“Hey, handsome, sorry I missed you this morning.”
“Me too. I didn’t want to wake you. When you didn’t come out for coffee, I checked, and you were drooling on the pillow.”
Ethan laughs softly. “Yeah, well, you wore me out, Colt. I don’t know how you can function so well this morning.”
My neck heats as I replay last night’s activities. I felt like a teenager again and couldn’t stop giving Ethan pleasure. I took my own as well, but last night was…beyond description, and I’m only functioning because I drank a pot of coffee before even coming to the ranch.
“It’s been hard,” I admit.
Ethansnickers. “Still? You flatter me.”
I’m not about to replay all the ways I’d like to flatter him. If I do, I’ll never tell him why I called in the first place.
“Listen, I’m calling to ask if you have plans tonight.”
“Uh…no?”
“Do you want to join me for an overnight camping trip? It’s a group that’s too big for Gunner on his own, so I need to go, but you can join us.”
His silence makes me wonder if the call dropped, but my phone says we’re still connected.
“Ethan?”
“I’m here. It’s just…so here’s the thing….” He clears his throat. “I’ve never camped in a tent. I’ve slept in a trailer or a cabin, but the stuff you do I’ve never done. To be honest, it scares me.”
“What? Why would you be scared?”
“Don’t laugh.”
“I won’t.”
He exhales while I wait. “Tents have no protection. They’re like a peel-and-eat treat for bears or whatever big animal out there might be hungry. I don’t know if I can sleep in one feeling like an easy snack.”
It’s not the first time someone new to the camping experience has said that, and he’s not wrong, but I’m not sure what will help him feel better about it.
“I understand, and that’s a valid fear, Ethan, but I’d never let anything happen to you. You’re safe in a group.”
“You don’t know that, though.”
He’s right. I don’t know with absolute certainty. Nobody can.
“How about this? If you want to join us, be at the ranch at 4 PM with a change of clothes for yourself. If you come, great. If you don’t, I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. No hard feelings, okay?”
“You really wouldn’t be mad if I don’t go?”
“No. I’d never make you do something that you’re uncomfortable with, Ethan. Ever.”
“Okay. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s all I ask. I’ll let you get back to work.”
“Bye, Colt.”
“Bye, Ethan.”
Returning to the horses, I switch modes to prepare for the overnight trip. I’d love for Ethan to have this experience, but I certainly won’t pressure him into it if he doesn’t want to go. He’s already done so much to fit into my life here that I wonder if I should make more of an effort to do the same for him.
Shit. I really should.
