Page 44 of Stud Ranch

Dylan was already there, embracing Piers and Ash, the two Boot Knockers who’d recently made their break from the official ranch business.

When they drew their third lover forward, Shaw felt Sloane jerk against his side.

So she understood that the three of them were in a relationship—Piers, Ash and Sylvee lived together here in the cabin they’d expanded to fit their new family unit.

Shaw slid his arm around Sloane’s waist. “This is Sloane.”

“Hello.” Sylvee’s voice was warm. “So nice to see another female! It’s been a while since I’ve been around anything but smelly men.”

“Hey now. You know it’s only Ash’s boots that stink.” Piers grinned.

Ash chuckled, not even trying to deny the accusation. “Howdy, Sloane. It’s great to see all of you. What brings you this direction?”

“Just taking in the scenery.” Dylan moved to flank Sloane on the other side.

When the trio exchanged a look, their expressions weren’t lost on Shaw.

They definitely sensed something more was going on. He wished somebody would fill him in, because he was confused as hell. Was he with Sloane again? Or only fucking her until she went home? And where did Dylan fit into the equation?

“Come around back to the deck. I’ve got some sweet tea made. I bet you’re thirsty after that ride.” Sylvee waved a hand for them to follow her, and they all fell into step, strolling around the cabin to a deck with big pots of flowers blossoming in the sun.

Dylan caught Sloane’s hand and led her to a seating group. They all sat, but Piers went back inside with Sylvee to help her get the refreshments.

Shaw looked around at the beautiful view of the field and mountains in the distance. “The peace and quiet on the ranch always impressed me, but this place is even quieter.”

Ash nodded. “We’re very happy here. Now, tell us about why you put Avril in labor.”

Dylan’s jaw dropped open.

Sloane let out a gasp. “Shaw! What did you do?”

He waited until the others came outside, Piers bearing a big tray with a pitcher of tea and a bunch of glasses. Sylvee came close behind, a platter of fresh chocolate chip cookies in hand. Then he told the very uneventful tale to his friends and lovers while they teased him.

For the first time in forever, Shaw felt at ease. Being here with people he cared about made all the difference. Was it possible to stop feeling like the outsider? Now he was starting to see how life could be, with good people who cared on his side.

Chapter Ten

Getting dressed for a rodeo was a ritual that went beyond function or appearance. Every garment a competitor put on their body would instill confidence for a great performance or protect them if they crashed and burned.

While Dylan buttoned his shirt, each flick of his fingers became a ceremony used to get his head in the game. Buckling chaps around his hips added a layer of armor that would keep him from getting road rash if a bull threw him.

He tested how his body was moving today. The stiffness in his spine that he ignored daily seemed a little better today, which he was grateful for. He always wanted to do his best—but today he wanted to impress Sloane too.

She perched on the edge of the bed, watching his every move. “I can’t believe you take the ranch rodeo so seriously. I thought it was just for fun.”

He glanced up at her in surprise. “I told you that I’m here in the off-season. The rest of the time, I’m traveling the rodeo circuit all over the lower forty-eight. Due to the weather, I only get to participate in a couple rodeos here for fun, but I use them for practice too.”

“How the hell did I end up with a second professional athlete in my life?” She shook her head, soft waves brushing her shoulders. “I guess I got lucky visiting when I did. If I’d booked my stay later, we never would have met.”

His next breath felt hot and wrong. Like he’d inhaled something besides air.

Abandoning his task, he moved to the bed. Planting his hands on the mattress on each side of her, he leaned in. “It’s me who got lucky.”

Emotions swirled inside him. Words he couldn’t share burned on his tongue.

All these years of drifting with the wind, having no real goal other than to enjoy himself faded to background noise. Being right here with Sloane felt like…he was finally home.

She cupped his face and searched his eyes, her expression tender.

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