t pull away. “Yeah… and now everyone expects me to win and finally accept a proposal from this girl that I don’t even like.”
“Oh?” I said, my eyebrows shooting up. “She’s already popped the question?”
He nodded. “Two years ago. And I turned her down.”
“I take it that’s not… normal around here?”
Beau shook his head, his eyes downcast. “No, it ain't. 'Round here, you're expected to settle down young, start a family. Especially if you're from an old ranching family like mine.”
I squeezed his hand gently. “That must be tough.”
“You have no idea,” Beau sighed. “Amber May- that's the girl - she's been after me since high school. Everyone thinks we're perfect for each other. Her daddy owns the bank, my family's got the ranch... it's like some kinda fairytale to them.”
“But not to you,” I said softly.
Beau's blue eyes met mine, filled with a mix of sadness and longing. “No, not to me. I've tried, believe me. Tried to feel somethin' for her, tried to be what everyone wants me to be… but I just can’t.” He turned his gaze away, staring at the ground. “And now you’re here and I… I can’t deny it anymore. I suspected I might be… you know… but after what just happened in the truck, I’m pretty sure.”
I felt a pang in my chest at Beau's words, a mixture of sympathy and something deeper I wasn't ready to name. “Hey,” I said softly, giving his hand another squeeze. “It's okay. There's nothing wrong with you, you know that, right?”
Beau's eyes flickered back to mine, uncertainty written across his face. “I reckon my Pa might disagree with that,” he said with a bitter chuckle. “And probably Mabel too.”
“Well, your Pa isn't the one who has to live your life,” I replied, surprised by the fierceness in my own voice. “You are.”
For a moment, Beau just stared at me, his blue eyes wide with surprise. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face - a real, genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat. “You're somethin' else, you know that?” he said, his voice low and rich. “I didn’t know you city boys were so full of it.”
I couldn't help but laugh at that, the tension between us easing a bit. “Oh, we're full of all sorts of things,” I teased, giving him a playful wink.
Beau's cheeks flushed a light pink, but his smile didn't falter. “I reckon I'm startin' to see that,” he said, his voice warm with affection.
We sat there for a moment, just looking at each other, the sounds of the fair fading into the background. I felt a pull towards him, an urge to lean in and kiss him right there, consequences be damned. But before I could act on it, a familiar voice called out.
“Beau Turner! There you are, sugar!”
We quickly pulled our hands apart as an older woman approached our table. Mabel wore an expression that was both friendly and stern at the same time as her long gray braid swung behind her. Her well pressed polka-dot dress was a bit rumpled, and I had a feeling that was our fault for disappearing without warning.
“Hey Mabel,” he called back, wincing as he waved back to her.
“We wondered where y’all had gotten off to! I was worried!” Her tone hinted she was a bit annoyed as well, but didn’t want to show it in front of company.
“The truck stalled for a moment, but we got it back on the road,” Beau explained, reworking his original lie. “When we got here, we didn’t see ya, so we came down to get somethin’ to eat hopin’ we’d run into you.”
“Well, I see you at least found the food,” she replied, one hand on her hip. She glanced at me. “And what did you think of Marge’s tacos?”
“Best I’ve ever had,” I smiled.
“Glad to hear it.” She turned back to Beau. “Now, finish your food and get over here! You know it’s tradition we ride the ferris wheel as a family. And you’re coming too, Lucas. ”
Beau and I exchanged a quick glance before he nodded, a forced smile on his face. “Sure thing, Mabel. We'll be right there.”
As Mabel walked away, satisfied with our response, I leaned in close to Beau. “You okay with this?” I whispered.
He let out a soft sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Don't really have much choice, do I? It's tradition.”
I nodded, understanding the weight of expectations all too well. “I can make an excuse if you want, say I'm not feeling well or something so I don’t intrude. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything.”
Beau shook his head, a determined look settling on his face. “Nah, it's alright. Besides,” he added with a small, genuine smile, “might be nice to have you there.”
My heart fluttered at his words, and I couldn't help but return his smile. “Alright then, cowboy. Lead the way.”
We disposed of our empty baskets and made our way towards the towering Ferris wheel. As we approached, I could see Mabel standing with Frank and Jack. They were chatting animatedly with another couple, all of them laughing at something Jack had just said.
Beau tensed beside me as we drew closer. I wanted to reach out and squeeze his hand reassuringly, but I knew that wasn't an option. Instead, I leaned in close and whispered, “Just breathe. You’ve got this.”
He gave me a grateful look before plastering on a polite smile as we reached the group. “Hey, Pa,” he greeted, nodding to the older man.
Jack turned around, still smiling. “There you are! Thought we’d lost ya there for a minute!” He clapped me on the shoulder, pushing me toward the ferris wheel. “Hope you’re not afraid of heights.”
“My apartment is on the forty-third floor of our building,” I smiled. “I’ll be fine.”
Our conversation continued, all five of us clambering into a single booth on the biggest ferris wheel I’d ever seen. Jack, Mabel, and Frank took one side while Beau and I sat on the other. As the Ferris wheel slowly began to turn, I found myself pressed against Beau's side, our thighs touching in the cramped space. The warmth of his body was a stark contrast to the cool evening air, and I had to resist the urge to lean into him further.
The others chatted amongst themselves as we ascended higher, the fairgrounds spread out below us in a dazzling array of lights and colors. I couldn't help but marvel at the view, the rolling prairie stretching out to the horizon with no end in sight. Despite its beauty, my eye was inextricably drawn back to Beau. The flashing lights reflected in his blue eyes as he glanced at me, my heart skipping a beat.
When we reached the apex of the wheel, we came to a stop. The others were all looking over the side, snapping pictures or waving at their friends down below. For one brief moment we were alone, no eyes on us and the rest of the world far below. I reached over, putting my hand on Beau’s knee and giving it a squeeze.
“Sure is beautiful up here, cowboy,” I whispered, never taking my gaze off him.
He tilted his head down, those blue eyes barely visible under the brim of his hat as he whispered back. “Sure is.”