Page 54 of Stud Ranch

“Sure.”

Shaw could always guess what day of the week it was on the ranch based off how crowded the common area was. The lodge cleared out as couples sought more private—or adventurous—locales, so it provided the perfect spot for a conversation.

If Dylan suspected Shaw’s motive for coming here, he didn’t let on as they filled plates with food from the buffet. He piled his with ribs and potatoes; Dylan had fried chicken and potato salad.

With plates in hand, they moved to the huge bank of windows that provided atmosphere with the beautiful views of the ranch. At the moment, the sun spread a warm, buttery glow over the world. Shaw would think that world was almost perfect if he didn’t know things were about to get more difficult.

Dylan dragged a chair out, the metal legs grating on the tile floor. He sank down opposite him and settled the plate on the table.

They dug into the food. Even though they’d shared breakfast with Sloane, each of them was always up for more. Being in peak shape was important to keeping the ladies happy.

Shaw picked up a rib and tore off a bite of seasoned meat. “How are you feeling after the fall yesterday?”

Dylan bit into a drumstick and chewed. “I’ve been stiffer.”

At the veiled innuendo, he grinned around his bite. “I’ve seen you stiffer.”

“You’ve made me stiffer.”

They stared at each other for a heartbeat. Until now, neither had admitted to their relationship being any more than friendship. Even their first encounter with the other client could be chalked up to something that happened in the moment and only for pleasure.

Shaw couldn’t pretend anymore.

“I’ve got something to tell you.”

Dylan paused mid-bite and lowered the drumstick. “Okay.”

“I’m not ready for Sloane to know.”

Sobering, he nodded. “Go on.”

“You may know that I always dreamed of coaching a team in Alaska.”

Cocking his head, Dylan contemplated him. “I heard a couple rumors.”

“Well, they’re true. And I received a call last night from the college I was going after.”

He trained his gaze on Shaw. “You’d leave the ranch?”

“I’d have to. It’s not like bull riding. Even in the off-season, the team’s still training.”

Carefully schooling his features, Dylan picked up his chicken again. “What are you telling me?”

“I think it could be the second chance I need.”

“At hockey?”

“At life.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

Shaw pushed out a sigh. If he admitted his feelings to Dylan, he could be rejected. No one had rejected him in his life. From the time he started playing hockey in his early years, everyone wanted to be his friend. Every coach wanted him on their team. Once he hit high school, plenty of pretty girls were thrown into the mix.

When he went pro, all the doors blasted wide open for him to walk through.

But Dylan? He was a wild card. He was just as tough and reserved as Shaw. That meant he didn’t know where Dylan’s mind was. He’d invited him into his bed—and shower—but his head might be in a completely different place.

Abandoning his food, Shaw eyed his lover. “Spending time with you and Sloane this week has made me think.”

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