Page 15 of Barn Burner
I groan, rubbing my face with my hand. “Please don’t encourage her.”
“People would love them,” she argues.
“I’m sure they would, but the answer is still no.”
She clicks her tongue, then turns to Brayden. “He’s no fun.”
“Oh, I dunno.” He tilts his head, his eyes trailing down the length of me in an appreciative way. “I’ll bet Jesse is a lot of fun in all the ways that count.”
I can feel the tips of my ears heat, and I’m thankful they’re hidden by my hat.
Jesus Christ. I’m definitely in trouble with this one.
7
Brayden
I’ve made it my daily mission to tease Jesse to the point where he’s doing an epic impression of a bull. Nostrils flaring. Hands fisted at his sides, like it’s taking every ounce of strength to keep a hold of his restraint. Licking over his damn lips like he can almost taste me.
Am I being mean? Maybe. But while I might be a cocky little shit on the ice, I’m still finding my confidence when it comes to making a move on guys. I can flirt all day long, but there’s flirting, and there’s putting it into action.
I’ve found it hard meeting guys since I came out as bisexual last year while I was still playing for New York. My teammates were supportive, and so was the organization. I even took part in a photoshoot forQueervolutionmagazine, showcasing out athletes from various sports across the world last summer. It’s been great to be able to provide visibility and representation for LGBTQIA+ players, not just in hockey but in sports in general, but it’s also come with a different kind of pressure. There are eyes on me now. A weird investment in my personal life that wouldn’t have been there before, and even though my agent hasmy back, she’s advised me to be careful, because the sad reality is sometimes people can be assholes and use your vulnerability and bravery as a weapon against you.
But Jesse’s safe. He has no clue who I am. Neither does his family, by the looks of it, as they haven’t mentioned anything about the Bobcats or hockey, and that gives me the chance to make a move and act on my wants without fear of repercussions.
So,Mission: Ride a Cowboyis in full swing.
This morning, Sara gave me the keys to one of the ranch vehicles so I could head into town and pick up a few things, as Cooper is still waiting for the replacement part to arrive for my car. Apparently, it should be in the next few days, but to be honest, I’m grateful it’s taking longer than expected. It’s giving me a chance to really disconnect from the real world. I’ve explored areas of the ranch, making sure to stick to the gravelled tracks. I found a small stream where the water was so clear I could see the details of every stone on the riverbed.
I’ve worked out with the most incredible view in front of me, along with a few cows who decided I was their form of afternoon entertainment. It turns out having a bunch of cows stare at you is almost as terrifying as the Bobcats trainer, Dave, shouting at me to push harder. I’ve never gotten through a set of burpees so fast before.
But now, I’ve taken over the kitchen in the main house. My phone is propped up on the countertop, showing the text thread with my mum. I woke up with the idea that I wanted to do something for the Huxley family as a thank you for putting up with me for the last five days. So I texted my mum and asked her what I could do, and her response?
Cook them a roast chicken dinner.
I love the optimism she has in me, considering it was only when I signed with New York six years ago that I learned howto cook diced chicken, rice, and pasta, but that’s as far as my culinary skills go.
Until today.
I hope I can impress Jesse.
Once I’ve chopped up all the vegetables and potatoes, the timer beeps, letting me know the chicken is ready to come out of the oven. I search in the drawers for the oven gloves, then carefully take the tray out, placing it on top of the stove. Tossing the oven gloves aside, I check it’s cooked as per my mum’s instructions, then pick up my phone and snap a photo of the perfectly roasted chicken, sending it to my mum and Jude.
Check me out! Call me Gordon Ramsay because I’ve smashed this whole cooking shit!
Jude
You definitely got it right with ‘shit’.
Fuck you!
Jude
I’m kidding. It looks good, knobhead <3
Mum
Boys! Mind your language. Brayden, that looks very tasty. I’m sure they will be grateful for the effort you’ve put in.
