Chapter 16
16
Colt Bishop
E very year, without fail, my dad celebrates his birthday by going over to Conrad’s ranch for a barbecue slash bonfire. It’s a yearly thing that’s gone on for as long as I can remember, but the last few years I’ve missed it due to the rodeo schedule. Well, this year is a little different. This year, I get to help my dad celebrate another year older, and I’m pumped about it. Most of my friends are gone, but Whit should be there tonight, and I’m kind of wanting to drink. It’s been a minute since I’ve let loose and allowed myself to have some fun. After the accident, I couldn’t drink all that much because of the meds I was on, but now that I’m mostly off them, I see no reason why I can’t go a little crazy.
To avoid being stuck at Conrad’s or having to drink and drive home, I decided to carpool with my folks. My dad will throw back a few cold ones, but my mom has never been much of a drinker, aside from the occasional glass of wine with dinner or a mimosa at brunch with her friends. There’s also a big likelihood that William will be there tonight, given how close he is with my dad, and I’m giddy thinking about getting to see him. It’s been almost a week since I brought cinnamon rolls over to his house, and we haven’t seen each other since. I have his phone number now, thanks to my unsuspecting mother, and I considered texting him a couple of times, but in the end, decided it would be silly to do that.
Whether he wants to admit it or not, there’s something between us. I don’t know what exactly, but it’s something. A connection, chemistry, fire. It’s there even if he’s blissfully ignorant. I’m not blind; I see the way he looks at me. The memories are in the forefront of his mind the same way they are mine. I know it.
Taking a left, my dad pulls onto the long, winding gravel road that leads to Conrad’s place. Over sixty thousand acres, his ranch is one of the largest in the state. As a matter of fact, I think it may be the largest in all of the Rocky Mountains too. It’s been in his family for generations. As a teenager, I remember working most of my summers here. At the time, it belonged to Conrad’s parents who have since passed away, but I have memories of many long, hot, summer days doing whatever it was that Mr. Strauss needed around here. No two days were ever the same, but he made sure to work us all hard and tired by the end of the day. Mrs. Strauss frequently made dinner for everybody working, and we’d all gather round the long picnic tables in the backyard and eat like a family.
Those summers taught me so much, about myself and about the value of hard work. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for this ranch, and I know almost every single one of my friends would agree. This ranch holds so many memories; good, bad, funny, embarrassing, you name it.
Dad parks the truck beside another rig in front of the barn. Based on the people mulling around, it’s safe to say that we aren’t the first to arrive. Birthday streamers hang along the expanse of the barn doors, and I just know that’s my mother’s doing. She left earlier this morning to get a manicure, and I’m willing to bet she made a pit stop here.
Climbing out of the truck, I spot Whit and his boyfriend, Reggie, immediately. They’re over by the coolers. Noticing me, Whit offers an awkward-looking smile and nods his chin by way of greeting as I approach them.
“What’s up, guys?” I murmur as I grab an ice-cold beer out of the cooler. “How long have you been here?”
“Not long,” Whit offers. “Maybe twenty minutes.”
“You guys eaten yet? I’m starving.”
“Nah, not yet.”
“Well then, let’s go,” I say as I start in the direction of where the food’s at. There’re a couple of long tables covered in birthday table cloths that have enough food to feed an army. Chips, dips, fruit, cheese, meats, buns and, of course, the grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. There’s something for everyone, and I waste no time piling way too much onto a paper plate.
Once all three of us have some food, we amble across the yard and sit on the porch. It’s the best spot because it allows us to people watch, just the way I like it. Looking around, I spot William over by where Conrad’s grilling. My stomach dips, and I can’t help but smirk at seeing him over there. Dressed casually in a pair of sage green Chino shorts and a white short-sleeve button-up shirt, William looks good enough to eat. His hair is styled back, and his ocean eyes are hidden behind a pair of black shades.
My goal for the night is to get him alone somehow. To mess with him and rile him up. It’s so fun to do, and I know Colt after a few beers will greatly agree.
“You’re staring,” Whit murmurs, low enough that I don’t think Reggie heard him. I turn my head, meeting his gaze as a grin splits my face. Being this close to him, I can see the dark circles under his eyes that aren’t easy to spot, considering he wears glasses all the time.
“Mind your business,” I tease.
“Behave,” he throws back, arching a brow.
Chuckling, I shrug. “We’ll see.”
I dig into my food, starting with the burger I loaded up high. It tastes as good as it smells, and I already know I’ll be having at least one more before the night ends.
Movement catches ahead, and when I glance up, I spot my dad over with William and Conrad now. They’re laughing about something, and my dad throws an arm around William’s shoulders, and for the first time, a pang of guilt sucker punches me right in the gut. I watch them interact for a moment, their closeness, and it’s like I finally understand William’s hesitancy. What would my father say if he knew I slept with one of his best friends? What does that say about me?
“You okay?”
My head snaps toward Whit, and I nod. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Once we finish eating, the three of us grab another drink before we make ourselves comfortable in front of the firepit. It’s not lit yet, but it will be as soon as the sun starts to set.
“Do you remember all the bonfires we had here during the summers when I was in high school?” I ask Whit.
He nods. “How could I forget?”
Whit’s older than me by nearly ten years. By the time I was in high school, he was already married to Conrad, but even then, they both lived here. They stayed in the loft above the barn until Conrad’s folks died, then they moved into the house.
“God, there were some good fucking times we had here.”
“Do you remember that time Shooter bought that moonshine off old man River?” Whit laughs.
“Fuck, I forgot about that.” I huff out a laugh at the memory. “What was that man’s real name? I know it wasn’t River.”
Whit thinks for a moment. “Albert, if I’m not mistaken.”
I don’t know why that makes me laugh as hard as it does. “Why the fuck did we call him old man River, then?”
“Beats me,” Whit huffs. “The song, maybe?”
“He had no business selling moonshine to teenagers, though.” I chuckle.
“You guys got so drunk in the middle of the day when you should’ve been working, and Conrad had to cover for you guys.”
“I never understood why he covered for us in the first place,” I say. “That shit was strong .”
“Cope nearly drowned in the creek, and you puked all over the side of the barn when you guys got back.”
I shake my head, laughing. “The one and only time I ever drank moonshine. And, of fucking course, Shooter found the entire thing hilarious. It was his life’s mission to get me as drunk as possible whenever he could.”
“And Conrad covered for you jackasses because he knew his dad was fed up with you guys and would fire you if he found out,” Whit admits. “And then all that extra work would fall on mine and Conrad’s shoulders.”
“Mr. Strauss would not have fired us,” I argue. “He loved me.”
Whit snorts. “Yeah, that’s what you think.”
“Ahh, the good old days.” I can’t help but smile as I remember everything that went on here. “You know, my first kiss happened here. ”
Whit eyes me from beneath his dark-framed glasses. “With whom?”
“Jill Donovan.” I laugh as I watch Whit’s expression shift from confused to surprised.
“Conrad’s cousin from Michigan?” he asks incredulously.
“Yup.” I finish off the rest of my beer. “She was fun.”
“Why am I not surprised to find this out?” Whit groans as I stand up and stretch my arms over my head.
“Because I’m too sexy for anybody to ignore.” Waggling my brows, I stand up and ask him and Reggie, “Want another?”
“Yeah, I will,” Whit says.
“Not me,” Reggie murmurs, holding his hands up. “I’ve got to leave for work in a couple hours.”
“Suit yourself.”
Over at the coolers, I spot William getting himself a beverage. The guilt because of my dad is still there, but I can’t help but smirk to myself as I step up beside him. His relation to my father aside, he’s still fun as hell to mess with. “Fancy running into you here,” I drawl, turning my head to the side and meeting his gaze.
“Hello, Colt.” So formal.
Grabbing two cans out, one for me and one for Whit, I ask, “Having fun, Doc?”
“I am.” He nods. “And you?”
“You know it.” A grin spreads across my face, and I don’t miss the way his eyes dip down for a moment. “Although, I’d have more fun if you stopped talking to me like I’m a patient at your clinic.”
William’s brows furrow, the sight quite adorable. “I’m not talking to you any differently than I talk to anybody else.”
Scanning the area and making sure nobody is watching, I lean in, like I just can’t help myself, and whisper in his ear, “That’s the problem.” He stands up straighter as I pull back and meet his gaze. Offering a mock solute, I leave him there, and stroll back over to where I left Whit and Reggie.
We all decide to play corn hole with a couple of Whit’s friends from his office after we’ve tossed back a few more beers. I’m feeling pretty good by the time we all gather around and sing Happy Birthday to my dad. The cake is huge, and I gladly take a piece, enjoying every last bite. Every so often, I’ll feel William’s gaze on me; sometimes I’ll meet and hold it as if I’m challenging him to look away first, but other times, I pretend I don’t notice. Part of me likes to think it drives him nuts.
A little while later, I spot him heading toward the house. Probably going inside to use the restroom because a man like William is too good to piss outside like the rest of us. Huffing out a laugh, I nudge Whit. “Hey, I’ll be right back.”
I don’t wait for a response, but I hear him call out after me, “Behave, Colt.”
Throwing him a glance over my shoulder, I flash him a toothy grin. As I approach the house, I jog up the few steps that lead up to the porch and stroll through the backdoor. The house is quiet and mostly dark, nobody but William in here, I’m sure. I know this house like the back of my hand, and as I turn down the hallway that leads to the main floor bathroom, I scan all the photos on the wall, making myself look busy while I wait for him to exit.
It doesn’t take but a minute before I hear the toilet flush and the sink turn on, and another moment later, the door opens. Keeping my eyes trained on the wall in front of me, the decade’s worth of picture frames decorating it, I bite back the grin wanting to break free as I see William freeze in my periphery. Standing in place for a few moments, presumably figuring out what he’s going to do next, he eventually comes to stand beside me.
“What are you doing in here, Colt?” he asks, voice deep and hushed.
“Same as you,” I offer, the smirk evident in my words.
“I don’t believe that.”
That has me turning my head to look toward him, but he isn’t looking at me. Like I was, his gaze is trained on the wall before us like it’s the most interesting thing he’s ever seen. Like the wall will be his saving grace. Like it’ll somehow keep him from giving into what he wants. Too bad for him.
“Yeah? And why is that?”
“Because everything with you is calculated,” he growls, shifting his body until he’s facing me. Hands stuffed into the pockets of his shorts, lips pressed into a thin line, he watches me with an expression I can’t place.
“That’s not very fair,” I huff, poking my lip out into a pout as I turn and match his stance. Dragging my gaze down his body shamelessly, I add, “By the way, you’re looking mighty fine tonight, Doc.”
William’s jaw flexes. “Whatever you’re thinking is going to happen here tonight won’t be happening, Colt.”
Holding my hands up in innocence, I huff out a chuckle. “I’m just in here to take a leak, just like you. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He nods tersely. “Right, well, then you better get to it.”
We remain looking at each other for another tense, quiet moment. It feels like a standoff of sorts. Finally, he takes a step to walk around me, but I stop him with an arm across his middle. Head darting to the side, ocean eyes locked on mine, William swallows but says nothing.
My eyes flit down to his lips, and as if subconsciously, his tongue pokes out to wet them. A bolt of heat flares inside of me at the sight. “Curious, what did you think I wanted to happen?” I sidestep to the right, putting me now directly in front of him. His breath hitches, and a splash of color appears on the apples of his cheeks.
Taking a step toward him, he takes one back. I do it again, and he follows. Then one more time for good measure, putting us directly in front of the open door that he came out of not even five minutes ago. The air around us is thick and charged, and with my pulse racing and my heart in my throat, I reach out and take William’s hand, leading him into the bathroom. There’s zero resistance from him, which makes me smile as I close the door behind us, flicking the lock into place.
My back against the door, I peer over at William. He’s about an arm’s length away from me, and it’s too damn far. “C’mere,” I murmur as my blood heats, taking in the way his chest heaves and his eyes have darkened substantially.
“We shouldn’t be in here,” he husks, nostrils flaring.
“Yeah, but it’s fun to do things we shouldn’t,” I tease. “Surely, you remember how much fun we had the first time.”
He swallows audibly. “Colt.” My name is spoken on a rumbly growl that sends goosebumps all over my flesh. Being in here with him makes me feel more intoxicated than from the beer I’ve drunk tonight. Maybe that’s why it’s so easy for me to forget why I really shouldn’t be instigating this.
Arching a brow, the corners of my lips curve into a grin. “William.”
Brazenly, I reach out and hook my finger through one of his belt loops, tugging until he steps closer to me. Close enough that I can smell the beer on his breath and see the way his pupils dilate at our proximity.
“We shouldn’t,” he whispers, a pained look crossing his face.
“Tell me you don’t want to,” I rasp. “Tell me you don’t want me to kiss you right now, and I’ll walk out of here.”
He’s silent.
“Tell me, William, or I’m going to do it.”
His furrow deepens, and he parts his lips. For a moment, I think he may really tell me no, but instead, he breathes two words that light me up inside. “I can’t.”
My lips twitch, lust and need coursing through me. Wrapping a hand around the back of his neck, I murmur, “Yeah, that’s what I fucking thought,” before crashing my mouth against his.
There’s no freezing, no panic, from William. No moment to catch up to what is happening. As soon as our lips fuse together, his hands find my hips, and they grip me hard . The kiss doesn’t start out slow or gentle; it’s high speed from the gate. His tongue slips past my lips, caressing mine, and fuck me, does he taste good. Better than I remember. Fireworks go off inside my mind, and an inferno floods my veins with the roll of his tongue.
William’s lips mold to mine in a way that makes me think they’re meant to be there. They’re so damn soft and full, and he certainly knows how to use them. Kissing him isn’t awkward or clumsy; it’s heated and messy, just the way I like it. I’m dying for him to press his body to mine, but he doesn’t. My cock is hard and throbbing, and I’d give just about anything for him to brush up against it, even if only for a second. I need him, but all too soon, he pulls away. Eyes wild, hair tousled, and cheeks flushed, he brushes his two fingers across his swollen lips, as if feeling them to make sure it wasn’t all a fantasy.
“Fuck,” he growls under his breath. “Colt, we can’t .”
I drag my gaze down his body, pleased to find the obvious bulge in his pants. “Yeah, but you can’t deny you want to,” I throw back.
He doesn’t bother trying to lie. “Let me out of here,” he requests, tone firm and clear. The moment we shared is done .
Unlocking the door, I turn around and walk out, leaving him to follow me. Irritation tightens my chest, yet I don’t know why. I got what I wanted, so why does his dismissal grate my nerves so damn much?
I blow through the back door, jogging down the steps on the porch, just as I hear William behind me. Not bothering to look over my shoulder at him, I stroll across the yard, wanting to get back to Whit. Maybe drink some more and shake off this irritation.
“There you are!” A familiar voice has my head turning as I watch with my heart in my throat as my dad steps up to me. “And Will, I was looking for you too.”
“Was just taking a leak,” I tell him with a chuckle. “Ran into William. Great minds think alike.”
Hooking an arm over my shoulder, my father does the same thing to William. “I want to have a shot with my son and my best friend for my birthday,” he drawls. “Come on.”
My pulse is through the roof, the realization hitting me square in the chest at how close we were to getting caught. The guilt from earlier, that I so easily shoved to the far recesses of my mind in favor of getting my hands on William, comes back in full force, and I can’t even find it in me to look at William to see if he’s feeling the same.
Fuck , that was careless of me. And selfish. Could I be any more of a shitty son?