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completely sure. He wouldn't let himself call it love, not yet. Stone was so young, so
inexperienced, and if he didn't shelter his heart, he was afraid he'd get it broken again. Kent
hadn't been right for him, he knew that now, but that only convinced him that his choices in men
were suspect. Trying not to let those thoughts intrude on the bubble of warmth that surrounded
them, he kissed Stone lightly at first, but easily found himself drawn deeper by the intoxicating
taste of the man pressed so close to him.
"Okay." Stone returned his kiss before rolling over, and Preston again held him close, face
near his shoulder, warmth surrounding them. "Merry Christmas, Preston." A hand slid along
Preston's leg, his nerves firing, excitement growing. To his relief, Stone didn't pull away as his
erection rested against warm cheeks.
Taking a chance, he slid his hand down and found that Stone was equally excited. He
wanted to know what Stone sounded like when he was excited, passion filling him, wanted to
know what he looked like when he came, tasted like when he couldn't hold back. But this wasn't
the time. Stone had to know that he could trust Preston, and he figured the best way to do that
was to take time and be patient, something he'd never done before--and maybe that was the
problem. "Merry Christmas, Stone." And it was, the merriest one he could remember. He moved
his hand away, but kept it firmly around the man he was coming to care for.
"ARE you ready to go?" Geoff asked, leaning against the front of the truck as Stone came
down the steps.
"As I'll ever be." He really wasn't sure about this. He wanted to get Buster, there was no
doubt about that, he just wished it didn't involve seeing his father. Approaching the truck, he
pulled open the door and climbed inside. "You don't have to do this."
The driver's door slammed closed, and Geoff looked over at him, his expression steely. "I
know I don't. This farm is a family, and like it or not," Geoff said, now smiling, "you're a
member of it, and we help and support one another."
Holy fuck. These people he'd met a few weeks ago considered him family and treated him
better than his own had ever done. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Now let's pick up Preston so we can get going." Geoff
started the engine and pulled the truck, with the horse trailer behind, out onto the road. "Have
you got the bill of sale?" Stone patted his backpack on the floor between his legs. "Good. And I
know that Adelle packed us enough food to last for three days."
"That she did." He patted his full stomach. "I think she's trying to fatten me up."
"When she first got here, I swear I put on ten pounds in a month. Eli's a good baker, but she
can cook, and her fried chicken and cornbread are sent from Heaven." He mimicked Robbie's
southern accent as he stole his phrase.
The truck bounded down the country road and approached the main highway, and Geoff
turned toward Ludington. It didn't take long and then they were pulling into Preston's driveway.
As they pulled up, the front door opened and Preston glided outside, followed by his mother.
Geoff stopped the truck and turned off the engine, both of them getting out. "Do you boys have
everything you need? I can make you sandwiches," she offered, her smile genuine.
"No, thank you, we're good," Geoff replied, and he shook her hand, introducing himself
while Stone got Preston out of his chair and into the truck.
"Mom, I'll call you later and let you know what's going on," Preston called from the cab as
Stone got in and Geoff walked around the truck. As Geoff started the truck, Preston waved and
they pulled out of the driveway.
"Your mother seems like a nice lady," Geoff commented as they made their way back to the
main road and then out toward the highway heading north.
"She is. I couldn't have made it through everything that's happened since the accident
without her." Preston sighed as the truck rocked over the road. "I just don't think she's really
happy. My dad's gone a lot and she spends a lot of time alone." He fell into silence, thinking of
his mother as the hum of the wheels invaded the cab. As they made the turn to head north, the
mood finally shifted, and all three of them began talking about nothing and everything.
Stone smiled to himself as Preston's hand slid into his between them. "You're wearing the
watch." Preston smiled at him when he saw the Christmas gift he'd given him.
Stone leaned against Preston. "And I see you're wearing your present too." He ran his hand
on top of the denim fabric on Preston's legs. "I thought the Wranglers would be good for riding."
Preston's hand slipped away and wound around his shoulder, pulling him closer. They'd both
been surprised and pleased with the thoughtfulness of the other's Christmas gift.
The truck continued along the highway, passing through Traverse City and Charlevoix.
Stone felt the fear and nervousness rise with each passing mile. His stomach began clenching, [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]