Love in Xxchange: Rory's Last Chance by Bailey Bradford (poetry books to read txt) 📗

the power to shatter him. He swallowed nervously under Chance’s penetrating stare but didn’t look away.

“Why are you so scared?”

The question had Rory’s spine stiffening ramrod straight. He didn’t like being called out, but he wasn’t a liar, either. All or nothing. Better to find out now and deal with it.

“I don’t know what you want, what you expect from me.” Chance’s dark eyes bored into him, shaking his soul. “If this was just a one-night-stand for you or—”

Chance was on him before he could utter another word, taking the belt and hat from his grasp and tossing them down. Then those big hands were clamping hard on Rory’s biceps to pull him against his still-naked boss. The rigid length of Chance’s erection seared Rory’s skin through his clothes and had his own cock snapping to attention.

“I don’t do one-night-stands, Rory. If that’s all this was to you…” Chance shook his head, looking at some point over Rory’s shoulder. “If that’s all this was to you, then I guess I’ll just have to work to change your mind.”

Knowing he wasn’t the only one confused and wondering eased away a big part of the worry that had been riding Rory. He pulled his hands out from between their bodies, praying that it was okay to embrace Chance and hold him close. He felt the tension drain from his lover, Chance’s firm, sexy body relaxing as a soft sigh tickled Rory’s neck.

“I don’t want just a night, Chance. I don’t know why it is you think everyone younger than you is flighty, but I’m not. I haven’t had many lovers—” And that was an understatement, wasn’t it? Rory forged on. “And never with someone I didn’t have…”

RORY’S LAST CHANCE

Bailey Bradford

53

The sound of the alarm startled them both into putting a few feet of distance between them. It also made Rory stop the free-flowing information before he gave too much, even though he feared he already had done just that.

“I better go.” Rory turned and gathered his things, careful to avoid doing anything that would lead to questions. Desperation washed over him as he felt Chance studying him.

Please, let him leave it alone for now at least. And please don’t let him notice the way my hands are shaking.

He caught a glimpse of Chance moving over to smack at the alarm clock, shutting off the god-awful shrilling noise. When the older man didn’t move again, Rory risked a glance at him. Chance was watching him, an intense look heating his rich brown eyes, holding Rory captive.

“Go on, Rory. But just a heads up, there’s no way I’m going to let you get away without explaining what you meant.”

Rory started to protest that there wasn’t time, but Chance waved a hand in the air to shush him.

“Not right now—you’re right, we have work to do. This evening, if you’d like to come have dinner with me, I won’t pester you with questions. I’ll answer some for you, though, and maybe that’ll help you to feel a bit less skittish about whatever it is you started to say.

How does that sound?”

It sounded perfect, and frightening—and Rory wanted it more than he thought was wise. “I’ll be here, boss. See you in a bit.”

“Boss?” Chance’s lips quirked with amusement, setting off a matching action on Rory’s.

“Well, you are still, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to break myself from calling you that.” Rory waved goodbye and left before the boss could see the smile that bloomed full force.

No doubt Chance would get off on being the boss in the bedroom, at least some of the time. But Chance had certainly enjoyed it when he hadn’t been in charge, come to think of it.

Huh. That would give Rory something to obsess about all day. He groaned as visions of a submissive Chance assailed him. It was going to be a long-ass day.

RORY’S LAST CHANCE

Bailey Bradford

54

Rory finished brushing out Rama, the sorrel he’d ridden while moving the rough stock to a different pasture. He was bone-tired from working hard all day, but nothing could dim the excitement of knowing he would be spending the evening with Chance. He hadn’t seen much of the man during the day, and not seeing him meant Rory couldn’t be sure if Chance had changed his mind or not.

Maybe he was dumb to worry, but he had his reasons for being insecure when it came to trusting a lover’s professed feelings. He patted Rama’s neck and gave her the once-over, making sure he hadn’t missed a spot on her gleaming coat.

“You’re all set, girl.” After checking her water and filling her feed bucket, Rory headed to the bunkhouse, unable to suppress the nervous sensation in his belly. He and Max had missed each other this morning, and throughout the day they had crossed each other’s paths and even moved the cattle together—but now he’d have to face the other ranch hand outside of work, so to speak.

Knowing that the wiry little man was aware of the budding relationship between Rory and Chance, had even told the boss to go find Rory…that still didn’t quell the nerves riding up Rory’s spine. What the man said to the boss and what he actually felt might not be the same thing—God knew with the way the economy was right now many people would say or do whatever they had to for a job.

Rory’s phone vibrated in his shirt pocket as he walked out of the barn. Taking it out and noting the unknown number on the display screen, he thought about letting it go to voice mail. Nothing good ever came from such a call. Better to get it over with.

“Hello.” As soon as he answered, Rory wished he hadn’t. The voice on the other end had him pressing a hand to his stomach to push back the wave of nausea that hit him.

“Hey, cock sucker. Heard you managed to