Page 34 of Coming to Grips
Chapter Twelve
Kyle floats through the next week on clouds of deep-seated contentment and sexual satisfaction that he’d never expected. They haven’t gotten much farther than hand jobs and blow jobs and rutting…lots and lots of rutting, but Kyle doesn’t care. There’s plenty of time for all the rest. Chase is blossoming like a flowering tree in spring, slow but steady. Kyle hates the feminine connotation, considering Chase’s concern about being perceived as the more feminine partner, but it’s the damn truth. And it’s awesome to be a party to.
Thank God Kyle’s work duties—more fence repair work along another of the farm-to-market roads that edges ranch property—have him working alone. The goofy grin he’s wearing 24/7 would invite questions, and Chase is still feeling a little self-conscious back here at the ranch about the two of them. He’s trying to wrap his own head around the change, and he’s not ready to explain things to anyone else.
So Kyle lets the happiness bubble up and out of him by giggling randomly like a middle-school girl and belting out every song that comes on the radio to the blue sky and occasional cluster of cattle he comes across. They look at him with those big dark eyes, flick their ears at his off-key singing, and snap their tails at the buzzing flies. He laughs and sings louder.
And then it’s Friday again. Kyle has the day off, so they run errands and do chores and make out in the privacy of the cabin. It’s been a good day, and aside from Chase’s injury and the need for rehab, Kyle can imagine the two of them like this for years to come.
They’re doing exercises at home as per usual, since Chase’s PT appointment has been pushed to tomorrow. Kyle sits in the chair opposite Chase and performs each and every exercise with him. “You know what? I think we need to increase your reps.”
“What? Are you kidding? I just got to where I’m not huffing and puffing.”
“Exactly,” says Kyle with a poke to Chase’s shoulder. “You’ve reached a plateau. Time to up the stakes. Or maybe you need to add a session.”
“Maybe we should ask Tabitha about it tomorrow?” Chase arches an eyebrow. “She’s the therapist after all.”
“Hey, it’s not like I’m not familiar with physical therapy, but, yes, better safe than sorry. Wouldn’t want to ramp up too soon and set you back.”
They flex and stretch and make circles with their arms in silence for a few minutes.
“I think I’m going to incorporate this one into my regular workout,” Kyle says. “I can feel a difference in my shoulders and triceps. You wouldn’t think they’d have that much impact, but damn.”
Once they finish that exercise, Kyle scoots his chair behind Chase’s and slightly to the right so he can spot while Chase does the next exercise. Chase sails through the first ten reps, but his movements slow slightly and he has to work a bit harder on the next set. After the next seven or eight, Chase is pushing hard and sweat beads on his neck.
“You were saying,” he puffs.
“Dude,” Kyle exclaims.
Chase startles and peers over his shoulder at Kyle. “What?”
“Your elbow—I think it’s sort of working. Try to bend it.”
Chase’s pulse spikes, and he laughs. “I don’t know if I can...”
With concerted effort, he holds his arm out straight, although his hand still dangles at the wrist—and it stays straight. His heart beats double time and he can’t help the smile. “Hell, yeah—I’m finally getting better.”
“Of course, you are.” Kyle grins. “Now try to bend your arm...”
Slowly, the forearm swings forward and his hand touches his pec. He straightens his arm again and repeats the process several times until the motion is fluid and easy.
“Oh my God—I’m finally actually seeing progress. Man, I can’t even tell you how relieved I am.”It seemed like he was getting nowhere, even though Tabitha assured him at every session that he was progressing. He’s just glad to see it with his own two eyes. All the worry he’s been carrying around bubbles out of him on a laugh.[Chases POV in the middle of Kyle’s POV—FIX!]“Yeah.”
“I think this calls for a celebration. Let’s go out.”
Since the change in their status quo, they’d stayed in more often than not to snuggle and make out, but going out, celebrating sounds like fun. Chase grins and nods. “All right.” He glances between them, some of his exuberance fading. “We can’t like this. Well, uh...we’re going to need to shower.”
Sweat soaks both their tee shirts.
“We are, yes.” Kyle cocks his head. “What’s worrying you?”
“If we shower together, if you touch me, right now, before we go out together, I don’t know... I feel like everyone will know. It’s not that I’m embarrassed, I’m really not. I just... I just want it to stay ours alone for a little longer.” He sighs and fiddles with the hem of his shorts. “That’s stupid, right?”
Kyle pulls him close and rubs their noses together. With a peck to the side of Chase’s mouth, he says, “It’s not stupid. Go take a shower.”
Chase smiles sheepishly and a faint flush creeps across his face. “Thanks. Hey, you should go first. You’ll be quicker and I don’t want to use all the hot water.”
“Can do.” Kyle kisses Chase’s cheek and turns toward the bathroom, yanking off his tee shirt as he goes.
