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Zeeb’s eyes flashed. “I’ve told you nothing, okay?” He bit his lip. “But whatever it is youthinkI’m telling you, you’re probably right.” He shrugged. “It’s not a secret. Everyone knows, even the boss. But can we change the subject before someone else comes in here? Then I reallywouldbe in the shit.”
Sol could do that.
Zeeb dried himself briskly and Sol didn’t even try not to stare. He’d met plenty of guys who had a hangup about being naked, but Zeeb didn’t appear to suffer from that affliction. Sol took a moment to appreciate his firm body, a few grey hairs here and there on his chest, his nipples standing proud.
It wasn’t the only thing about Zeeb that was standing to attention.
“See something you like?”
Sol snapped back into the moment. Zeeb regarded him with obvious amusement.
“Sorry. I was enjoying the view.”
“Hell, don’t spoil it by apologizin’. Can’t remember the last time someone checked me out.” He cocked his head. “Thatiswhat you were doing, right?”
Sol chuckled. “Okay, you got me.”
Zeeb raised his eyes heavenward. “Another gay guy. Well, I suppose I’d better get used to it. There are gonna be a lot of you around here once this new shindig gets going.” He grinned. “Just so we’re clear? I’m not that way inclined. No offense.”
“None taken.”
Zeeb stilled. “Hey, youaregay, aren’t ya? I mean, I was makin’ an assumption. You could be bi for all I know. We got a few of those around here too.”
“Relax. I’m gay.”
“Good to know. I’m beginning to feel like an endangered species on this ranch.” That grin was very attractive. “The only truly straight guy around here.”
Sol couldn’t resist. “You know what they say. Don’t knock it till you try it.”
Zeeb’s eyes gleamed. “You offerin’?” Then he burst into laughter. “Just yanking your chain. You wanted a ride, didn’t you?” He waggled his eyebrows. “Just notthatkinda ride. Paul will be in the stable if you wanna head that way. I’ll save you some breakfast.”
Yeah, Sol could really warm to Zeeb.
“Thanks.” An early morning ride sounded a great way to start the day.
“You’re welcome, from someone who is still an asshole on occasions but has his better moments.” Another cackle. “This obviously wasn’t one of them.”
The door opened and Walt stumbled into the bathroom. “Lord, you two are noisy.” He shucked off his shorts and made a beeline for the shower.
Sol got out of there. Back in the bunks area, there was still no sign of Butch. Sol wasn’t going to think about him, though, not with the prospect of getting on a horse for the first time in years.
Butch would keep.
He pulled a clean pair of jeans from his bag, along with socks and a tee. He glanced at Zeeb who was getting dressed.
“How warm is it going to get today?” he whispered.
“Should reach eighty.” Zeeb peered at the clothing he’d selected. “You got a shirt to wear over that? It’ll be cool out there this morning.”
Sol grabbed a shirt. “Thanks.” He dressed quickly.
“And then I guess I’d better find you a hat so you look the part.” He grinned. “Don’t bother whisperin’. I’m about to give these guys their wake-up call.”
By the time Sol was out of the door clutching a dark hat, Zeeb had all the guests up and at ’em.
Sol walked to the stable, enjoying the silence. The ranch lay shrouded in a kind of semi-dark, a morning mist creeping around the buildings, white and ghostly. Inside the stable, the lights were dim, what there was of them, but there was enough to see Paul talking to a beautiful blue-black horse with white socks and a white splash between his eyes.
Paul turned as Sol approached, his serene smile beautiful to see. He wore his long black hair loose, and it reached his waist. A beads-and-bone choker lay snugly around the base of his throat.
