Chapter 84

Rory wrapped his arms around Shadow’s neck and breathed in the animal’s scent. “If you haven’t, then you’re missing out. And if you have, then you know how complicated it is.” Rory sniffed and tried to collect himself.

Shadow snorted a couple of times, although Rory took it to mean understanding rather than derision.

It wasn’t Zane’s fault the guys had come back early. It was just…Rory didn’t know. He just hated constantly being embarrassed around his fellow hands, whereas Zane seemed to take it all in stride. Maybe he should try and be more like Zane and let it all wash over him. He made a silent vow to try.

Zane had been a jock in high school, so would be used to being naked around other guys. Rory on the other hand had hated sports and did his best to never be nude around others in the locker room.

Rory asked himself if he was embarrassed by the noises he made when they had sex. At that moment, yes, but at the time…no. Yep, love sure was complicated.

Rory heard a quiet cough and turned his head to see Liam standing in the aisle. “You gonna clean that stall or just love on the horse?”

Shadow released Rory, moved forward a step, bared his teeth, and shook his head.

“Whoa there, big fella.” Liam put up his hands and stepped back.

“Shadow, behave,” Rory said, patting the horse’s flank. “Liam’s not gonna hurt you.”

“Liam’s not gonna come anywhere near you,” Liam added. Then, to Rory, he asked, “Why the early start? Thought you’d still be tucked up with lover-boy.”

“No.” Rory blushed. “Sorry, uh, about last night. We didn’t know you were back.” Not wanting to meet Liam’s eye, Rory picked up his pitchfork, stabbed at a clump of dirty straw, dumped it in the bucket, and grimaced at the ache deep in his ass.

“No need to apologize, son.” Liam laughed. “God, when I was your age, I got up to all kinds of shit.”

Rory felt his blush deepen but kept on working.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re a good-looking kid who should be proud of his body. Although when you first showed up you were so thin a stiff breeze would have blown you away. But you’ve filled out some, thanks to hard work and Barry’s food.”

“Uh, thanks.” Could his cheeks get any redder?

“It’s serious…you and Zane?” Liam asked after a while.

Rory nodded, stepped out of the stall, and dumped the contents of his bucket into the muck cart. “Very.” Despite his confusion, his feelings for Zane were still as strong.

Liam sighed. “Just hope he doesn’t end up hurting you.”

“He won’t.” Rory was certain of that. Or at least as certain as he could be. In an effort to change the subject, he asked, “How come you’re up so early?”

“These old bones of mine ache sometimes, especially in the winter. So I get up and move around.”

Rory looked over at Liam, who was leaning against the stall door, Shadow eyeing him carefully. “You’re not that old.”

“Ha.” Liam shook his head and smiled. “I’m old enough to be your father. Oh, shit. I forgot your dad passed recently. I’m sorry.”

Rory waved that away. “I’m not offended.” In many ways, Liam had been more of a father to him than Garry Brown ever was.

“Look, if it’s serious between you and Zane, have you thought about living together, I mean, in your own place?”

Rory froze. Was this Liam’s way of saying they should leave the ranch? Rory could hear blood pounding in his ears as panic started to set in.

“…foreman’s house is empty. I never wanted to live there on my own. It’d probably take a lot of work to make it livable but with not much going on around here because of the weather…Anyway, give it some thought. You don’t have to decide anything now.” Liam turned to leave.

“Do you want us to leave the ranch?” Rory couldn’t get past that thought.

Liam spun around, look of shock on his face. “Why the hell would you think that?”

“Zane and me being so loud, disruptive, and, as you said, the ranch doesn’t need as many hands to work it at the moment.”

“What?” Liam stepped into the stall and Shadow stamped his hooves. “For fuck’s sake, horse, I’m not gonna touch you.”

Rory patted Shadow’s neck then moved to the open stall door, putting himself between Liam and Shadow.

Liam opened his arms and Rory accepted the hug. “I’ve lived and worked on this ranch for over thirty years. And no one has ever been kicked off of it.”

“Sorry. I just…”

Liam tightened the embrace. “Don’t know why, but this place has always attracted strays. I quit the rodeo circuit after…Well, I quit and needed work. I happened on this place and Jake’s dad took me on. When Wayne left the army he drifted for a while, happened on this place, and again, Mr. Pierce offered him a job. Then you showed up. Then there was Zane. Although it’d be fair to say that you had a hand in making that happen, eh?”

“Uh. I’m gonna take the Fifth on that.”

Liam chuckled, patted Rory on the back and stepped back. “So, nobody’s leaving. We’ve had a few hard times. Ranching isn’t easy, but we’ve always pulled through because we stuck together.”

“Like a family,” Rory said quietly.