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I ran a hand down my face, not quite ready to face the implications of that revelation. Besides, this conversation was about Tyler, not me. “I get it,” I told him. “Parental relationships can be a bitch.”
He snorted in agreement. “When I approached him about some of the digital herd management software I’d been researching, he blew me off. Said I’d never have a head for business and that I should concentrate on the physical stuff instead. He said ranches would always need strong men, and if I kept fit, I could be assured of work for years to come.”
I winced. “Meaning, he wasn’t expecting you to stick around?”
“I guess. So I mouthed off. And he told me to pack a bag.” He gestured at the ratty backpack between his boots. “Then he dropped me in town and sped off.”
“Jesus,” I muttered. “That’s harsh.”
Tyler crossed his arms and set his jaw. “I expect he’s waiting for me to beg him to take me back, but he’s gonna be waiting a long time.”
I almost laughed at how similar our situations were, but it also made me feel incredibly immature. The only difference between us was a handful of years, which meant I had been acting like a moody teen with my own father. The truth stung.
We rode the rest of the way to the ranch in silence, both of us preoccupied by thoughts about our fathers. When we reached the turnoff onto the long gravel drive, Tyler began to tap his fingers against his legs nervously. I remembered what it was like when I’d arrived just a few days ago and how I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I understood how that could make a person jittery.
“Don’t worry,” I reassured him. “Everyone here is super nice and accepting. They’re going to love you.”
He blew out a breath as I put the truck in park and threw open the door. Jed and Boone stood together on the nearby porch, deep in conversation. “Just who I was looking for!” I called to them, beaming widely. “I brought you a present.”
Both men turned to face me as Tyler tentatively slid from the truck and came around the back to stand a few feet behind me. I spun and spread my hands wide like a game show host. “Cherry pie and a new, very experienced ranch hand who already agreed to sign on.” I beamed, waiting for the accolades to rain down upon me.
There was a beat of silence. Tyler shuffled his feet behind me and raised a hand to grip the back of his neck. “Um, hi, Mr. Hammond. Richard said you’re short on men and had a spot for me?”
Boone’s gaze slid to meet mine. He stared at me for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “He did, did he?”
I’d been hoping for exuberance, maybe a cheer or two at my ranch hand acquisition, which admittedly would have been a little over-the-top. But at the very least, I’d expected a smile and nod of thanks.
Instead, Boone looked like I’d pissed in his lemonade.
Beside him, Jed cleared his throat. He glanced toward Boone, who stood rigidly, jaw clenching.
He was angry, that much was obvious. I should have been terrified by the sight—any sane man would be—but there was something to the set of his shoulders, the storm in his expression, all that bottled energy and emotion, that sent a shiver down my back.
I envisioned his hands circling my wrists, pushing me back until I was pressed against the side of the truck. I pictured his fingers slipping into my hair, tugging lightly as I dropped to my knees. I imagined the taste of him as he thrust his way into my mouth, filling my throat.
I wanted this man to take me. Here. Now.
The idea was wildly inappropriate and ridiculous—I wasn’t one to care much about social norms, and even I knew sucking your boss off out in the open in the middle of a working ranch would be frowned upon—yet I was still intensely aware of my hardening cock.
I shifted my weight in an attempt to hide it.
The tension of the moment broke when Tyler scuffed a boot through the dirt. “Told you he wouldn’t be interested in hiring me on.” He let out a sigh and thrust the pie box toward me. “This was a mistake. I should just go back home and apologize and see if my dad’ll give me my job back.” He sounded so resigned and defeated.
After hearing the way Tyler talked about his father, I couldn’t stand the thought of him returning to the ranch with his tail between his legs. He’d done nothing wrong. He’d stood up for himself and set out on his own path. He deserved a chance to prove himself, and I was going to make sure he got it.
