Page 10 of Rainbow Rodeo

“You were the boss’s kid. I can see that.”

“Yeah. He had to figure that was better than me making more of an ass of myself.” Dalton sighed.

“You sort of…. Well, you were young.”

“An asshole.”

“Brave?”

He wished. “Cocksure.”

“I thought you were brave, Dee.”

“Thanks, Bubba. I was just so sure he would take what I offered. I was an idiot.”

“We were teenagers. They only come in idiot.” Dustin leaned against him, sighed. “Hell, you tried, didn’t you?”

“I did. You’re just shy, Bubba.” He put an arm around his brother, offering comfort. Dustin had the worst luck ever with men.

“I am. You’re fearless. One day I’ll figure that out, I swear.”

“One day you’ll realize that being you is more than enough.” He squeezed. “Now I need something sweet.”

“After the cupcakes? You’re going to get a belly….” Dustin poked his stomach.

“Nah. I work hard, and it takes a lot of abs to do what I do.” He pulled away gently before rising. “Besides, I got those Milano things and some chocolate frosting.”

“Oooh.” Dustin’s eyes lit up.

“See? You get me.”

“Duh. You want to watchPitch Black? I’m needing some Vin Diesel.”

“I could totally watch that.” The other movies did nothing for either of them, but thatPitch Blackwas freaking hot.

“Rock on.”

Soon they were settled on the couch, shoulder to shoulder, laughing at the TV.

Better. All that other mess would still be there tomorrow.

Tonight he could forget anything as long as he had cookies and Dustin to keep him company.

Chapter Five

“LOOK ATyou, Tank! Running like you actually want to instead of just have to.” Robin Greene was laughing at him, sitting on the rail. He had his denim and flannel on, but not his makeup.

“Shut up, clown. Just because you can get lazy….”

“What?” Robin hopped down to the dirt and began to do push-ups. “Not lazy.”

He pushed on Robin’s ass, playing. “Keep your butt down, old man.”

“You could sit on my ass and I would still be able to do this.”

They both ignored how Robin was sweating and straining.

“If I sat on your ass, it would be the worst ride I’d had in eons.”

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