“With me?” Orsen hoped so. He wanted to build a future with Santino. Their relationship was going well and Orsen didn’t want it to end.
“If you’ll have me, but I’m older than you, so maybe you’ll want to do other things.” Santino shrugged. “What about college?”
“I have thought about it and I’m not sure if I want to go or not. I like working on Crompton’s ranch and looking after the animals.”
“Maybe you could do something that helps? You could become a veterinarian or maybe business or something along those lines. Don’t say no just yet until you’ve explored all options. It could be as you say. You could look into it and decide it isn’t for you.”
“Thank you for understanding.” Orsen kissed him and sighed when Santino took control of their kiss. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“So am I.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Santino gripped the steering wheel as he drove over the rough terrain. Orsen had wanted to show him the creek and where he planned to build his house, and now Santino gritted his teeth as he drove along the track leading to it. Calling it a track was too generous a word for what he was bouncing over. Its potholes had potholes, and Orsen braced a hand against the dashboard when they dropped into a particularly deep one.
“I don’t remember it being like this,” Orsen grunted again. “Maybe we need a four-wheel drive.”
“Next time, but right now, we’re stuck in my car.” They hit another pothole, and Santino muttered, “Shit.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault. We’ll get there soon. Just hold on for now.” Another fifteen minutes and Orsen pointed to a spot up ahead. Santino headed there, then parked the car, turned the engine off, and exhaled heavily. “We have arrived in one piece.”
Orsen grinned and got out, then walked in front of the car, spread his arms wide, and spun around. “This is the place.”
Santino stood and watched Orsen, then walked forward a few steps and looked around. The creek was to the left, surrounded by bushes and trees. The place Orsen indicated was flat with only grass covering it. To the right were trees in the distance and the views were amazing. Land as far as he could see, trees all around and as he looked, he heard birds cry above and shielded his eyes as he glanced up at them.
“I can’t wait to wake up in the morning, open my curtains and see this. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It is. Where is Crompton’s from here?”
Orsen pointed toward the creek. “See the fence in the distance?” Santino nodded. “That’s his. We’re neighbors.” Orsen grinned, then ran through the grass, laughing. “I’m going to make sure I have windows that face the creek, and Matty said I could have something like a small deck next to it so I can sit and watch the creek, or maybe fish.”
“That sounds great.” Santino walked around the area, feeling a light breeze lift his hair, hearing only wildlife. Peaceful. Closing his eyes again, he sighed and let his body relax the tension drain away. He could hear Orsen getting closer and when Orsen’s arms slid over his shoulders, he opened his eyes and smiled down at him. “It’s nice here.”
“It’s amazing here.” Orsen rose and kissed Santino’s lips. “I can’t wait to live here.” Another kiss, then he moved away and ran over to the creek. “Look!”
Santino followed and watched the water rush over the stones. Small fish moved along the water, which was so clear Santino could count them. “This would be a good spot to do some fishing.”
“And then cook whatever we catch on a grill outside.” Orsen grinned, walked back toward the car, pointing places out wherehe wanted to have a barn and a root cellar. “I could grow my own food as well. I always wanted a garden. Oh, and flowers. I could have flowers out in the front.”
“You can, and you have years to make this your home.”
“Years. That sounds nice, like putting down roots.”
“Yes. A place that will grow with you.”
“We could live here,” Orsen smiled, his face tilted to the sun. “Me and you together.”
Santino inhaled, then slowly exhaled. “It’s too soon to be talking about living together. You should finish school, decide what you want to do with your life. You’re young, only eighteen. Don’t rush into anything.” It was far too soon to be talking about living together. They’d been together a couple of months, been intimate even less. Eighteen was far too young to be moving in with Santino and planning to live his life that way. He needed to focus on his education, and think about his future.
“You don’t want to live with me because I’m younger than you?” Orsen frowned, his eyes narrowing.
“That isn’t what I said. I said—”
“That is what you said. I’m young. Only eighteen. I need to focus on my education and not on living with you. Not thinking about spending my life with you. Why is that, Santino? Why shouldn’t I think about a future with you in it? Don’t you see us lasting, or do you still see my age and think that limits what I’m capable of? Isn’t that what you said? I’m capable of doing so much? But clearly not capable of having a relationship with you.” Orsen walked back to the car. “I’d like to go home now. Can you take me to Crompton’s, please?”
“Orsen don’t. Let’s talk about it.” Santino followed Orsen to his car, stepping around a rut in the so-called track. Orsen watched him as he approached. “Just because I’m thinking about your future doesn’t mean—”
