Page 48 of Equalizer
Calvin and Owen exchanged a look. “Not many people know we’re here,” Calvin said. “And the handwriting doesn’t look like either Louisa’s or Abby’s.”
Owen’s expression shuttered. “It’s from Steven—my contact at the Wild West show.”
Calvin tried not to react.Owen told me that he and Steven are long in the past. So why does getting a letter bother me?
Owen started to open the envelope, and Calvin turned to leave. “Stay,” Owen said. “There’s nothing he has to say that both of you can’t hear.”
“Dear Owen,” Owen read aloud and winced at the salutation. “I’ve found out more about the situation we discussed. In particular, what made the helper get involved. Heard some other things you’ll want to know as well. Come out to theshowgrounds, and the people up front will get me for you. Stay safe, Steven.”
“You should go.” Calvin wrestled with his feelings. Owen had never given him any reason to doubt his loyalty or his love. Calvin rarely felt more than a passing jealousy about a boyfriend’s old flame. And yet, he felt a real stab of anger and possessiveness that made him blush.
“Weare going together, or not at all.” Owen gave him a look that made Calvin wonder if his partner could read his mind. “I have nothing to say to Steven on a personal level, so if this is some sort of ruse for a second chance, it won’t work. And if he does have real information, he can share it with both of us.”
Calvin felt ashamed at the relief that flooded through him at Owen’s response since he didn’t want Owen to think he doubted his faithfulness.
If the situation were reversed and I had run into an old flame, I’d want to reassure Owen that there was nothing going on. I guess I should be glad that I care enough about him to be this jealous.
“It’s too late today,” Owen said. “We can go in the morning. They start early at the show. It’s quite a production.”
“I’m still adjusting to the discovery that you weren’t a cowboy.” Calvin tried to lighten the mood.
“Nope, sorry. Just a soldier. We rounded up crooks, not cows,” Owen replied, although from the look in his eyes, Calvin knew his boyfriend hadn’t forgotten the issue. “And after tonight, I can do without seeing another cow for a long time.”
They went to the parlor and Winston poured a measure of whiskey for each of them, which they accepted gratefully, taking turns telling the story of their dramatic drive back from the seminar.
“I’ll be happy to drive the carriage tomorrow to the Wild West show,” Winston offered. “I don’t have any errands thatcan’t wait, and that might work out for the best, considering what you encountered today.”
“I’d appreciate that,” Owen said. “I’m reasonably sure we can trust Steven—meaning, this isn’t a trap. But…I think it bears caution. Just in case.”
Calvin felt chagrined that he had been so focused on Owen’s history with Steven that he hadn’t considered the possibility of betrayal. He felt a flush of shame and hoped for Owen’s sake that Steven was trustworthy.
“We can head out after breakfast,” Calvin added. “That leaves plenty of time to follow up on any leads he might have.”
“Thank you.” Owen met his gaze. “And despite everything, I think you might find the show itself entertaining. The performers are talented, and they do breathtaking stunts. But it’s the theatrical version of the West, not the real thing.”
Winston made a hearty beef stew with potatoes, rutabagas, warm bread, and sugar cookies for dessert. Afterward, Owen and Calvin settled in on the couch to read, along with a pot of hot chocolate.
Owen made a point of finding reasons to touch Calvin, brushing hands together when he refilled his partner’s cup or trailing his fingers gently across Calvin’s shoulder when he got up to use the restroom.
“You seem…off,” Calvin observed when Owen returned.
Owen gave a moody shrug. “Off-kilter, I guess, about the letter. Wanting to make sure you understand that Steven is long in the past for me. What you and I have is so much more important.”
Calvin reached out to take his hand and drew Owen to sit close to him. “I do believe you. And I also can’t help feeling a little jealous that he got to know you at a time of your life that I didn’t.”
Owen barked a harsh laugh. “You didn’t miss anything, trust me. I took the job too seriously and the relationships not seriously enough.”
Calvin rubbed his thumb over the back of Owen’s hand. “I wasn’t in a good place back then either. Getting over my wild days. I guess we were lucky to get together at exactly the right time.”
They made an early night of it, turning in not long after Winston let them know he was heading to bed. Calvin pulled Owen into his arms when they slipped beneath the covers and pulled him tight.
“What do you need?” He slid his hand up and down Owen’s back.
“You. Just you.” Owen leaned in to kiss Calvin slow and hungry.
Calvin used his body to let Owen know how much he mattered, pressing kisses down his neck and across his shoulders, tweaking his nipples before slicking his hand and reaching down for Owen’s cock.
“Want you to feel good,” Calvin murmured, loving how Owen leaned into him. His possessive streak surprised him since he had rarely felt that way about a lover. Then again, most of his liaisons had been quick tumbles, not actual relationships. For a long time, he hadn’t considered that such a thing might be possible for someone like him.
