Home of His Own by T. Chase (classic fiction .TXT) 📗

picked up a few clients. It’s been going well the last year or so. We’ve trained a few other guys and we’re getting more business.” Brody studied his brother. “I know last night you said you wanted to go to college and maybe become a vet.”

“I enjoy working with the horses.” Yancey stood up, walking to the window and stared outside. “First time in a year or so that I know what I want to do.”

“I won’t stop you if that’s really what you want to do, but would you like to come out to L.A. and spend some time with me there? I need to get back in a couple of days.”

His brother turned to look at him. “Really? What about you and Tony?”

He clenched his hands in his lap. “I’m not going to lie and say the sex isn’t great. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again, but I can’t stay here and he’s not really going to want to move out to L.A., just on the off chance he and I might hit it off.”

“I understand. Do you think we can hang around here for a few days and then I could come and check out your town?”

He and Yancey exchanged a smile. “Sure. I’d like to get to know Les and Randy as well. They sound like great guys.”

“Cool.” Yancey held out a hand to help Brody to his feet. His brother leaned in and whispered, “I’d like to spend some time with Juan.”

“Those Romanos’ genes are pretty remarkable, aren’t they?”

He followed Yancey out and down the hall. Instead of the dining room where they’d eaten the night before, they went into the kitchen where a long table was set up in an alcove. Juan, Jackson and Tony were already there. Randy was helping Margie carrying platters of food. Les came in behind them, talking to a thin younger man.

“Thought you fell asleep,” Tony joked as Brody sat down next to him.

“It passed through my mind.” He winked at his lover.

“I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself. I’m Les Hardin and this is my accountant, Peter Skinner.” He gestured to the man who’d come in with him. “You’ve met my partner, Randy, and my housekeeper, Margie.”

Brody offered his hand to Les. “I want to thank both of you for letting Yancey come and stay with you.”

Les’ grip was firm. “You’re welcome. Our home is open to anyone who needs a place to stay.”

“They pick up a lot of strays.” Tony shot Randy a wink.

“I hope you’re not complaining since you’re one of them.” Randy set a plate of eggs and bacon down in front of Brody. “Sorry about busting in on you like that.” A blush tinged the handsome blue-eyed man’s cheeks.

“It’s all right.” He shifted, still a little uncomfortable about it. “The guys I share a place with out in L.A. have been known to do the same thing.”

“You’re living in L.A., huh? We just got back from San Diego. Moved a friend out there and hung out with Randy’s older brother.” Les waited until Margie sat down before he started eating.

“It’s nice. We own a personal security business. There isn’t a better place in the world for bodyguards than L.A.” He noticed how Yancey and Juan were whispering, heads together. “What do you guys raise?”

“A little bit of everything.” Les snorted. “Cutting and bucking horses. Beef cattle and bucking bulls. Randy helps with the rough stock breeding and he trains the cutting horses.

I’ve started doing private clinics for show riders. Jumpers mostly.”

“Plus he has his hands in a bunch of other cookie jars. Ask Peter there. I think being Les’ accountant must be driving him to the edge.” Randy nodded towards the quiet blonde man.

“I like the challenge,” Peter said softly.

“He’s teasing.” Les reached over and tapped the accountant’s hand. Turning back to Brody, Les asked, “So how long are you staying?”

“A couple days and then I have to head back. Yancey said he’d go out there with me.”

Juan looked upset and Yancey touched the younger man’s arm. Brody shot a glance at Tony who smiled at him.

“I’m still thinking about going to college at the University of Wyoming. I haven’t seen Brody for five years. Figured I could spend some time with him.” Yancey seemed to be reassuring Juan.

“If you want work here during breaks when you’re not visiting Brody, you’re welcome. You can work with the animals. Learn some things from the hands. If your brother’s fine with it, I don’t have a problem.” Les shrugged.

Brody chuckled. “Yancey’s been taking care of himself for a while now. I don’t think I have any right to start telling him what to do now.”

He jumped when Tony squeezed his thigh. Talk welled up around him as Randy and Les caught up with ranch business.

After breakfast, Les, Randy and Jackson grabbed their coats and headed back outside. Peter muttered a distracted good-bye, disappearing down a hall.

Yancey looked at Juan. “Want to help Margie with the dishes and then I’ll show you around the ranch?”

Juan nodded. The boys wandered off, whispering together. Brody sipped his coffee and met Tony’s gaze. He gestured towards the younger men.

“Interesting dynamic there.”

Tony grinned. “It’ll be fun to watch how it plays out. Though I don’t think either one of them is ready to commit to one person. Yancey has a few more issues to work out.”

“I’m looking forward to having him come out to L.A. with me, but I don’t want him living there. It’s too easy to get swept up in the scene.” Brody shook his head. “I think you and the other guys will give him a better perspective on things. Plus I’d like him to hang out with Juan.”

“Juan’s a good kid. Even if his mom can’t see that.” Tony pushed away from the table. “You want to take a walk with me? I’m going to check out the rough stock. Les said Burt and Dusty brought a couple new bulls back from an auction.”

“Sure, but you’ll