“Erm, it might be time to go and find someone else to talk to,” Rick said quickly. He was too late. Pip launched into a story involving a lot of mud and a barrel, and soon Ian was laughing so hard his beer was in danger.
It was a good feeling, having friends and a mate who laughed alongside him, and not at him. Now all he had to do was ease Ian into an even better mood, so his poor mate didn’t worry himself too much about Rick doing another ride… or three. Rick mentally winced. It would probably be at least best of three. Different bulls all acted differently with different riders, and if a rider drew a bad bull, that wasn’t fair if it was his only ride. Rick expected three rides minimum.
Perhaps Ian could stay home that night?But even as he thought it, Rick knew that wouldn’t happen. His bear wouldn’t want Ian anywhere except ringside, and in truth, neither would Rick.
Let’s just hope Pip keeps his stories to the funny side of a bull-rider’s life, and not the broken bones side of things.
Chapter Sixteen
Ian
Ian had picked up that there was something on Rick’s mind during the party. Except he had been more closed off than normal, and it all started when he’d noticed Rick talking seriously with Charlie and Pip. He couldn’t say for sure why he had gotten a sense of unease as the party progressed because it was a great success—not a penis cake in sight—he just hadthat feeling,and that wasn’t helping his anxiety levels.
Morty had out done himself making a three-layer chocolate cake along with a strawberry shortcake that was Ian’s new favorite. Ian had eaten, mixed with everyone, catching up, and had fun with Lionel and Brad who were amazing hosts. They made everyone feel welcome including Rick’s friends. It should have been the perfect evening.
Hector strolled up with his daughter perched in the crook of one arm fast asleep. Ian had gotten some cuddles in earlier. Hector loved to keep her to himself as the doting father he was. Ian had witnessed Morty struggle to get a look in with how obsessed his friend was. It was wonderful to see Hector so happy when his mother was such amonster towards him, though allegedly she had improved. Ian wasn’t sure he believed it. A warthog never changed its tusks.
“What a great night and it was a pleasure to meet you, Rick.” Hector glanced at his daughter. “But it’s time we got moving with this sweetheart needing her bed.”
Morty appeared and grinned. “I think it’s you that wants his bed.”
Hector blushed at the obvious innuendo and just shook his head. They left after a round of goodbyes, and Ian stayed with Rick.
Rick held Ian’s hand as they were saying their final round of their own goodbyes to the last few party stragglers. He watched Rick out of the corner of his eye with an intensifying sense of unease as he forced a cheerful smile onto his lips.
Tension radiated across the tops of his shoulders by the time they got into the car twenty minutes later. They drove off, waving at Brad and Lionel with promises to catch up for dinner the following week. Ian could see them standing in the doorway cuddling in the rear-view mirror feeling somehow disconnected from his own mate.
“Is something wrong?” There was a distinct flatness to Rick’s voice, as if he were trying to avoid letting any of his emotions out.
Rick had glanced at him, and Ian could feel the weight of it, but he kept his gaze on the road, his hands gripping tightly onto the steering wheel.
He gave himself a moment to take a deep, cleansing breath before formulating a response. “Maybe you should tell me,” Ian stated with no emotion at all. “I thought the evening went well, everyone got on. It’s just that I’m picking up some unease from you, and I don’t understand why, and it’s making me feel out of sorts.” There he’d said it.
Rick gave him the confidence to speak his mind. It just didn’t feel right to do it at the party when everyone else was having a great time,something that seemed obvious by the amount of laughter and joking throughout the evening.
“You picked that up, did you?” There was the sound of scratching when Ian nodded, aware his bear would see it. “I was waiting until we got home to discuss it with you. Charlie mentioned an event next Saturday. Thought I might be interested in attending—”
“What sort of event?” Ian questioned in an alarmed tone, his guts doing a fast tango and tripping him up.
Rick had talked a little about his best friend, Charlie, and the bull riding circuit. Ian had been happy to listen to any snippets because it was part of Rick’s past, and Ian had laughed tonight at some of the stories Pip had talked about.
Did that mean Charlie wanted Rick to get back involved in that sort of thing full-time? The people on the rodeo circuit traveled for months, and the possible injuries were scary. Rick had shut Pip down when he’d gone into a little too much detail.
Of course, Ian loved seeing Rick do his thing on the bull at the Bucket List Buddies event, but a lifetime of watching and worrying for his mate… he didn’t love that idea so much.
Yet, how did he say that sort of thing without coming across as controlling or worse, clingy? Ian didn’t consider that he was that sort of person and never wanted to be. Except now, he was thinking he might be.
The lack of reply and silence as it continued came with a wall between them that felt humongous with his growing concerns. Ian glanced to the side and glimpsed the stiffness of Rick’s posture, who was staring out the window fixedly.
Shit.
“Talk to me,” Ian begged, when it felt like his nerves were going to snap in two.
“Let’s talk when we’re home,” he answered softly.
Ian, who wasn’t prone to driving beyond the speed limit, hit the gas pedal.
Rick chuckled and placed a warm hand on Ian’s thigh. “You in a rush, darling.”
