Page 72 of Riding Pine
“Ben,” Austin’s soft voice settles my worries somewhat. “We need some time to look into a few things, and I promise we will move as fast as we can. While we do that, don’t talk to Christine and don’t tell Lukas.”
“I have to tell him,” I plead.
“Give us until the team returns home. That’s all I ask.”
With aheavy sigh, I nod. “Okay. It’ll be hard, but I’ll wait until I hear from you.”
“I promise it will work out,” Austin says, and while his tone gives me hope, it’s hard to keep the worry away that I might have fucked up the best thing to happen to me.
“Since you came all the way out to the brewery, why don’t you stay for a bite to eat?” Matts nods towards the bar. “Zane makes amazing food. Our treat.”
How can these guys be so kind and understanding to a complete stranger who’s begging them to change their team policies? It’s almost unreal, but then I remember not everyone in the world is a C-U-Next-Tuesday. Kind people exist.
“Uh, sure. I could go for making new friends over food.”
After settling at the bar and telling Zane what I like, he heads to the kitchen, leaving me with Blaze and Jacob. Matts and Austin excused themselves to the office, and the other man with the amazing blue eyes and a cowboy hat said hello and goodbye after kissing Zane goodnight. This place is packed with hot men, and I’m almost sad I’ve never been here before. I should ask James if Brandon has brought him here, since cowboys seem to be a theme.
“I’m curious why this place is so quiet tonight. It’s the Christmas season. Shouldn’t it be packed?”
“It usually is, but we had an event here earlier for the shelter.” Jacob then tells me how he had a group of teens do some Christmas hamper sorting and packaging here and then fed them all. The brewery was closed to the public for the event, and when Zane’s husband left, he was delivering the hampers to a warehouse in town tomorrow.
“Wow. You sure do a lot.”
Jacob flushes with the compliment and sips his Coke. “My brother and I didn’t have a great home life. We do as much as we can to give back and to provide other kids with better experiences.” He puffs a breath. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for that to sound so conceited. It’s just something that I’ve always wanted to do. I’m a caregiver by nature.”
“It’s true,” Blaze offers. “Jacob is one of the best people you’ll ever meet.”
I chat with the two of them more about my job, since they know the situation, and what each of them does in the community.
“I grew up here and only came back last year. I wish there were as many queer events and groups like this when I was a kid. It might have made my life a little easier to know I wasn’t alone.”
“You’re never alone now that you know us.” Jacob smiles. “Seriously. We’re a family that keeps growing.” He laughs to himself. “Or the in-laws that never leave. It takes a lot to get rid of us.”
Zane drops off my burger, and I spend another thirty minutes just eating and laughing with these three. The food is amazing, and their company is just as satisfying. Jacob and I share our contacts and discuss a yoga class for the shelter kids.
Before I leave, Jacob lowers his voice. “If you don’t mind, can I ask if all the extra bendy stuff helps in the bedroom? I don’t need details but, like…does it add to it?”
I almost laugh until I notice the serious look on his innocent face.
“It doesn’t fucking hurt, that’s for sure. Without giving you details, I’ll just say it makes things a little more…creative.”
He nods along like he’s in a classroom and hanging on the teacher’s every word.
“This is good to know. Not that I need more creativity.” He snort-laughs. “Matts wouldn’t complain, though, and it might distract me from the lavender farm idea.”
“Oh, I love lavender! A farm sounds fun.”
Blaze overhears my excitement and laughs. “It’s only fun if you keep Jake out of it.” He finishes his drink and taps the counter. “On that note, I’ll be off. It was a pleasure meetin’ you, Ben. I hope we see you around again.”
“I’ll be back. I guarantee it.”
When I turn to Jacob as I gather my jacket, he cocks his head. A slight pink blooms on his cheeks. “Listen, I’m just gonna say it. I like to have sex in the lavender garden here when it blooms. I’m a little freaky that way. That’s why a whole-ass farm of the stuff might not be good. Well, it would be good, but it could never be open to the public.”
I did not see that coming. Not even a little.
“I don’t judge, man. But also, I feel like there’s a story behind that and maybe one day you’ll share it with me.”
He grins. “I just might. Have a good night, Ben, and I’ll be in touch.”
